NEWPORT BEACH, CA /ACCESSWIRE / May 15, 2017 / MSC Software (now part of Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division) today announced they have signed an agreement to acquire VIRES Simulationstechnologie GmbH ("VIRES"). VIRES is recognized as a leading provider of a software tool-chain supporting the development, testing and validation of automated driving, driver assistance, and active safety systems.

VIRES's prestigious customer list includes prominent automotive OEMs and suppliers, as well as more recent entrants into the automotive business and elite universities worldwide. VIRES's products are notable for their ease of building simulation environments, robustness, and performance. The company also provides its software to firms that simulate railway and aircraft performance.

"We are just in the very early days of testing with confidence vehicles that need to reach 'Level 5' autonomy. There are still many challenges to be solved, much technology to be invented, and many more orders of magnitude of simulations to be performed than that what is currently being done today," said Dominic Gallello, President & CEO of MSC Software. "VIRES' outstanding environmental simulation technology fits perfectly into our overall strategy of connecting the off-line, real-time, big data, and analytics technology-chain. With this acquisition, we will enable vehicles that are not only safe but that also retain the special driving characteristics of their brands."

"Our strategic direction is well aligned with MSC's vision for autonomous vehicle simulation," said Marius Dupuis, Managing Director of VIRES. "MSC provides the global footprint that we need to keep up with the rapidly growing demand for our products and services."

VIRES is a main contributor to the industrial consortia behind interoperability standards such as, OpenScenario, OpenDrive, and OpenCRG, which will continue unchanged under MSC's ownership.

For more information, please visit www.mscsoftware.com or www.vires.com

About MSC Software

MSC Software is one of the ten original software companies and a global leader in helping product manufacturers to advance their engineering methods with simulation software and services. As a trusted partner, MSC Software helps companies improve quality, save time, and reduce costs associated with design and test of manufactured products. Academic institutions, researchers, and students employ MSC's technology to expand individual knowledge as well as expand the horizon of simulation. MSC Software employs 1,300 professionals in 20 countries. For more information about MSC Software's products and services, please visit: www.mscsoftware.com