), a leading provider of scientific innovation lifecycle management software, is solidifying its market leadership in the laboratory informatics space with the acquisition of its long-time partner Vialis AG, a leading systems integrator based in Liestal, Switzerland serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemicals, and agro-science industries. Vialis' deep experience implementing and supporting paperless laboratory solutions further strengthens Accelrys' position in the laboratory informatics software market and expands the company's capabilities in the downstream analytical development, quality control, and quality assurance and manufacturing areas. Under terms of the deal, Accelrys has purchased all of Vialis' outstanding stock for approximately $5 million in cash. The acquisition includes potential for additional incentive consideration of up to approximately $5 million in cash, contingent upon meeting specified growth objectives over the next three years. "With demonstrated success in improving laboratory operations by integrating core software systems critical to improving innovation – including electronic laboratory notebooks, laboratory execution systems, and laboratory information management systems – Vialis brings key domain and delivery expertise to Accelrys, and we welcome them to our team," said Accelrys President and CEO Max Carnecchia. "This acquisition is a natural complement to our two most recent software acquisitions of Velquest and Aegis Corp., furthering our strategy to deliver software solutions that optimize the laboratory-to-commercialization value chain." In addition to its systems integration services, Vialis' business process consultancy delivers process improvements in lab data management. Employing a proprietary approach to analyzing existing lab processes, Vialis' business process consultancy services help customers optimize efficiency, enhance quality by design efforts, increase compliance, maximize knowledge re- use and reduce cycle times.