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Table of Contents

 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE TO
TENDER OFFER STATEMENT UNDER SECTION 14(d)(1) OR 13(e)(1)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Amendment No. 1)
AVNET, INC.
(Name of Subject Company (Issuer) and Filing Person (Issuer))
     
2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034   053807AL7
(Title of Class of Securities)   (CUSIP Number of Class of Securities)
DAVID R. BIRK, Esq.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Avnet, Inc.
2211 South 47th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
(480) 643-2000

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notice and Communications on Behalf of Filing Person)
COPIES TO:
Joseph P. Richardson, Esq.
Squire, Sanders and Dempsey L.L.P.
40 N. Central Avenue, Suite 2700
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Telephone: (602) 528-4000
CALCULATION OF FILING FEE
     
Transaction Valuation*   Amount of Filing Fee**
$300,000,000   $11,790
 
*   Calculated solely for purposes of determining the filing fee. The purchase price of the 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 (the “Debentures”), as described herein, is $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount outstanding. As of February 13, 2009, there was $300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Debentures outstanding, resulting in an aggregate maximum purchase price of $300,000,000.
 
**   The amount of the filing fee was calculated in accordance with Rule 0-11(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and equals $39.30 for each $1,000,000 of the value of the transaction.
þ   Check the box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing with which the offsetting fee was previously paid. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
     
Amount Previously Paid: $11,790
  Filing Party: Avnet, Inc.
 
   
Form or Registration No.: Schedule TO: 005 20161
  Date Filed: February 13, 2009
o   Check the box if the filing relates solely to preliminary communications made before the commencement of a tender offer.
Check the appropriate boxes below to designate any transactions to which the statement relates:
  o   third-party tender offer subject to Rule 14d-1.
 
  þ   issuer tender offer subject to Rule 13e-4.
 
  o   going-private transaction subject to Rule 13e-3.
 
  o   amendment to Schedule 13D under Rule 13d-2.
Check the following box if the filing is a final amendment reporting the results of the tender offer: o
 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Items 1 through 9.
Item 12. Exhibits
Item 13. Information Required by Schedule 13E-3
SIGNATURE
EXHIBIT INDEX


Table of Contents

INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
     Amendment No. 1 (this “Amendment”) amends and supplements the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO originally filed by Avnet, Inc. (“Avnet”), a corporation existing under the laws of New York, with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2009 (the “Schedule TO”), relating to the right of each holder of Avnet’s 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 (the “Debentures”) to sell and the obligation of Avnet to purchase the Debentures, as set forth in Avnet’s Notice to Holders of 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034, dated February 13, 2009 (the “Company Notice”). Except as specifically provided herein, this Amendment does not modify any of the information previously reported in the Schedule TO.
     The information in the Company Notice is incorporated in this Amendment by reference to all of the applicable items in the Schedule TO, except that such information is amended and supplemented to the extent specifically provided in this Amendment. You should read this Amendment together with the Schedule TO, the Company Notice and the related offer materials field with the Schedule TO. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Company Notice.
Items 1 through 9.
  (A)   The Company Notice is hereby amended as follows:
 
  (1)   On page 2 of the Company Notice under the “Summary Term Sheet,” the paragraph under the caption “When does the Put Option Expire?” is amended in its entirety as set forth in the attached revised Company Notice attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1). The identical change is made on page 5 of the Company Notice, at the second paragraph under section 2.1 “The Company’s Obligation to Purchase the Debentures.”
 
  (2)   On page 6 of the Company Notice, the third paragraph under section 2.1 is amended to read in its entirety as follows: “ The purchase by the Company of validly surrendered Debentures is not subject to any conditions other than the Indenture provides that no Debentures may be purchased by us if an event of default under the Indenture or the Officers’ Certificate has occurred and is continuing (other than an event of default that is cured by the payment of the Purchase Price).
 
  (3)   On page 13 of the Company Notice, the second paragraph under section 5 “Payment for Surrendered Debentures” is amended in its entirety as set froth in the attached revised Company Notice attached hereto as Exhibit (a)(1). The change expands disclosure regarding the source of funds that will be used by the Company to pay the Purchase Price of Debentures surrendered pursuant to the Put Option.
Item 12. Exhibits.
     Item 12 is hereby amended to read as follows:
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
(a)(1)
  Company Notice to Holders of 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 issued by Avnet, Inc., dated February 13, 2009. [revised February 25, 2009]
 
   
(a)(2)
  Form of Letter of Transmittal.
 
   
(a)(5)*
  Press release issued on February 13, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2009.
 
   
(b)(1)
  Credit Agreement dated September 27, 2007 among AVNET, INC., a New York corporation (the “Company”), Avnet Japan Co., Ltd., a private company governed under the laws of Japan (“Avnet Japan”), each other Subsidiary of the Company party hereto pursuant to Section 2.14 (Avnet Japan and each such other Subsidiary, a “Designated Borrower” and, together with the Company, the “Borrowers” and, each a “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 2007, Exhibit 10.1).

 


Table of Contents

     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
(d)(1)*
  Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2004, by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2004.
 
   
(d)(2)*
  Officers’ Certificate, dated as of March 5, 2004, establishing the terms of the Debentures, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2004.
 
   
(g)
  Not applicable.
 
   
(h)
  Not applicable.
*   Previously filed with the Schedule TO of Avnet, Inc. on February 13, 2009.
Item 13. Information Required by Schedule 13E-3.
Not applicable.

 


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SIGNATURE
After due inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.
                 
        AVNET, Inc.    
 
               
Date:
  February 25, 2009            
 
      By:   /s/ Raymond Sadowski    
 
      Name:  
 
Raymond Sadowski
   
 
      Title:   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    

 


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
(a)(1)
  Company Notice to Holders of 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 issued by Avnet, Inc., dated February 13, 2009. [Revised February 25, 2009]
 
   
(a)(2)
  Form of Letter of Transmittal.
 
   
(a)(5)
  Press release issued on February 13, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2009.
 
   
(b)(1)
  Credit Agreement dated September 27, 2007 among AVNET, INC., a New York corporation (the “Company”), Avnet Japan Co., Ltd., a private company governed under the laws of Japan (“Avnet Japan”), each other Subsidiary of the Company party hereto pursuant to Section 2.14 (Avnet Japan and each such other Subsidiary, a “Designated Borrower” and, together with the Company, the “Borrowers” and, each a “Borrower”), each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and individually, a “Lender”), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. (incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 2007, Exhibit 10.1).
 
   
(d)(1)*
  Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2004, by and between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2004.
 
   
(d)(2)*
  Officers’ Certificate, dated as of March 5, 2004, establishing the terms of the Debentures, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2004.
 
   
(g)
  Not applicable.
 
   
(h)
  Not applicable.
     
*
  Previously filed with the Schedule TO of Avnet, Inc. on February 13, 2009.

 

exv99wxayx1y
Exhibit (a)(1)
COMPANY NOTICE*
TO HOLDERS OF
2% CONVERTIBLE SENIOR DEBENTURES DUE 2034
ISSUED BY AVNET, INC.
CUSIP Number — 053807AL7
     Reference is made to the Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2004 (the “Indenture”) between Avnet, Inc., a New York corporation (“Avnet”, or the “Company”), and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), relating to the Company’s 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 (the “Debentures”) and the Officers’ Certificate, dated as of March 5, 2004, establishing the terms of the Debentures (the “Officers’ Certificate”). Pursuant to the Indenture section entitled “Repayment at the Option of Holders”, and paragraph 7 of the Officers’ Certificate, each holder (each, a “Holder”) of the Debentures has an option to require the Company to purchase all or a portion of its Debentures, in accordance with the terms, procedures and conditions outlined in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures, on March 16, 2009 (the “Purchase Date”).
     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate that, at the option of each Holder (the “Put Option”) the Debentures will be purchased by the Company for a purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) in cash equal to $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the Purchase Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate, the Debentures, this Company Notice and the related notice materials, as amended and supplemented from time to time (collectively, the “Option Documents”). Holders may surrender their Debentures from February 13, 2009 through 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on March 13, 2009 (the “Expiration Date”). This Company Notice is being sent pursuant to the Section entitled “Repayment at the Option of Holders” in the Indenture, paragraph 7 of the Officers’ Certificate and the provisions of the Debentures. All capitalized terms used but not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Indenture or the Officers’ Certificate, as applicable.
     The Purchase Date is an Interest Payment Date under the terms of the Indenture. Accordingly, interest accrued up to the Purchase Date will be paid to record holders as of the Regular Record Date therefor, and we expect that there will be no accrued and unpaid interest due as part of the Purchase Price. The Regular Record Date for the Purchase Date is March 1, 2009.
     The Trustee has informed the Company that, as of the date of this Company Notice, all custodians and beneficial holders of the Debentures hold the Debentures through The Depositary Trust Company (“DTC”) accounts and there are no certificated Debentures in non-global form. Accordingly, all Debentures surrendered for purchase hereunder must be delivered through the transmittal procedures of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program, subject to the terms and conditions of that system.
*  Revised: February 25, 2009

 


 

     To exercise your option to have the Company purchase the Debentures and receive payment of the Purchase Price, you must validly deliver your Debentures through DTC’s transmittal procedures prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Debentures surrendered for purchase may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. The right of the Holders to surrender Debentures for purchase pursuant to the Put Option expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
     The Paying Agent is The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. The address of the Paying Agent is:
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
Corporate Trust Operations
Reorganization Unit
101 Barclay Street — 7 East
New York, N.Y. 10286
Attn: Mr. Joseph Lynch
Telephone: 212-815-5076
Fax: 212-298-1915
Additional copies of this Company Notice may be obtained from the Paying Agent at its address set forth above.
The date of this Company Notice is February 13, 2009

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
      Page
1. Information Concerning the Company
    5  
2. Information Concerning the Debentures
    5  
2.1 The Company’s Obligation to Purchase the Debentures
    5  
2.2 Purchase Price
    6  
2.3 Conversion Rights of the Debentures
    7  
2.4 Market for the Debentures and our Common Stock
    8  
2.5 Optional Redemption
    9  
2.6 Holder’s Right to Require Purchase Upon a Fundamental Change
    9  
2.7 Ranking
    9  
2.8 Contingent Interest
    9  
3. Procedures to Be Followed by Holders Electing to Surrender Debentures for Purchase
    9  
3.1 Method of Delivery
    10  
3.2 Agreement to be Bound by the Terms of the Put Option
    10  
3.3 Delivery of Debentures
    12  
4. Right of Withdrawal
    13  
5. Payment for Surrendered Debentures
    13  
6. Debentures Acquired
    14  
7. Plans or Proposals of the Company
    14  
8. Interests of Directors, Executive Officers and Affiliates of the Company in the Debentures
    14  
9. Legal Matters; Regulatory Approvals
    15  
10. Purchases of Debentures by the Company and Its Affiliates
    15  
11. Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
    15  
11.1 U.S. Holders
    17  
11.2 Non-U.S. Holders
    18  
12. Additional Information
    19  
13. No Solicitations
    20  
14. Definitions
    20  
15. Conflicts
    20  
SCHEDULE A: INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
    A-1  
 i

