Autodesk to Buy Vision Solutions

Autodesk Inc., the No. 1 maker of design software for use in personal computers, agreed to buy MCI Systemhouse Corp.’s Irvine-based Vision Solutions division for $26 million in cash to develop its mapping software. Autodesk, which makes software used by architects, engineers and designers to create construction plans, industrial products and digital images, said the acquisition would mean an increase in revenue of as much as $18 million in fiscal 2000. San Rafael, Calif.-based Autodesk had 1998 sales of $617.1 million. Autodesk shares fell 13 cents to close at $24.94 on Nasdaq.