Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) and Avid
Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID), announced that they have signed a
definitive agreement for Autodesk to acquire substantially all of the
assets of Avid's Softimage business unit for approximately $35 million.

Softimage was founded in 1986 by Daniel Langlois and is headquartered in
Montreal, Canada. Softimage develops 3D technology for the film, television
and games markets. Its flagship product is SOFTIMAGE|XSI, an extensible 3D
animation software solution used by leading media and entertainment
companies, including Digital Domain, Ubisoft, SEGA Corporation, CAPCOM,
Animal Logic and The Mill. Autodesk Media & Entertainment provides
animation, visual effects, editing/finishing and color grading solutions
for the 3D market, including entertainment and design industries.

“Softimage has been developing state-of-the-art 3D technology for more than
20 years, and its products are recognized as best-of-breed in the
entertainment industry,” said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk
Media & Entertainment. “Upon the completion of this acquisition we will be
adding Softimage technology and products to our portfolio, and welcoming
one of the most talented teams in the industry to Autodesk Media &
Entertainment. Both will help us accelerate the work of our Games
Technology Group, as we build the next-generation of real-time, interactive
3D authoring tools for games, film and television.”

Gary Greenfield, CEO and chairman of Avid Technology, added: “We are
excited about what this transaction means for customers of Softimage. The
Softimage 3D product line has performed well in the video games market, a
sector where Autodesk has a track record of success. Autodesk will provide
a great home for the business.”

Softimage Product Integration
Upon completion of the acquisition, Autodesk intends to continue developing
and selling Softimage’s core product line, while integrating certain
Softimage technology into future versions of Autodesk solutions and
products. Autodesk plans to acquire and continue developing the following
Softimage products:
– SOFTIMAGE|XSI: Including XSI Essentials, XSI Advanced, XSI Academic, XSI
Mod Tool and the XSI software development kit. XSI is production-proven 3D
animation software for games, film and television. It offers a complete 3D
modeling, animation, rendering and development environment for visual
effects and custom tools.
– SOFTIMAGE|Face Robot: A complete software solution for easily rigging and
animating 3D faces. Face Robot enables studios to create life-like facial
animation at incredible speeds.
– OFTIMAGE|Cat: This advanced character animation system is a plug-in for
Autodesk 3ds Max software. It is intended to be integrated into the 3ds Max
product line.
– SOFTIMAGE|Crosswalk: This interoperability solution is intended to be
integrated with Autodesk’s own interoperability technology.

Petit commented: “As we have demonstrated since the acquisition of Alias in
2006, we’re committed to giving our customers choice when it comes to their
3D tools. We plan to maintain and grow the Softimage product line, and
through Autodesk FBX provide better interoperability between Softimage
products, 3ds Max and Autodesk Maya. FBX also provides interoperability
between Softimage products and our specialized applications such as
Autodesk Mudbox, Autodesk MotionBuilder, Autodesk ImageModeler and Autodesk
Stitcher, as well as numerous third-party applications.”

Petit concluded: “At Autodesk, we care deeply about 3D technology; we know
users invest a lot of time and energy into mastering their favorite 3D
product. To all 3D artists out there, I want to tell you that we understand
your passion for the creative tools you use daily, and that with Autodesk,
you can choose your passion.”

For further information please visit www.autodesk.com/softimage.