Electronic Component Distributor Avnet Began Selling Fairchild Planar Transistors, One of the First Semiconductor Products, in 1959

PHOENIX -- November 16, 2009 -- The Avnet Electronics Marketing operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) and Fairchild Semiconductor (NYSE: FCS) are celebrating their 50-year alliance. The two companies commemorated their golden anniversary during a special award presentation in Phoenix on Friday, November 13th.

Over 50 years ago Fairchild Semiconductor began its history as a leading-edge innovator with the development of the planar transistor. Today, Fairchild is a global leader delivering energy-efficient power analog, power discrete and signal path solutions. Working together, the two companies have been providing high-performance semiconductor products and value-added services to the global power, interface, analog, mixed signal, logic, optoelectronic and configurable product markets.

Ed Smith, president of Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas, presented a 50-year commemorative award to Fairchild Semiconductor on behalf of the company. “The electronics industry has seen many changes over the last half a century. Throughout, Avnet and Fairchild have worked together to provide the technology and services our customers need to make their visions a reality and in a faster and more efficient manner,” said Smith. “We hope to continue helping our customers reach new heights with Fairchild well into the future.”

“Fairchild Semiconductor is proud to celebrate our 50-year partnership with Avnet. In 1959, the planar transistor marked the beginning of an industry revolution, and Fairchild became one of the first semiconductor lines at Avnet,” said Mark Norman, vice president, sales and marketing Americas, worldwide distribution for Fairchild Semiconductor. “Avnet is still a valued partner today, and together we’ve maintained a long-term relationship, which is unique given the many changes in the industry over the past 50 years. Through this alliance, we’re pleased to be able to continue to provide leading-edge semiconductor technology to drive energy-efficient electronic applications. We look forward to the next 50 years.”

For more information about Avnet and Fairchild Semiconductor products, please visit www.em.avnet.com/fairchild or follow Avnet on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/AvnetDesignWire.