AVNET INC
8-K, 1999-09-28
ELECTRONIC PARTS & EQUIPMENT, NEC
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<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) September 28, 1999


                                  AVNET, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

     New York                      1-4224                       1l-1890605
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction     (Commission                  (I.R.S. Employer
     of Incorporation)           File Number)                Identification No.)


2211 South 47th Street, Phoenix, Arizona                               85034
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)                            (Zip Code)


Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code - (480) 643-2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Not Applicable
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former Name or Former Address if Changed Since Last Report)
<PAGE>   2
Item 5. Other Events.

         Exhibit 24 to this Report contains the Powers of Attorney with respect
         to the execution of Avnet's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

         Exhibit 99 to this Report is an Employment Agreement between the
         Registrant and George Smith.



Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

         (a)   Inapplicable.

         (b)   Inapplicable.

         (c)   Exhibits:

         24.   Powers of Attorney.

         99.   Employment Agreement dated July 6, 1998 between the Registrant
               and George Smith.



No other item of this report form is presently applicable to the Registrant.



                                   SIGNATURE

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                             AVNET, INC.
                                             (Registrant)

Date: September 28, 1999                     By:   /s/ David R. Birk
                                                   -----------------
                                                   David R. Birk
                                                   Senior Vice President and
                                                   General Counsel
<PAGE>   3


                                 EXHIBIT INDEX



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit Number                     Description of Exhibit
<S>                                <C>
      24.                          Powers of Attorney

      99.                          Employment Agreement dated July 6, 1998
                                   between the Registrant and George Smith.
</TABLE>










<PAGE>   1
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, her attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for her and in her behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 16th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ Eleanor Baum
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Eleanor Baum
<PAGE>   2
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, her attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for her and in her behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as she might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 20th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ J. Veronica Biggins
                                             -------------------------------
                                             J. Veronica Biggins
<PAGE>   3
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for him and in his behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 28th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ Joseph F. Caligiuri
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Joseph F. Caligiuri
<PAGE>   4
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for him and in his behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 17th day of September, 1999.


                                             Lawrence W. Clarkson
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Lawrence W. Clarkson
<PAGE>   5
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for him and in his behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 18th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ Ehud Houminer
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Ehud Houminer
<PAGE>   6
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for him and in his behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 28th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ James A. Lawrence
                                             -------------------------------
                                             James A. Lawrence
<PAGE>   7
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for him and in his behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 17th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ Salvatore J. Nuzzo
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Salvatore J. Nuzzo
<PAGE>   8
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for him and in his behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 28th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ Frederic Salerno
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Frederic Salerno
<PAGE>   9
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for him and in his behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 16th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ Roy Vallee
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Roy Vallee
<PAGE>   10
                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

                  The undersigned does hereby make, constitute and appoint
Raymond Sadowski and David R. Birk and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution, to execute for him and in his behalf in
any and all capacities an Annual Report on Form 10-K, any amendments thereto,
and any other documents incidental thereto, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and all other required documents, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The undersigned further grants unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection with
the said filing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents and/or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this power of
attorney this 28th day of September, 1999.


                                             /s/ Frederick S. Wood
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Frederick S. Wood

<PAGE>   1
         AGREEMENT effective as of July 6, 1998 between AVNET, INC., a New York
corporation with a principal place of business at 2211 South 47th Street,
Phoenix, Arizona 85034 ("Employer") and George Smith, residing at Soslethstrasse
6, 80805 Munich, Germany ("Employee").

                                   WITNESSETH

1.       Employment Salary Benefits:

1.1      Employment. Employer agrees to employ Employee and Employee agrees to
         accept employment upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

1.2      Term. Employee's employment shall commence on July 6, 1998 and subject
         to earlier termination as provided herein, may be terminated on June
         30, 2000 by either party provided, however, that the party desiring to
         terminate the employment on June 30, 2000 gives written notice thereof
         to the other not later than one (1) year prior thereto -- namely, on or
         before June 30, 1999. In the event neither Employer nor Employee gives
         such written notice of termination then Employee's employment pursuant
         to this Agreement shall continue thereafter until either Employee or
         Employer shall terminate such employment upon at least one (1) year's
         written notice given to the other.

1.3      Duties. Employee is hereby engaged in an executive capacity and shall
         perform such duties for Employer, or Employer's subsidiaries, divisions
         and operating units as may be assigned to him from time to time by the
         Chief Executive Officer or President of Employer or a President of
         Employer's Electronics Marketing Group ("EMG"). Employee is currently
         engaged as President of Employer's Avnet Electronics Marketing (EMEA)
         Group. If Employee is elected an officer or a director of Employer or
         any subsidiary or division thereof, he shall serve as such without
         additional compensation.

