The Soft Pitch

Just got back from our Singapore quarterly update meeting with our Global Executive Committee…unless I missed something it’s not hard to see that growth for Avnet will be significant in the Asian region. When I joined the comapny approx. 9 years ago I believe our revenue in the region was $100 million. Co-president of EM then Brian Hilton (retired) lead the charge and now EM is heading to the $3 billion mark! Organic opportunities and mergers and acquistions are both on tap for the EM and TS groups…Journalists if your looking for a good story, William Chu the leader that came with our 2007 acqusition of Azure Technologies 13 months ago has successfully executed plans to increase sales in IT value added space in Singapore and Malaysia. As you may know we have acquired over 50 companies since 1990…this one may be one of our best. Our 3 keys to any M&A activity; culture, strategy and econonics have all worked in this one. 

I can’t end any story without saying a few prayers for the people affected by the earthquake in China. I learned of it when I got off the plane and one my assocaites asked if we were ok. Sadly everyday the death reports kept getting larger. There could never be a good time for a disaster, but on the brink of the most important PR/Pride moments in the history of China, they (and the world) now must deploy resources to the ravaged region. Sadly dealing with this will really be China’s most important testament to be written.

The good news none of Avnet’s employees were involved.

I look forward to showing up tomorrow and hearing how Avnet employees from around the world will be donating and/or raising funds…as they always do when big events hit the world or on a daily basis in their communities…we always start from ground up. Update to come.

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