Autodesk, Inc. 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 visualisations 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 graphics communication software provider delivering advanced technology used to produce believable, highly interactive and realistic 3D digital product visualisations 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 visualisation 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 Communication. “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.
