ASM International Announces Succession of Management of ASM Pacific Technology

BILTHOVEN, The Netherlands and HONG KONG, July 31, 2006 --- ASM International N.V. (NASDAQ: ASMI and Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) and its 54%-owned subsidiary, ASM Pacific Technology Ltd (ASMPT; Hong Kong Exchanges: 522) today announced that Patrick Lam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASMPT since its inception, is officially retiring from ASMPT and ASM International at year-end 2006. W.K. Lee, currently Managing Director of ASMPT's Southern Region, a more than 25 years veteran with ASMPT, will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer of ASMPT effective January 1, 2007.

ASMPT Co-founder and CEO

Co-founder and CEO of ASMPT, Mr. Lam has served at its helm for 31 years, since the Company's formation in 1975. Under his leadership, ASMPT has grown from a zero base to become the largest and most profitable company in the semiconductor assembly and packaging equipment industry sector. "Like those visionary companies' key architects (detailed in the bestselling Built to Last) who remained in office for an average of 32 years, it is now time for me to reorder my priorities in life," said Mr. Lam. He plans to spend the next decade doing voluntary work, including teaching at the university post-graduate level, mentoring young entrepreneurs, advising emerging growth companies, and consulting with ASMPT when requested. "This move also affords my colleagues the opportunity to take ASMPT to the next level of growth," added Mr. Lam.

"Patrick Lam's contribution to ASM has been enormous," stated Arthur del Prado, Chairman of ASMPT, and President and CEO of parent Company, ASM International. "While we wish Patrick would remain at the helm of ASMPT for another 30 years, we respect his decision to pursue different contributions to the society that have been on hold for many years. At the same time, we feel confident that, in the future, Patrick will not stray far from the company he has built so successfully." At the request of the ASMPT Board of Directors and the majority shareholder, and in order to ensure an orderly transition of management responsibilities, Mr. Lam will continue at ASMPT as its Honorary Chairman through June 2007.

Management Continuity

"Management continuity has been a top priority at ASMPT for many years," continued Mr. del Prado. "One of Patrick's great strengths has been in nurturing a highly effective management team. The new executive team members have, on average, 25 years with ASMPT, and are seasoned professionals with experience that far exceeds their counterparts in the industry."

According to Mr. Lam, "the selection of the management team was based upon their ability to stimulate the company's growth and adjust to new challenges, while preserving the core values of the Company." He continued, "Our management style is consistent; we are all very hands-on, and believe in teamwork. Because of our deep involvement in the early years of the Company, the team is thoroughly committed to the long-term growth and development of ASMPT."

Executive Office Formed

Effective January 1, 2007, the ASM Pacific Technology Ltd. executive office will be composed of Peter Lo (Lo Tsan Yin, Peter) (57), Vice Chairman of the Board; W.K. Lee (Lee Wai Kwong) (51), Chief Executive Officer; and James Chow (Chow Chuen, James) (49), Chief Operating Officer.

Peter Lo, Designated Vice Chairman of the Board, ASMPT

Peter Lo has been a member of the ASMPT management team for over 25 years, leading its sales and marketing since joining the Company in 1980. He is currently Managing Director of ASMPT's Northern Region, which includes Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and the Philippines. He has played a pre-eminent role both in the development of the Group's business and in leading the product development and manufacturing of ASMPT's equipment products. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Southampton, England.

W.K. Lee, Designated Chief Executive Officer, ASMPT

W.K. Lee currently serves as Managing Director of ASMPT's Southern Region, overseeing operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and India, in addition to the Group's European and American activities. Joining ASMPT in 1980 as a software engineer, Mr. Lee moved up the ranks in product development before assuming the position of General Manager of the then newly formed Singapore operations in 1990. He has been instrumental in the rapid developments of ASMPT's operations in Singapore and Malaysia. A graduate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Electronic Engineering, Mr. Lee also holds a Master degree in Business Administration from the National University of Singapore.

James Chow, Designated Chief Operating Officer, ASMPT