Schneider in Talks to Buy $17B Software Maker Bentley
Summary
If successful, the suit could scuttle the creation of a U.S.-based luxury conglomerate that aims to compete with big European fashion companies. Schneider Electric SE is in talks about a potential deal with $17 billion engineering software maker Bentley Systems Inc., in what would be one of the biggest takeovers of a U.S. company by a French corporation. The discussions are part of Schneider Electric’s strategy to build up its capabilities in industrial technology, and are at an early stage. Based in Exton, Pa., Bentley makes software for engineering and construction projects, from bridges and airports to utilities and mines. Schneider, one of France’s oldest and biggest industrial companies, has evolved from primarily a maker of electrical gear to a provider of software and equipment for buildings, data centers and factories.