AsiaNet 90333

MILWAUKEE, June 28, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- Plex Systems' leading subscription-based smart manufacturing platform

accelerates customers' digital transformation and improves visibility into

end-to-end production systems with easy-to-deploy, cloud-native solutions -

-Rockwell to acquire Plex Systems for $2.22 billion in cash

-Plex is the leading pure software-as-a-service, cloud-native smart

manufacturing platform operating at scale

-Plex provides leading applications in manufacturing execution, supply chain

visibility, and quality management across discrete, hybrid, and process

industry segments

-Plex revenue growing double digits and acquisition is expected to be

immediately accretive to Rockwell operating margins

-Plex acquisition expected to accelerate Rockwell annual recurring revenue goal

achievement by approximately two years

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to

industrial automation and digital transformation, and Plex Systems, the leading

cloud-native smart manufacturing platform operating at scale, today announced

that Rockwell has entered into an agreement to acquire Plex for $2.22 billion

in cash.

Plex offers the only single-instance, multi-tenant SaaS manufacturing platform

operating at scale, including advanced manufacturing execution systems,

quality, and supply chain management capabilities. It has over 700 customers

and manages more than 8 billion transactions per day. Plex's software

capabilities will be further differentiated by Rockwell's global market access,

complementary industry expertise, and ability to turn real-time data into

actionable insights.

"This acquisition will accelerate our strategy to bring the Connected

Enterprise to life, driving faster time to value for our customers as they

increasingly adopt cloud solutions to improve resilience, agility, and

sustainability in their operations," said Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of

Rockwell Automation. "Combining Plex's cutting-edge cloud technology with

Rockwell's existing software portfolio and domain expertise will add customer

value and create more ways to win. The acquisition will also accelerate our

software revenue growth and strengthen our annual recurring revenue streams."

A growing dilemma for manufacturers is the urgent need to increase production

and improve resilience, while driving efficiency and compliance. Companies are

increasingly seeking to upgrade their production systems with modern,

cloud-based manufacturing execution systems that are easy to implement, use,

and maintain. Plex's platform helps customers to connect, automate, track, and

analyze their operations and connected supply chains.

"Rockwell believes in the power of data and technology to transform

manufacturing and industrial operations," said Brian Shepherd, senior vice

president, Software and Control, for Rockwell Automation. "Together with the

advanced asset maintenance and management capabilities provided by our recent

Fiix acquisition, Rockwell will have a strong portfolio of cloud-native

solutions for our customers' production systems upon completion of the Plex

acquisition."

"Plex has always been more than a company," said Bill Berutti, CEO of Plex. "We

have been a leader in the movement to smart manufacturing and a trusted partner

to more than 700 manufacturing companies around the globe. Joining forces with

Rockwell is great for our customers, our partners, and our employees as we move

to expand our reach and impact and accelerate our mission to bring

manufacturing to the cloud."

Plex will be reported as part of Rockwell's Software and Control operating

segment which provides leading hardware and software offerings for the design,

operation, and maintenance of production automation and management systems. As

a part of the acquisition, Rockwell will welcome more than 500 highly engaged

new employees.

The acquisition will be financed with a combination of cash and short-term and

long-term debt. Subject to customary closing conditions and completion of

regulatory review, the acquisition is expected to close in Rockwell's fiscal

fourth quarter.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a global leader in industrial

automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people

with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the

world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee,

Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 24,000 problem solvers

dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how

we are bringing The Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises,

visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

About Plex Systems

Plex Systems(R) is the leader in cloud-delivered smart manufacturing solutions,

empowering the world's manufacturers to make awesome products. Our platform

gives manufacturers the ability to connect, automate, track, and analyze every

aspect of their business to drive transformation. The Plex Smart Manufacturing

Platform includes solutions for manufacturing execution (MES), ERP, quality,

supply chain planning and management, Industrial IOT and analytics to connect

people, systems, machines and supply chains, enabling them to lead with

precision, efficiency and agility.

SOURCE  Rockwell Automation