Fremont, CA, June 25, 1998 - Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASYT), the leading supplier of manufacturing automation and Standard Mechanical InterFace (SMIF) isolation to the global semiconductor industry, announced today that it has been authorized by its Board of Directors to begin a stock repurchase program whereby up to 2,000,000 shares of its Common Stock may be repurchased by the Company using existing cash, from time-to-time at market prices, and as market and business conditions warrant, in the open market, or in negotiated transactions. As of June 15, 1998, Asyst had 12,077,452 shares outstanding.

The Company will utilize a portion of the reacquired shares for reissuance in connection with employee stock programs.

Asyst's chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mihir Parikh commented, "Based on current market prices, we believe that our stock is undervalued and that the repurchase program is a good investment of available funds. Our decision to buy back shares of our stock is an expression of our confidence in the long-term direction of Asyst."

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 Forms 10-K annual report and 10-Q quarterly report on file with the SEC.

About Asyst
The pioneer of the Standard Mechanical InterFace (SMIF), Asyst Technologies, Inc. is the leading provider of automated material handling systems critical to seamless factory automation in the most advanced fabs worldwide. Asyst's comprehensive solutions, which include industry-leading 200 mm and 300 mm product offerings, result in greater fab profitability and productivity. Through innovative developments in the software and integration services area, Asyst Software, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, provides integrated circuit (IC) manufacturers fully automated solutions addressing their most advanced manufacturing challenges. Founded in 1984, Asyst Technologies, Inc. is headquartered in Fremont, CA, with facilities in Europe and the Pacific Rim.