Mentor Graphics Board of Directors Affirms Commitment to Strategic Plan

Board Determines Icahn Entities’ $17 Per Share Proposal Undervalues the Company and Its Future Prospects and is Not in the Best Interest of Mentor Shareholders

WILSONVILLE, Ore.-- March 28, 2011--Mentor Graphics Corp. (NASDAQ: MENT) today announced that its Board of Directors has determined that the continued execution of the company’s strategic plan offers the greatest value to Mentor Graphics shareholders. In reaching its unanimous decision, the Board concluded that the $17 per share proposal made by Carl Icahn and certain of his affiliated entities (“Icahn Entities”) undervalues the company and its future prospects. The Board also determined that Icahn’s proposal that Mentor put itself up for sale to a strategic buyer entails significant commercial and regulatory risk and is therefore not in the best interest of the company and Mentor’s shareholders.

“Our Board believes that the continued execution of our strategic plan offers the greatest value to Mentor shareholders and that it will drive further growth and continued success,” said Walden C. Rhines, CEO and chairman of Mentor. “Our fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, was a record year for Mentor and we expect our positive momentum to continue in the current fiscal year and beyond. Our share price has grown by more than 70 percent over the last year, for a two year aggregate growth of approximately 200 percent, significantly outperforming our peer group and the market. We will continue to focus on market-leading positions in traditional Electronic Design Automation markets and new EDA adjacent markets while maintaining rigorous cost controls and balanced investments. These outstanding results and our strong projections demonstrate that our strategy is working.”

The Board confirmed that it remains open to any opportunity to enhance shareholder value.

The Board noted, however, that when Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS) made an unsolicited proposal to acquire the Company in 2008, the Company undertook an analysis of the regulatory risks inherent to any combination with Cadence or Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS), the two companies that could be logical strategic buyers. That analysis demonstrated serious regulatory risks associated with a combination with either Cadence or Synopsys. The company has updated its analysis in connection with Mr. Icahn’s proposal that the company be put up for sale. The updated analysis shows that serious regulatory risks persist. The Board also noted that any discussions concerning a combination with Cadence or Synopsys entail risks to the growth and stability of the company’s customer base and the company’s relationship with its employees. This could result in serious adverse effects if discussions are commenced but a transaction is not completed. Accordingly, while the Board remains open to proposals from third parties that enhance shareholder value, it has determined that this is not the time to put the company up for sale.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. is serving as financial advisor to Mentor Graphics and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel.

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ: MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world’s most successful electronic, semiconductor and systems companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $915 million. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.

Information Regarding Participants

The company, its directors and certain of its executive officers and employees identified in its preliminary proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 15, 2011 may be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the 2011 Annual Meeting. Information about the directors and other individuals and their interests is available in the preliminary proxy statement (and will be available in the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC), a free copy of which may be obtained as described above.