Plextek Joins the Mentor Graphics FPGA Partner Program

WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 2003--Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced Plextek, a leading electronics design consultancy, has joined its FPGA Advantage Solutions Thrust (FAST) Partner Program, successfully expanding the program's reach in Europe.

As a FAST Partner Program partner, Plextek will receive access to the Mentor Graphics(R) FPGA Advantage(R) tool suite, the only integrated solution for FPGA design featuring tools for design creation, debug, simulation and synthesis. The program will also provide Plextek with best-in-class field-programmable gate array (FPGA) design methodologies, training and certifications from Mentor Consulting, the professional services division of Mentor Graphics.

"The FPGA design expertise offered by Plextek is recognized by the leading programmable silicon vendors," said Ian Murphy, technical director, Plextek. "Therefore, this alliance is very welcome as it cements our FPGA expertise and capabilities and will further enhance the design solutions offered to our clients."

Formed in 1989 Plextek has grown to be one of the largest independent electronics design consultancies in Europe, offering design services to the communications, defense, industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) markets. The company has established a skill base covering the needs of both system and product design, particularly those including radio or high frequency design techniques.

"Mentor Graphics is committed to providing designers with completely interoperable tool flows that manage the complexity of today's FPGA designs," said Joe Gabris, manager, Mentor Consulting Europe, Mentor Graphics. "As FPGA design increases throughout Europe, design experts are needed to help companies transitioning to an FPGA design methodology learn the best tools, flows and practices. In partnering with Plextek, we are helping to supply the market with highly qualified design partners."

The Mentor Graphics FPGA portfolio includes best-in-class tools and services for co-verification, embedded software, PCB and FPGA integration, and intellectual property. These solutions enable design partners to provide their customers with the most comprehensive tools and services available to help them overcome time, market and design pressures.

Participation in the FAST Partner Program is available for a small initiation fee and subject to renewal after one year. More information on Mentor's FAST Partner Program is available at www.mentor.com/consulting/fpga_partners.

About Plextek Limited

Plextek is one of the largest independent electronics design consultancies in Europe, specialising in communications. Established in 1989 and now with over 90 staff we are one of the leading consultancies in our field. Plextek's design capabilities span the range from design and technology studies through to complete product and system design making use of skills which cover radio, hardware, software, optoelectronics, FPGAs, ASIC, RFIC and DSP. We have developed optical telecom and datacom systems, GSM, GPRS, DECT, 3G PMR, Bluetooth and data/telemetry systems, wireless local-loop system and vehicle location systems. Plextek is an approved supplier to a range of government departments and utilities including the DTI, MOD and the Home Office. Company address: Plextek Limited, London Road, Great Chesterford, Essex, CB10 1NY, UK. World wide web: www.plextek.com.

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $650 million and employs approximately 3,500 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777; Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, California 95131-2314. World Wide Web site: www.mentor.com.

Mentor Graphics and FPGA Advantage are registered trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Mentor Graphics
             Leanne White, 503-685-1984                             
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             Suzanne Graham, 503-685-7789            
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