Paris, Dec 12 (IANS): France-based 3D Experience leader Dassault Systemes has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire California-based software company IQMS for $425 million.

The acquisition will help Dassault Systemes to extend the 3D Experience platform to small and mid-sized manufacturing companies seeking to digitally transform their business operations, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

IQMS's software - on premise EnterpriseIQ and software as a service WebIQ - deliver an all-in-one solution to mid-market manufacturers for managing engineering, manufacturing and business ecosystems by digitally connecting order processing, scheduling, production and shipping processes in real time.

By integrating IQMS's solutions into the 3D Experience platform on the Cloud, Dassault Systemes aims to provide these manufacturers with an affordable system for operations that improves the collaboration, manufacturing efficiency and business agility needed to serve their customers successfully.

"IQMS has cultivated a deep knowledge of manufacturing and manufacturer needs. We welcome IQMS to our team as we create a new category of business solutions that expands our offer for companies similar to those using SOLIDWORKS 9design software," said Bernard Charles, Vice Chairman and CEO, Dassault Systemes.