1.4      Compensation. For all services to be rendered by Employee and for all
         covenants undertaken by him pursuant to the Agreement, Employer shall
         pay for fiscal year 1999 (through June 30, 1999) and Employee shall
         accept for such period compensation as set forth in the income plan
         attached as Exhibit A. Compensation (including base salary and
         incentive compensation) after June 30, 1999 shall be agreed upon from
         time to time between Employer and Employee. In the event Employee's
         employment hereunder is terminated by the one (1) year notice provided
         for in Section 1.2 above and Employer and Employee fail to agree upon
         compensation during all or any portion of the one (1) year notice
         period prior to termination, then Employee's compensation (base salary
         and incentive compensation) during such portion of the notice period
         shall remain the same in cash amount as was most recently agreed upon
         (or as resulted on an average basis for each pay period from the
         formula most recently agreed upon).


                                       1
<PAGE>   2
1.5      Compensation on Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement,
         Employee shall be entitled to receive only such compensation as had
         accrued and was unpaid to the effective date of termination. If the
         termination occurs other than at the end of a fiscal year of Employer
         the compensation payable to Employee (including base salary and
         incentive compensation) shall bear the same ratio to a full fiscal
         year's remuneration as the number of days for which Employee shall be
         entitled to remuneration bears to 365 days.

1.6      Additional Benefits. In addition to the compensation described in
         Subsection 1.4, Employee shall be entitled to vacation, insurance,
         retirement and other benefits (except for severance pay benefit which
         the one-year termination notice described above is intended to replace)
         as are afforded to personnel of Employer's United States based EMG
         operating units generally and which are in effect from time to time. It
         is understood that Employer does not by reason of this Agreement
         obligate itself to provide any such benefits to such personnel.
         Employee also participates in the Employer's Executive Officers'
         Supplemental Life Insurance and Retirement Benefits Program (the
         "Program") pursuant to the terms and conditions applicable to the
         Program.

2.       Early Termination.

2.1      Death or Disability. Employee's employment hereunder shall terminate on
         the date of Employee's death or upon Employee suffering mental or
         physical injury, illness or incapacity which renders him unable to
         perform his customary duties hereunder on a full-time basis for a
         period of 365 substantially consecutive days, on the 365th such day.
         The opinion of a medical doctor licensed to practice in the State of
         Arizona (or such other state wherein Employee then resides) and having
         Board certification in his field of specialization or the receipt of or
         entitlement of Employee to disability benefits under any policy of
         insurance provided or made available by Employer or under Federal
         Social Security laws, shall be conclusive evidence of such disability.

2.2      Cause. Employee's employment hereunder may also be terminated by
         Employer at any time prior to the expiration of the term hereof without
         notice for cause, including, but not limited to, Employee's gross
         misconduct, breach of any material term of this Agreement, willful
         breach, habitual neglect or wanton disregard of his duties, or
         conviction of any criminal act.

3.       Competitive Employment:

3.1      Full time. Employee shall devote his full time, best efforts, attention
         and energies to the business and affairs of Employer and shall not,
         during the term of his employment, be engaged in any other activity
         which, in the sole judgment of Employer, will interfere with the
         performance of his duties hereunder.

3.2      Non-Competition. While employed by Employer or any subsidiary, division
         or operating unit of Employer, Employee shall not, without the written
         consent of the President or Chief Executive Officer of Employer or a
         President of EMG, directly or indirectly (whether through his spouse,
         child or parent, other legal entity or otherwise): own,


                                        2
<PAGE>   3
         manage, operate, join, control, participate in, invest in, or otherwise
         be connected with, in any manner, whether as an officer, director,
         employee, partner, investor, shareholder, consultant, lender or
         otherwise, any business entity which is engaged in, or is in any way
         related to or competitive with the business of Employer, provided,
         however, notwithstanding the foregoing Employee shall not be prohibited
         from owning, directly or indirectly, up to 5% of the outstanding equity
         interests of any company or entity the stock or other equity interests
         of which is publicly traded on a national securities exchange or on the
         NASDAQ over-the-counter market.

