I’ve written before (1,2,3,4) about the success and momentum of Apache Design so it was no surprise to read in EE Times that they are positioning for an IPO.
Every quarter for the past several years I would read almost the same press release from Apache, “record sales, still profitable”. Apache is my favorite EDA poster child for success.
They’ve worked hard to carve out a niche for themselves in the EDA space. I think that they could add a few more point-tool companies and expand their product offerings even wider.
I’d love to see Apache merge with a company like SpringSoft because there is no product overlap and it could be good for the industry. Time will tell.
What is gained by SpringSoft and Apache merging? While their products don’t overlap, they also don’t compliment each other much.
Apache’s realm is in ASIC implementation. They would do better to look at guys in that field. Azuro, Oasys, Extreme-DA, etc. Or if Magma wanted to unload their DRC stuff, that would be a good complimentary product.
If we look back in EDA history at Mentor, Cadence and Synopsys they all grew through mergers of complimentary products. It’s just a financial way of bulking up in order to offer more tools to any given client and lock them in to your brand.
You are correct that there are plenty of other ASIC segment EDA companies that would also merge nicely with Apache DA.