French conglomerate Dassault Systèmes is reportedly in talks to acquire drug trial software maker Aris Global from Nordic Capital for approximately $2bn. This potential deal would significantly expand Dassault's presence in the life sciences software sector.

If completed, the acquisition would be Dassault's second-largest, following its $5.8bn purchase of Medidata Solutions in 2019. While negotiations are ongoing, the outcome is not guaranteed. Aris Global, which generates around $200mn in annual revenue with half from AI services, employs nearly 1,300 staff and provides software for drug safety, clinical development, and regulatory compliance.

Nordic Capital, a Swedish private equity group managing €39bn, has been seeking an exit from Aris Global since acquiring a majority stake in 2019. The firm was part of a consortium that sold Clario to Thermo Fisher for $9.4bn last year. Dassault Systèmes, controlled by the Dassault family, has a market capitalization of about €24.5bn.