Autodesk Completes Acquisition of Blue Ridge Numerics, Inc.

CFdesign Simulation Software to Strengthen Autodesk Solution for Digital Prototyping

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — March 11, 2011 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced that it has completed the acquisition of Blue Ridge Numerics, Inc., a leading simulation software provider, for approximately $39 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. Autodesk announced its intent to purchase Blue Ridge Numerics on Feb. 17, 2011.

The addition of Blue Ridge Numerics’ CFdesign software will enhance the Autodesk solution for Digital Prototyping with powerful thermal and fluid flow simulation capabilities, enabling mechanical and building system engineers to virtually test and predict real-world behavior of designs and eliminate expensive physical prototyping cycles in the lab.

“Simulation is critical for product or building system designers to be successful and to compete more effectively,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “Autodesk customers can now better understand the impact of fluid flow and heat transfer on their designs before they are built, helping to improve quality and drive profitability.”

Business Outlook

This transaction is expected to have no impact on guidance issued on Feb. 24, 2011.

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 financial results, business performance and product offerings; and the impact of the combined product capabilities. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: difficulties encountered in integrating Blue Ridge Numerics’ business, including its customers, vendors and employees; costs related to the acquisition; whether certain market segments grow as anticipated; the competitive environment in the software industry and competitive responses to the acquisition; our success developing new products or modifying existing products and the degree to which these gain market acceptance; general market and business conditions; the timing and degree of expected investments in growth opportunities; failure to achieve; pricing pressure; failure to achieve continued cost reductions and productivity increases; changes in the timing of product releases and retirements; failure of key new applications to achieve anticipated levels of customer acceptance; failure to achieve continued success in technology advancements; interruptions or terminations in the business of our consultants or third-party developers; the expense and impact of legal or regulatory proceedings; and unanticipated impact of accounting for acquisitions.

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, 2010, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2010, 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 and CFdesign are registered 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. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

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