Autodesk Announces Intent to Acquire Moldflow, Leading Provider of Injection Molding Simulation Software

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), a leader of design innovation software and technologies, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Moldflow (Nasdaq: MFLO), a leading provider of software solutions that allow designers to predict and optimize how plastic components will perform during each phase of the design and manufacture process.

This agreement demonstrates Autodesk’s commitment to provide a comprehensive Digital Prototyping solution to manufacturers of all sizes, giving them the ability to optimize, validate and improve their designs earlier in the process.

Autodesk will acquire Moldflow for per share, or approximately 7 million, less the amount of Moldflow’s cash balance at the time of closing and proceeds from options exercises.

Autodesk Announces Intent to Acquire Moldflow, Leading Provider of Injection Molding Simulation Software

Deal Would Expand Autodesk Digital Prototyping in Plastic Parts Markets

San Rafael, Calif., May 1, 2008 — Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), a leader of design innovation software and technologies, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Moldflow (Nasdaq: MFLO), a leading provider of software solutions that allow designers to predict and optimize how plastic components will perform during each phase of the design and manufacture process. The transaction will be structured as a cash tender offer for all the outstanding shares of Moldflow common stock, is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2008.

    

This agreement demonstrates Autodesk’s commitment to provide a comprehensive Digital Prototyping solution to manufacturers of all sizes, giving them the ability to optimize, validate and improve their designs earlier in the process. The acquisition will make analysis capabilities for plastics manufacturing available to manufacturers using Autodesk Digital Prototyping solution. Autodesk is committed to supporting Moldflow customers once the transaction is closed and integrating them into the Autodesk manufacturing community.

Autodesk will acquire Moldflow for $22 per share, or approximately $297 million, less the amount of Moldflow’s cash balance at the time of closing and proceeds from options exercises. Headquartered in Framingham, Mass., Moldflow has research and development offices in Melbourne, Australia, and Ithaca, N.Y., as well as sales offices in various geographies around the world. Moldflow has 285 employees and reported revenues for its fiscal 2007 of $55.9 million.

“Moldflow is a leader in computer integrated manufacturing and brings strong analysis and simulation capabilities to our Digital Prototyping solution,” said Carl Bass, Autodesk president and CEO. “Their strong brand recognition will further enhance our leadership in Digital Prototyping by bringing best-of-class simulation and optimization into our portfolio. The products of Autodesk and Moldflow are very complementary, and combining our product lines will expand the product offerings available to Autodesk’s customers.”

“We see strong synergies between Moldflow and Autodesk and are very excited about this transaction,” said Roland Thomas, president and CEO, Moldflow. “By combining Autodesk’s and Moldflow’s complementary product offerings, we can provide a wide and advanced range of software solutions to allow customers to address the challenges involved in the designing and manufacturing of injection molded plastic parts. The combined product capabilities for analysis and simulation will provide a fully optimized digital process for part design, tool design and part production, helping companies reduce their product development costs and increase their time to market.”

The underlying strength of Autodesk’s business remains strong.  Absent the impact of this acquisition, the company is not changing any of its previously issued guidance.

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 visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation.

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.

About Moldflow

Moldflow (Nasdaq: MFLO) is the leading provider of plastics simulation software that empowers more users to optimize more designs across their enterprise from the earliest stages of new product development.  Moldflow products benefit anyone involved in the design or manufacture of plastics injection molded parts including industrial designers, mechanical design engineers, CAE analysts, mold designers, mold makers, process engineers and manufacturing engineers.  

Moldflow is a registered trademark of Moldflow.

Source - http://www.moldflow.com/,
Autodesk Announces Intent to Acquire Moldflow