Autodesk Acquires Numenus Ray Tracing Technology

German-Firm Technology to Enhance Autodesk Visualization Capabilities with Interactive, Highly Accurate Rendering Technology

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — August 25, 2011 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced today that it has acquired certain technology related assets from Numenus GmbH, a software provider of high-end visualization technology used to efficiently render and review 3D datasets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2009 and based in Koblenz, Germany, Numenus specializes in interactive rendering directly from NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) data to provide instant, photorealistic design renderings for designers, engineers and marketing professionals. As a result of the acquisition, Autodesk software users should gain more accurate visualization of surfaces and spend less time preparing quality visualization data.

“High-end, instantaneous visualization capabilities are a necessity in the world of design,” said Andrew Anagnost, vice-president of suites, Web services and subscription at Autodesk. “Combining advanced ray tracing technology with powerful visual communication tools transforms how designers, engineers and marketing teams consume, review and share visual designs.”

The acquisition reflects Autodesk’s continuing commitment to provide a comprehensive Digital Prototyping solution to manufacturers of all sizes, giving them the ability to design, visualize and simulate their products before they are built. The addition of the Numenus technology will specifically strengthen Autodesk’s ability to address high fidelity visualization for technical surfacing and advanced design reviews as part of Autodesk’s commitment to automotive design workflows.

Numenus’ founders are now part of Autodesk.

Business Outlook

This transaction is expected to have no impact on guidance issued on August 18, 2011.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including the impact of the acquisition on Autodesk's financial results, statements regarding product and service offerings and plans, product capabilities and Autodesk's commitment to the Numenus technology and its users. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: difficulties integrating and further developing Numenus’ technology; whether certain market segments grow as anticipated; the competitive environment in the software industry and competitive responses to the acquisition; and whether Autodesk can successfully develop new products and services or modify existing products and services 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 annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2011, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2011, which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Autodesk does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries – including the last 16 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects – use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Showcase, and Opticore are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.