Oracle Pays $1bn for Behavioral Tech Firm

In the US, software giant Oracle has acquired Art Technology Group (ATG), a firm which develops software to track and analyze online customer behavior to improve the running of e-commerce web sites. The cash transaction is valued at $6 per share, or approximately $1bn.

Cambridge, MA-headquartered ATG's cross-channel commerce software helps clients drive sales via a personalized customer experience - unifying interactions across the web, contact center, mobile devices, social media, physical stores and other channels. The company also provides a 'Click to Chat' and 'Click to Call' web service that enables online customers to contact customer service agents.

Oracle says this software will complement its own CRM, retail and supply chain applications, as well as its portfolio of business intelligence technologies. EVP Thomas Kurian (pictured) says that the merger will provide a unified commerce and CRM platform to provide seamless experience across all commerce channels.

'More than 1,000 global enterprises rely on ATG's solutions to help increase the value of their online customer interactions,' states Bob Burke, President and CEO, ATG. 'This combination will enhance the ability to bring all their commerce activities together - creating a more consistent and relevant experience for their customers across all interaction channels.'

The deal is expected to close by early 2011, subject to stockholder and regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Web sites: www.oracle.com and www.atg.com .