Software Development Tools Inc (SDTI), has been acquired by the NASDAQ-listed software company, Wall Data, for $3 million (£2 million). As part of the acquisition, Wall Data, is to establish a European technical support centre employing 60 people in Dublin.

The two companies have been strategic partners for several years and Wall Data was one of SDTI's largest customers. SDTI sell a variety of Windows development products designed to provide a graphical interface for host applications. Among the shareholders set to benefit from the acquisition are Forbairt which has a small stake.

Founded in 1986 as Expert Edge Computer Systems, SDTI has offices in Dublin, London, Boston and Paris. It is likely it will now combine the work of its London and Paris offices. Wall Data develops network communication software designed to increase productivity for businesses running Windows, Windows NT and Windows 95 operating systems. Among its main products are Rumba, Arpeggio and Onestep.

The company, which has its worldwide headquarters in Washington, recently reported profits after tax for the first six months, ended September 30th, of $101 million.