IBM Nears $5 Billion Deal for Software Provider - WSJ

IBM is close to a deal to acquire software company Apptio for about $5 billion, according to people familiar with the matter, in a move that would bring the technology giant greater automation capabilities.

Apptio, owned by private-equity firm Vista Equity Partners, provides tools to help companies keep track of the software and services they use and better manage costs. The business has counted financial giants Allstate and Bank of America among its clients, according to its website.

The parties are in advanced talks for a purchase that could be finalized over the weekend, the people said, assuming the negotiations don’t fall apart at the last minute. It isn’t clear whether the purchase price includes debt.