Engineering simulation software company Ansys has acquired Exton-based Analytical Graphics Inc., another company working in that field but focused on aerospace, defense, telecommunication and intelligence applications.
The $700 million acquisition, which Ansys announced on Monday and expects to close in the last quarter of 2020, will mean more potential solutions that can be used in their customers’ “missions” — a description meant to cover high-level endeavors involving space, telecommunications, national defense and search and rescue initiatives.
Already, the Canonsburg acquirer’s simulation technology has been used in cars, computers, rockets, mobile phones and wearable technology. The addition of AGI’s models and software will push its reach further into outer space.
For example, AGI’s technology is used to model and simulate next-generation satellite constellations — a group of satellites that work together — that will be used for navigation, earth imagery, weather and other communications. The tech from both companies could be used to track an orbiting satellite and its connection to stations on the ground.
Ansys plans to expand the use of AGI’s own technology to industries outside of aerospace as well, Ajei Gopal, president and CEO of Ansys, said in a prepared statement. That includes autonomy and 5G applications.
In recent months, the Canonsburg-based company has announced its reach is expanding to new sectors and new startups. Among many partnerships, Ansys’ simulation software is being used to create sustainable diesel engines, accelerate the development of 5G-enabled laptops and build resilient and temperature-controlled shipping containers to transport pharmaceuticals, including vaccines.
The company’s startup program, which equips early-stage entrepreneurs with Ansys’ simulation solutions, recently passed 1,000 participants since launching in 2016.
In August, Ansys reported $96.6 million in net income in the second quarter of 2020, down 12% from the same quarter the previous year.
Lauren Rosenblatt: lrosenblatt@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1565.
First Published: October 26, 2020, 6:57 p.m.
