Arrow Electronics Joins in eConnections; Announces Most Recent Internet Investment.

Business & Technology Editors

MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 2000

Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW) announced the most recent of its internet ventures. Arrow will become an equity investor and strategic partner in eConnections, the internet company founded by Robert Rodin, the former President of Marshall Industries, that will serve suppliers, distributors, OEMs and other members of the electronics supply chain continuum. eConnections will provide supply chain partners with integrated, independent, and custom-tailored solutions, improving communications, cutting costs, and enhancing margins.

"Becoming a significant investor in eConnections signals Arrow's commitment to using the supply chain tools and capabilities of eConnections wherever they can add value to our customers and suppliers in the supply chain," said Stephen P. Kaufman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arrow. "We are delighted to be a strategic partner with Rob Rodin, his colleagues at eConnections, and Avnet, Inc. as we work together to further maximize the benefits of the internet for our industry."

"With Arrow's investment," said Mr. Rodin, "we now have the two preeminent global distributors committed to utilizing the eConnections tools to fully integrate the electronics industry supply chain from component suppliers through the distributors and on to the ultimate OEM." "The alliance with Arrow, combined with a similar alliance with Avnet, links eConnections with the two largest electronic component distributors in the world, along with their over 1000 suppliers, 1 million SKUs, and $2.3 billion of available inventory representing virtually every technology available at the component or system level. More importantly, it provides added value for customers and suppliers alike, allowing the typical OEM to network with over 80% of its supply chain partners."

Arrow Electronics is the world's largest distributor of electronic components and computer products, with 1999 sales of $9.3 billion. Headquartered in Melville, New York, Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for more than 600 suppliers and 175,000 original equipment manufacturers and commercial customers through more than 225 sales facilities and 19 distribution centers in 37 countries. Detailed information about Arrow's operations can be found at www.arrow.com.