Avnet, IBM announce ASIC distribution agreement

Avnet selected as first channel Business Partner to execute IBM ASIC design methodologies

Phoenix, AZ and East Fishkill, NY, March 11, 2004 - Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) and IBM today announced the extension of their distribution agreement to include IBM application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices and technology in North America.

Under the agreement, Avnet Inc., through Avnet Cilicon, the Americas-based semiconductor distribution specialist division of Avnet's largest operating group, Avnet Electronics Marketing, will provide engineering design services to customers to help accelerate the adoption of IBM ASIC products and to help reduce customers' time to market. The agreement covers ASIC products and technologies from IBM at the .18 micron and .25 micron technology nodes.

In addition, Avnet Inc., through Avnet Cilicon, will provide sales and marketing support for IBM ASIC products to its large distribution customer base, along with providing these customers access to Avnet's materials management capabilities for their particular supply chain requirements.

This announcement marks the first time that IBM has opened up its ASIC design methodologies for execution by a channel business partner. As a result, a broader array of customers will now be able to gain access to IBM industry-leading ASIC technology through Avnet Design Centers.

"The expansion of our existing, successful distribution agreement to now include IBM ASIC products and technology is a big win for Avnet and most importantly for the distribution customer base," said Jeff Ittel, president of Avnet Cilicon. "IBM has the world's leading ASIC products and methodologies, which are proven to enable designs that are right the first time and to help reduce time-to-market for its customers' products. These capabilities will now be widely available to the Avnet distribution customer base."

"Avnet is the leading distributor in this segment and brings over 20 years of experience in the ASIC business and over 1000 completed designs by our ASIC design center engineering team, whose services include architectural design, IP integration, verification, test, timing closure and physical layout," Ittel noted.

"This agreement represents a new business model for IBM and a significant opportunity for our ASIC business," said Tom Reeves, vice president, ASIC product group, IBM Systems and Technology Group. "Avnet offers an established customer base and technical design support via four dedicated Design Centers in North America that can help our ASIC business expand into new opportunities."

About IBM Microelectronics
IBM is a recognized innovator in the semiconductor industry, having been first with advances like more power-efficient copper wiring in place of aluminum and faster SOI and silicon germanium transistors. These and other innovations have contributed to IBM's standing as the number one U.S. patent holder for 11 consecutive years. More information about IBM semiconductors can be found at: http://www.ibm.com/chips.

About Avnet Cilicon
Avnet Cilicon is the semiconductor distribution specialist division of Avnet Electronics Marketing in the Americas, an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT). Avnet Cilicon combines semiconductor expertise, technical excellence and deep market knowledge to enhance time to revenue for all supply-chain partners in the electronics arena. Avnet Cilicon's core competencies include materials management, technical support through Avnet Design Services, logistics support through Avnet Supply Chain Services, and customer-centric, dedicated sales channels. Avnet Cilicon, combined with Avnet IP&E, Avnet's interconnect, passive and electromechanical component and services division, delivers Support Across the Board. For more information, visit http://www.em.avnet.com/semi.