Autodesk announced its intent to acquire substantially all of the assets of Germany-based ECS from Mensch und Maschine Deutschland GmbH, a member of the Mensch und Maschine group, on August 20, 2008.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Further enhancing the Autodesk solution for Digital Prototyping with software that relies on database-driven methods for controls system design, ECSCAD software complements AutoCAD Electrical software, which is used to quickly create accurate schematic-based designs.  As both product lines are built on the AutoCAD platform, Autodesk will be positioned to enhance functionality and performance for both ECSCAD and AutoCAD Electrical customers and to offer even more powerful tools for a broad range of electrical controls designers.

"The acquisition of the ECSCAD technology extends Autodesk's leadership in Digital Prototyping and will allow European electrical design engineers to integrate both mechanical and electrical designs, offering the best of both worlds of database and drawing-based technology," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions senior vice president.  "We welcome ECS employees and customers to Autodesk."

About Mensch und Maschine Software

Mensch und Maschine Software SE (M+M) is a leading European supplier of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software with locations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, UK, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Romania, USA, Japan and APAC.  M+M's diversified product range includes CAD/CAM solutions in different price / performance areas for key industries (e.g. mechanical and electrical engineering, architecture, geography).  The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Wessling near Munich.  In 2007, group sales of EUR 212.9 million were achieved with 327 employees.  M+M is listed on the Prime Segment of Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

About Elektro-CAE-Software

ECS was founded in 1993 and is located in Donzdorf, Germany.  Formerly part of the M+M group of companies, ECS is one of the leading suppliers of database oriented ECAD systems for the mechanical engineering, energy supply, and plant construction market.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a 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.  For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com