0643 GMT - Dassault Systemes' potential acquisition of drug-trial software maker ArisGlobal could be met with investor skepticism, Citi's Balajee Tirupati and Pavan Daswani say in a research note. The Financial Times reported last week that the French software company was in talks with Nordic Capital to buy ArisGlobal for about $2 billion. Nordic Capital declined to comment when approached by Dow Jones Newswires, and Dassault Systemes didn't respond to a request for comment. A potential acquisition would be consistent with Dassault Systemes' strategy, extending the platform of its Medidata life-sciences tech business at a time the market is evolving with artificial intelligence, Citi says. However, investors have favored direct returns over acquisitions, and a deal would expand Dassault Systemes' presence in a market where growth has been constrained, the analysts say. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 20, 2026 02:45 ET (06:45 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.