Optimization: Honeywell buys PAS advanced process control business

In a move that should benefit both companies, Honeywell has agreed to buy PAS’ Advanced Control & Optimization (APC&O) business. The transaction includes the linear and non-linear controls and optimization technologies and related customer contracts and personnel. Divestiture of these assets, says PAS, will streamline its portfolio and accelerate the development of its alarm manag...

By Staff March 1, 2007

In a move that should benefit both companies, Honeywell has agreed to buy PAS’ Advanced Control & Optimization (APC&O) business. The transaction includes the linear and non-linear controls and optimization technologies and related customer contracts and personnel. Divestiture of these assets, says PAS, will streamline its portfolio and accelerate the development of its alarm management and integrity automation asset configurations management businesses.

Comments from analysts were highly favorable. Said Tom Fiske, research director at ARC Advisory Group, “From an industry perspective, ARC views this transaction as a positive for everyone involved. End-users will benefit from the long-term PAS and Honeywell partnership, which will facilitate a seamless transfer of ownership to Honeywell and continued support for the technology.”

Fiske noted that PAS is “gaining traction in a burgeoning market with its alarm management and automation configuration management solutions.”

Calling the sale a move to sharpen PAS’ focus and strengthen its growth, PAS founder and CEO Eddie Habibi said, “Focus defines reality, and our focus is to repeat our 2006 growth rate of 100%+ in the businesses where we hold significant first-to-market advantages.”

The acquisition should bolster Honeywell’s APC&O offerings, allowing it to “deliver more meaningful process information to operators and engineers to help them align operations with business objectives.,” said Jack Bolick, president of Honeywell Process Solutions.

www.honeywell.com

www.pas.com