LAFAYETTE — Privately held software firm Aegis Analytical Corp. was bought by publicly traded scientific software company Accelrys Inc. for $30 million in cash, the two companies said Tuesday, Oct. 23.

San Diego-based Accelrys (Nasdaq: ACCL) will keep key members of the Aegis management team and some employees as part of the transaction, according to a press statement. Specific employee numbers were not immediately available. Aegis is expected to remain at its Boulder County location at 1380 Forest Park Circle, Suite 200, Lafayette.

Aegis makes software that biotechnology and pharmaceutical customer companies use to manage manufacturing, quality and product development data. Accelrys makes software that handles process management and compliance for customer companies in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in the oil and gas, food and beverage and semiconductor industries, among others.

“This acquisition brings significant value to Aegis’ customers, offering them a comprehensive software portfolio for managing the scientific innovation lifecycle and providing them access to the global resources of an industry leader,” Robert Di Scipio, president and chief executive officer of Aegis, said in the press statement.

In general, software made by both Aegis and Accelrys helps customer companies spot trends and forecast outcomes related to manufacturing. Such software also is used to help companies in regulated environments — especially biotechnology companies that must comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements — to meet regulations.

“The industries we serve are undergoing significant changes, requiring them to move from a status quo approach to one that breaks down the barriers to operational excellence, innovation productivity and global competitiveness,” Max Carnecchia, Accelrys president and chief executive, said in the statement.

Aegis has more than 15 years of experience in process development and manufacturing.

Accelrys employs more than 200 scientists. Its software is used by more than 1,300 companies. Company stock was trading at $8.74 at the market close on, 9 cents higher than Monday’s closing price of $8.65. The stock has traded at a low of $6 and a high of $9.59 in the past year.