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MSC Software

MSC Software Corporation is an American technology company specializing in computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulation software, renowned for its multidisciplinary tools that enable virtual prototyping, analysis, and optimization of product designs across industries such as , automotive, and . Founded in 1963 as the MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation (MSC) by Dr. Richard H. MacNeal and Robert G. Schwendler, the company was awarded an original contract to develop the finite element analysis (FEA) software known as , which revolutionized by simulating stress, , vibration, dynamics, acoustics, and thermal behaviors. Over the decades, MSC Software expanded its portfolio to include flagship products like MSC Nastran for linear and nonlinear FEA, Patran for pre- and post-processing, Adams for multibody dynamics simulation, and others such as , Dytran, SimXpert, and MSC Apex, serving as essential tools for engineers to predict and mitigate real-world performance issues without physical prototypes. The company pioneered advancements in CAE, becoming a global leader with a of approximately 1,400 professionals across more than 20 countries, headquartered in (as of 2025). In 2017, acquired MSC Software for $834 million, integrating it into its Manufacturing Intelligence division to enhance connected data ecosystems for , production, and quality assurance processes. In September 2025, announced the agreement to sell its & business, including MSC Software, to for approximately €2.7 billion ($3.25 billion), with the transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. This acquisition bolstered 's capabilities in simulation-driven innovation, allowing MSC's solutions to support end-to-end digital workflows in modern .

Overview

Company Profile

MSC Software Corporation, originally founded in 1963 as the MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation (MSC) by Dr. Richard H. MacNeal and Robert Schwendler, is a leading provider of (CAE) . Headquartered in , the company employs approximately 1,100 people globally and operates in over 20 countries. Its core business focuses on developing advanced CAE tools for virtual product testing and optimization, enabling engineers to simulate structural integrity, dynamics, and performance in complex environments. These solutions are widely used across industries such as , automotive, electronics, and to reduce physical prototyping costs and accelerate innovation. As a pioneer in finite element analysis (FEA) and multibody dynamics simulation—highlighted by its flagship MSC Nastran software—MSC Software holds a prominent market position, serving more than 1,700 enterprise customers worldwide. Hexagon's Design & Engineering business, including MSC Software, generated annual revenue of approximately $280 million in 2024, reflecting its established role in the engineering simulation sector prior to its pending acquisition by Cadence Design Systems.

Current Ownership and Operations

MSC Software was acquired by in February 2017 for $834 million, after which it operated as an independent subsidiary within Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division. On September 4, 2025, Hexagon announced the sale of its Design & Engineering (D&E) business, which includes MSC Software, to for €2.7 billion (approximately $3.1 billion). As of November 2025, the transaction remains pending and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Following the anticipated completion of the acquisition, MSC Software will integrate into Cadence's portfolio, expanding capabilities in physical , system design, and to support Cadence's broader strategy in digital engineering and analysis. This integration aims to combine MSC's simulation expertise with Cadence's tools, enabling enhanced multidisciplinary workflows for industries such as , automotive, and . Operationally, MSC Software maintains a global footprint with offices and teams across 20 countries, employing approximately 1,100 professionals dedicated to advancing (CAE) and technologies. Its R&D efforts emphasize the development of virtual prototyping and multidisciplinary solutions, aligning with Hexagon's current focus on digitalization while preparing for with Cadence's in AI-driven . Leadership at MSC Software, as of late 2025, is overseen by Hexagon's executive team, with Paolo Guglielmini serving in a senior capacity within the parent company following his prior role at ; post-acquisition, will transition to Cadence's board structure, incorporating MSC's key executives into a unified leadership framework to drive the combined entity's strategic objectives.

History

Founding and Early Development

The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation (MSC) was established on February 1, 1963, in , , by Dr. Richard H. MacNeal and Robert Schwendler. The founders, both experienced in analog computing and from prior roles at Caltech and related firms, aimed to leverage emerging digital technologies for engineering applications. MSC's initial focus was on providing design verification and analysis solutions to the aerospace industry, where traditional methods were inadequate for complex structures like aircraft and components. From its inception, MSC developed custom software programs to address challenges using digital computers, marking a shift from analog simulation techniques. A key early milestone was the creation of SADSAM (Structural Analysis by Digital Simulation of Analog Methods) in 1963, recognized as one of the pioneering finite element analysis (FEA) tools for simulating structural behavior. This software emulated analog methods digitally to perform calculations, enabling more efficient analysis of solid structures for clients in the sector. The era's limited computing resources—such as mainframes with minimal memory and slow processing speeds—presented significant hurdles, prompting to innovate in matrix-based algorithms that optimized computations for finite element models. These advancements allowed for practical simulations despite hardware constraints, laying foundational techniques for broader . In 1965, secured its first major contract from to develop a general-purpose , which would evolve into and propel the company's growth.

