Mentor Graphics Selects Memec Design to Distribute Inventra Intellectual Property for FPGAs

WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 2003--Mentor Graphics Corp. (Nasdaq:MENT) today selected Memec Design to distribute a selection of its Inventra(TM) Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio for use in FPGA silicon. Memec Design, the engineering division of global semiconductor distributor, the Memec Group, will provide customization and integration services for the Inventra IP. Through this agreement, FPGA designers now have a single source for both FPGA silicon and IP needs. The Mentor Graphics(R) Inventra IP cores will be available as targeted netlists and source code for various FPGA product lines. Mentor Graphics selected Memec Design due to its reputation and expertise as a leading distributor of FPGA technologies, its infrastructure to support the IP needs of FPGA designers, and its global presence.

"To expedite time-to-market for even the most complex designs requires that our customers have convenient access to a full line of silicon and IP solutions," said Greg Provenzano, CEO, Memec Americas. "The Mentor Graphics Inventra IP cores are pre-verified and standards-based, giving our mutual customers the highest confidence in the core integration process, even considering extreme time constraints inherent to new product introduction."

The distribution agreement with Memec provides designers with a single source for silicon, intellectual property and design services. Memec provides engineering expertise for complete chip through systems design. With an advanced solution portfolio that includes intellectual property, engineering assistance, reference boards, software consultation, and specialized tool solutions, Memec Design addresses the diverse needs of the programmable logic market.

"Our customers will benefit greatly from this collaboration. Mentor Graphics is an experienced IP supplier with a broad library of cores, and Memec is very experienced at targeting IP for Xilinx FPGAs to create efficient and effective solutions," said Jerry Banks, Xilinx director of Global Alliances. "These combined resources will result in a wider variety of quality, optimized FPGA cores and expert support -- the critical elements required to assure success for our common customers."

"With FPGA device complexity continually on the increase, it is paramount to have pre-verified, standards-based IP solutions that designers can easily integrate in designs, to ensure that the productivity benefits of FPGAs are preserved," said Michael Kaskowitz, general manager of the Inventra Intellectual Property division. "Memec has a solid infrastructure and strong experience for delivering IP, and Mentor Graphics is excited to be a part of one of the strongest distribution channels in the FPGA industry."

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 is a registered trademark and Inventra is a trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Mentor Graphics, Wilsonville 
             Larry Toda, 503-685-1664                              
             larry_toda@mentor.com                   
             or   
             Suzanne Graham, 503-685-7789             
             suzanne_graham@mentor.com