Mat,

Thanks for detailing the difference between, mergers and acquisitions :p

Arch> Your point is fair, but misplaced. Alias and Wavefront became Alias-Wavefront (a merger). Alias became Autodesk, an acquisition. Both are handled totally differently. Granted the takeover was beneficial (financially) to Ailias, but thats about it. I dont think any Alias staff hold key positions at Autodesk now.

For a better mutual takeover read up on the Disney/Pixar move. Disney prematurely end the 10 yr contract with Pixar. 6 months later Disney own Pixar (for a hefty fee). I wonder why the contract was ended then, hmmm...:p But from this John Lasseter is now CEO of Disney. Pixar are safe as John was was of its founding members.

The above is not the case for Alias, if no ex Alias staff are in key positions in Autodesk Inc. they are unable to look after the best interests of the software or customers.