Creation and Evolution of NASTRAN

In 1965, the awarded a contract to as the prime contractor, with serving as the principal subcontractor, to develop a comprehensive finite element analysis program known as (). This initiative stemmed from 's need for a unified tool to handle complex structural analyses in applications, addressing the limitations of existing fragmented methods. The development effort, spanning from 1965 to 1968, resulted in the initial release of as a capable of modeling large-scale structures with high accuracy. NASTRAN introduced significant technical innovations by integrating finite element methods (FEM) for linear static analysis, enabling computations of displacements, stresses, and vibrations in complex systems. At its core, the program solved the fundamental FEM equation relating the stiffness matrix to applied forces and resulting displacements: [K] \{u\} = \{F\} where [K] is the global stiffness matrix, \{u\} is the displacement vector, and \{F\} is the force vector. This formulation allowed NASTRAN to assemble element-level contributions into a system-wide model, supporting a wide array of structural elements and boundary conditions, which marked a departure from earlier, less integrated analysis tools. In 1971, MSC released MSC/NASTRAN as a proprietary commercial version, building on the NASA public-domain code by incorporating user support, bug fixes, and performance enhancements not available in the original. Unlike NASA's version, which was distributed through the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC) without ongoing maintenance, MSC/NASTRAN provided reliability for industrial use, quickly gaining traction in engineering workflows. This commercialization effort positioned MSC as a leader in finite element software, with the version evolving independently while maintaining compatibility with NASA standards. Throughout the and , underwent substantial upgrades, expanding from its linear static foundations to include nonlinear analysis, advanced , and modules. Key milestones included the release of NASTRAN Version 68 in 1978, which enhanced computational efficiency and element libraries for broader simulations. MSC secured multiple maintenance contracts starting in 1971, facilitating these iterations and ensuring the software's adaptability to emerging hardware and user needs. The impact of was profound, with widespread adoption by , , and other aerospace entities revolutionizing structural design processes. By enabling more efficient analysis of and components, it contributed an estimated $701 million in cost savings to the U.S. space program between 1971 and 1984. In recognition of its enduring influence, was inducted into the U.S. Space Foundation's Space Technology Hall of Fame in 1988.

Growth, IPO, and Early Acquisitions

Following the release of in 1971, experienced significant revenue growth throughout the 1970s, driven primarily by demand from the industry for advanced finite element analysis tools. The software's adoption by major firms enabled to operate without external , achieving steady as became an industry standard for structural simulations. This period marked the company's transition from a small consultancy to a leading provider of (CAE) software, with annual growth rates supporting internal R&D investments. International expansion began in the early , with the opening of a European office in , , in 1973 to serve growing demand in and sectors. By 1976, had established a presence in Tokyo, Japan, further broadening its global footprint and facilitating adaptations of for international supercomputing platforms, such as versions for systems in 1979. These moves positioned to capture non-U.S. markets amid rising global interest in simulation technologies. In 1983, MSC went public through an (IPO) on the over-the-counter (OTC) market, raising capital to fund software enhancements and R&D, including a major rewrite of NASTRAN's foundational code. The , traded under the ticker MSCS, migrated to the American Stock Exchange in and later to , reflecting the company's maturing market position. By the late , MSC achieved annual revenue growth of 25-35%, with its supporting further product development; however, performance fluctuated in the 1990s due to competitive pressures, culminating in delisting upon going private in 2009 for approximately $360 million at $7.63 per share. Product diversification accelerated in the , as MSC invested in developing pre- and post-processors to complement , addressing limitations in model preparation and result visualization. A key example was the integration of advanced graphics tools, enhancing user accessibility for complex simulations. By the early , this led to the acquisition and introduction of Patran, a robust pre/post-processor originally developed by Engineering in 1979, which MSC fully incorporated after its 1994 purchase to streamline finite element workflows. Early acquisitions bolstered MSC's capabilities in the finite element analysis (FEA) space during the . In 1993, following a , MSC acquired Aries Technology, gaining specialized pre/post-processing tools to improve integration. The 1994 acquisition of Engineering for approximately $60 million brought Patran into MSC's portfolio, significantly expanding its offerings for and automotive applications. Later in the decade, the 1999 purchases of Universal Analytics Inc. (UAI) and Computerized Structural Analysis & Research Corp. (CSAR) added advanced nonlinear analysis and graphics capabilities, though these faced regulatory scrutiny from the for potential anticompetitive effects. These integrations helped MSC diversify beyond core FEA into multibody dynamics simulation. The brought challenges as competition intensified from rivals like and , which offered more integrated and user-friendly alternatives, eroding MSC's market share in . Defense budget cuts following the reduced aerospace demand, contributing to revenue stagnation—reaching $134.8 million by 1998—and operational losses amid leadership changes. In response, MSC shifted strategically toward multibody simulation tools like ADAMS, launched in the late 1980s and refined in the , to target automotive and machinery sectors for broader applicability.

