Today Mentor Graphics signed an agreement to acquire Valor Computerized Systems. This acquisition gives Mentor a robust back end to an already impressive stable of systems design tools.

I guess it just goes to show that there are still acquisitions out there worth making. While I can’t confirm yet that the PCB Matrix library tools are included (it’s 10:30 pm EST right now), I’m assuming that it does. Talk about your soup to nuts: the only thing missing is to make the relationship with Downstream more formal and Mentor will have design covered from design entry to documentation and manufacturability.

While the deal is still subject to regulatory approval, it does not appear that there will be problems.

The deal is expected to close early in the first quarter of 2010. Stay tuned for more.
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For 15 years or so, I’ve had the privilege to be involved with Mentor Graphics’ Technology Leadership Awards as a judge, looking at boards and studying the stats and challenges these designers face. It is truly awesome to see some of the complications a good designer can overcome.

Mentor has been sponsoring the TLAs for 21 years, and deserves a pat on the back for doing so. They make a big deal out of focusing a spotlight on designers in the event and acknowledging the difficulties today’s designers face. To my knowledge, they are the only EDA vendor that does this type of event. If anyone else does anything like this, I wish they would let me know.

On Sept. 10 at 12 p.m. EST, UPMG will join Mentor in presenting an hour-long webinar announcing the winners of the 2009 Technology Leadership Awards. Support your fellow designers by registering and viewing the event. Here’s the link to register.