WASHINGTON, May 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade

Commission said on Wednesday it will require two software

companies -Synopsys ( SNPS ) and Ansys ( ANSS )- to divest

certain assets to resolve antitrust concerns surrounding their

$35 billion merger.

The proposed divestiture will preserve competition across

several software tool markets that are critical for the design

of semiconductors and light simulation devices, according to the

commission.

The FTC added that it will help protect consumers from

higher input prices for cars, phones and other items.

Synopsys ( SNPS ) is a leading developer and supplier used to

design semiconductors, while Ansys ( ANSS ) provides simulation software

tools used for testing products including semiconductors.

During an earnings call earlier on Wednesday, Synopsys ( SNPS )

CEO Sassine Ghazi said the company has regulatory clearances in

all jurisdictions excluding China.

"We are working cooperatively and actively negotiating

... to secure China regulatory clearance and we continue to

anticipate closing in the first half of this year," Ghazi said.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward; editing by Costas Pitas)