IBM Agrees to Buy Candle to Expand Management Software

IBM Corp., the world’s second-largest software company, said Thursday that it had agreed to buy closely held Candle Corp. for an undisclosed price to add software that helps manage systems and databases.

Candle’s products improve the operation of data centers. The products include systems management and database management software, IBM spokesman John Crowe said. El Segundo-based Candle has more than 3,000 customers, the software giant said.

IBM has strengthened its software product lines as demand for hardware slows.

Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM bought Rational Software Corp. for $2.1 billion last year and has made smaller purchases -- including closely held Trigo Technologies Inc. last month -- to add programs that help companies manage data.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter, Crowe said.

IBM shares rose 53 cents to $92.37 on the New York Stock Exchange.

The stock has gained 17% in the last year.