When Did Dassault Buy SolidWorks?
One of the most significant acquisitions in the CAD software industry was when Dassault Systemes acquired SolidWorks. This acquisition brought together two major players in the field and had a profound impact on the design and engineering community. Let’s take a closer look at when this acquisition took place and what it meant for both companies.
The Acquisition
Dassault Systemes, a French software company specializing in 3D design, digital mock-up, and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions, announced its acquisition of SolidWorks on December 1st, 1997. This strategic move by Dassault aimed to expand its presence in the mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD) market.
- December 1st, 1997: Dassault Systemes officially announces the acquisition of SolidWorks.
Dassault Systemes
Dassault Systemes was founded in 1981 and is known for developing CATIA, a powerful CAD software used extensively in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. With the acquisition of SolidWorks, Dassault aimed to complement its existing product portfolio with a robust mid-range CAD solution.
SolidWorks was established in 1993 by Jon Hirschtick, along with a team of engineers passionate about creating user-friendly and affordable MCAD software. Their goal was to democratize access to professional-grade 3D modeling tools without compromising on functionality.
SolidWorks Highlights
SolidWorks quickly gained popularity due to its intuitive interface, ease-of-use, and powerful capabilities. The software revolutionized the MCAD industry by providing engineers with an affordable alternative that didn’t require extensive training or a steep learning curve.
Some notable milestones in SolidWorks’ history include:
- 1995: SolidWorks 95, the first version of the software, is released.
- 1997: SolidWorks becomes the fastest-growing CAD company with over 20,000 customers.
- 2000: SolidWorks introduces its first data management solution, SolidWorks Workgroup PDM.
- 2010: SolidWorks introduces its cloud-based design collaboration platform, SolidWorks Mechanical Conceptual.
The Impact
The acquisition of SolidWorks by Dassault Systemes had a profound impact on both companies and the CAD industry as a whole. It allowed Dassault to expand its reach and offer a comprehensive range of solutions for various market segments.
SolidWorks continued to operate as a separate brand under Dassault’s ownership, benefiting from the resources and global presence of its parent company. This ensured ongoing development and support for existing SolidWorks customers while leveraging Dassault’s expertise in PLM solutions.
In Conclusion
The acquisition of SolidWorks by Dassault Systemes in December 1997 marked a significant milestone in the CAD software industry. It brought together two major players and expanded Dassault’s offerings in the MCAD market. The intuitive and affordable nature of SolidWorks made it a popular choice among engineers, revolutionizing the way products are designed and developed.
This acquisition demonstrates how strategic moves can shape an industry and drive innovation. Today, both Dassault Systemes and SolidWorks continue to be leaders in their respective domains, providing cutting-edge solutions to design and engineering professionals worldwide.