Swedish software tool developer IAR has accepted a $230m bid for the company from automotive software firm the Qt group.
The cash deal, which at SEK180 is a 66% premium on the current share price. has the backing of the main institutional investors with 38% of the shares.
Completion of the deal is conditional on 90% of the shareholders selling by 25th September, as well as the receipt of all regulatory approvals.
IAR has been struggling in recent years and has re-structured under new CEO Cecilia Wachtmeister to move to a subscription model. while Qt sees the deal bringing key functional safety tools for ARM and RISC-V microcontrollers.
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“By combining Qt Group and IAR, we will expand our total addressable market, strengthen our global presence and customer offering while supporting IAR’s transition to a subscription-based business model – a journey that we understand well, as we have successfully completed it ourselves,” said Juha Varelius, CEO of Qt Group.
“We have a comprehensive product portfolio that covers every step of the product development process and a clear strategy to strengthen our position as a multi-product company, while IAR is a respected provider of embedded development solutions. We have therefore made an attractive offer to IAR shareholders that reflects the benefits we see possible as an integrated part of Qt Group.
The Qt Group says it has closely followed IAR’s strategic and operational development for some time and sees the deal as a way to create a one-stop shop that will create significant value for both companies.
The product portfolios of Qt Group and IAR complement each other, with Qt Group having deep expertise in the product development of mobile and desktop applications and embedded devices through all steps of the process, from user interface design to software development, quality assurance, and deployment, while IAR has strong competence in embedded development solutions.
The Qt Company and Qt Group do not plan to make any changes regarding IAR’s operations or its management or employees as a result of the offer.
IAR’s shareholders, ALCUR Fonden, Andra AP-fonden, and Tredje AP-fonden, together representing approximately 25.8 per cent of the outstanding Shares have undertaken to accept the deal. In addition, IAR’s shareholders, Fjärde AP-fonden, Aktia Nordic Small Cap Fund and Aktia Nordic Micro Cap Fund, together representing approximately 10.9 per cent of the outstanding shares, have confirmed their support and are intending to accept the offer.
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