Press Release: Software AG to Acquire webMethods, Inc.

In terms of market segment dynamics, I'd say that's likely the end of a significant chapter for BP* stuff.  I remember the day WEBM went public, and when its stock subsequently shot to a split/etc. adjusted ~$280/share (i.e., approx. 97% of its market cap ago) -- it was a major milestone in the bubble V1 "irrational exuberance" ramp-up. 

$546M is still an impressive number, but for a snapshot of the spirit of ~7 years ago, see this article from 2000/02 about the WEBM IPO.  Consider, for example, this quote: "With $4.5 million in revenues last year, webMethods lags far behind companies such as Open Market (OMKT)($83 million) and InterWorld (INTW) ($40.5 million)."  I guess WEBM should get some credit for surviving, let alone sustaining some investor value.

Software AG (TecDAX, ISIN DE 0003304002 / SOW), Europe's largest systems software and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) provider, and webMethods, Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM), a leading business integration and optimization software company, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Software AG to acquire webMethods in a cash tender offer for $9.15 per share or approximately $546 million.

Source: Press Release: Software AG to Acquire webMethods, Inc.