Autodesk Announces Intent to Acquire Kynogon SA, Leader in Artificial Intelligence Middleware for Videogames
20 February 2008 - Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kynogon SA, the privately held maker of Kynapse artificial intelligence middleware. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Kynapse has been used to develop more than 65 AAA game titles, including Alone in the Dark 5, Crackdown, Fable 2 and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar. Kynapse gives characters spatial awareness, enabling them to realistically navigate digital environments.
"The future of videogames is about sophisticated game play, with more believable characters and environments," said Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "Our goal is to simplify videogame development by providing cutting-edge tools to create, animate and integrate 3D assets into game engines. The acquisition of Kynogon is a key component in reaching this goal."
Petit added, "Videogame technology is the beachhead for real-time simulation applications and advanced computing. In addition to game development, Kynogon's products are being used for defence and security simulations, such as mission planning and military operations on urban terrain."
Autodesk expects the acquisition to be completed within the next three months. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Autodesk will provide further details about the acquisition once the transaction has closed. For more information please visit www.autodesk.com/kynogon.
Business Outlook
This transaction is expected to decrease targeted GAAP earnings per diluted share by $0.01 to $0.02 in fiscal 2009. Excluding in-process R&D expenses and the amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles, this transaction is expected to have no impact on targeted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for fiscal 2009.
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 per share, 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 31 January 2007, and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended 31 October 2007 which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Kynogon SA
Kynogon develops and markets Kynapse, a unique artificial intelligence engine. Kynapse is used by the world's leading game developers such as Electronic Arts, Activision, Bethesda Softworks, Lionhead Studios, Midway, Real Time Worlds, SEGA, Sony Online Entertainment, Spark Unlimited, THQ and Turbine, for the development of their AAA titles. Kynapse has also been selected by industry leaders such as EADS and British Aerospace Systems as their preferred artificial intelligence solution. For more information please visit www.kynogon.com.
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualise, simulate and analyse real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.
Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
® 2008 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
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