IBM to Buy SPSS Inc. for $1.2B

IBM is to buy analytics software and solutions provider SPSS in an all cash transaction at a price of $50/share - a 42 percent premium to Monday's closing price of $35.09 on Nasdaq - resulting in a total cash consideration in the merger of approximately $1.2 billion. The acquisition is subject to SPSS shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other closing conditions, and is expected to close later in the second half of 2009, The Washington Post reports.

Photo: IBM to Buy SPSS Inc. for .2B

SPSS specializes in a technology called predictive analytics, which companies can use to try to determine future trends in consumer buying patterns. The technology is also used in marketing campaigns and by financial firms, government agencies and telecom companies.

"With this acquisition, we are extending our capabilities around a new level of analytics that not only provides clients with greater insight -- but true foresight," said Ambuj Goyal, IBM's general manager of information management, in a statement.

The companies said the transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2009, MarketWatch reports.

Separately, IBM also said it has acquired Ounce Labs Inc., a privately held software company in Waltham, Mass., for an undisclosed amount. IBM said the company makes software that helps businesses reduce the risk and costs associated with security and compliance concerns, The Associated Press reports.