Computer Graphics World

6 November 2008 Autodesk Signs Agreement with Avid to Buy Softimage Late last month, Autodesk and Avid Technology signed a defi nitive agreement for Autodesk to acquire substantially all the assets of Avid's Softimage business unit for approximately $35 million (see "Changing Hands," pg. 8). Softimage—which develops 3D technology for the fi lm, tele- vision, and games markets—was founded in 1986 by Daniel Langlois and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Its fl ag- ship product, Softimage XSI, is an extensible 3D animation software solution used by leading media and entertainment companies, including Digital Domain, Ubisoft, Sega, CapCom, Animal Logic, and The Mill. Meanwhile, Autodesk Media and Entertainment provides animation, visual effects, editing/fi nish- ing, and color-grading solutions for the 3D market, including entertainment and design industries. "Softimage has been developing state-of-the-art 3D technol- ogy for more than 20 years, and its products are recognized as best-of-breed in the entertainment industry," says Marc Petit, senior vice president, Autodesk Media and 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 and Entertainment. Both will help us acceler- ate the work of our Games Technology Group, as we build the next-generation of real-time, interactive 3D authoring tools for games, fi lm, and television." Gary Greenfi eld, CEO and chairman of Avid Technology, adds: "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 states that it intends to continue developing and selling Softimage's core product line, while integrating certain Softimage technology CGW_Half_HOR:CGW_Half_HOR 9/15/08 10:17 AM Page 1 Acquisition to accelerate Autodesk's games strategy; complements digital entertainment and visual communications offering

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