3.3      Non-Solicitation. Employee further agrees that he will not, at any time
         while employed by Employer or any subsidiary, division or operating
         unit of Employer and for a period of one year after the termination of
         employment with Employer, without the written consent of an officer
         authorized to act in the matter by the Board of Directors of Employer,
         directly or indirectly, on Employee's behalf or on behalf of any person
         or entity, induce or attempt to induce any employee of Employer or any
         subsidiary or affiliate of Employer (collectively the "Employer Group")
         or any individual who was an employee of the Employer Group during the
         one (1) year prior to the date of such inducement, to leave the employ
         of the Employer Group or to become employed by any person other than
         members of the Employer Group or offer or provide employment to any
         such employee.

4.       Definitions:

         The words and phrases set forth below shall have the meanings as
         indicated:

4.1      Confidential Information. That confidential business information of the
         Employer, whether or not discovered, developed, or known by Employee as
         a consequence of his employment with Employer. Without limiting the
         generality of the foregoing, Confidential Information shall include
         information concerning customer identity, needs, buying practices and
         patterns, sales and management techniques, employee effectiveness and
         compensation information, supply and inventory techniques,
         manufacturing processes and techniques, product design and
         configuration, market strategies, profit and loss information, sources
         of supply, product cost, gross margins, credit and other sales terms
         and conditions. Confidential Information shall also include, but not be
         limited to, information contained in Employer's manuals, memoranda,
         price lists, computer programs (such as inventory control, billing,
         collection, etc.) and records, whether or not designated, legended or
         otherwise identified by Employer as Confidential Information.

4.2      Developments. Those inventions, discoveries, improvements, advances,
         methods, practices and techniques, concepts and ideas, whether or not
         patentable, relating to Employer's present and prospective activities
         and products.

5.       Developments. Confidential Information and Related Materials:

5.1      Assignment of Developments. Any and all Developments developed by
         Employee (acting alone or in conjunction with others) during the period
         of Employee's employment


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
         hereunder shall be conclusively presumed to have been created for or on
         behalf of Employer (or Employer's subsidiary or affiliate for which
         Employee is working) as part of Employee's obligations to Employer
         hereunder. Such Developments shall be the property of and belong to
         Employer (or Employer's subsidiary or affiliate for which Employee is
         working) without the payment of consideration therefor in addition to
         Employee's compensation hereunder, and Employee hereby transfers,
         assigns and conveys all of Employee's right, title and interest in any
         such Developments to Employer (or Employer's subsidiary or affiliate
         for which Employee is working) and agrees to execute and deliver any
         documents that Employer deems necessary to effect such transfer on the
         demand of Employer.

5.2      Restrictions on Use and Disclosure. Employee agrees not to use or
         disclose at any time after the date hereof, except with the prior
         written consent of an officer authorized to act in the matter by the
         Board of Directors of Employer, any Confidential Information which is
         or was obtained or acquired by Employee while in the employ of Employer
         or any subsidiary or affiliate of Employer, provided, however, that
         this provision shall not preclude Employee from (i) the use or
         disclosure of such information which presently is known generally to
         the public or which subsequently comes into the public domain, other
         than by way of disclosure in violation of this Agreement or in any
         other unauthorized fashion, or (ii) disclosure of such information
         required by law or court order, provided that prior to such disclosure
         required by law or court order Employee will have given Employer three
         (3) business days' written notice (or, if disclosure is required to be
         made in less than three (3) business days, then such notice shall be
         given as promptly as practicable after determination that disclosure
         may be required) of the nature of the law or order requiring disclosure
         and the disclosure to be made in accordance therewith.

5.3      Return of Documents. Upon termination of Employee's employment with
         Employer, Employee shall forthwith deliver to the President or Chief
         Executive Officer of Employer or a President of EMG all documents,
         customer lists and related documents, price and procedure manuals and
         guides, catalogs, records, notebooks and similar repositories of or
         containing Confidential Information and/or Developments, including all
         copies then in his possession or control whether prepared by him or
         others.

6.       Miscellaneous:

6.1      Consent to Arbitration. Except for the equitable relief provisions set
         forth in Section 6.2 below, Employer and Employee agree to arbitrate
         any controversy or claim arising out of this Agreement or otherwise
         relating to Employee's employment or the termination of employment or
         this Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of the Mutual
         Agreement to Arbitrate Claims, a copy of which is annexed hereto as
         Exhibit B.

6.2      Equitable Relief. Employee acknowledges that any material breach of any
         of the provisions of Sections 3 and/or 5 would entail irreparable
         injury to Employer's goodwill and jeopardize Employer's competitive
         position in the marketplace or Confidential Information, or both, and
         that in addition to Employer's other remedies, Employee consents and
         Employer shall be entitled, as a matter of right, to an injunction
         issued by


                                       4
<PAGE>   5
         any court of competent jurisdiction restraining any breach of Employee
         and/or those with whom Employee is acting in concert and to other
         equitable relief to prevent any such actual, intended or likely breach.