Modern Ownership Transitions

In the late 2000s, MSC Software faced financial challenges amid a stagnating market for , leading to its acquisition by (STG) in a $360 million deal announced in July 2009. This transaction delisted MSC from the , marking its transition to private ownership and providing capital for restructuring and growth initiatives under STG's management. The , completed in October 2009 at an effective value of $390 million including debt assumption, positioned MSC to focus on core CAE () products without public market pressures. Under STG's ownership through the early , MSC underwent operational streamlining, including leadership changes and investments in product enhancements, which stabilized its position in the industry. By , these efforts had improved profitability, with annual revenues reaching approximately $230 million, setting the stage for its next major transition. In February , Swedish technology conglomerate acquired MSC from STG for $834 million, integrating it as an independent subsidiary within Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division. This deal, completed in April , aimed to leverage MSC's expertise to bridge design and production workflows, enhancing Hexagon's end-to-end digital solutions for manufacturing. The acquisition more than tripled Hexagon's CAE portfolio value and expanded its customer base across aerospace, automotive, and sectors. During the Hexagon era from 2017 to 2025, MSC refocused strategically on advanced technologies like digital twins and AI-integrated simulation to address complex multiphysics challenges in product development. This shift supported revenue expansion for MSC's parent Design & Engineering (D&E) business, growing from $230 million in 2017 to €265 million in 2024, driven by demand for virtual prototyping and tools. The integration enabled synergies with Hexagon's hardware, fostering innovations in real-time simulation for and applications. On September 4, 2025, Hexagon announced the sale of its D&E business, encompassing MSC Software, to Cadence Design Systems for €2.7 billion (approximately $3.2 billion), with the deal structured as 70% cash and 30% Cadence stock. Expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, this transaction allows Hexagon to concentrate on its core sensor and software ecosystem while providing Cadence with expanded capabilities in multiphysics simulation to complement its electronic design automation (EDA) portfolio. For MSC, the move into Cadence's ecosystem promises deeper integration with semiconductor and system-level design tools, accelerating AI-driven analysis for emerging technologies like autonomous systems and 5G infrastructure. Post-acquisition, MSC is set to operate as an independent subsidiary, maintaining its focus on CAE innovation while benefiting from Cadence's resources for global scaling.

Products and Technology

Core Simulation Software

MSC Nastran serves as the flagship finite element analysis (FEA) solver within MSC Software's portfolio, renowned for its capabilities in both linear and nonlinear . It excels in simulating complex behaviors such as , fatigue, and responses, enabling engineers to predict structural integrity under diverse loading conditions. Key modules like SOL 101 facilitate linear static analysis, providing foundational computations for , deformation, and assessments. Complementing Nastran, MSC Adams is a leading multibody dynamics software suite designed for motion simulation and system-level analysis. It supports detailed modeling of , including suspension systems and ride performance, while integrating systems through co-simulation interfaces with tools like /. This allows for seamless coupling of mechanical models with embedded controllers, optimizing real-world behaviors such as handling and stability. MSC Apex functions as a contemporary pre- and post-processor, streamlining the model preparation and visualization workflow with intuitive geometry handling and meshing tools. It incorporates features that automate , reportedly reducing model build times significantly—up to 80% in some user cases—by minimizing manual interventions and enabling direct integration with manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing. These tools converge within the MSCOne suite, a unified offering token-based licensing that grants flexible access to , Adams, , and a wide range of other CAE applications. This model promotes efficient across multiphysics simulations, allowing users to scale computations without rigid software silos and fostering collaborative workflows in product development. In , MSC Software's platforms underpin critical designs, such as Boeing's utilization of for aircraft wing to ensure aeroelastic and load distribution. In the automotive sector, Adams facilitates testing simulations by modeling occupant and vehicle deformation, aiding in safety system validation and .

