Paris-based ESI Group, a supplier of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes, has acquired Vdot, a software venture focused on development process management.

Paris-based ESI Group, a supplier of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes, has acquired Vdot, a software venture focused on development process management, for an undisclosed sum.

ESI purchased Vdot, which serves major aerospace manufacturers, such as Boeing, NASA and automotive firms such as Ford, Chrysler and Nissan from US Company Procelerate.

The financial terms of the deal have not been revealed, but include an initial cash payment and an earn-out based on the performance of the business over the next five years.

The acquisition includes the entire development team as well as its Missouri–based sales and marketing support team.

The deal will add an essential component to ESI’s VisualDSS product, which is an aid to decision-making in the field of computer-aided engineering.

Alain de Rouvray, chairman and CEO of ESI Group, commented: “Our acquisition of Vdot is of major strategic interest. Vdot is an enterprise process decision-making tool that can capture and automate best practices for our customers. As a result, Vdot naturally complements our range of digital simulation solutions. The combination of Vdot and VisualDSS allows much faster and more reliable decision-making right from the start of the customer product lifecycle.”