 


 

     No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this Company Notice and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized. This Company Notice does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell securities in any circumstances or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The delivery of this Company Notice shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication that the information contained herein is current as of any time subsequent to the date of such information. None of the Company, its Board of Directors or its employees is making any representation or recommendation to any Holder as to whether to exercise or refrain from exercising the Put Option. You should consult your own financial and tax advisors and must make your own decision as to whether to exercise the Put Option and, if so, the amount of Debentures for which to exercise the Put Option.
     We and our affiliates, including our executive officers and directors, will be prohibited by Rule 14e-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), from purchasing any of the Debentures outside of the Put Option for ten business days after the expiration of the Put Option. Following that time, we expressly reserve the absolute right, in our sole discretion from time to time in the future to redeem the Debentures, in whole or in part, and to purchase any of the Debentures, whether or not any Debentures are purchased by the Company pursuant to the Put Option, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine, which may be more or less than the price to be paid pursuant to the Put Option and could be for cash or other consideration. We cannot assure you as to which, if any, of these alternatives, or a combination thereof, we will pursue.
ii

 


 

SUMMARY TERM SHEET
     The following are answers to some of the questions that you may have about the Put Option. To understand the Put Option fully and for a more detailed description of the terms of the Put Option, we urge you to read carefully the remainder of this Company Notice because the information in this summary is not complete and the remainder of this Company Notice contains additional important information. We have included page references to direct you to a more detailed description of the topics in this summary.
Who is obligated to purchase my Debentures?
     Avnet, Inc., a New York corporation (“Avnet” or the “Company”), is obligated, at your option (the “Put Option”), to purchase its 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 (the “Debentures”). (See Page 5)
Why are you obligated to purchase my Debentures?
     The right of each holder (each, a “Holder”) of the Debentures to sell and our obligation to purchase the Debentures pursuant to the Put Option is a term of the Debentures under the Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2004 (the “Indenture”) between Avnet and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), and the Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the Debentures, dated as of March 5, 2004 (the “Officers’ Certificate”), and has been a right of Holders from the time the Debentures were issued. We are required to repurchase the Debentures of any Holder exercising the Put Option pursuant to the terms of the Debentures, the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate. (See Page 5)
What securities are you obligated to purchase?
     We are obligated to purchase all of the Debentures validly surrendered and not withdrawn at the option of the Holder thereof. As of February 13, 2009, there was $300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding. (See Page 5)
How much will you pay and what is the form of payment?
     Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures, we will pay, in cash, a purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) equal to $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to March 16, 2009 (the “Purchase Date”), with respect to any and all Debentures validly surrendered for purchase and not withdrawn. The Purchase Price is based solely on the requirements of the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures and bears no relationship to the market price of the Debentures or our Common Stock (as defined below). The Purchase Date is an Interest Payment Date under the terms of the Officers’ Certificate. Accordingly, interest accrued to the Purchase Date will be paid to holders of record as of the Regular Record Date, as defined in the Officers’ Certificate, and we expect that there will be no accrued and unpaid interest due as part of the Purchase Price. (See Page 6)

 


 

How can I determine the market value of the Debentures?
     There currently is a limited trading market for the Debentures. To the extent that the Debentures are traded, prices of the Debentures may fluctuate widely depending on such factors as trading volume, the balance between buy and sell orders, prevailing interest rates, the market price of our Common Stock, our operating results and the market for similar securities. Holders are urged to obtain current market information for the Debentures, to the extent available, and our Common Stock (as defined below) before making any decision with respect to the Put Option. Our common stock, $1.00 par value per share (“Common Stock”), into which the Debentures are convertible, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “AVT”. On February 12, 2009, the closing sale price of our Common Stock on the NYSE was $19.80 per share. (See Pages 8-9)
What does the Company’s Board of Directors think of the Put Option?
     Although the Company’s Board of Directors approved the terms of Debentures, including the Put Option, before the Debentures were issued, it has not made any recommendation as to whether you should exercise or refrain from exercising the Put Option. You must make your own decision whether to exercise the Put Option and, if so, the amount of Debentures for which to exercise the Put Option. (See Page 6)
When does the Put Option expire?
     The Put Option expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 13, 2009 (the “Expiration Date”). We have no plans to extend the period that Holders have to exercise the Put Option. If we decide to materially change any term of the Put Option, we will notify you of the change. If the Put Option is scheduled to expire within five business days after the date on which we notify you of such change, we will also extend the Expiration Date for a period of at least five business days. Under the terms of the Indenture, we may not increase or decrease the Purchase Price under the Put Option. (See Page 5)
What are the conditions to the Company’s purchase of the Debentures?
     Provided that the Company’s purchase of validly surrendered Debentures is not unlawful and that no event of default under the Indenture or the Officers’ Certificate has occurred and is continuing (other than an event of default that is cured by the payment of the Purchase Price), the purchase will not be subject to any conditions other than satisfaction of the procedural requirements described in this Company Notice. Delivery of Debentures by book-entry transfer electronically through the Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”) of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) is a condition to the payment of the Purchase Price to the Holder of such Debentures. (See Page 6)
How do I surrender my Debentures?
     To surrender your Debentures for purchase pursuant to the Put Option, you must surrender the Debentures through the transmittal procedures of DTC on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
     Holders whose Debentures are held by a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee must contact such nominee if such Holder desires to surrender such Holder’s Debentures and instruct such nominee to surrender the Debentures on the Holder’s behalf

2


 

through the transmittal procedures of DTC on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
     Holders who are DTC participants should surrender their Debentures electronically through ATOP, subject to the terms and procedures of that system, on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
     You bear the risk of untimely surrender of your Debentures. You must allow sufficient time for completion of the necessary DTC procedures before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. By surrendering your Debentures through the transmittal procedures of DTC, you agree to be bound by the terms of the Put Option set forth in this Company Notice. (See Pages 9-13)
If I exercise the Put Option, when will I receive payment for my Debentures?
     We will accept for payment all validly surrendered Debentures promptly upon expiration of the Put Option. We will promptly, and in no case later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Purchase Date, deposit with the Paying Agent the appropriate amount of cash required to pay the Purchase Price for the surrendered Debentures, and the Paying Agent will promptly distribute the cash to DTC, the sole record Holder. DTC will thereafter distribute the cash to its participants in accordance with its procedures. (See Page 13)
     Your delivery of the Debentures by book-entry transfer to the account of the Paying Agent maintained by the Paying Agent with DTC is a condition to your receipt of the Purchase Price for such Debentures.
Can I withdraw previously surrendered Debentures?
     Yes. To withdraw previously surrendered Debentures, you (or your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee) must comply with the withdrawal procedures of DTC in sufficient time to allow DTC to withdraw your Debentures prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
     You bear the risk of untimely withdrawal of previously surrendered Debentures. You must allow sufficient time for completion of the DTC procedures before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. (See Page 13)
Do I need to do anything if I do not wish to exercise the Put Option?
     No. If you do not surrender your Debentures before the expiration of the Put Option, we will not purchase your Debentures and such Debentures will remain outstanding subject to their existing terms. (See Page 6)
If I choose to surrender my Debentures for purchase, do I have to surrender all of my Debentures?
     No. You may surrender all of your Debentures, a portion of your Debentures or none of your Debentures. If you wish to surrender a portion of your Debentures for purchase, however,

3


 

you must surrender your Debentures in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. (See Page 6)
If I do not surrender my Debentures for purchase, will I continue to be able to exercise my conversion rights?
     Yes. If you do not surrender your Debentures for purchase, your conversion rights will not be affected. You will continue to have the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures into shares of our Common Stock, subject to the terms, conditions and adjustments specified in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures. (See Page 7)
If I am a U.S. resident for U.S. federal income tax purposes, will I have to pay taxes if I surrender my Debentures for purchase pursuant to the Put Option?
     The receipt of cash in exchange for Debentures pursuant to the Put Option will be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes and you may recognize income, gain or loss. You should consult with your own tax advisor regarding the actual tax consequences to you. (See Pages 15-19)
Who is the Paying Agent?
     The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation is serving as Paying Agent in connection with the Put Option. Its address and telephone and fax numbers are set forth on the front cover of this Company Notice.
Whom can I contact if I have questions about the Put Option?
     Questions and requests for assistance in connection with the Put Option may be directed to the Paying Agent at the address and telephone and fax numbers set forth on the front cover of this Company Notice.

4


 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PUT OPTION
     1. Information Concerning the Company. Avnet, Inc., a New York corporation (“Avnet” or the “Company”), is obligated to purchase its 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 (the “Debentures”) which have been validly surrendered for purchase pursuant to the Put Option and not withdrawn. The Debentures are convertible into shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Common Stock”), of the Company, subject to the terms, conditions and adjustments specified in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures. The Company is both the “filing person” and the “subject company.”
     Avnet, incorporated in New York in 1955, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is one of the world’s largest industrial distributors, based on sales, of electronic components, enterprise computer and storage products and embedded subsystems. Avnet distributes electronic components, computer products and software as received from its suppliers or with assembly or other value added by Avnet. Additionally, Avnet provides engineering design, materials management and logistics services, system integration and configuration, and supply chain services.
     Our principal executive offices are located at 2211 South 47th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034 and our main telephone number at that address is (480) 643-2000. Our website address is www.avnet.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this Company Notice the information included on or linked from our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this Company Notice.
     2. Information Concerning the Debentures. In March 2004, we issued $300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures. Cash interest accrues on the Debentures at the rate of 2% per annum and is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year (each, an “Interest Payment Date”) to the person in whose name a Debenture is registered at the close of business on the preceding March 1 or September 1 (each, a “Regular Record Date”), as the case may be. The Debentures mature on March 15, 2034. As of February 13, 2009, there was $300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Debentures outstanding.
          2.1 The Company’s Obligation to Purchase the Debentures. Pursuant to the terms of the Debentures, the Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2004 (the “Indenture”) between Avnet and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), and the Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the Debentures, dated as of March 5, 2004 (the “Officers’ Certificate”), we are obligated to purchase all of the Debentures validly surrendered and not withdrawn, at the Holder’s option (the “Put Option”), on March 16, 2009 (the “Purchase Date”).
     The Put Option will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 13, 2009 (the “Expiration Date”). We have no plans to extend the period that Holders have to exercise the Put Option. If we decide to materially change any term of the Put Option, we will notify you of the change. If the Put Option is scheduled to expire within five business days after the date on which we notify you of such change, we will also extend the Expiration Date for a period of at least five business days. Under the terms of the Indenture, we may not increase or decrease the Purchase Price under the Put Option.

