# MSC Software

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MSC_Software
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MSC_Software.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Software
> Source revision: 1340761448
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

American simulation software technology company

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages) A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly neutral point of view. Please discuss further on the talk page. See our advice if the article is about you and read our scam warning in case someone asks for money to edit this article. (July 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article may contain excessive or inappropriate references to self-published sources. Please help improve it by removing references to unreliable sources where they are used inappropriately. (July 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

MSC Software Corporation Type Subsidiary Industry computer aided engineering (CAE) software; simulation software Headquarters United States Key people Paolo Guglielmini, President, Manufacturing Intelligence division; Roger Assaker, CEO; John Janevic, COO Products MSC Apex Actran Adams Digimat Dytran Easy5 Marc MaterialCenter MSC Fatigue MSC Nastran Patran PICLS scFLOW scSTREAM SimDesigner SimManager SimXpert Sinda APex Generative Design Simufact Interactive Physics Revenue US$230 million (2016) Owner Cadence Design Systems Number of employees 1,400

**MSC Software Corporation** is an American [simulation](/source/Simulation) [software](/source/Software) technology company headquartered in [Newport Beach, California](/source/Newport_Beach%2C_California). Specializing in [simulation](/source/Computer_simulation) software, it employs approximately 1,400 people in twenty countries[1] and had revenues of US$230 million in 2016.

## History

The company was formed as MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation (MSC) in 1963 by Dr. Richard H. MacNeal and Robert Schwendle. Having developed SADSAM (Structural Analysis by Digital Simulation of Analog Methods) at that time as its first structural analysis software, it was deeply involved in the early efforts of the [aerospace](/source/Aerospace) industry to improve early [finite element analysis](/source/Finite_element_analysis) technology.[2]

A key milestone was responding to a [NASA](/source/NASA) [request for proposal](/source/Request_for_proposal) in 1965 for a general-purpose structural analysis program that would eventually become [Nastran](/source/Nastran) (NASA Structural Analysis). Subsequently, MSC pioneered many of the technologies that are now relied upon by industry to analyse and predict stress and strain, vibration and dynamics, acoustics, and thermal analysis.

Two years after marketing the MSC/Nastran as the commercial version of the Nastran,[3] the company established its first overseas office in [Munich, Germany](/source/Munich%2C_Germany) in 1973 and then an office in [Tokyo, Japan](/source/Tokyo%2C_Japan) in 1976. Having made its debut as a [public company](/source/Public_company) in 1983, its stock migrated to the [American Stock Exchange](/source/American_Stock_Exchange) the following year.

After MSC expanded and opened a subsidiary in [Moscow, Russia](/source/Moscow%2C_Russia), in 1992 and an office in [Brazil](/source/Brazil) in 1995, its shareholders voted to change the company's name to MSC.Software Corporation in June 1999.[4]

Acquired by [Symphony Technology Group](/source/Symphony_Technology_Group) in 2009,[5] the "dot" in its name was removed two years later, and the company became known as MSC Software Corporation. In 2017, it was acquired by the [Swedish](/source/Sweden) technology firm [Hexagon AB](/source/Hexagon_AB) for US$834 million,[6][7][8] operating as its independent subsidiary.[9]

In September 2025, [Cadence Design Systems](/source/Cadence_Design_Systems) announced it would acquire the design and engineering business of Hexagon, including MSC Software, for approximately $3.16 billion.[10][11] On February 23, 2026, it was reported that the transaction had been completed.[12][13]

## Acquisitions

- September 1994 — PDA Engineering[14]

- December 1998 — Knowledge Revolution

- May 1999 — MSC Software acquired MARC Analysis Research Corporation to add software that tests complex designs and materials.[15]

- June 1999 — Universal Analytics Incorporation (UAI)[16]

- November 1999 — Computerized Structural Analysis Research Corporation (CSAR)[16]

- May 2001 — Advanced Enterprise Solutions Inc. (AES).[17]

- March 2002 — MSC Software acquired Mechanical Dynamics Inc. to increase its client base to over 10,000 companies.[18]

- January 2008 — MSC Software acquired thermal analysis company Network Analysis Inc. to solidify its ability to serve the thermal management market.[19]

- September 2011 — MSC Software acquired acoustic simulation company Free Field Technologies, S.A.[FFT](https://www.fft.be/) to extend its solutions to acoustic simulation [20]

- September 2012 — MSC Software acquired composite material simulation leader e-Xstream engineering company.[21]

- February 2015 — MSC Software acquired Simufact Engineering, a leader in the simulation of metal forming and joining processes.[22]

- December 2016 — MSC Software Acquired Software Cradle Co., Ltd, a leader in CFD simulation.

- May 2017 — MSC acquires Vires Simulationstechnologie GmbH, a leader in autonomous vehicle simulation.[23]

## See also

- [MSC Adams](/source/MSC_Adams)

- [Actran](/source/Actran)

- [MSC Nastran](/source/MSC_Nastran)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [""MSC Software Overview""](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/10725-04#comparisons). *Pitchbook.com*. 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["MSC Software Company History"](http://www.mscsoftware.com/msc-software). MSC Software Corporation. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["History of The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation"](http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/The-MacNealSchwendler-Corporation-Company-History.html). FundingUniverse.com. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["The MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation Changes Name to MSC.Software Corporation"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030801/http://web.mscsoftware.com/press/press.cfm?pid=444&div_id=1&non=1&arc=1&yid=1999). MSC Software Corporation. 1999-06-23. Archived from [the original](http://web.mscsoftware.com/press/press.cfm?pid=444&div_id=1&non=1&arc=1&yid=1999) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Steven M. Davidoff (2009-07-13). ["Small Deals, Big Issues"](https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2009/07/13/small-deals-big-issues/). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Hexagon to acquire MSC Software for $834 million"](http://gfxspeak.com/2017/02/02/hexagon-acquire-software/). *gfxspeak.com*. 2009-12-04. Retrieved 2017-02-03.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Hexagon acquires MSC Software for $834m"](https://www.theengineer.co.uk/hexagon-acquires-msc-software-for-834m/). 3 February 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/article/deals-day-idUSL4N1FN2KN) Reuters Deals

