March 6, 2008 - Avnet Named to Fortune's "Most Admired Companies"

PHOENIX -- Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) has been named to America's Most Admired Companies list by Fortune magazine. A global technology distribution and services company, Avnet was rated second overall, moving up from fourth place in 2007, in the Wholesaler: Electronics category. Among electronics wholesalers, Avnet was rated first in quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, and use of corporate assets. In addition, Avnet is the only Arizona-based company named to the 2008 list.

"As the top technology distributor on the list, we're honored by this recognition, which is a testament to the consistent performance of our team," said Avnet Chairman and CEO Roy Vallee. "We have invested in building a premier organization that focuses on developing and rewarding employees, so this recognition really belongs to them. It is further evidence that their efforts truly make a difference."

Described as the "definitive report card on corporate reputations," Fortune's rankings are based on a survey of executives, directors, and analysts asked to rate companies in their own industry on eight criteria. Firms are rated on innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, and quality of products and services. Only the best are listed as most admired. For more information about the Fortune list of "America's Most Admired Companies," visit http://www.fortune.com.

About Avnet
Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and technology services and solutions with more than 300 locations serving more than 70 countries worldwide. The company markets, distributes and optimizes the supply-chain and provides design-chain services for the products of the world's leading electronic component suppliers, enterprise computer manufacturers and embedded subsystem providers. Avnet brings a breadth and depth of capabilities, such as maximizing inventory efficiency, managing logistics, assembling products and providing engineering design assistance for its 100,000 customers, accelerating their growth through cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2007, Avnet generated revenue of $15.68 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

CONTACT:
Avnet
Michelle Gorel, 480-643-7653
michelle.gorel@avnet.com