LONDON - Design automation group Mentor Graphics has purchased an additional stake in fluid flow simulation specialist the Flomerics Group, increasing its investment to near 26%.

Mentor bought a 20% stake late last week, acquiring its initial holding in Flomerics from Pricap Venture Partners AG. On March 18th, Flomerics reported that Bluehone Investors LLP had sold its approximate 6% share in the company to Mentor.

Mentor has since confirmed in a stock exchange filing that it now holds a 25.77% stake in Flomerics. There is speculation that Mentor could be looking to acquire the company.

"Mentor Graphics has been investing in thermal analysis for years as part of our printed circuit board design business. It is a growing and important area of design. We see this as another strategic investment in this space," commented Mentor's Ry Schwark.