Keysight Technologies, Inc. has moved to acquire digital automation specialist Eggplant of The Carlyle Group. The acquisition will enable the two companies to innovate automated software test market across the physical and protocol layers and into the application layers.

This transaction is valued at US $330 million. Eggplant had 2019 revenue of US$38 million.

Eggplant is an industry leading software test automation platform provider that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics to automate test creation and test execution. Eggplant's Digital Automation Intelligence platform can test any technology on any device, operating system or browser at any layer, from the user interface (UI) to application programming interfaces (APIs) to the database.

By using artificial intelligence and analytics to automate testing, Eggplant enables improved software application development velocity and enhanced quality, driving competitive advantage and differentiation. The company's customers span a wide range of sectors overlapping Keysight's existing customer base while expanding software test opportunities into new end-markets.

"As a recognized leader and trusted advisor in layer 1-7 design and test, Keysight is excited to add Eggplant's test capabilities for the software application layer, aligning with our strategy to grow our first-to-market software-centric solutions," said Ron Nersesian, Keysight Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Joining forces with Keysight gives Eggplant the ability to scale our intelligent automation platform and reach more organizations across the globe," said Dr. John Bates, Chief Executive Officer of Eggplant. "We share a vision to accelerate innovation and together we will be able to help customers on their digital transformation journey. We're proud of what we've accomplished through our employees and partners' contributions, and we're excited about this next chapter."