FREMONT, Calif. and TOKYO, Japan, April 16, 2002 - Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: ASYT), and Shinko Electric Co. Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange: 6507) today announced that the companies have signed a Basic Agreement that is expected to lead to the formation of a new joint venture company that will develop, manufacture and market Shinko's market-leading Automated Materials Handling Systems (AMHS).

A webcast will be held to discuss Asyst's AMHS business strategy on Tuesday, April 16, 2002, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time .

This call is being webcast by CCBN and can be accessed at Asyst's web site at www.asyst.com.

The webcast is also being distributed over CCBN's Investor Distribution Network to both institutional and individual investors. Individual investors can listen to the call through CCBN's individual investor center at www.companyboardroom.com or by visiting any of the investor sites in CCBN's Individual Investor Network. Institutional investors can access the call via CCBN's password-protected event management site, StreetEvents (www.streetevents.com).

Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor manufacturers to increase overall equipment effectiveness, improve yields and increase fab throughput. The company offers a broad range of 200mm and 300mm solutions that enable the safe and rapid transfer of wafers and information between process equipment and the fab line throughout the IC fabrication process, while reducing IC damage caused by human, environmental, mechanical and chemical factors.

CONTACT:
Investor Contact

John Swenson
Asyst Technologies, Inc.
(510) 661-5000
jswenson@asyst.com