5


 

     The purchase by the Company of validly surrendered Debentures is not subject to any conditions other than the Indenture provides that no Debentures may be purchased by us if an event of default under the Indenture or the Officers’ Certificate has occurred and is continuing (other than an event of default that is cured by the payment of the Purchase Price).
     If any Debentures remain outstanding following the expiration of the Put Option, the Company will become obligated to purchase the Debentures for cash, at the option of the Holders, in whole or in part, on March 15, 2014, 2019, 2024 and 2029, in each case at a purchase price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the purchase date thereof. Beginning on March 20, 2009, any Debentures that remain outstanding following expiration of the Put Option are redeemable for cash at any time at the Company’s option, as more fully described at Section 2.5 of this Company Notice.
          2.2 Purchase Price. Pursuant to terms of the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures, the purchase price to be paid by the Company for the Debentures on the Purchase Date is equal to $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the Purchase Date (the “Purchase Price”). The Purchase Date is an Interest Payment Date under the terms of the Officers’ Certificate. Accordingly, interest accrued to the Purchase Date will be paid to record holders as of the Regular Record Date, and we expect that there will be no accrued and unpaid interest due as part of the Purchase Price. We will pay the Purchase Price in cash with respect to any and all Debentures validly surrendered for purchase (and not thereafter withdrawn) prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Debentures surrendered for purchase will be accepted only in principal amounts equal to $1,000 or integral multiples thereof. Delivery of the Debentures by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the Paying Agent with The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) is a condition to the payment of the Purchase Price to the Holder of such Debentures.
     The Purchase Price is based solely on the requirements of the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures and does not necessarily bear any relationship to the market price of the Debentures or our Common Stock. Thus, the Purchase Price may be significantly higher or lower than the current market price of the Debentures. Holders of Debentures are urged to obtain the best available information as to potential current market prices of the Debentures, to the extent available, and our Common Stock before making a decision whether to surrender their Debentures for purchase.
     None of the Company, our Board of Directors, or our employees is making any recommendation to Holders as to whether to exercise or refrain from exercising the Put Option. Each Holder must make his or her own decision whether to exercise the Put Option and, if so, the principal amount of Debentures for which to exercise the Put Option based on such Holder’s assessment of the current market value of the Debentures and our Common Stock and other relevant factors.
     You should also consult with your tax and financial advisors with respect to the tax consequences of exercising the Put Option, including the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state, and local law and any non-U.S. tax consequences in light of your own particular circumstances.

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          2.3 Conversion Rights of the Debentures. The Debentures are convertible into shares of our Common Stock in accordance with and subject to the terms of the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures. The conversion rate of the Debentures is 29.5516 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures, equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $33.84 per share, subject to adjustment as described below.
     The Debentures are only convertible under certain circumstances, including if:
    during any fiscal quarter, if the closing price of the Common Stock for at least 20 trading days during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the previous fiscal quarter is greater than 135% of the current conversion price of the Debentures on that 30th trading day;
 
    during the five business days immediately following any five consecutive trading-day period in which the average trading price per Debenture over such period is less than 98% of the average conversion value per Debenture during the period, where the conversion value per Debenture on any day is equal to the product of the closing stock price on that day multiplied by the applicable conversion rate on that day; provided that you may not convert your Debentures pursuant to the trading price condition on or after March 15, 2029 if on any trading day during such period the closing price of our Common Stock is greater than or equal to the then current conversion price and less than or equal to 135% of the then current conversion price;
 
    the Company calls the Debentures for redemption; or
 
    certain corporate transactions occur as specified in the Officers’ Certificate.
     Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate, Avnet irrevocably elected on December 13, 2004 to satisfy its conversion obligation with respect to all Debentures converted after December 13, 2004 by paying in cash 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures converted, with any remaining amount to be satisfied in shares of Common Stock.
     The conversion rate may be adjusted for certain reasons, including, generally, for cash dividends. The conversion rate will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid cash interest. Any accrued and unpaid cash interest will be deemed paid with shares of the Common Stock or cash received by holders on conversion. Debentures called for redemption may be surrendered for conversion until the close of business on the business day prior to the redemption date.
     The Paying Agent is currently acting as Conversion Agent for the Debentures. The Conversion Agent can be contacted at the address and telephone and fax numbers set forth at the beginning of this Company Notice.
     Holders who do not surrender their Debentures for purchase pursuant to the Put Option will maintain the right to convert their Debentures into Common Stock subject to the terms, conditions and adjustments specified in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures. Any Debentures surrendered for purchase pursuant to the Put Option may be converted in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate only if they

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have been validly withdrawn before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, as described in Section 4 of this Company Notice.
          2.4 Market for the Debentures and our Common Stock. There currently is a limited trading market for the Debentures. To the extent that the Debentures are traded, prices of the Debentures may fluctuate widely depending on such factors as trading volume, the balance between buy and sell orders, prevailing interest rates, the market price of our Common Stock, our operating results and the market for similar securities. A debt security with a smaller outstanding principal amount available for trading (a smaller “float”) may command a lower price and trade with greater volatility than would a comparable debt security with a larger float. Consequently, our purchase of the Debentures, if any, pursuant to the Put Option may reduce the float and may negatively affect the liquidity, market value and price volatility of the Debentures that remain outstanding following the Put Option.
     Our Common Stock, into which the Debentures are convertible, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “AVT”. The following table shows the high and low closing sales prices per share of our Common Stock as reported by the NYSE, for each of the fiscal quarters indicated.
                 
    High   Low
Fiscal 2009:
               
Third Quarter (through February 10, 2009)
  $ 20.93     $ 16.47  
Second Quarter
  $ 24.63     $ 12.10  
First Quarter
  $ 31.00     $ 24.20  
 
               
Fiscal 2008:
               
Fourth Quarter
  $ 34.12     $ 26.19  
Third Quarter
  $ 36.74     $ 29.43  
Second Quarter
  $ 43.75     $ 32.99  
First Quarter
  $ 44.33     $ 34.34  
 
               
Fiscal 2007:
               
Fourth Quarter
  $ 43.62     $ 36.39  
Third Quarter
  $ 38.01     $ 25.70  
Second Quarter
  $ 26.07     $ 19.45  
First Quarter
  $ 20.29     $ 16.77  
     On February 12, 2009, the closing sale price of our Common Stock, as reported by the NYSE, was $19.80 per share. As of January 23, 2009, there were 151,044,043 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
     The Holders of Debentures are not entitled to dividends. Upon conversion into Common Stock, the Holders will be entitled to dividends, if any, paid to holders of Common Stock. The Company has not paid dividends on its Common Stock since fiscal 2002 and does not currently contemplate any future dividend payments.

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     We urge you to obtain current market information for the Debentures, to the extent available, and our Common Stock before making any decision whether to exercise or refrain from exercising the Put Option.
          2.5 Optional Redemption. Beginning on March 20, 2009, the Debentures are redeemable for cash at any time at our option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of Debentures to be redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption, as provided for in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures.
          2.6 Holder’s Right to Require Purchase Upon a Fundamental Change. Upon a fundamental change (as defined in the Officers’ Certificate), Holders may require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their Debentures for cash. The Company will pay a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such Debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to but excluding the repurchase date.
          2.7 Ranking. The Debentures are our unsecured senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all our other existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The Debentures are effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured debt of Avnet to the extent of the security for such secured debt.
          2.8 Contingent Interest. Beginning with the period commencing on March 20, 2009 and ending on September 14, 2009, and for each of the six-month periods thereafter commencing on September 15, 2009, Avnet will pay contingent interest during the applicable interest period if the average trading price of the Debentures on the five trading days ending on the third day immediately preceding the first day of the applicable interest period equals or exceeds 120% of the principal amount of the Debentures. The amount of contingent interest payable per $1,000 principal amount of Debentures during the applicable interest period will equal an annual rate of 0.25% of the average trading price of such $1,000 principal amount of debentures during the applicable five trading-day reference period, payable in arrears.
     3. Procedures to Be Followed by Holders Electing to Surrender Debentures for Purchase. Holders will not be entitled to receive the Purchase Price for their Debentures unless they validly surrender (and do not thereafter withdraw) the Debentures on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Only registered Holders are authorized to surrender their Debentures for purchase. Holders may surrender some or all of their Debentures; however, any Debentures surrendered must be in a principal amount of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof.
     If Holders do not validly surrender their Debentures on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date or if they withdraw validly surrendered Debentures before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, their Debentures will not be purchased and will remain outstanding subject to the existing terms of the Debentures, the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate.

