Agilent Technologies Signs Agreement to Acquire Xpedion Design Systems, a Leading Provider of RFIC Simulation and Verification Software


PALO ALTO and MILPITAS, Calif., July 27, 2006 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) 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."

About Xpedion Design Systems, Inc.

Xpedion Design Systems, Inc. is a leader in advanced RFIC simulation technology. Its GoldenGate product enables RFIC designers to analyze their designs at the transistor level faster and more accurately. The benefits are measured in shorter design cycles, reduced silicon spins and higher-performing products. Xpedion is a member of the Ready for IBM Technology Program, Cadence Connections Program, the Mathworks Connections Program and the Platform Partners Program, and is a Sun Microsystems development partner. Xpedion's products are also available on the Red Hat Linux operating system. More information about Xpedion Design Systems, Inc. is available at www.xpedion.com.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.1 billion in fiscal year 2005. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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