Faraday and Arrow Electronics Enter ASIC Design and Distribution Partnership Agreement

World Leader in Electronic Distribution Combined with Innovative Fabless ASIC Model Promise to Propel Renewed Growth in ASIC Business
 
Hsinchu, Taiwan and Sunnyvale, California -- August 21, 2006 -- The North American Components (NAC) business of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) and Faraday Technology (TAIEX: 3035), a leading ASIC provider, announced today they have entered into a franchise and distribution agreement. Effective immediately, customers will have access to Faraday’s ASIC and structured ASIC technologies through Arrow’s North American sales and design centers.
 
“We are extremely excited to add Faraday into our Custom Logic Solutions services model” said Chris Miller, director, Customer Logic Solutions group (formerly ASIC Business Group), Arrow North America Components. “Faraday’s vast portfolio of silicon proven IP, successful track record of more than 300 tape-outs annually and commitments to innovative products gives Arrow the opportunity to broaden our customer reach. Furthermore, Faraday’s unique relationship with leading chip manufacturing partners will offer the flexibility and competitive advantage that our customers are looking for.”
 
The agreement addresses two of the biggest issues facing ASIC business worldwide, especially in North America. With Faraday as a partner, Arrow gains a cost competitive and broader ASIC product line, while with Arrow, Faraday finally has the reach it needs to scale up its design wins.
 
“We are very delighted with the strategic partnership with Arrow Electronics, an unsurpassed leader in semiconductor device distribution,” said Charlie Cheng, vice president, International Business, Faraday Technology. “Arrow brings to the partnership access to more than 40,000 customers in North America, a worldwide logistics model and a very capable design center infrastructure. Together, we’ll be able to reach customers in many locations and market segments that we would otherwise not be able to serve effectively.”

About Arrow Electronics

The North American Components (NAC) business of Arrow Electronics, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductors and passive, electromechanical, and connector products, services, and supply chain solutions tailored to serve distinct customer segments with dedicated sales teams. Three primary, customer-focused NAC groups serve these market segments: The Arrow/Zeus Electronics Group targets the aerospace and military markets; the Arrow Electronics Components Group serves local OEM and contract manufacturing customers; and the Arrow Alliance Group focuses on large customers with complex needs.
Arrow’s Custom Logic Services Group is a dedicated Sales, Marketing and Engineering Group within Arrow focused on Customer Designs from FPGA to ASIC technology.
Arrow Electronics, Inc. (www.arrow.com) is a major global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products.

About Faraday Technology Corporation

Faraday Technology Corporation is a leading silicon IP and fabless ASIC vendor spun-off from United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) in 1993. The company's broad IP portfolio includes cell libraries, memory compilers, 32-bit RISC CPUs, DSPs, MPEG4, H.264, PHYs/Controllers for USB 2.0, Ethernet, Serial ATA, PCI Express, etc. With more than 650 employees and 2005 revenue of US$175 million, Faraday is one of the largest fabless ASIC companies in the Asia-Pacific region, and it also has significant presences worldwide. Headquartered in Taiwan, Faraday has service and support offices around the world, including the U.S., Japan, Europe, and China. For more information, please visit: www.faraday-tech.com