Mentor Graphics Selects Benjamin Group and ShaferAdvertising as Agency Partners to Strengthen...

WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 1999--Mentor Graphics Corp. (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced that, in line with strategy to strengthen its brand image in the Electronic Design Automation (EDA) industry while building market share, it will partner with two well-respected communication

The Benjamin Group will provide public relations counsel and Shafer Advertising will develop and execute advertising programs for Mentor Graphic's corporate and product divisions.

"Mentor Graphics is re-staking our claim to market and technology leadership as we outgrow the competition," said Anne Wagner, vice president of marketing for Mentor Graphics. "The Benjamin Group and Shafer Advertising are both stand-out choices, well-versed in the EDA and semiconductor industries, with creative, can-do attitudes. We're looking forward to great success together."

"The Benjamin Group has its roots in EDA and a rich background in semiconductors," said Sheri Benjamin, president and CEO. "We are very pleased to partner with Mentor Graphics and contribute to strengthening its brand image in this dynamic industry."

"The semiconductor industry is on the verge of a seminal shift in the way ICs are designed and deployed," said Chip Shafer, CEO. "Mentor Graphics is poised for leadership in this new era, and we are thrilled to be on their team."

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corp. (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products and consulting services for the world's largest electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of $490 million and employs approximately 2,600 people worldwide.

Company headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, OR 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com.

About The Benjamin Group

The Benjamin Group delivers strategic public relations and marketing counsel, and partners with clients to deliver Communication that Connects with pivotal industry, business and consumer audiences. The Northern California office is the second largest public relations firm in the Silicon Valley as ranked by the Silicon Valley Business Journal; the Southern California office was recently named the third largest public relations firm as ranked by the Orange County Business Journal.

For the second consecutive year, Working Mother magazine named the Benjamin Group one of the "100 Best Companies in America for Working Mothers."

About Shafer Advertising

One of the premier marketing communications partners for leading information age companies, Shafer provides fully integrated strategic marketing services including advertising and public relations as well as interactive media services.

Shafer has offices in Irvine and San Francisco, and employs fifty-five full-time employees. Shafer's Irvine office is located at 18200 Von Karman Ave., 8th Floor, Irvine, CA 92612. The San Francisco address is 170 Maiden Lane, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94108. Both offices can be reached toll-free at 800/503-1177. Shafer's Web site is located www.shafer.net.