Kontron and Avnet Embedded expand franchise agreement to the UK

Avnet Embedded, an Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) company, today announced that its franchise with Kontron, the global leader of embedded computing technology, has been further extended to include the UK. Kontron’s vast portfolio of embedded computing technology solutions is already represented by Avnet Embedded in France and the Nordic regions through longstanding relationships with Axess Technology and Trident, both Avnet Embedded businesses. This newly extended relationship will provide Avnet Embedded with access to Kontron’s entire range of embedded computing solutions broadening its offering to embedded designers throughout the UK. An agreement covering Italy was recently announced. The franchise agreement with Kontron is also covered globally including America through Avnet Electronics Marketing.

According to Jürgen Grabow, Vice President of EMEA Sales, Kontron, "This new agreement extends our relationship with Avnet Embedded to most of the major markets in Europe. Their energy, focus and customer-centric approach, based on strong technical know-how have been extremely productive in Italy, France and the Nordic region. Their UK team has demonstrated that they can replicate this performance."

"We are very excited about this opportunity and hope to continue the success in the UK we have achieved with the Kontron products in France and the Nordics," said Martin Brooks, vice president, Avnet Embedded. "Kontron is a key and strategic supplier of innovative world-class products for Avnet Embedded in Europe and this appointment shows that our relationship with them continues to grow and strengthen."

Trident and Axess Technology received awards in Kontron’s annual sales partner meeting for their excellent performance in 2008.

About Avnet Embedded
Avnet Embedded is a product business group within Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, an operating region of Avnet, Inc., (NYSE: AVT). Avnet Embedded was created to serve the industrial market with displays, embedded computing hardware, software, networking and wireless products. The group also provides customers with finished or customised products and training, system integration and ODM services through its European technical centres and partners. Avnet Embedded works with a range of leading product manufacturers and technical partners to provide the best product solution to meet its customers’ specific requirements. Further information is available at www.avnet-embedded.eu.

About Kontron
Kontron, the global leader of embedded computing technology, designs and manufactures embedded and communications standards-based, rugged COTS and custom solutions for OEMs, systems integrators, and application providers in a variety of markets. Kontron engineering and manufacturing facilities, located throughout Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, work together with streamlined global sales and support services to help customers reduce their time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage. Kontron’s diverse product portfolio includes: boards & mezzanines, Computer-on-Modules, HMIs & displays, systems & platforms, and rugged & custom capabilities. Kontron is a Premier member of the Intel® Embedded Alliance and has been a VDC Platinum Vendor for Embedded Computer Boards 5 years running. Kontron is listed on the German TecDAX stock exchange under the symbol "KBC". For more information, please visit: http://www.kontron.com

For more information contact:
Andra Hartstang
Manager Communications
Im Technologiepark 2-8
85586 Poing, Germany
Phone +49 8121 774 202
Fax +49 8121 774 439
Email: andra.hartstang@avnet.eu

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