Avnet acquires Bell Microproducts and signs Jennic for distribution

<div style="text-align: left;“>Avnet, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire Bell Microproducts Inc. (Bell) in an all cash merger for $7.00
per share, which equates to an equity value of approximately $252
million and a transaction value of approximately $594 million assuming a
net debt position for Bell of $342 million at face value as of December
31, 2009. The acquisition has been approved by the Boards of Directors
of both companies and is subject to the approval of Bell’s shareholders
as well as customary regulatory approvals.