The writer analyzes Rockwell’s acquisition of Plex Systems and the trend in software investing for other industrial companies.

Analysis of recent the acquisition of Plex by Rockwell Automation and other related M&As.

Rockwell Automation’s recent acquisition of Plex Systems is cited as an example of industrial companies’ interest in B2B SaaS platforms. Note: The translated reference may inaccurately appear as Flex Systems.

An exciting new chapter for Plex Systems begins: Plex is joining forces with Rockwell Automation. When Accel first partnered with the Plex team in 2012, they believed that their cloud-based smart manufacturing solutions would be the key to dramatically increasing factory operations and supply chain efficiency for global manufacturers everywhere.

The industrials rallied after the June 24th infrastructure breakthrough. Blake Moret, Rockwell Automation CEO, joined “Squawk Box” on Friday to discuss the deal between a bipartisan group of senators and the White House as well as the company’s deal to buy Plex Systems and more.

Rockwell Automation Inc. is acquiring closely held Plex Systems for $2.22 billion in cash to boost its offering of cloud services to customers ranging from automakers to warehousing and logistics firms. The acquisition is expected to close in the quarter ending in September, Rockwell said Friday in a statement. The Milwaukee-based company will bring on 500+ employees from closely held Plex.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Rockwell Automation, Inc.'s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating and senior notes at 'A', and Short-Term IDR and Commercial Paper at 'F1'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. This action follows the company's announcement that it has agreed to acquire Plex Systems from Francisco Partners for $2.2 billion. The transaction is expected to close in Rockwell's fiscal fourth quarter.

Paul Hastings is guiding investment firm Francisco Partners in its $2.2 billion cash deal to sell manufacturing software maker Plex Systems to Rockwell Automation. Rockwell announced the deal on June 25th as the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based industrial automation equipment maker looks to boost its revenue from cloud offerings.

Rockwell Automation Inc. agreed to buy industrial cloud software company Plex Systems for $2.2 billion. Rockwell has traditionally preferred to partner with companies to expand its software offerings, but the company signaled it may be thinking about more overt takeovers last year. Plex Systems is Rockwell's largest publicly announced takeover.

In a report released today, Noah Kaye from Oppenheimer assigned a Buy rating to Rockwell Automation, with a price target of $286.00. The company’s shares closed last Thursday at $285.51, close to its 52-week high of $289.52. Corporate insider sentiment is positive on the stock.