Schneider Electric’s Automation business merges Steeplechase with Think & Do, strengthens presence in PC-based control

North Andover, Mass. -Schneider Electric’s Automation Business announced plans to merge its recently acquired Steeplechase Software Group with Think & Do Software Inc. The combined PC-based automation and control software operation forms a key component of a new, independent company, Entivity Inc. Entivity will focus on software and solutions leveraging information technology in manufacturing. In addition to PC-based automation and control software, Entivity will develop product offerings in the areas of automation development collaboration and production management.

According to Ken Spenser, chairman, president, and ceo of Think & Do Software, ‘Entivity brings the most complete set of productivity tools to the automation market. We believe that the combination of Steeplechase and Think & Do people, products, and services-backed by the market reach and financial strength of Schneider Electric-gives Entivity the strength and market presence to become a major player in today’s e-manufacturing and lean manufacturing environments.’

‘Schneider sees tremendous opportunity as we step up our e-business related activities,’ said Alain Marbach, president and coo of Schneider Electric’s Automation business. ‘Entivity gives us a unique and powerful set of tools to complement our extensive offering in automation and control. As a world leader, Schneider looks forward to growing our business and increasing our presence in collaboration in manufacturing, construction, and other markets.’

Mr. Spenser retains his titles as chairman, president, and ceo at Entivity. Jeff Fisher, vp and general manager of Steeplechase, becomes Entivity’s executive vp of sales & support, with responsibility for growing the company’s worldwide presence. The Entivity board consists of Mr. Marbach, Bob Pavey of Morgenthaler Ventures, Mary Campbell of EDF, Kevin Sheehan of CID Equity, Dave Fachetti of JAFCO America Ventures, and Mr. Spenser.

Think & Do and Steeplechase traveled parallel paths to their PC-based control market leadership positions. Both are based in Ann Arbor, Mich., both developed and promoted automation and control solutions based on Microsoft Windows platforms, and both emphasized flow chart logic for enterprise connectivity and information management. The merger of Think & Do and Steeplechase results in a combined installed base of over 11,000 applications and 4,200 customers worldwide.

In addition to supporting Steeplechase and Think & Do products, Entivity will introduce a next generation of products utilizing the Visio-based platform currently used in Think & Do Studio and incorporating the extended flow chart features in the Steeplechase product offering.

The name Entivity reflects the company’s mission-to enable customer productivity. Entivity will provide software and web-delivered services to a wide range of worldwide customers in the manufacturing and distribution markets, from its base in Ann Arbor.

Schneider Electric’s Automation Business is headquartered in North Andover, Mass. Schneider Electric, Paris, France, is a global electrical industry leader with 1999 sales of approximately $9 billion. The company has global electrical industry leadership in five strategic business segments: transmission and distribution, low voltage power distribution, low voltage final distribution, industrial control and automation. Its main brands are Merlin Gerin, Modicon, Square D, and Telemecanique. Visit them on the web at www.schneiderelectric.com , www.schneiderautomation.com and www.squared.com .

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