Brightpoint Announces Corporate Governance Initiatives.

Business Editors

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2003

Brightpoint, Inc. (NASDAQ:CELL) announced today that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has adopted several new corporate governance initiatives. These initiatives reflect "best practices" and the Board's commitment to establishing and maintaining corporate governance practices that aid the Company's long-term success and effectively enhance and protect shareholder value.

Central to these initiatives is the establishment of a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee comprised solely of Independent Directors. Catherine M. Daily, a corporate governance specialist, has been appointed Chairperson of this committee. Among the responsibilities of this committee is oversight of the newly adopted Corporate Governance Principles. As noted by Ms. Daily, "These principles will serve as a road map for effective governance at Brightpoint. The adoption of these guidelines is a clear demonstration of the Board's commitment to leadership in an environment where effective corporate governance is at the forefront of shareholders' and investors' agendas."

Among the principles recently adopted is the installation of a Lead Independent Director. Jerre L. Stead, retired Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of the Board of Ingram Micro Inc. and a member of the Board since 2000, will serve in this capacity. Mr. Stead will fill an important liaison role between the Independent Directors of the Board and the Company's management. Robert J. Laikin, Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of the Board noted: "The appointment of Jerre as Lead Independent Director is demonstration that Brightpoint strives to be at the vanguard of corporate governance best practices. Our goal is to be recognized as a leader in effective governance."

The Board has also reiterated its commitment to maintaining a majority presence by independent board members. In conjunction with this, the Board adopted more stringent guidelines for what constitutes Independent Directors. The Board believes that director independence is best achieved when Independent Directors, their family members, or their primary employers receive no consulting, legal, or other fees from Brightpoint other than in directors' service as board members.

Independent Directors will also serve as Chairperson of the three standing board committees. In addition to the newly installed Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board maintains an Audit Committee, chaired by Richard W. Roedel, and has renamed the Compensation Committee to the Compensation and Human Resources Committee to reflect the expanded scope of responsibilities to which this committee will attend. Robert F. Wagner serves as Chairperson of this committee.

Brightpoint has also established an independent operating budget for the Board. Budgetary independence is the cornerstone of director independence. The Lead Independent Director and Chairperson of the Audit Committee have oversight responsibility for this budget. As noted by Jerre Stead, "A separate board budget clarifies that engagements with external auditors and consultants necessary for effective board functioning are at the discretion of the board. This ensures a higher level of board independence than is found in many corporations."

The Company's Corporate Governance Principles, as well as the charters for the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation and Human Resources Committee can be found on the Company's website www.brightpoint.com.

Brightpoint is one of the world's largest distributors of mobile phones. Brightpoint supports the global wireless telecommunications and data industry, providing quickly deployed, flexible and cost effective third party solutions. Brightpoint's innovative services include distribution, channel management, fulfillment, eBusiness solutions and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future performance of Brightpoint. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Please refer to the documents the Company files, from time to time, with the Securities and Exchange Commission; specifically, Brightpoint's most recent Form10-K, Form 10-Q and Exhibits 99, thereto. These documents contain and identify important risk factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risk factors include, without limitation, the ability of both parties to perform under the contract. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date these statements were made. Brightpoint undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.