Cadence Acquires Hexagon’s D&E Business to Enhance AI-Driven Multiphysics Simulation

Cadence announced  a definitive agreement to acquire the Design & Engineering (D&E) business of Hexagon AB, including its MSC Software unit, for approximately €2.7 billion. The transaction, consisting of 70% cash and 30% Cadence common stock issued to Hexagon, aims to expand Cadence’s System Design & Analysis portfolio and advance its Intelligent System Design strategy.

The acquisition integrates Hexagon’s D&E business, known for MSC Nastran and Adams, into Cadence’s offerings. These products are industry standards for structural and multibody dynamics simulation, widely used in aerospace and automotive sectors for designing and validating complex mechanical systems. Adams’ capabilities are also applicable to robotics and physical AI, supporting simulation of real-world motion and interactions. The deal adds solutions in multiphysics analysis, system dynamics, metal forming, and autonomous driving simulation, complementing Cadence’s 2024 acquisition of Beta CAE.

The acquisition addresses the growing need for multiphysics simulations earlier in design cycles, driven by electrical-mechanical hyperconvergence. It enhances Cadence’s portfolio in electromagnetics, electrothermal, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and structural analysis, enabling a unified, end-to-end multiphysics platform. This will su...