Chem Systems to be acquired by IBM

In a move to capture more business in the chemical industry, IBM will purchase the chemical consulting firm Chem Systems of Tarrytown, N.Y. IBM plans to add the company to its global services consulting group but will allow Chem Systems to retain much of its autonomy and its name. Completion of the deal is expected in the next few weeks. Chem Systems is well known in the chemical and petroleum industries for its expertise in process technology, economic evaluations, market research and forecasting, and competitor analysis. Proprietary consulting is the company's primary business, accounting for about 70% of its work, but the group also prepares multiclient reports and conducts industry seminars. The company was established 33 years ago and has 160 employees in its major offices in Tarrytown, London, and Bangkok IBM expects this deal to increase its business in the chemical industry, a field that has recently become a competitive area for many business ...