Cadence Closes on Nastran, Adams, and More From Hexagon

Why It Matters

The acquisition gives Cadence a broader simulation suite, strengthening its competitive stance against Siemens and ANSYS and accelerating AI‑enhanced product development across automotive, robotics and aerospace.

Key Takeaways

• Cadence pays €2.7B for Hexagon’s design unit.
• MSC Software adds Nastran and Adams to Cadence portfolio.
• Acquisition expands Cadence’s multiphysics and AI-driven design capabilities.
• Hexagon assets include AMendate, Romax, CADLM, CAEfatigue.
• Deal positions Cadence against Siemens and ANSYS in EDA/CAE.

Pulse Analysis

Cadence’s €2.7 billion purchase of Hexagon’s design and engineering unit finalises a deal first announced in September 2025. The transaction brings MSC Software, owner of Nastran and Adams solvers, plus tools such as AMendate, Romax, CADLM and CAEfatigue, under Cadence. This consolidation expands Cadence’s market reach and reflects a broader trend of convergence between electronic design automation (EDA) and computer‑aided engineering (CAE) providers seeking scale.

Adding Nastran’s finite‑element analysis and Adams’ multibody dynamics fills a gap in Cadence’s suite, enabling true end‑to‑end multiphysics simulation from silicon to system level. Coupled with Cadence’s AI‑driven design engines, customers can run structural, thermal and motion analyses in a unified workflow, cutting data hand‑offs and shortening time‑to‑market. Rivals such as Siemens’ Simcenter and ANSYS may feel pressure as Cadence leverages combined data models for predictive, optimisation‑heavy solutions in autonomous vehicles, robotics and next‑gen transportation.

The deal also highlights AI’s growing role in engineering software. Cadence intends to embed machine‑learning assistants across the simulation chain, automating mesh creation, result interpretation and design iteration. Integration will require aligning licensing, support and roadmaps, but the move positions Cadence as a one‑stop shop for digital twins and AI‑enhanced virtual prototyping. Analysts expect the acquisition to spur further M&A and cloud partnerships as firms race to build comprehensive, AI‑centric engineering ecosystems.