Bentley snatches Swedish software company's CAD applications

LINKOPING, Sweden, Nov. 15, 2004 (PRNewswire) -- IFS will collaborate with Bentley Systems Inc., a provider of lifecycle management software for asset-intensive infrastructure projects around the world. Exton, PA-based Bentley will acquire IFS' CAD applications for process, electrical, piping, and instrumentation design. As part of the acquisition, Bentley will assume responsibility for IFS' maintenance and support services for over100 accounts -- primarily in Sweden and Norway -- that employ IFS' CAD applications. The agreement with Bentley is expected to have a positive impact on IFS' earnings, totaling over $800,000 for 2004 and 2005.

Users of IFS' CAD applications operate mainly in the pulp and paper and power generation industries. The CAD applications are integrated with IFS Applications(TM), which the users employ mainly for asset maintenance and spare parts logistics. IFS users will be offered the opportunity to change their existing CAD systems to solutions from Bentley while retaining the tight integration with IFS Applications. The agreement with IFS will provide Bentley with a large Swedish user base in these industries as a complement to its existing users in the region, including the Swedish National Rail Administration. For IFS, the agreement means that it will collaborate with Bentley worldwide to market and sell IFS Applications to asset-intensive companies.

"The agreement with Bentley is a further step in our strategy of increasing collaboration with partners to boost license sales," said Michael Hallen, chief executive officer of IFS. "It will also help us streamline our own operations."

With more than 22,000 accounts, Bentley (www.bentley.com) has a strong market position in the design, engineering, construction, operation, service, and maintenance of capital-intensive operations, which include, among others, process plants and utilities as well as water and waste treatment plants, railways, and airports. Because IFS also prioritizes these segments, the companies complement each other and can combine to offer users a more comprehensive solution.

IFS develops and supplies component-based business applications for medium and large enterprises and organizations. IFS Applications, which can be implemented step by step, is based on web and portal technology. The solution offers 60+ enterprise application components used in manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, service provision, financials, product development, maintenance and human resource administration. IFS offers customers an easier, more open alternative.

IFS is a leading global business applications supplier with sales in 45 countries and more than 350,000 users worldwide.

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