French software group Dassault Systemes' (DSY.FR) acquisition of International Business Machines Corp.'s (IBM) sales and client support operations for its product lifecycle management software application portfolio, is expected to be accretive for earnings and operating margin from 2010, Dassault Systemes Chief Executive Bernard Charles said in a conference call Tuesday.

Earlier, Dassault Systemes said it signed an agreement with IBM under which Dassault plans to acquire IBM's sales and client support operations for its product lifecycle management software application portfolio, or PLM, for approximately $600 million in cash.

The transaction, under which the two companies will integrate their PLM operations, is expected to be finalized by the end of the second quarter next year, Charles reiterated.

Charles said it was the "right time" to buy IMB's PLM portfolio after having cooperated for numerous years with IBM in the sector.

-By Geraldine Amiel, Dow Jones Newswires; +33 1 40171740; geraldine.amiel@dowjones.com