Agilent Buys Xpedion

PALO ALTO, Calif. and MILPITAS, Calif. -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A - News) and Xpedion Design Systems, Inc. today announced they have signed a definitive agreement for Agilent to acquire Xpedion, a privately held company that provides software for wireless and high-speed digital circuit and systems design in the communications industry. The transaction is subject to standard closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.

The combined passion, technology and capabilities of these industry-leading companies will drive innovation and continue to solve the challenging problems faced by radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) designers.

These challenges are now more evident than ever as consumer-oriented RFICs have moved to RF CMOS technology with higher integration, requiring more complete verification methodologies. Xpedion is recognized as a leading solution provider for RF CMOS verification and design for manufacturing.

"Increasingly, designers are finding that their high-performance RFIC designs are under-characterized," said Jim McGillivary, vice president and general manager of Agilent's EEsof EDA division. "The result is too many foundry turns and poor yield. Agilent is recognized as the leader in RF design and simulation, with proven breadth and depth. By adding Xpedion's products to our portfolio, we will be able to increase our emphasis on Design Verification and DFM, giving our customers an indispensable design flow covering RFIC design, Design Verification and DFM."

"Xpedion's outstanding development team will give Agilent an unbeatable, world-class group of scientists committed to innovation," said Larry Lerner, R&D manager at Agilent's EEsof EDA Division.

"Xpedion's and Agilent EEsof's combined technologies are used by almost all key companies designing RFICs," said Pete Rodriguez, Xpedion chief executive officer. "We are pleased to join forces with Agilent because of our shared vision to provide innovative solutions and unparalleled support."

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A)