IBM declared it will obtain Unica Corporation for $ 480 million

International Business Machines Corp. has confirmed plans to buy Unica Corp., a marketing software creator, for $ 480 million in an effort to help the technology giant supply consumers with effective tools to create more focused marketing campaigns. IBM, which recently purchased Web analytics vendor Coremetrics, is offering Unica holders $ 21 a share. That’s more than twice Thursday’s closing price and the highest level the stock has ever witnessed, according to Wall Street Journal.

The collaboration of IBM and Unica

The goal in mind with IBM is to provide help for shoppers by generating a “consistent and relevant cross-channel brand experience to promote consumer loyalty and satisfaction,” as summarized in a statement, PC World reports. And the company’s main strategic focus is the shift to higher-margin software business in order to maintain profit growth. There are about 500 Unica employees, all of whom will be integrated into IBM’s software division, where the company believes an exceptional advantage can be offered to its business-analytics and consulting unit through the power of Unica’s software.

Info on Unica Corporation

Unica Corps. has been around for almost two decades and is a recognized leader in marketing software solutions. Founded in 1992, the business is based in Waltham, Mass., with additional offices located in other parts of the nation and worldwide. In England, it is one of fastest growing technology corporations. The company reported total revenue of $ 30.7 million for the 3rd quarter fiscal 2010, which ended June 30, 2010. That’s a 14 percent increase compared to last year’s figures.

Unica brings optimism to IBM

Including major retailers like Best Purchase, eBay and ING, Unica has about 1,500 consumers. However, once the acquisition is finalized, its customers will become IBM customers. Yuchun Lee, the Unica CEO, said he believes the new movement will provide the help IBM needs to improve all types of businesses, no matter how big or small. Further details concerning the Unica acquisition will be discussed among IBM officials during a conference call Friday. The deal is expected to close within the fourth quarter of this year.

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The Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575427171092347124.html

PC World

pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/203224/ibm_buying_unica_for_480_million.html