March 3, 2009 - Avnet Named No. 1 in Its Industry on Fortune's "Most Admired Companies"

PHOENIX -- Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) has been named No. 1 overall in the Wholesaler: Electronics category in the annual "Most Admired Companies" list by Fortune magazine. A global technology marketing, distribution and services company, Avnet moved up from second place overall in 2008 and was ranked first in eight out of nine reputation attributes, including innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, quality of service and global competitiveness. In addition, Avnet is one of only two Arizona-based companies named to the 2009 list overall.

"Being named the most admired company in our industry is a distinct honor and huge tribute to our talented team of employees around the world," said Roy Vallee, Avnet chairman and CEO. "We have been consistently investing in building a premier organization that delivers superior value and accelerates the success of our trading partners. I am very proud of the performance of our team, and this award motivates all of us to reach even higher."

Described as the "definitive report card on corporate reputations," Fortune's rankings are based on a survey of executives, directors, and analysts who are asked to rate companies in their own industry on specific criteria from investment value to social responsibility. Only the best are listed: A company's score must rank in the top half of its industry survey to be on the "most admired" list. For more information about the Fortune list of "Most Admired Companies," visit http://www.fortune.com.

About Avnet
Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers in more than 70 countries worldwide. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2008, Avnet generated revenue of $17.95 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

Contacts
Avnet
Michelle Gorel
480-643-7653
michelle.gorel@avnet.com