Microsoft Corp. and Perceptive Pixel (PPI) on Monday announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire PPI, a leader in research, development and production of large-scale, multi-touch display solutions.

“The acquisition of PPI allows us to draw on our complementary strengths, and we’re excited to accelerate this market evolution. PPI’s large touch displays, when combined with hardware from our OEMs, will become powerful Windows 8-based PCs and open new possibilities for productivity and collaboration,” said Kurt DelBene, president, office division for Microsoft.

PPI shipped its first multi-touch workstation and large wall solutions in early 2007. In 2008 its technology gained widespread recognition for transforming the way CNN and other broadcasters covered the 2008 U.S. presidential election. In 2009 the Smithsonian awarded the company the National Design Award in the inaugural category of Interaction Design. PPI’s patented technologies are used across a wide variety of industries such as government, defense, broadcast, energy exploration, engineering and higher education, and its expertise in both software and hardware will contribute to success in broad scenarios such as collaboration, meetings and presentations.

“We are incredibly excited to be working together on our mutual passion to build technologies that enable people to collaborate and communicate. By joining Microsoft, we will be able to take advantage of the tremendous momentum of the Microsoft Office Division, tightly interoperate with its products, and deliver this technology to a very broad set of customers,” said Jeff Han, the founder of PPI.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

Tags: Microsoft, Perceptive Pixel