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     You will not be required to pay any commission to us, DTC or the Paying Agent in connection with your Put Option. However, there may be commissions you need to pay your broker in connection with the surrender of the Debentures.
          3.1 Method of Delivery. The Trustee has informed the Company that, as of the date of this Company Notice, all custodians and beneficial holders of the Debentures hold the Debentures through DTC accounts and that there are no certificated Debentures in non-global form. Accordingly, all Debentures surrendered for purchase hereunder must be delivered through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”), subject to the terms and conditions of that system.
     This Company Notice constitutes the Company Notice (as defined and) described in the Officers’ Certificate and delivery of the Debentures via ATOP will satisfy the Holders’ requirement for physical delivery of a Purchase Notice (as defined and) described in the Indenture and Officers’ Certificate. Delivery of Debentures, including delivery and acceptance through ATOP, is at the election and risk of the person surrendering such Debentures.
          3.2 Agreement to be Bound by the Terms of the Put Option. By surrendering Debentures through the transmittal procedures of DTC, a Holder acknowledges and agrees as follows:
    such Debentures shall be purchased as of the Purchase Date pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Company Notice;
 
    such Holder agrees to all of the terms of this Company Notice;
 
    such Holder has received this Company Notice and acknowledges that this Company Notice provides the notices required pursuant to the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate;
 
    upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Company Notice, the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures, and effective upon the acceptance for payment thereof, such Holder (i) irrevocably sells, assigns and transfers to the Company all right, title and interest in and to all the Debentures surrendered, (ii) waives any and all rights with respect to the Debentures (including, without limitation, any existing or past defaults and their consequences), (iii) releases and discharges the Company and its directors, officers, employees and affiliates from any and all claims such Holder may have now, or may have in the future arising out of, or related to, the Debentures, including, without limitation, any claims that such Holder is entitled to receive additional principal or interest payments with respect to the Debentures or to participate in any conversion, redemption or defeasance of the Debentures, and (iv) irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Paying Agent as the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of such Holder with respect to any such surrendered Debentures, with full power of substitution and resubstitution (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest) to (a) transfer ownership of such Debentures on the account books maintained by DTC, together with all necessary evidences of transfer and authenticity, to the

10


 

      Company, (b) present such Debentures for transfer on the relevant security register and (c) receive all benefits or otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Debentures (except that the Paying Agent will have no rights to, or control over, funds from the Company, except as agent for the Company, for the Purchase Price of any surrendered Debentures that are purchased by the Company), all in accordance with the terms set forth in this Company Notice;
    such Holder represents and warrants that such Holder (i) owns the Debentures surrendered and is entitled to surrender such Debentures and (ii) has full power and authority to surrender, sell, assign and transfer the Debentures surrendered hereby and that when such Debentures are accepted for purchase and payment by the Company, the Company will acquire good title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances of any kind and not subject to any adverse claim or right;
 
    such Holder agrees, upon request from the Company, to execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Paying Agent or the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Debentures surrendered;
 
    such Holder understands that all Debentures properly surrendered for purchase (and not thereafter withdrawn) prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date will be purchased at the Purchase Price, in cash, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate, the Debentures and the other Option Documents;
 
    payment for Debentures purchased pursuant to the Company Notice will be made by deposit of the Purchase Price for such Debentures with the Paying Agent, which will act as agent for surrendering Holders for the purpose of receiving payments from the Company and transmitting such payments to such Holders;
 
    surrenders of Debentures may be withdrawn by written notice of withdrawal delivered pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Company Notice at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date;
 
    all authority conferred or agreed to be conferred pursuant to the terms of the Put Option hereby shall survive the death or incapacity of the Holder and every obligation of the Holder and shall be binding upon the Holder’s heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, trustees in bankruptcy and other legal representatives;
 
    the delivery and surrender of the Debentures is not effective, and the risk of loss of the Debentures does not pass to the Paying Agent, until receipt by the Paying Agent of any and all evidences of authority and any other required documents in form satisfactory to the Company; and
 
    all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance for payment of any surrender of Debentures pursuant to the procedures

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      described in this Company Notice and the form and validity (including time of receipt of notices of withdrawal) of all documents will be determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties.
          3.3 Delivery of Debentures.
     Debentures Held Through a Custodian. A Holder whose Debentures are held by a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee must contact such nominee if such Holder desires to surrender his or her Debentures and instruct such nominee to surrender the Debentures for purchase on the Holder’s behalf through the transmittal procedures of DTC as set forth below in “Debentures in Global Form” on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
     Debentures in Global Form. A Holder who is a DTC participant may elect to surrender to the Company his or her beneficial interest in the Debentures by:
    delivering to the Paying Agent’s account at DTC through DTC’s book-entry system his or her beneficial interest in the Debentures on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date; and
 
    electronically transmitting his or her acceptance through DTC’s ATOP system, subject to the terms and procedures of that system, on or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Upon receipt of such Holder’s acceptance through ATOP, DTC will edit and verify the acceptance and send an agent’s message to the Paying Agent for its acceptance. The term “agent’s message” means a message transmitted by DTC to, and received by, the Paying Agent, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the participant in DTC described in that agent’s message, stating the principal amount of Debentures that have been surrendered by such participant under the Put Option and that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the Put Option, including those set forth in Section 3.2 of this Company Notice.
     In surrendering through ATOP, the electronic instructions sent to DTC by the Holder (or by a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee on the Holder’s behalf), and transmitted by DTC to the Paying Agent, will acknowledge, on behalf of DTC and the Holder, receipt by the Holder of and agreement to be bound by the terms of the Put Option, including those set forth in Section 3.2 of this Company Notice.
     You bear the risk of untimely surrender of your Debentures. You must allow sufficient time for completion of the necessary DTC procedures before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
     If the Paying Agent holds, in accordance with the terms of the Officers’ Certificate, sufficient cash to pay the Purchase Price for the Debentures by 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Purchase Date, then at the close of business on the Purchase Date, such Debentures will cease to be outstanding and interest on such Debentures will cease to accrue, and all rights (other

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than the right to receive the Purchase Price upon delivery of the Debentures) of the Holder of such Debentures will terminate.
     4. Right of Withdrawal. Debentures surrendered for purchase may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. In order to withdraw Debentures, Holders (or such Holders’ broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee) must comply with the withdrawal procedures of DTC in sufficient time to allow DTC to withdraw those Debentures prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, by following the surrender procedures described in Section 3 above.
     This means a Holder must deliver, or cause to be delivered, a valid withdrawal request through the ATOP system from the tendering DTC participant in sufficient time to allow DTC to withdraw those Debentures before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. The withdrawal notice must:
    specify the DTC Voluntary Offer Instruction Number, the name of the participant for whose account such Debentures were tendered and such participant’s account number at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn Debentures;
 
    contain a description of the Debentures to be withdrawn (including the principal amount to be withdrawn); and
 
    be submitted through the DTC ATOP system by such participant under the same name as the participant’s name is listed in the original tender, or be accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the Company that the person withdrawing the tender has succeeded to the beneficial ownership of the Debentures.
     We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, of notices of withdrawal.
     You bear the risk of untimely withdrawal of your Debentures. You must allow sufficient time for completion of the necessary DTC procedures before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
     5. Payment for Surrendered Debentures. We will promptly, and in no case later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Purchase Date, deposit with the Paying Agent the appropriate amount of cash required to pay the Purchase Price for the surrendered Debentures, and the Paying Agent will promptly thereafter cause the cash to be distributed to each record Holder that has validly delivered its Debentures (and not validly withdrawn such delivery) prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Your delivery of the Debentures by book-entry transfer to the account of the Paying Agent maintained by the Paying Agent with DTC is a condition to your receipt of the Purchase Price for such Debentures.
     The total amount of funds required of us to purchase all of the Debentures is $300,000,000 (assuming that all of the Debentures are validly surrendered for purchase). We intend to use funds borrowed under our existing revolving credit agreement to purchase the Debentures. We have a five-year, $500.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks, with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent. The credit facility expires on September 26, 2012, and may be renewed at our election for two additional one-year terms, subject to our satisfaction of certain conditions. Monies borrowed under the facility may be used for general corporate purposes. The interest rate applicable to any loan under the credit facility is, at our option, either LIBOR plus an “applicable margin” (as defined), or an “alternate base rate” (defined as the higher of (i) the Bank of America prime rate and (ii) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% per annum). The “applicable margin” is determined based on our long term unsecured senior, non-credit enhanced debt ratings by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. Currently, the applicable margin is 0.425% per annum. Our ability to borrow under the credit facility is subject to certain conditions, including compliance with certain covenants and making certain representations and warranties. These covenants require us to comply with various financial ratios and tests and restrict, among other things, our ability to incur debt; incur liens; merge or consolidate with other companies; enter into agreements that limit Avnet’s or its subsidiaries’ ability to incur liens or its subsidiaries ability to pay dividends; and make certain acquisitions, and a covenant that limits the amount of dividends or distributions that may be paid to stockholders. We were in compliance with these covenants at the last measurement date. We presently have borrowing capacity under the credit facility in an amount in excess of the total Purchase Price of the Debentures (assuming all outstanding Debentures are validly presented pursuant to the Put Option). We do not have in place any alternative financing arrangements for the payment of the Purchase Price under the Put Option.

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     6. Debentures Acquired. Any Debentures purchased by us pursuant to the Put Option will be canceled by the Trustee, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate.
     7. Plans or Proposals of the Company. Except as described in these materials or in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), or as previously publicly announced, we currently have no agreements, nor have we authorized any actions, which would be material to a Holder’s decision to exercise the Put Option, which relate to or which would result in:
    any extraordinary transaction, such as a merger, reorganization or liquidation, involving us or any of our subsidiaries;
 
    any purchase, sale or transfer of a material amount of our assets or those of any of our significant subsidiaries;
 
    any material change in our present dividend rate or policy, indebtedness or capitalization;
 
    any change in our present Board of Directors or management, including, but not limited to, any plans or proposals to change the number or the term of directors or to fill any existing vacancies on our Board of Directors or to change any material term of the employment contract of any of our executive officers;
 
    any other material change in our corporate structure or business;
 
    any class of our equity securities to be delisted from a national securities exchange or cease to be authorized to be quoted in an automated quotation system operated by a national securities association;
 
    any class of our equity securities becoming eligible for termination of registration under Section 12(g)(4) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”);
 
    the suspension of our obligation to file reports under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act;
 
    the acquisition by any person of additional securities of ours, or the disposition of our securities; or
 
    any changes in our charter, bylaws or other governing instruments, or other actions that could impede the acquisition of control of us.
     8. Interests of Directors, Executive Officers and Affiliates of the Company in the Debentures. Neither we nor, to our knowledge after making reasonable inquiry, any of our executive officers or directors or any “associate” or subsidiary of any such person, has any beneficial interest in the Debentures, or has engaged in any transaction in the Debentures during

