Fremont, CA, November 15, 1999-Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: ASYT), a leading provider of SMIF-based minienvironment and manufacturing automation systems that enable semiconductor manufacturers to protect their wafer assets and increase their manufacturing productivity, today announced the completion of its public offering of 2 million shares of its common stock at a price of $40.50 per share, which will result in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $76 million before offering related expenses. All of the shares were sold by the Company. Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers Inc. acted as co-lead managers and Adams, Harkness & Hill, Inc. and Needham & Company, Inc. acted as co-managers of the underwriting syndicate. The underwriters have been granted an option to purchase 300,000 shares to cover over-allotments, if any. Asyst plans to use the proceeds of the offering for capital expenditures, working capital and other general corporate purposes.

A prospectus for the offering may be obtained by contacting the Prospectus Department of Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, World Financial Center, North Tower, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10281, (212) 449-4600 or Lehman Brothers, Inc., Equity Syndicate, Three World Financial Center, 200 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10285, (212) 526-9420

Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, semiconductor industry cycles, risks associated with the acceptance of new products and product capabilities and other factors more fully detailed in the Company's most recent Form S-3 Registration Statement.

About Asyst:
Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of Standard Mechanical Interface-based minienvironment and manufacturing automation systems that enable semiconductor manufacturers to protect customers' valued assets throughout the manufacturing process while increasing manufacturing productivity. Asyst offers a broad range of 200 mm and 300 mm value assurance technologies that enable the Company to provide semiconductor manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturers automated manufacturing solutions for the transfer of wafers and information between the process equipment and the fab line.