Poing – 3rd March 2008

Both companies look back on 25 years of successful cooperation

Avnet Memec, the highly specialised semiconductor distributor of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, and NEC Electronics Europe, a leading developer and supplier of semiconductor products in Europe, are celebrating their 25th anniversary. Through this long successful cooperation especially in the customer-specific MCU and ASIC business and its competent and qualified contacts, Avnet Memec has been able to establish long-term trusted customer relationships.

Over 600 different MCU mask versions and more than 200 developed ASICs and satisfied customers underline this effective connection between the companies. The need for a permanent extensive redesign of applications will be minimized for the customer based on the high quality standard, a long guaranteed availability of products and a competent phase out procedure.

Some Highlights during 25 years of success:

• Gate Arrays have been delivered since 1986 – nowadays they are just lead free
• Realizing Gate Arrays in new technologies at a lower cost with the same functions
• Discontinued components are available in silicon for another 10 years with function compatibility
• 2.5 million submitted controllers per year without any complaints

"We are proud of this long and successful partnership", says Frank Stephan, Regional Vice President Central Europe Avnet Memec. "The NEC Electronics products are a very important and established family for us. We are looking forward to continuing this relationship."

"Over the years Avnet Memec has proven its dedication to our products and has successfully established our products in the market. We are pleased to have them on board", adds Rainer Bechem, Director of Sales for the Industrial and Distribution Business Unit, NEC Electronics Europe.

Historical Background of the franchise agreement with NEC Electronics Europe:
The franchise agreement with NEC Electronics for active components started in 1982 with Rein Elektronik. At the beginning of the 90s Rein Elektronik was acquired by VEBA AG and was established later as a separate company under the brand name Memec.

In 2007 Avnet Inc. bought Memec and merged it with its division WBC to Avnet Memec.

Avnet Memec, an independent business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, is a highly specialised semiconductor distributor, operating on a pan-European basis and employing a significant number of engineers to support customers’ design efforts. Avnet Memec specialises in highly innovative suppliers and technologies, which will help a variety of customers to differentiate their designs. Its area of specialisation extends from Analog and Microcontrollers to RF, Datacom and Networking. The business unit operates out of 30 offices in 17 European countries and represents major semiconductor franchises on a pan-European basis. Its many major supplier partners include Cirrus Logic, Lattice, Marvell, NEC, Silicon Laboratories.