Ansys Stock Jumps On Takeover Interest In Simulation Software FM

Ansys (ANSS) stock jumped today reports that the maker of engineering simulation software might be a takeover target.

Bloomberg reported late Thursday that Ansys is weighing its options, including a sale, after getting takeover interest.

On Friday afternoon, the Wall Street Journal said Synopsys ( SNPS ) was in talks to acquire Ansys. The Journal said the talks could still fall apart and another suitor could emerge.

Ansys makes simulation software used by engineers to help predict how products from semiconductors to engines will work in the real world. It serves such industries as aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, health care and industrial equipment.

Potential Bidders For Ansys
Electronic design automation companies like Synopsys and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) are potential acquirers of Ansys, Wong said.

Other possible buyers include multinational companies such as Siemens (SIEGY), Honeywell (HON) and General Electric (GE), which "have previously shown an appetite for software."

JPMorgan analyst Stephen Tusa said he believes Cadence and Synopsys would be the most likely acquirers. Other potential buyers or merger partners include Autodesk (ADSK) and PTC (PTC), he said.

Ansys has about 20% market share in the fragmented $10 billion simulation and analysis market, Tusa said.