DETROIT - Compuware Corp., whose software improves the performance of computer programs used by companies to run their operations, said yesterday that it is acquiring Gomez Inc., of Lexington, Mass., for $295 million in cash.
The deal, which is expected to close in November, gives Compuware a company that manages, tests, and measures the performance of corporate websites and mobile applications.
Compuware’s chief operating officer, Bob Paul, said Compuware will have a well-rounded suite of services for corporate computer systems as well as on the Web and mobile, which is key as businesses move critical applications onto the Internet.
“Businesses are experiencing a revolution that demands they move their most important applications beyond the firewall,’’ he said in a conference call with analysts.
He said it’s critical for companies to manage internal, Web, and mobile applications well for a seamless experience for customers.
“All applications in our eyes are ultimately moving to leverage the Internet,’’ said Jaime Ellertson, Gomez’s CEO, during the analysts’ conference call.
Compuware said the acquisition is expected to dilute earnings for fiscal 2010 due to an amortization charge.
Privately held Gomez employs 272 people worldwide. Gomez executives and the rest of the employees are expected to stay with Compuware. In 2008, Gomez recorded revenue of $47 million. Its clients include Google Inc. and Facebook.
Detroit-based Compuware serves 46 of the top 50 Fortune 500 companies. The stock rose 12 cents to close at $7.30.