1. **[^](#cite_ref-mscsoftware.com_9-0)** ["Hexagon AB Set to Acquire MSC Software"](https://www.mscsoftware.com/news/hexagon-ab-set-acquire-msc-software).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-reuters-cadence-hexagon-2025_10-0)** Babu, Juby (4 September 2025). ["Cadence Design to buy Hexagon's design and engineering unit for $3.16 billion"](https://www.reuters.com/business/cadence-design-buy-hexagons-design-engineering-unit-316-billion-2025-09-04/). *Reuters*. Mexico City. Retrieved 4 September 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-eehexagon_11-0)** Ahmad, Majeed (September 5, 2025). ["Cadence Bolsters Multiphysics Simulation with $3.16bn Acquisition"](https://www.eetimes.com/cadence-bolsters-multiphysics-simulation-with-3-16bn-acquisition/). *EE Times*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Cadence Completes Acquisition of Hexagon's Design and Engineering Business, Advancing Leadership in Physical AI and Multiphysics"](https://www.cadence.com/en_US/home/company/newsroom/press-releases/pr/2026/cadence-completes-acquisition-of-hexagons-design-and-engineering.html). *Cadence*. Retrieved 2026-02-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Cadence closes on Nastran, Adams, and more from Hexagon"](https://www.engineering.com/cadence-closes-on-nastran-adams-and-more-from-hexagon/). *engineering.com*. Retrieved 2026-02-27.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["MacNeal-Schwendler names former PDA executive, Thomas Curry, president"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170223041300/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/MacNeal-Schwendler+names+former+PDA+executive%2c+Thomas+Curry%2c...-a016028617). TheFreeLibrary.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.thefreelibrary.com/MacNeal-Schwendler+names+former+PDA+executive,+Thomas+Curry,...-a016028617) on 2017-02-23. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Published: May 29, 1999 (1999-05-29). ["Company News; Macneal-Schwendler To Buy Marc Analysis Research — The New York Times"](https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/29/business/company-news-macneal-schwendler-to-buy-marc-analysis-research.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved 2013-02-06.{{[cite news](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_news)}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_numeric_names:_authors_list))

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-fact_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-fact_16-1) ["MSC.Software Corporation's Proposed Findings of Fact"](https://www.ftc.gov/os/adjpro/d9299/020701mscpfof.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100528200716/http://www.ftc.gov/os/adjpro/d9299/020701mscpfof.pdf) 2010-05-28 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), retrieved October 13, 2010

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["MSC.Software to Acquire Advanced Enterprise Solutions, Inc"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032831/http://web.mscsoftware.com/press/press.cfm?pid=330&Div_ID=6). MSC Software Corporation. 2001-05-02. Archived from [the original](http://web.mscsoftware.com/press/press.cfm?pid=330&Div_ID=6) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Published: March 19, 2002 (2002-03-19). ["MSC Will Buy Mechanical Dynamics"](https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/19/business/technology-briefing-software-msc-will-buy-mechanical-dynamics.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved 2013-02-06.{{[cite news](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_news)}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_numeric_names:_authors_list))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Milbourn, Mary Ann (2008-01-14). ["MSC.Software buys thermal simulation firm"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121104002653/http://ocbiz.ocregister.com/2008/01/14/mscsoftware-buys-thermal-simulation-firm/1851/). *Orange County Register*. Archived from [the original](http://ocbiz.ocregister.com/2008/01/14/mscsoftware-buys-thermal-simulation-firm/1851/) on 2012-11-04. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["MSC acquires FFT, Actran"](http://www.schnitgercorp.com/SC/Hot_Topics/Entries/2011/9/6_MSC_acquires_FFT,_Actran.html). SchnitgerCorp.com. 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["MSC Software Acquires Composite Material Simulation Leader e-Xstream"](http://www.e-xstream.com/en/msc-software-acquires-composite-material-simulation-leader-e-xstream.html?cmp_id=17&news_id=566&vID=56). E-xstream.com. 2012-09-27. Retrieved 2013-02-06.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["MSC Software Acquires Welding and Forming Simulation Leader Simufact"](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/msc-software-acquires-welding-forming-130000103.html). finance.yahoo.com. 2015-02-18. Retrieved 2015-02-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** [Ref](https://www.mscsoftware.com/news/msc-accelerates-its-automated-driving-simulation-portfolio-acquisition-vires-gmbh)

**Notes**

- "Competition, Defense Industry Cuts Hurt Price of MacNeal-Schwendler Corp. Stock," Los Angeles Business Journal, June 4, 1990, p. 32.

- Deady, Tim, "Revenge of the Nerd," Los Angeles Business Journal, April 29, 1996, p. 13.

- "MacNeal-Schwendler Corp.," Machine Design, November 26, 1992, p. 103.

- Teague, Paul E., "Pioneer in Engineering Analysis: Dick MacNeal Conceived One of the Most Widely Used Finite Element Analysis Codes in the World," Design News, July 10, 1995, p. 50.

## External links

- [MSC Software](http://www.mscsoftware.com)

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF National Czech Republic

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [MSC Software](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Software) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSC_Software?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.