WILSONVILLE, Ore., March 18, 2010—Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ: MENT), the market and technology leader in electronic design automation (EDA) and systems analysis solutions, today announced completion of the acquisition of Valor Computerized Systems, Ltd. for net consideration valued at about $50 million. Mentor paid approximately 5.6 million shares of Mentor stock and $32.5 million in cash. Immediately prior to closing, Valor had cash of approximately $29 million. Valor’s revenues for its last reported full year ending December 31, 2008 were approximately $40 million.
Valor products are the world’s leading software for …

A little before 9am this morning, I had a great conversation with a PCB Designer in Ireland while also talking to a designer in Georgia.  No, I wasn’t in Ireland or Georgia, and no it wasn’t over the phone.  Instead we typed back and forth in a private chat, courtesy UP Media’s Virtual PCB show currently underway. Virtual Trade Shows are rising in popularity and I fully expect to see them more often in the future.  But as with anything, there are benefits and drawbacks depending on your role and …

A few weeks ago Morgan and I were doing a client visit, and had set up a table in the cafeteria of a large customer during lunchtime. It was a great opportunity for those who we currently work with to come and say hi, and also for co-workers to have an opportunity to learn about our services. We had a great time, and there was a lot of interest and great dialogue for the three hours we were there.
There was a particular moment, however, which really encouraged me …

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., USA, February 4, 2010 — Complacency with having survived the trials of 2009 is a naïve posture that, in 2010, will lead to continued struggles warns Walt Custer. The noted industry analyst and president of Custer Consulting Group will join IPC Director of Market Research Sharon Starr for the “Global Business Outlook: Where Do We Go Next?” keynote session at IPC APEX EXPO on Wednesday, April 7 in Las Vegas.
“If a company hasn’t been planning for the recovery,” Custer says, “it has considerable catching up to …

Doesn’t it drive you nuts when people chime in on your suffering with no encouragement, but rather, empty words? In Part 4, “It Could be Worse”, Marissa Oskarsen tells a story that exemplifies this occurrence. Enjoy!