Software AG (TecDAX, ISIN DE 0003304002 / SOW), and webMethods, Inc. (NASDAQ: WEBM) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Software AG to acquire webMethods in a cash tender offer for $9.15 per share or approximately $546 million. This transaction is intended to strengthen the combined company’s position in the SOA and Business Process Management (BPM) markets. Together, the companies bring an expanded product portfolio to a global customer base of over 4,000 organizations and 100 partners in complementary geographies around the globe. Specifically, Software AG will more than double its customer base in North America. This combination also brings minimal customer overlap, providing immediate and mutual access to additional customer segments, particularly in financial services, manufacturing and the public sector. The acquisition will create an SOA and BPM product portfolio including SOA Governance & Enablement, BPM and Business Activity Monitoring, Application Integration and Legacy Modernization capabilities. The transaction has been approved by the Supervisory Board of Software AG. webMethods’ Board of Directors has also approved the transaction and will recommend that their shareholders accept the offer. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close during the second quarter of 2007. http://www.softwareag.com, http://www.webmethods.com