Specialized Tools and Suites

MSC Software offers a range of specialized tools tailored for domain-specific challenges in , extending beyond general-purpose solvers to address acoustics, nonlinear behaviors, processes, and dynamic events. These tools enable precise modeling in industries such as automotive, , and , often integrating with core platforms like for enhanced workflows. Actran is a dedicated designed for analyzing and phenomena, particularly in , turbines, and components. It supports vibro-acoustics and aero-acoustics simulations, allowing engineers to predict sound propagation and structural interactions efficiently. Key applications include noise attenuation in automotive cabins and turbine blade vibrations, where Actran models poro-elastic materials to optimize designs for quieter operation. Marc provides advanced nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities, focusing on complex behaviors such as interactions, material plasticity, and large deformations encountered in processes. It simulates scenarios like rubber component or metal forming, predicting , , and under multi-physics conditions including and structural coupling. Marc's robust solver handles geometric and material nonlinearities, making it essential for in plastics and composites industries. Simufact specializes in process simulation for additive manufacturing and metal forming, offering tools to forecast outcomes in 3D printing and fabrication workflows. Simufact Additive predicts residual stresses, distortions, and temperature distributions in metal-based additive processes like powder bed fusion, enabling optimization of support structures and heat treatments to minimize defects in printed parts. Meanwhile, Simufact Forming addresses , forming, and rolling, with features for microstructure evolution and die load calculations to improve manufacturing accuracy and reduce trial-and-error iterations. Dytran excels in explicit simulations for transient events, such as impacts, crashes, and explosions, incorporating fluid-structure interactions (FSI) for comprehensive . It models nonlinear structural responses, material flows, and coupled behaviors in a single environment, aiding in safety assessments for automotive and component integrity. By simulating short-duration phenomena, Dytran helps ensure and reduce product development risks. MSC Software's bundled suites, such as MSCOne Flex, provide flexible, cloud-based access to these specialized tools through a token-based licensing model, allowing teams to scale simulations across projects without fixed software commitments. This platform consolidates access to acoustics, nonlinear, and solvers, enhancing collaboration and resource efficiency in multi-disciplinary environments. Post-2020 innovations in MSC Software's portfolio include integrations of (AI) and (ML) for predictive modeling, leveraging existing simulation data to accelerate insights and generate reduced-order models, as seen in tools like Adams with ODYSSEE technology for faster predictions. As of 2025, further advancements encompass the release of Dytran 2025.2 with enhanced usability for output requests and new material models, Patran 2025.1 adding rotor capabilities and SuperElement support, and the introduction of MSC CoSim for streamlined co-simulation across Adams, , MSC , and other tools. Additionally, compatibility with CAD systems like facilitates seamless data exchange, such as importing motion models for advanced multibody simulations.

