Avnet Bids to Boost Japanese Business

Avnet is seeking to increase its presence in the Japanese market.

It has launched a tender offer bid for all the shares of Unidux, a publicly quoted components distributor which mostly serves Japanese OEMs.

"This acquisition represents a major step in our strategy to expand our business in the strategic and sizeable Japan market," commented Harley Feldberg (pictured), president, Avnet Electronics Marketing, Global. "The Unidux business will add complementary customers and suppliers while tripling Avnet Electronics Marketing business in Japan. The combination will also add the scale and scope necessary in country to enhance the value we deliver to our trading partners and achieve our desired financial performance."

 

With operations in Japan, Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China and ASEAN countries, Unidux distributes active and passive components from leading suppliers including Intel, Micron, OKI, Aptina and Littlefuse.  With approximately 275 employees, Unidux provides sales, design, support and services to a wide range of OEM customers in Japan and their operations throughout the region. For calendar year 2009, Unidux generated revenue of approximately US$370 million.

 

"This acquisition brings us new suppliers and services, as well as many significant new customers such as Fujitsu, Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba," stated Tom McCartney, president and representative director, Avnet EM Holdings Japan, "thereby positioning us to accelerate profitable growth. By adding new suppliers and technologies, as well as the talented team from Unidux, we will also enhance our competitive position, take advantage of cross selling opportunities and provide global customer support."

 

Completion of the tender offer requires 66.7% of shares to be tendered, and Avnet has already received commitments to accept the offer from Unidux and its shareholders representing 37.6% of the issued shares.