Company recognized for exceptional efforts and performance overall in the Wholesaler: Office Equipment and Electronics category

PHOENIX -- Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) has been named No. 1 for the third consecutive year in the Wholesaler: Office Equipment and Electronics category in Fortune magazine's annual "World's Most Admired Companies" list. Avnet, a global value-added technology distributor, connects the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of customers around the world. In this year's Fortune list, Avnet retained the top position overall in its category, and ranked first in four reputation attributes, including people management, quality of products/services, quality of management and social responsibility.

"Throughout 2010, Avnet continued to execute our strategic plans, which enabled us to expand our global scale and scope, enhance our competitive position and improve our financial results," said Roy Vallee, Avnet's chairman and chief executive officer. "This recognition from Fortune is a result of the collective efforts of our talented global team, which remains dedicated to accelerating the success of our customers, suppliers and shareholders."

Fortune's rankings, described as the "definitive report card on corporate reputations," 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 customers around the world by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended July 3, 2010, Avnet generated revenue of $19.16 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

Contacts 

Brodeur Partners
Sonia Bovio, 480-308-0281
sbovio@brodeur.com 

or 

Avnet, Inc.
Michelle Gorel, 480-643-7653
Vice President, Public Relations
michelle.gorel@avnet.com