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the 60 days preceding the date of this Company Notice. A list of our executive officers and directors is attached to this Company Notice as Schedule A. The term “associate” is used as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act.
     Certain of our directors and executive officers are participants in ordinary course equity compensation plans and arrangements involving our Common Stock, as disclosed by us prior to the date hereof. Except as described in the previous sentence, neither we nor, to our knowledge after making reasonable inquiry, any of our executive officers or directors, is a party to any contract, arrangement, understanding or agreement with any other person relating, directly or indirectly, to the Put Option or with respect to any of our securities, including, but not limited to, any contract, arrangement, understanding or agreement concerning the transfer or the voting of our securities, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of loans, guarantees against loss or the giving or withholding of proxies, consents or authorizations.
     9. Legal Matters; Regulatory Approvals. We are not aware of any license or regulatory permit that is material to our business that might be adversely affected by the Put Option, or of any approval or other action by any government or regulatory authority or agency that is required for the acquisition of the Debentures as described in this Company Notice. Should any approval or other action be required, we presently intend to seek the approval or take the action. However, we cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain any required approval or take any other required action.
     10. Purchases of Debentures by the Company and Its Affiliates. During the 60 days preceding the date of this Company Notice, neither we nor, to our knowledge after making reasonable inquiry, any of our executive officers or directors or any “associate” or subsidiary of any such person, has engaged in any purchases of the Debentures.
     Effective on the date of this Company Notice, we and our affiliates, including their executive officers and directors, are prohibited under applicable United States federal securities laws from purchasing Debentures (or the right to purchase Debentures) other than through the Put Option until at least the tenth business day after the Purchase Date. Following such time, if any Debentures remain outstanding, we may exercise our right to redeem such Debentures, in whole or in part, and we and our affiliates may purchase Debentures in the open market, in private transactions, through a subsequent tender offer, or otherwise, any of which may be consummated at purchase prices higher or lower than the Purchase Price, or which may be paid in cash or other consideration. Any decision to purchase Debentures after the Purchase Date, if any, will depend upon many factors, including the market price of the Debentures, the amount of Debentures delivered for purchase pursuant to the Put Option, the market price of our Common Stock, our business and financial position, and general economic and market conditions. Any such purchase may be on the same terms or on terms more or less favorable to the Holders of the Debentures than the terms of the Put Option as described in this Company Notice.
     11. Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following is a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to U.S. Holders or Non-U.S. Holders who surrender Debentures for purchase pursuant to the Put Option. For this purpose, a “holder” means a beneficial owner of a Debenture; a “U.S. Holder” means a holder that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (i) a citizen or resident alien individual of the

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United States, (ii) a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust if it either (x) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (y) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person; and a “Non-U.S. Holder” means a holder that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is an individual, corporation, estate or trust and, in each case, is not a U.S. Holder.
     If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds a Debenture, the tax treatment of such partnership and each partner thereof will generally depend upon the status and activities of the partnership and the partner. Any such entity should consult its own tax adviser regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to it and its partners of surrendering a Debenture for purchase pursuant to the Put Option.
     This discussion deals only with Debentures held as capital assets (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not address all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a holder in light of its own particular circumstances, nor does it deal with special situations, such as:
    holders who are subject to special tax treatment, such as dealers in securities or currencies, banks, insurance companies, retirement plans, tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, U.S. Holders whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting, certain former citizens or residents of the United States, foreign government entities, international organizations, controlled foreign corporations and passive foreign investment companies;
 
    Debentures held as part of a hedging, integrated, constructive sale or conversion transaction or a straddle;
 
    any alternative minimum tax consequences; or
 
    any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences.
     This discussion is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury regulations, rulings, other administrative guidance and judicial decisions, all as of the date hereof. Those authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below.
     EACH HOLDER THAT INTENDS TO SURRENDER ANY DEBENTURE FOR PURCHASE PURSUANT TO THE PUT OPTION SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISER AS TO THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL, AND ANY NON-U.S., TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT IN LIGHT OF ITS OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

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          11.1 U.S. Holders.
     Surrender of Debentures for Purchase. The surrender of any Debenture by a U.S. Holder for purchase pursuant to the Put Option generally will be treated as a taxable sale of the Debenture for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such U.S. Holder generally will recognize gain or loss upon such sale equal to the difference between (i) the cash received by such U.S. Holder in consideration for the surrender of the Debenture and (ii) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Debenture at the time of sale. A U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in a Debenture generally will be equal to the cost of the Debenture to such U.S. Holder, increased by the amount of (x) original issue discount (“OID”) included in income by such U.S. Holder with respect to the Debenture and (y) any market discount such U.S. Holder elected to include in income with respect to the Debenture (as described below). A U.S. Holder that acquired a Debenture at premium should consult its own tax advisor regarding U.S. federal income tax consequences of surrendering the Debenture for purchase pursuant to the Put Option.
     Any such gain or loss recognized generally will be capital gain or loss, subject to the market discount rules described below. Capital gains of individuals and certain other non-corporate taxpayers from the sale of capital assets held for more than one year at the time of sale generally are eligible for a reduced tax rate. Limitations apply to the deduction of capital losses.
     If a U.S. Holder acquired a Debenture at a market discount, any gain recognized by such U.S. Holder from the surrender of such Debenture for purchase pursuant to the Put Option generally will be treated as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, to the extent of the market discount which has not previously been included in income by such U.S. Holder and is treated as having accrued on such Debenture at the time of such purchase. Subject to a de minimis exception, the “market discount” on a Debenture is the excess, if any, of the (i) “revised issue price” of the Debenture (generally the sum of the issue price of the Debenture and the aggregate amount of OID which accrued on the Debenture prior to the time acquired by the U.S. Holder) over (ii) such U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in the Debenture. Generally, market discount would be considered to accrue ratably during the period from the date of acquisition to the maturity date of the Debenture, unless the U.S. Holder elected to accrue such discount on a constant interest rate method. If a U.S. Holder elected to include any market discount on a Debenture in income currently as it accrues, on either a ratable or constant interest rate method, such U.S. Holder’s basis in the Debenture would be increased to reflect the amount of income so included.
     Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. In general, information reporting requirements will apply to the amount paid to a U.S. Holder in consideration for the surrender of a Debenture for purchase pursuant to the Put Option, unless such U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation). A U.S. Holder may also be subject to backup withholding tax on such payment unless the U.S. Holder (i) provides a correct U.S. taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements or (ii) is a corporation or other exempt recipient and, if required, provides a certification to such effect. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished on a timely basis to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).

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          11.2 Non-U.S. Holders.
     Surrender of Debentures for Purchase. Subject to the discussion of backup withholding below, the payment to, or for the account of, a Non-U.S. Holder in consideration for the surrender of a Debenture for purchase pursuant to the Put Option generally will not be subject to the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, provided that, in the case of any amount attributable to accrued OID, the Non-U.S. Holder:
    does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock that are entitled to vote;
 
    is not a “controlled foreign corporation” that is related to us directly or constructively through stock ownership for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and
 
    certifies, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a U.S. person and provides its name and address and certain other information (generally on IRS Form W-8BEN).
     The Treasury regulations provide alternative methods for satisfying the certification requirement referred to in the third bullet above, as well as special rules for certain types of entities, including intermediaries and non-U.S. partnerships.
     If the amount of the payment to a Non-U.S Holder attributable to accrued OID is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States by such Non-U.S. Holder (or, if an applicable tax treaty so provides, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States), such amount generally will not be subject to the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, provided that the Non-U.S. Holder has provided the appropriate documentation (generally, IRS Form W-8ECI) to the applicable withholding agent. Instead, the amount attributable to the OID generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in the same manner as a U.S. Holder and, in the case of a corporate Non-U.S. Holder, may also be subject to a branch profits tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower rate if provided by an applicable tax treaty).
     Subject to the discussion of backup withholding below, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on gain (excluding any amount attributable to accrued OID) recognized on the surrender of a Debenture for purchase pursuant to the Put Option unless:
    such Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the tender and certain other conditions are met;
 
    such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United States (or, if an applicable tax treaty so provides, is attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States), in which event such Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in substantially the same manner as a U.S. Holder (except as provided by an applicable tax treaty) and, if it is a

18


 

      corporation, may also be subject to a branch profits tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower rate if provided by an applicable tax treaty); or
    The Company is or has been a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes during the Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period for the Debentures and certain other conditions are met.
     Generally, a corporation is a USRPHC if the fair market value of its United States real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business (all as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). The Company does not believe that it has been a USRPHC for any year during which the Debentures have been outstanding, nor does it presently anticipate that it will be a USRPHC for the current year.
     Information Reporting and Backup Withholding. The amount paid to a Non-U.S. Holder on account of accrued OID on any Debentures surrendered for purchase pursuant to the Put Option, and the amount of any tax withheld from such amount, generally must be reported to the IRS and to the Non-U.S. Holder. Backup withholding may also apply to such payments if such Non-U.S. Holder fails to certify under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person or otherwise establish an exemption.
     In addition, payments to a Non-U.S. Holder in consideration for the surrender of the Debentures for purchase pursuant to the Put Option made through a U.S. office of a broker generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the payee certifies under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person or otherwise establishes an exemption. Any such payments made through a non-U.S. office of a U.S. broker or of a non-U.S. broker with certain specified U.S. connections generally will be subject to information reporting, but not backup withholding, unless the broker has evidence in its records that the payee is not a U.S. person and has no knowledge or reason to know to the contrary.
     Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against the Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is furnished on a timely basis to the IRS.
     12. Additional Information. This Company Notice is part of a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO that we have filed with the SEC. This Company Notice does not contain all of the information contained in the Schedule TO and the exhibits to the Schedule TO. We recommend that you review the Schedule TO, including its exhibits, and the following materials that we have filed with the SEC before making a decision as to whether to exercise or refrain from exercising the Put Option:
    Our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 28, 2008;
 
    All other reports we have filed pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act since the end of the fiscal year covered by the Form 10-K mentioned above; and
 
    The Prospectus Supplement filed with the SEC on March 1, 2004.

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     We also recommend that you review all documents filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Company Notice and before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, information furnished but not filed in any current report on Form 8-K, including the related exhibits, is not deemed referenced herein.
     The SEC file number for these Avnet filings is 001-04224. These filings, our other annual, quarterly and current reports, our proxy statements and our other SEC filings may be examined, and copies may be obtained, at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov.
     Each person to whom a copy of this Company Notice is delivered may obtain a copy of any or all of the documents to which we have referred you, other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents, at no cost, by writing or calling us at 2211 South 47th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034, Attention: Corporate Secretary, (480) 643-2000.
     As you read the documents listed above, you may find some inconsistencies in information from one document to another. If you find inconsistencies between the documents, or between a document and this Company Notice, you should rely on the statements made in the most recent document.
     In making your decision as to whether to exercise the Put Option, you should read the information about us contained in this Company Notice together with the information contained in the documents to which we have referred you.
     13. No Solicitations. We have not employed or retained any persons to make solicitations or recommendations in connection with the Put Option.
     14. Definitions. All capitalized terms used but not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate or the Debentures, as applicable.
     15. Conflicts. In the event of any conflict between this Company Notice on the one hand and the terms of the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate or any applicable laws on the other hand, the terms of the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate or applicable laws, as the case may be, will control.
     None of the Company, our Board of Directors or our employees is making any recommendation to any Holder as to whether to exercise or refrain from exercising the Put Option. Each Holder must make his or her own decision whether to exercise the Put Option and, if so, the principal amount of Debentures for which to exercise the Put Option based on his or her own assessment of current market value and other relevant factors.

