Anixter Signs Nationwide Distribution Agreement for Siemens' Gigaset 2420 2.4 GHz Cordless Communication System.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 1999--Siemens announced that it has signed a national distribution agreement for the Gigaset 2420 2.4 GHz Cordless Communication System with Anixter Inc. (NYSE:AXE), a global provider of integrated networking and cabling solutions that support business information and network infrastructures.

Anixter has committed to begin offering immediately the Gigaset 2420 to its customers nationwide.

Siemens Gigaset 2420 is the first fully digital, multi-user, multi-line, 2.4 GHz cordless communication system, designed specifically for small businesses and small office/home office (SOHO) users. The Gigaset 2420 comes complete with a two-line desk station with integrated answering machine and speakerphone, one cordless handset with a four-line by 16-character graphic display and a cordless handset-charging unit. The Gigaset 2420 combines the best features of corded phone systems with the convenience of cordless mobility to offer unprecedented calling capabilities.

"Our partnership with Anixter clearly demonstrates Siemens' distribution strategy to penetrate as many markets as possible with the Gigaset 2420 in order to reach the SOHO users," said Noel Schnell, general manager, digital cordless products, Siemens Communication Devices.

"Anixter's long-standing reputation in the industry as a value-added provider of communication products and services is a perfect fit for us as they will distribute, both efficiently and cost-effectively, the cordless system to the business end user."

"This is a win-win partnership for both Anixter and Siemens," said Lee Patrick, marketing manager, voice and wireless products, Anixter Inc. "Anixter is currently focusing on the growing SOHO and telecommuting markets and the Gigaset 2420 is the product we need to target these customers. Siemens, in turn, will benefit from our global distribution network in reaching end-users in new niche markets."

Expandable up to eight cordless handsets, the Gigaset facilitates handset-to-handset calling; handset-to-outside line calling; and handset-to-desk station calling. The Gigaset also offers intercom, call transfer, conference calling and caller ID display compatibility.

Easy-to-read menus combined with "soft key" feature activation simplifies call handling and enables users to take full advantage of the system's capabilities. The system's patented digital technology provides exceptional call clarity and a high degree of security from eavesdropping.

Anixter (NYSE:AXE) is a $2.8 billion global provider of integrated networking and cabling solutions that support business information and network infrastructure requirements. Anixter teams with customers and contractors to implement these solutions by combining a variety of integration services, products from the world's leading manufacturers and superior logistics management through a global network of 180 locations. Founded in 1957, Anixter is headquartered in the Chicago area.

Siemens Communication Devices, a division of Siemens Information and Communication Products LLC, develops, manufactures and markets digital cordless products for the North American market. Its patented WDCT (Worldwide Digital Cordless Telecommunications) technology platform, a derivative of the DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) standard, operates at the 2.4 GHz frequency and provides unprecedented digital cordless calling capabilities.

Siemens is a leading provider of DECT-based products, having shipped more than 15 million phones worldwide. To learn more about the Gigaset 2420, please visit www.siemenscordless.com.