Avnet Named as One of Forbes’ Largest Global Companies

Only Technology Distributor in Top 1000

PHOENIX -- Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a global technology marketing, distribution and services company, has joined the ranks of the world’s 1000 largest companies as reported by Forbes magazine, which debuted its Global 2000 list in 2004. Moving up from #1040 in 2007 to #949 in 2008, the Forbes Global 2000 are public companies with the top composite scores based on their rankings for sales, profits, assets and market value.

“In the last decade Avnet has emerged as the global leader in technology distribution,” said Avnet Chairman and CEO Roy Vallee. “Making it into Forbes’ top 1000, which is based on several important financial metrics and not just sales, further demonstrates that we are leading our industry in the value delivered to our key constituents-customers, suppliers, employees and shareholders. There’s no doubt that we’ve been able to grow profitably based on the contributions and hard work of our talented and dedicated employees around the globe, and I want to sincerely congratulate them on this rewarding recognition. I’m very proud of the fact that we were the only technology distributor to make it into the top 1000.”

For more information about the Forbes Global 2000, please visit www.forbes.com.