Spotlight: British Firm to Acquire Wonderware

Automation software maker Wonderware Corp., which is rebounding from a two-year slump, said it is being bought for $375 million in cash by one of Britain’s largest engineering and electronics firms. Siebe agreed to pay $24 a share for Irvine-based Wonderware--50% more than Monday’s closing price. The stock surged $7.63 a share on Tuesday, closing at $23.63 on Nasdaq. The announcement surprised analysts, who said Wonderware had not been looking for a buyer.