Technology giant International Business Machines Corp. has declared it will buy marketing software creator Unica Corp. for $ 480 million in an effort to supply clients effective tools to create more focused marketing activities. IBM, which recently purchased Web analytics vendor Coremetrics, is offering Unica holders $ 21 a share. According to the Wall Street Journal, that’s more than double Thursday’s closing value and the highest level the stock has ever seen.
The collaboration of IBM and Unica
PC World reports that IBM’s goal is to offer advanced consumer assistance by generating a “consistent and relevant cross-channel brand experience to promote consumer loyalty and satisfaction,” as outlined in a statement. And maintaining profit growth by shifting to higher-margin software business appears to be the primary strategic focus of the business. Unica currently has about 500 employees, all of whom will be incorporated in IBM’s software division, where the business believes that with the help of Unica’s powerful software, its business-analytics and consulting unit will grow stronger with exceptional advantages.
Information on Unica Corporation
In business for the past two decades, Unica Corporation is a recognized leader in marketing software solutions. Based in Waltham, Mass., the business was founded in 1992 and now has several offices located in many parts of the nation and worldwide. It is one of the fastest growing technology companies in England. Within the 3rd quarter fiscal 2010, which ended June 30, 2010, the company reported total revenue of $ 30.7 million. That shows a 14 percent increase compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
New movements shows potential improvements
Including major retailers like Best Purchase, eBay and ING, Unica has about 1,500 customers. Once the acquisition is finalized, however, they will all become IBM customers. Yuchun Lee, the Unica CEO, said he believes the new movement will offer the help IBM needs to improve all types of businesses, regardless how large or small. During a conference call Friday, IBM officials plan to discuss further details concerning the Unica acquisition. The deal will likely be closed in the fourth quarter of this year.
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The Wall Street Journal
online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575427171092347124.html
PC World
pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/203224/ibm_buying_unica_for_480_million.html
