|
Intel Buys Wind River
Systems for $884M
June 4, 2009
Intel
has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wind River Systems
under which Intel will acquire all outstanding Wind River common stock
for $11.50 per share in cash, or approximately $884 million in the
aggregate. Wind River will become part of Intel's strategy to grow its
processor and software presence outside the traditional PC and server
market segments into embedded systems and mobile handheld devices. Wind
River will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel and continue with
its current business model of supplying leading-edge products and
services to its customers worldwide.
"This acquisition will bring us complementary, market-leading software
assets and an incredibly talented group of people to help us continue to
grow our embedded systems and mobile device capabilities," said Renee
James, Intel vice president and general manager of the company's
Software and Services Group. "Wind River has thousands of customers in a
wide range of markets, and now both companies will be better positioned
to meet growth opportunities in these areas."
"Our combination of strengths will be of great benefit to Wind River's
existing and future customers," said Ken Klein, Wind River Chairman,
president and CEO. "As a wholly owned subsidiary, Wind River will more
tightly align its software expertise to Intel's platforms to speed the
pace of progress and software innovation. We remain committed to
continuing to provide leading solutions across multiple hardware
architectures and delivering the same world-class support to which our
customers have grown accustomed."
The acquisition will deliver to Intel robust software capabilities in
embedded systems and mobile devices, both important growth areas for the
company. Embedded systems and mobile devices include smart phones,
mobile Internet devices, other consumer electronics (CE) devices, in-car
"info-tainment" systems and other automotive areas, networking
equipment, aerospace and defense, energy and thousands of other devices.
This multi-billion dollar market opportunity is increasingly becoming
connected and more intelligent, requiring supporting applications and
services as well as full Internet functionality.
The board of directors of Wind River has unanimously approved the
transaction. It is expected to close this summer, subject to certain
regulatory approvals and other conditions specified in the definitive
agreement. Upon completion of the acquisition, Wind River will report
into Intel's Software and Services Group, headed by Renee James.
As
an Intel subsidiary, Wind River will continue to develop innovative,
commercial-grade software platforms that support multiple hardware
architectures that are optimized for the needs of its many embedded and
mobile customers. The acquisition will boost Wind River's
Intel-architecture focused sales as it gains access to the company's
technology investments, brand, employees and global sales force.
Founded in 1981, Wind River is a publicly held company with headquarters
in Alameda, Calif., with more than 1,600 employees and operations in
more than 15 countries. During its fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2009, Wind
River reported annual revenues of $359.7 million.
Wind River develops operating systems, middleware (software found
between an OS and software application), and software design tools for a
variety of embedded computing systems. Its main products include VxWorks,
the market-leading proprietary and multicore-ready real-time operating
system, and commercial-grade Linux software platforms. The company also
provides design services and software expertise, including custom-built
solutions, development tools and device testing products.
With thousands of customers, Wind River technology is relied upon by
most major computer and networking communications companies, and used by
corporations and government agencies such as Alcatel-Lucent, BMW,
Boeing, Bombardier Transportation, Mitsubishi, Motorola, NASA, Sony,
Verizon and many more. |