Fremont, CA, September 24, 1996 - Asyst Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASYT), today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Santa Clara, CA-based Radiance Systems, Inc., a private corporation that specializes in developing and integrating software solutions for the semiconductor, electronics and automatic test equipment (ATE) industries. Asyst expects the transaction to close within approximately 30 days, following approval by the California Department of Corporations.

Under terms of the stock-for-stock agreement, Asyst will acquire all of Radiance's assets and technologies-systems integration services and real-time control, data acquisition and factory automation technology-expanding the capabilities of its recently formed subsidiary, Asyst Software, Inc. (ASI). The agreement also encompasses over 50 off-the-shelf equipment interface drivers that Radiance developed utilizing the industry standard Virtual Factory Equipment Interface (VFEI) protocol. According to Asyst, the unparalleled number of VFEI drivers was an important factor in its decision to acquire Radiance.

While connectivity and automation software for semiconductor manufacturing is a relatively new market and little published data is available, Asyst's preliminary research indicates that nearly 10 percent of the cost of a fab is allocated for fab automation-both equipment and software. As companies look to ramp new, billion-dollar fabs as well as meet aggressive production needs in existing fabs, automation and connectivity software is expected to become an increasingly critical component of semiconductor manufacturing strategies.

According to Asyst Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mihir Parikh, the Radiance acquisition is integral to Asyst's corporate strategy to build on its leadership in providing factory automation solutions to the semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) industries. "Open systems-based software products and systems integration are essential to providing complete solutions for manufacturers that utilize minienvironments, SMIF technology, material control and identification systems from a variety of suppliers," asserted Parikh. "With this acquisition, we are expanding our market reach, opportunities for revenue growth and technological resources."

ASI, chartered with delivering connectivity and automation solutions to this growing market, was formed earlier this year by uniting new staff with existing Asyst Technologies software resources. Utilizing a combination of open systems software and integration services, ASI is focusing on providing standards-based factory automation solutions, customer-focused software products and formal systems integration processes. Asyst reports that ASI will retain all Radiance employees, bringing its total staff to over 60. This figure is expected to increase significantly in the next 12 to 24 months as the subsidiary's operations ramp up.

To speed this process, Asyst recently opened a new facility dedicated to ASI and its product development. Located in San Jose, CA, the 19,900-square-foot building houses product development, customer support, training, sales and marketing. According to William Leckonby, president of ASI, the move embodies Asyst's commitment to providing customer focused solutions. "Together, the Radiance acquisition and our new facility create the environment we need to effectively address our customers' individual software and integration needs," noted Leckonby. "It also provides resources that can support rapid growth as we accelerate our operations."

ASI is located at 2125 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA, 95131. Telephone: (408) 452-2500; Facsimile: (408) 452-2550.

About Asyst
Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of material control and automation systems that help semiconductor manufacturers improve their integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing productivity. The company's Asyst-SMIF™ System combines state-of-the-art minienvironments with advanced robotics to create ultraclean processing environments that are both comprehensive and flexible. The SMART-Traveler™ System (STS) works in tandem with SMIF to eliminate misprocessing. Both Asyst-SMIF and its companion STS products are integral to seamless factory automation of the future. Asyst's subsidiary, Asyst Automation, Inc., focuses on material handling control software and inter-bay/intra-bay automation systems. The company's newest subsidiary, Asyst Software, Inc., is dedicated to the development of software products for equipment communications and automated material handling, identification and tracking. Founded in 1984, Asyst Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Fremont, CA, with facilities in Europe and the Far East. Asyst Automation, Inc. is located outside Boston, Mass., with Asyst Software located in San Jose, CA The company's common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol ASYT.