Brio to Buy Sqribe

Brio Technology Inc., which makes software for executives with limited computer experience, agreed to buy closely held Sqribe Technologies for about $311 million in stock to add payroll software to its product line. Brio would issue about 13.1 million shares to Sqribe shareholders, who would own 45% of the combined company. The transaction, which would be accounted for as a pooling of interests, is expected to be completed by June, pending shareholder approval. The acquisition would expand the enterprise software product line of Palo Alto-based Brio. Sqribe of Menlo Park, Calif., makes software that helps companies conduct payroll and other corporate reporting.