Autodesk acquires Alias

Autodesk today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Alias for $182 million in cash. This acquisition will grow Autodesk’s expertise and offerings for the design of consumer products and automotive as well as in the media and entertainment markets. Autodesk anticipates that the transaction will close within the next four to six months.

"This acquisition brings to Autodesk a highly talented group of individuals, a wealth of technologies and a great set of products," said Carl Bass, COO of Autodesk. "Alias’ technology spans several of our most important markets and augments the synergy between our design and media businesses. Our design customers are demanding more powerful visualization, animation and publishing capabilities. Our media and entertainment customers are increasingly using the data created by our design applications for broadcast, film and games projects. By combining the technology and talents of our two companies, we will be better able to continue delivering solutions that address our customers’ complex needs."

The acquisition is subject to a number of closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Targeted non-GAAP EPS for this transaction, which excludes in-process R&D expenses, acquisition-related restructuring costs, equity-based compensation expenses, and the reduction of deferred revenues assumed by Autodesk as required by US GAAP, is expected to be slightly accretive to earnings in fiscal 2007. Autodesk is currently unable to provide estimates of the future impact of this transaction on GAAP earnings per share. Absent the impact of the acquisition, Autodesk has not changed any of its previously issued guidance.