Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Robobat

Acquisition Extends Autodesk's Leadership in Structural Engineering

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ADSK) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of
Robobat for approximately $42.5 million in USD cash subject to a working
capital adjustment. On November 15, 2007, Autodesk announced an agreement to
acquire Robobat, a privately-held company based in Grenoble, France, that
provides software for structural engineering analysis, design, and steel and
concrete detailing. The acquisition complements Autodesk's current structural
engineering software offerings and will help Autodesk provide a more complete
set of well integrated solutions to the structural engineering industry.
Autodesk's acquisition of Robobat supports the company's vision for
building information modeling (BIM) and will enable Autodesk to develop
structural analysis and detailing solutions that leverage the information at
the heart of BIM, from design to fabrication. Autodesk plans to continue
support for current Robobat products while working to develop new solutions
for structural engineering, detailing and analysis that incorporate both
Robobat and Autodesk technology.
"We're happy to welcome Robobat customers, partners, and employees to the
Autodesk community," said Jay Bhatt, Autodesk senior vice president,
architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). "And we're particularly
excited to integrate the Robobat technology with Revit Structure, which will
further extend the power of BIM to structural engineers, designers and
drafters around the world."
"Robobat is excited to join Autodesk and introduce our software to new
audiences around the world," said Andre Niznik, CEO, Robobat. "We also look
forward to incorporating Robobat and Autodesk technology to create innovative
new solutions for our structural engineering customers."
The combined company provides software to many of the world's leading
engineering firms including Arup, Buro Happold, Thorton-Tomasetti, WSP Cantor
Seinuk, and Walter P. Moore. Autodesk's structural engineering software has
been used on many high-profile projects including the Freedom Tower, Stade
de France, Shanghai South Rail Station, Athens Olympic Stadium, Millau
Viaduct, and the hangar for the Airbus A380 aircraft.
Safe Harbor Statement.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties, including statements regarding the impact of the
acquisition on Autodesk's earnings per share, product offerings and the
performance of its business. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially include the following: difficulties encountered in integrating
merged businesses; whether certain market segments grow as anticipated; the
competitive environment in the software industry and competitive responses to
the acquisition; and whether the companies can successfully develop new
products or modify existing products and the degree to which these gain market
acceptance.
Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial
results of Autodesk are included in the company's reports on Form 10-K for the
year ended January 31, 2007, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30,
2007 which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Business Outlook
This transaction is expected to decrease targeted GAAP earnings per
diluted share by $0.01 in fiscal 2008 and $0.01 in fiscal 2009. Excluding
in-process R&D expenses and the amortization of acquisition-related
intangibles, this transaction is expected to have no impact on targeted
non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for fiscal 2008 or fiscal 2009.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the
manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets.
Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the
broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help
customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies
rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world
performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance
quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk,
visit http://www.autodesk.com/.
Autodesk, AutoCAD and Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names,
product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk
reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time
without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors
that may appear in this document. (C) 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights
reserved.

Contact: Noah Cole, 415-200-6310
Email: noah.cole@autodesk.com

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SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Noah Cole of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-200-6310, noah.cole@autodesk.com