Marlborough, MA July 4, 2005 - With the most recent take over of EKRA, a leading global supplier of Screen Printers for the electronic industry, ASYS has strengthened its market position as a leading solutions provider to the global electronics market. The transaction includes not only EKRA GmbH in Germany, but also the complete shares of EKRA Asia PTE Ltd. and EKRA America, Inc.

EKRA will be integrated as a 5th business unit of ASYS Automatisierungssysteme GmbH. By adding to the existing ASYS Screen Printer portfolio the goal is to provide customers with integrated and innovative solutions.

EKRA, established in 1946, has more than 100 employees and is a leading worldwide supplier for Screen and Stencil Printers. The product range includes solutions for SMT, Thickfilm/Hybrid, Solar, and Semi-Conductor Packaging. The EKRA headquarters in Boennigheim, Germany will remain as an independent GmbH, securing more than 100 jobs.

ASYS GmbH was founded in 1992 and employs more than 250 people worldwide. Its global Headquarters is located in Dornstadt, Germany. With its two Regional Headquarters in Atlanta, USA and Singapore, ASYS is actively promoting its products and services in more than 40 countries. As a global supplier, ASYS offers integrated solutions for Material Handling, Marking Systems, Depaneling Systems, Backend Automation, and Screen Printers.

Werner Kreibl, Managing Director of ASYS says, "This acquisition is an important strategic step in the history of ASYS. We are supporting the Germany industry by securing more than 100 jobs and the integration of EKRA, a Screen Printer specialist, is the perfect addition to our product portfolio."

Klaus Mang, Managing Director of ASYS explains, "The ever changing electronic manufacturing market requires more and more complex and integrated solutions. With EKRA we have found a partner which allows us to combine know-how and technology to succeed and grow on a global basis".

With the acquisition of EKRA the combined technological developments will soon become new industry standards and offer innovations for more powerful solutions.

For more information please contact:
Markus Wilkens, ASYS Automation LLC at 770 246 9706
or
Steven Hall, EKRA America at 508 486 9566