Roper Technologies ROP recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire PowerPlan — a major provider of software and solutions from private equity firm, Thoma Bravo. This $1.1 billion all-cash deal is expected to close in the second quarter.PowerPlan is a provider of software solutions for asset-centric businesses. This Atlanta, GA-based company’s well-recognized software platform, which integrates detailed financial and operational data, helps in the optimization of customers’ financial performance and reduces compliance risk.Existing Business ScenarioRoper holds a dominant position in most markets where it operates. Additionally, the company has an optimum mix of highly engineered, niche-oriented products that helps it to gain market share. Although Roper operates in a cyclical business environment, its diversified revenue stream has helped the company to counter the headwinds. We believe that Roper’s innovative product pipeline will be a major catalyst over the long term.Moreover, the company’s unique asset-light business model allows it to remain less dependent on large-scale production equipment. This enables the company to remain profitable even when sales decline during recession. Notably, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has gained 7.9% in the past six months, outperforming the industry’s increase of 0.5%.Roper’s ardent eye for acquisitions is anticipated to strengthen its business and gain market share. In this regard, the ConstructConnect and the Deltek buyouts are worth mentioning as these acquisitions have reinforced the company’s software and network businesses. We believe that the successful integration of the acquisitions should supplement Roper’s top-line performance, moving ahead.Other Stocks to ConsiderSome other top-ranked stocks from the same space are Graco Inc. GGG, IDEX Corp. IEX and Nordson Corp. NDSN. While Graco sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), IDEX and Nordson carry a Zacks Rank of 2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Graco surpassed estimates thrice in the trailing four quarters, with an average positive earnings surprise of 12.8%.IDEX outpaced estimates in the preceding four quarters, with an average positive earnings surprise of 3.1%.Nordson exceeded estimates thrice in the trailing four quarters, with an average positive earnings surprise of 3.9%.The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Roper Technologies, Inc. (ROP): Free Stock Analysis Report Graco Inc. (GGG): Free Stock Analysis Report Nordson Corporation (NDSN): Free Stock Analysis Report IDEX Corporation (IEX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.