Services and Support

Consulting and Engineering Services

MSC Software's consulting and services, delivered through the MSC Global Engineering Services organization, provide expert support to clients seeking to integrate advanced into their product development workflows. This team, comprising engineers and scientists with over 50 years of collective CAE experience across diverse disciplines, offers flexible engagements ranging from quick-start projects to full-scale and on-site support. Services emphasize project-based simulations, process optimization, and to accelerate while reducing risks in complex engineering challenges. Custom simulation projects form a core offering, where MSC engineers conduct tailored finite element analysis (FEA) and multibody dynamics simulations to optimize product performance. For instance, these services have supported vibration reduction efforts in components by modeling dynamic responses and iterating designs for enhanced under operational loads. Such projects leverage multidisciplinary approaches to address specific client needs, such as structural integrity assessments or fatigue predictions, enabling faster prototyping and validation without extensive physical testing. Digital twin development represents another key service, providing end-to-end assistance from initial model creation using virtual prototyping to integration with monitoring systems. MSC's experts facilitate the and validation of these digital replicas, incorporating simulation data management to ensure seamless updates throughout the . This approach allows clients to predict and mitigate issues in operational assets, bridging design and deployment phases effectively. The organization demonstrates deep industry-specific expertise, particularly in and automotive sectors. In , services include support for processes through rigorous FEA for loads analysis and compliance verification, aiding structures from to fleet sustainment. For automotive applications, consulting focuses on (NVH) optimization, where simulations trace noise propagation and refine components to meet comfort standards while accommodating electrification trends. These tailored interventions draw on decades of domain knowledge to deliver compliant, high-performance solutions. Process automation services enhance client efficiency by customizing workflows through scripting and integrations, often using Python-based tools for repeatable tasks. MSC engineers develop automated pipelines for model setup, execution, and results post-processing, reducing manual intervention and enabling scalable operations across teams. This includes methods and toolkits that align with client-specific requirements, streamlining CAE processes from input to output visualization. Anonymized case studies highlight the impact of these services; for example, in an automotive project, automation reduced a wheel carrier development from 1.5 weeks to 8 hours, yielding substantial time savings and material efficiencies. In , a bulkhead modeling effort cut geometry preparation and meshing time from 50 hours to 5.5 hours, accelerating timelines. Another instance involved door analysis, achieving 2.5 times faster computation while maintaining accuracy. These outcomes demonstrate typical benefits like 30% or greater reductions in design s for major manufacturers, alongside cost savings through minimized iterations and resource use.

Training and Customer Resources

MSC Software offers a range of programs designed to enhance user proficiency in its tools, spanning classroom-based, online, and options, with resources updated as of 2025 to align with the latest software releases. Classroom training includes instructor-led sessions, both public courses at facilities like those in , and onsite customizations, emphasizing hands-on laboratory work for practical skill development. These courses cover products such as MSC Nastran, with beginner-level offerings like NAS101A (Introduction to MSC Nastran, 3 days) progressing to advanced topics like NAS103 (Nonlinear Analysis, 4 days), and similarly for Adams (e.g., ADM701 Fundamentals of Multibody Dynamics, 5 days), Patran, and . Online training is provided through the MSC eLearning , offering self-paced access to over 50 courses exceeding 1,000 hours of content via an annual subscription, allowing users to learn at their own pace on topics from basics to specialized applications. Certification programs validate expertise through exams integrated into the eLearning platform, with options for basic and advanced levels in key products. For instance, certifications include Basic and Advanced exams, as well as Adams Basic (covering multibody dynamics fundamentals) and Advanced, enabling users to demonstrate proficiency in simulation workflows. These programs cater to levels from beginners to experts, supporting ongoing across engineering disciplines. Documentation resources support self-paced learning with comprehensive materials tailored to MSC Software products. manuals, guides, and getting started documents are available for , such as the MSC 2025 Getting Started Guide, which provides an overview of installation, basic usage, and analysis workflows, and the Adams 2025 Release Guide detailing updates and features. Tutorials include step-by-step video series and accompanying files, like those for MSC , guiding users through tasks such as model setup and analysis execution. The on the SimCompanion offers searchable articles, troubleshooting tips, and product-specific FAQs to facilitate independent problem-solving. Customer support ensures reliable access to assistance and maintenance for licensed users. Technical support is available through dedicated channels, including email ([email protected]) and the customer portal for submitting cases, with response times prioritized for maintenance agreement holders. Software updates and patches are distributed via the support site and notifications, keeping installations current with enhancements and fixes. Community forums, such as the MSC Nastran Community Forum on the Nexus platform, allow peer-to-peer discussions, question posting, and expert moderation to address user queries collaboratively. Additional resources promote best practices and broader adoption of technologies. Webinars hosted by the team cover topics like product updates and application examples, fostering knowledge sharing among users. Academic partnerships provide free Editions of software such as , Patran, and Adams, valid for two years from download, enabling students to explore principles through simulation without cost barriers; these editions complement institutional bundles and require current student verification for access. Whitepapers on simulation methodologies and case studies are accessible via the Hexagon resources library, offering insights into optimization techniques for industries like and automotive.

