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Autodesk Extends Visualization Leadership with Acquisition of Opticore AB

Visualization technology strengthens Autodesk's position as a strategic partner and supplier to the automotive design business

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., June 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire certain assets of Opticore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Design Communication, based in Gothenburg, Sweden that provides software for interactive and realistic 3D visualizations and presentations. The acquisition underscores Autodesk's continued drive to deliver solutions that support best-in-class designers and manufacturers and enable them to implement a complete Digital Prototyping solution.

Opticore is a premier graphics communication software provider delivering advanced technology used to produce believable, highly interactive and realistic 3D digital product visualizations and presentations. Opticore products leverage digital prototypes from computer-aided-design (CAD) and computer-aided-industrial-design (CAID) to reduce the need for physical prototypes, shorten development cycles and increase communication between designers, managers and customers.

Autodesk currently plans to continue the development of Opticore technology and supporting Opticore customers. Through the combination of Autodesk and Opticore expertise and technology, Autodesk will be able to deliver even more advanced visualization solutions by leveraging real-time ray tracing and a deep engineering knowledge base.

"The acquisition of Opticore technology is part of Autodesk's commitment to set the direction for Digital Prototyping and offer a complete solution across the Manufacturing industry," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, senior vice president, Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions. "By adding Opticore products, Autodesk intends to offer the most complete design visualization solution in the market, providing automotive and product designers the opportunity to select the most cutting edge visualization product that best meets their needs."

"Autodesk and Opticore products together will offer the market a superior visualization solution," says Stefan Hallin, Chairman of Design Communications. "Customers of both companies will benefit from this announcement."

Opticore customers include major automotive manufacturers in all continents as well as large manufacturers. Automotive clients include: AUDI AG, Ford Motor Company (with the brands Ford, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover), Hyundai, KIA, FAW, Brilliance Auto, Tata Motor, Mahindra Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, Honda and Nissan Mitsubishi. Consumer product and transportation customers include: Canon Inc, Philips Consumer, Nokia Mobile, Electrolux and Bombardier Trains. Opticore has almost 50 clients throughout Asia including all eight major automotive manufacturers in Japan.

Business Outlook

This transaction is expected to have no impact on targeted non-GAAP EPS for fiscal 2008. Non-GAAP EPS excludes in-process R&D expenses and the amortization of acquisition-related intangibles.

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, 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, 2006, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2006 which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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. 

www.autodesk.com

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