The combination of APC and MGE UPS Systems creates a worldwide leader in the critical power and cooling services market.

Schneider Electric CEO Jean-Pascal Tricoire said the acquisition will generate value for customers through a broader choice of tailored products while former APC CEO Rob Johnson described it as a powerful combination bringing together two well known brands.

Only last week APC announced it has begun working with IBM on pre-engineered data centers aimed at midsized businesses that need facilities in the 500 to 1,000 square foot range.

IBM is preconfiguring systems intended to work with APC's In-Row InfraStruXure systems, which provide power and cooling without the need for a raised floor.

The vendors have named their offering the Scalable Modular Data Center.