20


 

SCHEDULE A
INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
AND DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
The table below lists our executive officers and directors as of February 12, 2009, except with respect to John Paget, who stepped down from his position as of January 19, 2009. To the best of our knowledge after making reasonable inquiry, none of our executive officers or directors as listed below has beneficial ownership in the Debentures.
     
Name   Position
Roy Vallee
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
   
David R. Birk
  Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary
 
   
Steven C. Church
  Senior Vice President and Chief HROD Officer
 
   
Harley Feldberg
  Senior Vice President and President of Avnet Electronic Marketing
 
   
Richard P. Hamada
  Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 
   
John Paget
  Vice President and President of Avnet Technology Solutions
 
   
Steven R. Phillips
  Vice President and Chief Information Officer
 
   
Raymond Sadowski
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary
 
   
James N. Smith
  Vice President and President of Avnet Logistics Services
 
   
Eleanor Baum
  Director
 
   
J. Veronica Biggins
  Director
 
   
Lawrence W. Clarkson
  Director
 
   
Ehud Houminer
  Director
 
   
Frank R. Noonan
  Director
 
   
Ray M. Robinson
  Director
 
   
William P. Sullivan
  Director
 
   
Gary L. Tooker
  Director
The business address and telephone number of each executive officer and director is c/o Avnet, Inc., 2211 South 47th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034, (480) 643-2000.

A-1

exv99wxayx2y
Exhibit (a)(2)
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL FOR PUT OPTION
AVNET, INC.
to Purchase 2% Convertible Senior Debentures Due 2034
(CUSIP No. 053807AL7)
Pursuant to the Company Notice to Holders
Dated February 13, 2009

Reference is made to the Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2004 (the “Indenture”) between Avnet, Inc., a New York corporation (“Avnet”, or the “Company”), and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), relating to the Company’s 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 (the “Debentures”) and the Officers’ Certificate, dated as of March 5, 2004, establishing the terms of the Debentures (the “Officers’ Certificate”). Pursuant to the Indenture section entitled “Repayment at the Option of Holders”, and paragraph 7 of the Officers’ Certificate, each holder (each, a “Holder”) of the Debentures has an option to require the Company to purchase all or a portion of its Debentures, in accordance with the terms, procedures and conditions outlined in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures, on March 16, 2009 (the “Purchase Date”). As described in the Company Notice to Holders of the Debentures dated February 13, 2009 (the “Notice”), pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate, at the option of each Holder (the “Put Option”), Company will repurchase the Debentures for a purchase price (the (“Purchase Price”) in cash equal to $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the Purchase Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Notice. Holders may surrender their Debentures through 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Friday, March 13, 2009 (the “Expiration Date”). We do not presently intend to extend the Expiration Date. The Trustee has informed the Company that as of February 13, 2009, all custodians and beneficial holders of the Debentures hold the Debentures through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) accounts and there are no certificated Debentures in non-global form. Accordingly, all Debentures surrendered for purchase must be delivered through the transmittal procedures of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program, subject to the terms and conditions of that system. To exercise your option to have the Company purchase the Debentures and receive payment of the Purchase Price, you must validly deliver your Debentures through DTC’s transmittal procedures prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Debentures surrendered for purchase may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. The right of the Holders to surrender Debentures for purchase pursuant to the Put Option expires at 5:00 p.m, New York City time, on the Expiration Date.
The Paying Agent is
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
The address of the Paying Agent is:
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
Corporate Trust Operations
Reorganization Unit
101 Barclay Street — 7 East
New York, N.Y. 10286
Attn: Mr. Joseph Lynch
Telephone: (212) 815-5076
Fax: (212) 298-1915

 


 

     All capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Notice. To the extent there are any conflicts between the terms and conditions of this Letter of Transmittal (this “Letter of Transmittal”) and the terms and conditions of the Notice, the terms and conditions of the Notice shall control. Additional copies of the Notice may be obtained by the Paying Agent at its address set forth above.
     Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal to an address, or transmission via facsimile to a number, other than as set forth above, will not constitute a valid tender of the Debentures. The instructions contained herein should be read carefully before this Letter of Transmittal is completed and signed.
Put Option
     Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Indenture and the Officers’ Certificate, at the option of each Holder (the “Put Option”) the Debentures will be purchased by the Company for the Purchase Price, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the Purchase Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate, the Debentures, this Company Notice and the related notice materials, as amended and supplemented from time to time (collectively, the “Option Documents”).
General
     This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by registered holders of Debentures (“Holders”) if: (i) certificates representing Debentures are to be physically delivered to the Trustee by such Holders; or (ii) tender of Debentures is to be made by book-entry transfer to a custodian’s or beneficial owner’s account at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC” or the “Book-Entry Transfer Facility”) pursuant to DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program, subject to the terms and conditions of that system.
     To properly complete this Letter of Transmittal, a Holder must:
    complete the box entitled “Description of Debentures Tendered”,
 
    complete the box entitled “Method of Delivery”;
 
    sign this Letter of Transmittal by completing the box entitled “Please Sign Here”;
 
    if appropriate, check and complete the boxes relating to the “Special Payment Instructions” and “Special Delivery Instructions”; and
 
    complete the Substitute Form W-9 if such Holder is a U.S. Holder (as defined in the Statement).
     Holders of Debentures that are tendering by book-entry transfer to the Paying Agent’s account at DTC can execute the tender through ATOP for which the transaction will be eligible. DTC participants that are exercising their Put Option should transmit their exercise to DTC, which will verify the exercise and execute a book-entry delivery to the custodian’s or beneficial owner’s account at DTC. DTC will then send an Agent’s Message to the custodian or beneficial owner for its acceptance. Delivery of the Agent’s Message by DTC will satisfy the conditions of the Put Option as to execution and delivery of a Letter of Transmittal by the participant identified in the Agent’s Message.
     Holders having Debentures registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee must contact such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if they desire to exercise the Put Option with respect to the Debentures so registered and inform such person to exercise the Put Option pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Notice and this Letter of Transmittal.
     Neither the Notice nor this Letter of Transmittal shall constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.
     Your bank or broker can assist you in completing this form. For additional copies of the Notice, this Letter of Transmittal and other required documents, contact the Paying Agent whose address and telephone number appear on the first page of this Letter of Transmittal.

2


 

METHOD OF DELIVERY
o   CHECK HERE IF PHYSICAL CERTIFICATES FOR TENDERED DEBENTURES ARE BEING DELIVERED HEREWITH.
o   CHECK HERE IF TENDERED DEBENTURES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY CUSTODIAN OR THE BENEFICIAL OWNER DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Name of Tendering Institution:  
 
Name of Registered Holder(s):  
 
Window Ticket No. (if any):  
 
If Delivered by Book-Entry Transfer, complete the following:
     
DTC Account Number:                                            Transaction Code Number:                                         
Date Sent:                     , 2009
     Please list or other identify below the Debentures to which this Letter of Transmittal relates.
                 
Name(s) and Address(es) of Holder(s)           Aggregate Amount
(Please fill in, if blank)   Certificate Number(s)*   Represented**
 
               
 
               
 
               
 
               
 
  Total Amount of        
 
  Debentures        
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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Ladies and Gentlemen:
     Reference is made to the Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2004 (the “Indenture”) between Avnet, Inc., a New York corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”), relating to the Company’s 2% Convertible Senior Debentures due 2034 (the “Debentures”) and the Officers’ Certificate, dated as of March 5, 2004, establishing the terms of the Debentures (the “Officers’ Certificate”). Pursuant to the Indenture section entitled “Repayment at the Option of Holders”, and paragraph 7 of the Officers’ Certificate, each holder (each, a “Holder”) of the Debentures has an option to require the Company to purchase all or a portion of its Debentures, in accordance with the terms, procedures and conditions outlined in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate and the Debentures, on March 16, 2009 (the “Purchase Date”).
     By execution hereof, the undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice that, at the option of each Holder (the “Put Option”), the Debentures will be purchased by the Company for a purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) in cash equal to $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount of the Debentures, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the Purchase Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Indenture, the Officers’ Certificate, the Debentures, the and the related notice materials, as amended and supplemented from time to time (collectively, the “Option Documents”). All capitalized terms used but not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Indenture or the Officers’ Certificate, as applicable.
     By execution hereof, the undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice.
Representations, Warranties and Agreements of Holders
     Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for purchase of, and payment for, the amount of Debentures tendered with this Letter of Transmittal, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Company, all right, title and interest in and to the Debentures, that are being tendered hereby. The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Paying Agent as the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned (with full knowledge that the Paying Agent also acts as the agent of the Company) with respect to such Debentures with full power of substitution (such power-of-attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest) to (i) present such Debentures and all evidences of transfer and authenticity to, or transfer ownership of, such Debentures on the book-entry account maintained by the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to, or upon the order of, the Company, (ii) present such Debentures for transfer of ownership on the books of the Company or the Trustee, and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Debentures, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Put Option, as described in the Notice.
     The undersigned understands that tenders of Debentures pursuant to any of the procedures described in the Option Documents and acceptance of tendered Debentures by the Company for purchase will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Put Option in effect on the Expiration Date.
     The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Debentures tendered hereby, and that when such Debentures are accepted for purchase and payment by the Company, the Company will acquire good title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not be subject to any adverse claim or right with respect thereto. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Paying Agent or by the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Debentures tendered hereby.
     The undersigned understands that the Company will be deemed to have accepted for purchase Debentures validly tendered (or defectively tendered Debentures with respect to which the Company has waived such defect) and not validly withdrawn as and when the Company gives oral or written notice thereof to the Paying Agent.
     All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this Letter of Transmittal shall survive the death or incapacity of the undersigned and every obligation of the undersigned under this Letter of Transmittal shall be binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, trustees in bankruptcy and other legal representatives.
     The undersigned understands that the delivery and surrender of the Debentures is not effective, and the risk of loss of the Debentures does not pass to the Paying Agent, until receipt by the Paying Agent of this Letter of Transmittal, or a manually signed facsimile hereof, properly completed and duly executed, with any required

4


 

signature guarantees, together with all accompanying evidences of authority and any other required documents in a form satisfactory to the Company. All questions as to form of all documents, the validity (including time of receipt), acceptance of and withdrawals of Debentures will be determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding.
     Unless otherwise indicated herein under “Special Payment Instructions,” the undersigned hereby requests that any Debentures representing amounts not tendered or not accepted for purchase be issued in the name(s) of the undersigned (and in the case of Debentures delivered by book-entry transfer, by credit to the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility designated above) and checks for payment of the Purchase Price be issued to the order of the undersigned. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated herein under “Special Delivery Instructions,” the undersigned hereby requests that any Debentures representing amounts not tendered and checks for payment of the Purchase Price be delivered to the undersigned at the address(es) shown above. In the event that the “Special Payment Instructions” box or the “Special Delivery Instructions” box is, or both are, completed, the undersigned hereby requests that any Debentures representing amounts not tendered or not accepted for purchase be issued in the name(s) of, and be delivered to, the person(s) at the address(es) so indicated, as applicable.

