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.

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