I wonder if a merger between Synopsys and Avant! is a possibility. It'll probably make a lot of sense because Synopsys could
then be in a position to offer the complete design flow--front-end and back-end. It could put it in a much stronger position than
Cadence. CAdence has a strong back-end presence right now but Avant! is quickly moving in on their turf. An integrated flow should
help customers and give SNPS the clout to shape the direction of SOC initiatives. All this should translate into rising stock
price!! If you read between the lines, a press release today seems to suggest that the two companies are "courting" each other.
EDA industry has been consolidating for many years now. Smaller players tend to get gobbled up by Cadence or Synopsys. Recent examples: CCT, Epic, Viewlogic, Compass,etc. If the legal cloud hanging over Avant! is lifted, it sure smells like a perfect fit for Synopsys. Anyone care to comment or offer any insights???
P.S. Do your due dilligence