5


 

PLEASE SIGN HERE
(To Be Completed By All Holders Tendering Debentures
Regardless of Whether Debentures Are Being Physically Delivered Herewith)
     This Letter of Transmittal must be signed by the Holder(s) of Debentures exactly as their name(s) appear(s) on certificate(s) for Debentures or, if delivered by a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, exactly as such participant’s name appears on a security position listing as the owner of Debentures, or by person(s) authorized to become Holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted with this Letter of Transmittal. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person must set forth his or her full title on the line entitled “Capacity” and submit evidence satisfactory to the Company of such person’s authority to so act. See Instruction 4 below.
     If the signature appearing below is not of the record holder(s) of the Debentures, then the record holder(s) must sign a valid bond power.
X    
 
X    
 
Signature(s) of Registered Holder(s) or Authorized Signatory
Dated:                     , 2009
     
Name(s):
   
 
   
 
  (Please Print)
     
Capacity:
   
 
   
     
Address:
   
 
   
 
  (Including Zip Code)
     
Area Code and Telephone No.:
   
 
   
IF APPLICABLE, PLEASE COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 HEREIN
MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTEE (See Instruction 4 below)
Certain Signatures Must Be Guaranteed by an Eligible Institution
 
(Name of Eligible Institution Guaranteeing Signatures)
 
(Address (including zip code) and Telephone Numbers (including area code) of Firm)
 
(Authorized Signature)
 
(Printed Name)
 
(Title)
Dated:                     , 2007

 


 

SPECIAL PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 3, 4, 5, and 7)
To be completed ONLY if certificates for Debentures in an amount not tendered for purchase are to be issued in the name of, or checks for the Purchase Price are to be issued to the order of, someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) within this Letter of Transmittal or to be an address different from that shown in the box entitled “Description of Debentures Tendered” above or if Debentures tendered by book-entry transfer that are not accepted for purchase are to be credited to an account maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility other than the one designated above.
         
Issue:
  o   Purchase Price Checks
 
  o   Certificate(s)
to:
     
Name
   
 
   
 
  (Please Print)
     
Address
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
  (Zip Code)
 
(Tax Identification or Social Security Number)
(See Substitute Form W-9 herein)
o   Credit Debentures not purchased by book-entry transfer to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility account set forth below:
     
DTC Account Number:
   
 
   
     
Number of Account Party:
   
 
   
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 3, 4, 5, and 7)
To be completed ONLY if certificates for Debentures in an amount not tendered or not accepted for purchase, or checks for the Purchase Price are to be delivered to someone other than the person(s) whose signature(s) appear within the Letter of Transmittal or to an address different from that shown in the box entitled “Description of Debentures Tendered” above.
         
Issue:
  o   Purchase Price Checks
 
  o   Certificate(s)
to:
     
Name
   
 
   
 
  (Please Print)
     
Address
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
  (Zip Code)
 
(Tax Identification or Social Security Number)
(See Substitute Form W-9 herein)

 


 

INSTRUCTIONS
Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions
of the Put Option
1.   Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal and Certificates for Debentures or Book-Entry Confirmations; Withdrawal of Tenders.
     To tender Debentures pursuant to the Put Option, physical delivery of certificates for Debentures or a confirmation of any book-entry transfer into the Paying Agent’s account with a Book-Entry Transfer Facility of Debentures tendered electronically, as well as a properly completed and duly executed copy or manually signed facsimile of this Letter of Transmittal, or in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agent’s Message, and any other document required by this Letter of Transmittal, must be received by the Paying Agent at the address set forth herein on or prior to the Expiration Date. Tenders of Debentures may be made on or prior to the Expiration Date in the manner described in the preceding sentence and otherwise in compliance with this Letter of Transmittal. THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, CERTIFICATES FOR DEBENTURES AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE PAYING AGENT, INCLUDING DELIVERY THROUGH DTC AND ANY ACCEPTANCE OF AN AGENT’S MESSAGE TRANSMITTED THROUGH ATOP, IS AT THE ELECTION AND RISK OF THE HOLDER TENDERING DEBENTURES. IF SUCH DELIVERY IS MADE BY MAIL, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE HOLDER USE PROPERLY INSURED, REGISTERED MAIL WITH RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED AND THAT SUFFICIENT TIME BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE TIMELY DELIVERY. Except as otherwise provided below, the delivery will be made when actually received by the Paying Agent. This Letter of Transmittal, certificates for the Debentures and any other required documents should be sent only to the Paying Agent, not to the Company, the Trustee, or DTC.
2.   Partial Tenders.
     If less than the entire amount of any Debentures evidenced by a submitted certificate is tendered, the tendering Holder must fill in the amount tendered in the last column of the box entitled “Description of Debentures Tendered” herein. The entire amount represented by the certificates for all Debentures delivered to the Paying Agent will be deemed to have been tendered, unless otherwise indicated. The entire amount of all Debentures not tendered for purchase will be sent (or, if tendered by book-entry transfer, returned by credit to the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility designated herein) to the Holder unless otherwise provided in the “Special Payment Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” boxes of this Letter of Transmittal.
3.   Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal; Bond Powers and Endorsements; Guarantee of Signatures.
     If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the Holder(s) of the Debentures tendered, the signature(s) must correspond to the name(s) as written on the face of the certificate(s) without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a participant in one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities whose name is shown as the owner of the Debentures tendered hereby, the signature must correspond with the name shown on the security position listing as the owner of the Debentures.
     IF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IS EXECUTED BY A PERSON OR ENTITY WHO IS NOT THE REGISTERED HOLDER, THEN THE REGISTERED HOLDER MUST SIGN A VALID BOND POWER, WITH THE SIGNATURE OF SUCH REGISTERED HOLDER GUARANTEED BY A PARTICIPANT INA RECOGNIZED MEDALLION SIGNATURE PROGRAM (A “MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTOR”).
     If any of the Debentures tendered hereby are registered in the name of two or more Holders, all such Holders must sign this Letter of Transmittal. If any tendered Debentures are registered in different names on several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter of Transmittal and any necessary accompanying documents as there are different names in which certificates are held. For additional copies of this Letter of Transmittal, please contact the Paying Agent at the address and telephone number set forth on the first page of this Letter of Transmittal.
     If this Letter of Transmittal or any certificates for Debentures or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or other persons acting in a fiduciary

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or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority so to act must be submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.
     No signature guarantee is required if (i) this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered Holder(s) of the Debentures tendered herewith (or by a participant in one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of Note(s)) and payment of the Purchase Price, is to be paid, or if any Debentures for amounts not tendered are to be issued, directly to such Holder(s), or if tendered by a participant in one of the Book-Entry Transfer Facilities, any Debentures for amounts not tendered are to be credited to such participant’s account at such Book-Entry Transfer Facility and neither the “Special Payment Instructions” box nor the “Special Delivery Instructions” box of this Letter of Transmittal has been completed or (ii) such Debentures are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. IN ALL OTHER CASES, ALL SIGNATURES ON LETTERS OF TRANSMITTAL ACCOMPANYING THE DEBENTURES MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTOR. In all such other cases (including if this Letter of Transmittal is not signed by the Holder), the Holder must either properly endorse the certificates for Debentures tendered or transmit a separate properly completed bond power with this Letter of Transmittal (in either case, executed exactly as the name(s) of the registered Holder(s) appear(s) on such Debentures, and, with respect to a participant in a Book-Entry Transfer Facility whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of Debentures, exactly as the name(s) of the participant(s) appear(s) on such security position listing), with the signature on the endorsement or bond power guaranteed by a Medallion Signature Guarantor, unless such certificates or bond powers are executed by an Eligible Institution.
     Endorsements on certificates for Debentures and signatures on bond powers provided in accordance with this Instruction 3 by registered Holders not executing this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by a Medallion Signature Guarantor.
4.   Special Payment and Special Delivery Instructions.
     Tendering Holders should indicate in the applicable box or boxes the name and address to which Debentures for amounts not tendered or checks for payment of the Purchase Price are to be sent or issued, if different from the name and address of the Holder signing this Letter of Transmittal. In the case of payment to a different name, the taxpayer identification or social security number of the person named must also be indicated. If no instructions are given, Debentures not tendered will be returned, and checks for payment of the Purchase Price will be sent, to the Holder of the Debentures tendered.
5.   Taxpayer Identification Number.
     Each tendering Holder is required to provide the Paying Agent with the Holder’s social security or federal employer identification number, on Substitute Form W-9, which is provided under “Important Tax Information” below, or alternatively, to establish another basis for exemption from backup withholding. A Holder must cross out item (2) in the Certification box in Part III on Substitute Form W-9 if such Holder is subject to backup withholding. Failure to provide the information on the form may subject such Holder to federal backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%) on any payment made to the Holder with respect to the Put Option. The box in Part I of the form should be checked if the tendering Holder has not been issued a Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”) and has either applied for a TIN or intends to apply for a TIN in the near future. If the box in Part I is checked the Holder should also sign the attached Certification of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number. If the Paying Agent is not provided with a TIN by the time the payments are made pursuant to the Put Option and the Holder does not establish another basis for exemption from backup withholding, the Paying Agent will withhold 28% on all payments made with respect to the Put Option. See “Important Tax Information” below.
6.   Transfer Taxes.
     The Company will pay all transfer taxes applicable to the purchase and transfer of Debentures pursuant to the Put Option, except if (i) deliveries of certificates for Debentures for amounts not tendered or not accepted for payment are registered or issued in the name of any person other than the Holder of Debentures tendered thereby, (ii) tendered certificates are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this Letter of Transmittal or (iii) a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the transfer and sale of Debentures to the Company. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted herewith, the amount of such transfer taxes will be deducted from any payment made to such tendering Holder.

