Avnet Electronics Marketing and Zarlink Ink Global Distribution Agreement

Business Wire, Dec 27, 2007

PHOENIX -- Avnet Electronics Marketing, an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT) and Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. (NYSE: ZL) (TSX: ZL) today announced a global distribution agreement.

Under the agreement, Avnet will distribute globally Zarlink's optical and telecommunications products - including timing and synchronization and voice processing devices, as well as the recently acquired Legerity voice enhancement products.

"Avnet has a deep understanding of Zarlink's telecom and optical product portfolios, backed by a strong technical team and solid logistical capabilities," said Jeff Crocker, senior vice president of worldwide sales for Zarlink Semiconductor. "This translates into design expertise and support that will help Zarlink's customers successfully develop compelling solutions."

"Avnet is honored to continue growing our relationship with Zarlink and expanding our semiconductor and supply chain offerings for both companies on a global basis. Zarlink's recent acquisition of Legerity voice products further expands their technical product portfolio, offering designers a comprehensive line of products for a broad line of access, residential and enterprise applications," said Ravi Kichloo, senior vice president of global semiconductor business development for Avnet Electronics Marketing.

For more information and a complete list of products, please visit: www.em.avnet.com/zarlink.> About Avnet Electronics Marketing

Avnet Electronics Marketing is an operating group of Phoenix-based Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company. Avnet Electronics Marketing serves electronic original equipment manufacturers (EOEMs) and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers in more than 70 countries, distributing electronic components from leading manufacturers and providing associated design-chain and supply-chain services. The group's Web site is located at http://www.em.avnet.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.

About Zarlink Semiconductor

For over 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The Company's success is built on its technology strengths including voice and data networks, optoelectronics and ultra low-power communications. For more information, visit www.zarlink.com.