Siemens set to acquire 3D software company

Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire a Sheffield-based computer software and technology licensing company specialising in 3D rendering software development and virtual reality (VR) experience generation.

Lightwork Design will be part of Siemens PLM Software, which will now be able to provide customers with 3D data visualization, high-end rendering and VR capabilities via its suite of 3D product lifecycle management (PLM) applications.

The offerings of Lightwork Design will be combined with Siemens‘ existing PLM Components business, which includes Parasolid software, D-Cubed software and Kineo software, where more than 240 companies integrate Siemens PLM Software technology into 350 commercial applications.

Tony Hemmelgarn, CEO of Siemens PLM Software, said: “With this acquisition, we increase the accuracy of the digital twin by adding advanced visualization, rendering and virtual reality technology into all phases of the virtual product development process.

“The visualization and virtual reality space is continually changing and growing, and Lightwork Design has the advanced 3D data visualization, rendering and virtual reality technology required to help keep us in the forefront of the marketplace.”

Lightwork Design capabilities are already embedded into NX software, Siemens’ 3D design application, and will also be added to other offerings across the Siemens portfolio.

David Forrester, CEO of Lightwork Design added: “The demand for high-end, interactive and consistent product visualization in design and manufacturing is growing quickly.

“Combining our Iray®+ technology and virtual reality collaborative design review software with Siemens PLM Software’s business will enable us to provide world-class solutions to the design and manufacturing industry on an even larger scale.

“We look forward to the opportunities for further development and integration of our visualization technology with existing Siemens software to contribute to Siemens’ broader digitalization strategy.”

Siemens PLM Software is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has over 140,000 customers worldwide.

The shareholders were advised by Hamish Morrison and Matt Scott of BHP Corporate Finance.  Hannah Kendrick, Hannah Crosland and Emma Perez of Squire Patton Boggs provided legal advice.

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