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7.   Irregularities.
     All questions as to the form of all documents and the validity (including time of receipt) and acceptance of all tenders and withdrawals of Debentures will be determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of Debentures that are not in proper form or the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of the Company or its counsel, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular Debentures. The Company’s interpretations of the terms and conditions of the Put Option (including the instructions in this Letter of Transmittal) will be final and binding. Any defect or irregularity in connection with tenders of Debentures must be cured within such time as the Company determines, unless waived by the Company. Tenders of Debentures shall not be deemed to have been made until all defects or irregularities have been waived by the Company or cured. A defective tender (except to the extent such defect is waived by the Company or cured by the Holder) will not constitute a valid tender of Debentures and will not entitle the Holder to receipt of the Purchase Price. None of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, or any other person will be under any duty to give notice of any defect or irregularity in any tender or withdrawal of any Debentures or incur any liability to Holders for failure to give any such notice.
8.   Waiver of Conditions.
     The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend or waive any of the conditions to the Put Option.
9.   Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.
     Requests for additional copies of this Letter of Transmittal, the Notice or the other Option Documents and requests for assistance relating to the procedure for tendering Debentures may be directed to the Paying Agent at the address and telephone number on the first page of this Letter of Transmittal.
TO COMPLY WITH IRS CIRCULAR 230, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT: (A) ANY DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL TAX ISSUES CONTAINED OR REFERRED TO HEREIN IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED BY YOU, FOR THE PURPOSES OF AVOIDING PENALTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON YOU UNDER THE CODE AND (B) YOU SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.
IMPORTANT TAX INFORMATION
     Under federal income tax laws, a Holder whose tendered Debentures are accepted for payment is required to provide the Paying Agent with such Holder’s correct TIN on the attached Substitute Form W-9 or otherwise establish a basis for exemption from backup withholding. If such Holder is an individual, the TIN is his or her social security number. If the Paying Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, a $50 penalty may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and payments, including payment of the Purchase Price made to such Holder with respect to Debentures validly tendered pursuant to the Put Option, may be subject to backup withholding.
     Certain Holders (including, among others, corporations and certain foreign persons) are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. Exempt Holders should write “Exempt” in Part II to indicate their exempt status on the Substitute Form W-9. A foreign person may qualify as an exempt recipient by submitting to the Paying Agent a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8IMY or IRS Form W-8EXP or other applicable form, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that Holder’s exempt status. These forms can be obtained from the Paying Agent. See the enclosed “Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9” for additional instructions. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors to determine whether they are exempt.
     If backup withholding applies, the Paying Agent is required to withhold on any payments made to the Holder or other payee at a rate of 28%. Backup withholding is not an additional U.S. federal income tax. Rather, any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against such Holder’s or payee’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Purpose of Substitute Form W-9

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     To prevent backup withholding on payments made with respect to Debentures tendered pursuant to the Put Option, the Holder is required to provide the Paying Agent with (i) the Holder’s correct TIN by completing the attached form, certifying that the TIN provided on the Substitute Form W-9 is correct and that (A) such Holder is exempt from backup withholding, (B) the Holder has not been notified by the IRS that the Holder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report all interest or dividends or (C) the IRS has notified the Holder that the
     Holder is no longer subject to backup withholding and (ii) if applicable, an adequate basis for exemption from backup withholding.
What Number to Give the Paying Agent
     The Holder is required to give the Paying Agent the TIN (e.g., social security number or employer identification number) of the registered Holder. If the Debentures are held in more than one name or are held not in the name of the actual owner, consult the enclosed “Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9” for additional guidance on which number to report. Holders who do not have a TIN and have applied for a TIN, or intend to apply for one in the near future should check the applicable box in Part I of Substitute Form W-9 and complete the “Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number.” If the box is checked, the Paying Agent may withhold 28% of all payments unless the Holder has provided the Paying Agent with his or her TIN by the date the payment is made. A Holder who is awaiting a TIN should furnish the Paying Agent with his or her TIN as soon as it is received.

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(FORM W-9)
Request for Taxpayer Give this form to the Identification Number and Certification requestor. Substitute MOBILE MINI, INC., Do NOT send to the Form W-9 as Payor IRS. Please Print Individual or business name (if joint account, list first and circle the name of person or entity whose number or Type you furnish in Part I below): Check appropriate box: Individual/Sole Proprietor Corporation Partnership Other Address (number, street and apt. or suite no): City, state and ZIP code: Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”) Part II Payees Exempt From Backup Withholding Applied For Social Security Number Enter your TIN on the appropriate line. For individuals, it is your Social Security Number. For OR other entities, it is your Employer Identification Number. (See page 2 of the Guidelines for further clarification. Even if you are exempt from backup Employer Identification Number withholding, you should still complete and sign the certificate below.) Part III Certification Certification Instructions: You must cross out item 2 below if you have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that you are currently subject to backup withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return (See page 2 of the Guidelines for further clarification). Under penalties of perjury, I certify that: 1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), 2. I am not subject to back-up withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the IRS that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to back up withholding, and 3. I am a United States person (including a U.S. resident alien). Please Sign Here Signature Date NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 28% OF PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE PUT OPTION. PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED “GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9” FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATION IF YOU CHECKED THE BOX “APPLIED FOR” IN PART I OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9. CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER I certify, under penalties of perjury, that a TIN has not been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a TIN to the appropriate IRS Service Center or Social Security Administration Office or (b) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a TIN to the payor by the time that payments are made to me pursuant to the Put Option, the payor may be required to withhold up to 28% of such payments. Signature: Date:

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The Paying Agent for the Put Option is:
Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
The address of the Paying Agent is:
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
Corporate Trust Operations
Reorganization Unit
101 Barclay Street — 7 East
New York, N.Y. 10286
Attn: Mr. Joseph Lynch
Telephone: (212) 815-5076
Fax: (212) 298-1915
 
     Any questions regarding the terms of the Put Option may be directed to your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance.

 

cover
February 25, 2008
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Mail Stop 3628
100 F Street N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
         
 
  Re:   Avnet, Inc.
 
      Schedule TO-I
 
      Filed February 13, 2009
 
      File No. 005-20161
Ladies and Gentlemen:
     On behalf of Avnet, Inc., a New York corporation (“Avnet” or the “Company”), there is hereby transmitted for filing, pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system, Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule TO of Avnet filed on February 13, 2009 (“Amendment No. 1”).
     Amendment No. 1 has been prepared in response to the staff’s comments to such filing. The staff’s comments are set forth in a letter dated February 23, 2009, from Peggy Kim, Special Counsel, Office of Mergers & Acquisitions, addressed to David R. Birk, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Company. Responses to such comments are set forth below and are keyed to the above-referenced comment letter. Unless otherwise noted, all references to page numbers refer to the Company Notice filed herewith as Exhibit (a)(1) to the Schedule TO.
Notice to Holders
When does the Put Option expire, page 2
  1.   We note that you will not extend the offer period “unless required to do so by applicable law (including, but not limited to, the federal securities laws).” Please revise to describe how the offer may be extended. Refer to Item 1004(a)(1)(v) of Regulation M-A and Rule 13e-4(e)(3).
     Amendment No. 1 sets forth a revision that describes how the offer may be extended. The same revision was made at page 5 of the Company Notice, which pertains to the same term of the offer.

 


 

United States Securities and Exchange Commission
February 25, 2008
Page 2
The Company’s Obligations to Purchase the Debentures, page 5
  2.   Please note that a tender offer may be subject only to conditions that are not within the direct or indirect control of the offeror and that are drafted with sufficient specificity to permit objective verification that the conditions have been satisfied. We note that you describe the conditions as follows: (1) an event of default under the Indenture or Officers’ Certificate; (2) if the purchase is not unlawful; and (3) satisfaction of procedural requirements. Please revise to further describe the conditions, so that investors may understand whether the conditions have been satisfied.
     The Company Notice has been revised to inform investors that the only limitation on the Company’s obligation in respect of payment of the Purchase Price for surrendered Debentures is the term of the Indenture that provides that the Company may not purchase any Debentures at any time when an event of default or a default under the Indenture has occurred and is continuing. This change appears at the top of page 6.
Payment for Surrendered Debentures, page 13
  3.   We note that you intend to use existing liquidity to purchase the Debentures. Please revise to describe the specific sources of the funds used in the transaction. Refer to Item 1007(a) of Regulation M-A.
     We have revised this disclosure to clarify that existing liquidity is from borrowings available under Avnet’s existing unsecured revolving credit agreement. If all Debentures are surrendered pursuant to the Put Option, the total Purchase Price will be $300.0 million. Current borrowing availability under the credit agreement is in excess of $400.0 million.
Exhibits
  4.   Please file the form of documents required from holders of Debentures as an exhibit, or advise us. Refer to Item 12 of Schedule TO and corresponding Item 1016(g) of Regulation M-A.
     The Company has filed a form of Letter of Transmittal that holders of Debentures may use to surrender Debentures pursuant to the Put Option. The Company notes supplementally that the Company understands that all custodians and beneficial owners of Debentures hold the Debentures through The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) accounts and that there are no certificated Debentures in non-global form. Accordingly, all Debentures surrendered for purchase must be delivered through the transmittal procedures of DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program, subject to the terms and conditions of that system. The form of Letter of Transmittal is intended for use only if a Debenture is certificated and held outside of the DTC accounts.

 


 

United States Securities and Exchange Commission
February 25, 2008
Page 3
     As requested in the comment letter, the Company hereby acknowledges that (i) it is responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the disclosure in the filings, (ii) staff comments or changes to disclosure in response to staff comments do not foreclose the Commission from taking any action with respect to the filings, and (iii) the Company may not assert staff comments as a defense in any proceeding initiated by the Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of the United States.
     The Company believes the foregoing is responsive to the staff’s comment and hopes that the Company has resolved this comment to the Staff’s satisfaction. Your prompt attention to this response will be appreciated.
     If you have any questions regarding Amendment No. 1 or the foregoing response or if any additional information is needed, please call Joseph Richardson of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. at (602) 528-4801, and fax number (602) 253-8129.
     
 
  Sincerely,
 
   
 
  /s/ Squire, Sanders and Dempsey L.L.P.
 
   
 
  Squire, Sanders and Dempsey L.L.P.
 
   
JPR/mlb