Acquisitions and Integrations

Key Pre-2017 Acquisitions

MSC Software pursued a series of acquisitions prior to 2017 to broaden its portfolio beyond core finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities, targeting complementary technologies in , advanced , multibody dynamics, and (CFD). These moves were aimed at enhancing product integration and addressing competitive pressures in the (CAE) market during the and . In the early 1990s, MSC Software acquired Technology in August 1993 for $20 million, gaining advanced graphics pre- and post-processing tools that improved for its software. This allowed MSC to overcome limitations in its in-house developments, such as MSC/Grasp and MSC/XL, by linking ' capabilities more tightly with existing products for better user workflows in engineering simulation. Toward the end of the decade, MSC expanded its Nastran-related offerings through two 1999 acquisitions: Universal Analytics Inc. (UAI) in June for approximately $8.4 million and Computerized Structural Analysis & Research Corp. (CSAR) in November for approximately $10 million. UAI provided specialized engineering analysis software for and automotive applications, while CSAR contributed advanced solvers; together, they held about 10% of the advanced software market and strengthened MSC's position in . However, these deals faced U.S. scrutiny for potentially reducing competition in the market, leading to a 2002 settlement requiring divestiture of certain software assets to maintain market balance. A pivotal acquisition occurred in 2002 when MSC Software purchased Mechanical Dynamics Inc. for $120 million, incorporating the Adams multibody dynamics simulation software. This deal extended MSC's reach into virtual prototyping and motion analysis, complementing its FEA tools and broadening sales channels to over 10,000 clients across industries like automotive and . The acquisition aligned with MSC's growth by reinforcing its CAE and enabling more comprehensive product life-cycle solutions. In December 2016, MSC Software acquired all shares of Japanese CFD vendor Software Cradle Co., Ltd., integrating products like scFLOW, scSTREAM, and sc/Tetra for unstructured and structured mesh simulations. Founded in , Software Cradle served sectors including automotive and , and the acquisition enhanced MSC's multiphysics capabilities by combining CFD with structural, acoustics, and multibody tools, while leveraging MSC's global distribution network. Software Cradle operated semi-independently post-acquisition, with plans for integration into MSC's token-based licensing and platforms like for coupled fluid-structure simulations. These pre-2017 acquisitions, clustered primarily in the and early with a resurgence in , filled critical gaps in MSC's offerings—from and structural enhancements to and simulations—driving product synergies and competitive positioning against in the evolving CAE landscape. Deal structures often involved cash tenders and mergers, emphasizing talent acquisition and to boost recurring and breadth without diluting .

Post-2017 Acquisitions and Expansions

Following its acquisition by in 2017, MSC Software participated in a series of strategic acquisitions aimed at enhancing its capabilities across automotive, , and emerging technologies. In May 2017, acquired VIRES Simulationstechnologie , a provider of for virtual test driving, which integrated into MSC Software to bolster tools for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle development. This addition enabled more realistic scenario-based testing, reducing reliance on physical prototypes in the automotive sector. In June 2019, acquired AMendate, a startup specializing in AI-driven and for additive manufacturing, which joined Software's portfolio. AMendate's technology focused on automated model reduction techniques to accelerate simulation times, allowing engineers to explore lightweight structures more efficiently without manual iterations. This move positioned Software at the forefront of AI-enhanced simulation for in industries like and automotive. Hexagon continued its expansion in February 2020 by acquiring Romax Technology Limited, a UK-based firm offering specialized software for and e-powertrain analysis, including (NVH) prediction. Romax's tools complemented Software's multibody dynamics simulations, such as Adams, enabling integrated workflows for design and durability testing amid the shift to . Later, in April 2021, acquired CADLM SAS, a French company pioneering AI and applications in (CAE), particularly for acoustics and vibro-acoustics simulations. CADLM's expertise enhanced Software's ability to handle complex multiphysics problems, such as sound propagation in virtual environments. These four post-2017 acquisitions—VIRES, AMendate, Romax, and CADLM—spanned virtual testing, optimization, drivetrain engineering, and acoustic modeling, significantly broadening MSC Software's offerings in manufacturing technology and simulation. The integrations contributed to the growth of Hexagon's Design and Engineering (D&E) business, culminating in an agreement to sell it to announced in September 2025 for €2.7 billion, which included MSC Software and these acquired assets; the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, with 70% of the consideration in cash and 30% in common stock. Looking ahead, if completed, the transition to Cadence ownership would open opportunities for synergies in system-level design, combining MSC's with Cadence's tools to address integrated hardware-software challenges in AI-driven systems.

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