6.3      Survival. The provisions of Sections 3.2, 3.3, 4, 5, and 6 shall
         survive the termination of Employee's employment hereunder.

6.4      Interpretation. If any court of competent jurisdiction or duly
         constituted arbitration panel shall refuse to enforce any or all of the
         provisions hereof because they are more extensive (whether as to
         geographic scope, duration, activity, subject or otherwise) than is
         reasonable, it is expressly understood and agreed that such provisions
         shall not be void, but that for the purpose of such proceedings and in
         such jurisdiction, the restrictions contained herein shall be deemed
         reduced or limited to the extent necessary to permit enforcement of
         such provisions.

6.5      Succession. This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon
         Employee, his legal representatives, heirs and distributees and upon
         Employer, its successors and assigns.

6.6      Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Exhibits hereto contain the
         entire agreement of the parties with respect to their subject matter
         and no waiver, modification or change of any provisions hereof shall be
         valid unless in writing and signed by the parties against whom such
         claimed waiver, modification or change is sought to be enforced.

6.7      Waiver of Breach. The waiver of breach of any term or condition of this
         Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of any other term
         or condition of this Agreement.

6.8      Notices. All notices pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and
         shall be given by registered or certified mail, or the equivalent,
         return receipt requested, addressed to the parties hereto at the
         addresses set forth above, or to such address as may hereafter be
         specified by notice in writing in the same manner by any party or
         parties.

6.9      Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by and construed in
         accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona other than conflicts
         of laws principles.


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
6.10     Headings. Except for headings in Section 4, the headings of the
         sections and subsections are inserted for convenience only and shall
         not be deemed to constitute a part hereof or the affect the meaning
         thereof.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, parties have executed this Agreement effective as
of the day and year first above written.

                                                AVNET, INC.



                                                By: /s/ Brian Hilton
                                                    ----------------------------

                                                Title: President EMEA/ASIA
                                                       -------------------------

                                                /s/ George Smith
                                                --------------------------------
                                                George Smith


                                        6
<PAGE>   7
                                   EXHIBIT A

EMPLOYEE STATUS CHANGE                                              [AVNET LOGO]

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the required information below and then the changed data
as appropriate. REFER TO THE KEY CODES ON THE BACK. After approval, return the
form to your location's HR Department for signature. Leave the Shaded Spaces for
HR Use.

<TABLE>
<S>       <C>                    <C>      <C>        <C>               <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUIRED  Last name                                        First name                  Initial                      Employee file #

          SMITH                                           GEORGE                                                      001501
          -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Social security #     Corp     Branch     Department #         Current job title           Job code       Hire date
                                 400       197        54200
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                               PROMOTION OR
EMPLOYMENT DATA                                                                                                  TRANSFER
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
Last name                                              First Name            Initial
                                                                                                                            TR
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                                       PR= promotion  TR=transfer
H status  P status  E type  R/T/F/P  Corp   Branch  Department #  Effective Date
                                      500    004     77010          1/1/99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEAVE OF ABSENCE                          TERMINATION
- --------------------------                ---------   ------  ----------------  ----------------  -----------  --------  ----------
LOA code  Last date worked                Term code   Rehire  Last date worked  Pay-through date  Regular hrs  Sick hrs   Vac hrs

- --------------------  ------------------  -------------- ---------- --------- ------------   -----------   -----   ----------------
Expected return date  Actual return date  OT hrs(1-1/2X) OT hrs(2X) Other hrs Hol/Host hrs   Pay period     Sev       Separation
                                                                                              and date      hrs         pay ($)
- ----------------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PERSONAL DATA
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Social security #                Home street address (include apt. #)

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
City                                 State             Zip code        Home phone # (include area code)

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Work phone # (include area code)   QID # (warehouse)   ESD expiration date (whse)  M status  Effective date

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SALARY DATA
- -------------------- ------------ ------------ -------- ----------  ------- ----------  ------- ------------  ------------------
CURRENT  Hourly rate   Shift diff  Additional   Code(1) Additional  Code(2) Additional  Code(3) Total hourly  Bi-Weekly
                                   base 1               base 2              base 3              base rate     car allowance

         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Annual base salary        Annual incentive target          Annual target income        Annual bonus
         (incentive plan)          (incentive plan)                 (incentive plan)            (incentive plan)

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NEW     Hourly rate   Shift diff  Additional   Code(1) Additional  Code(2) Additional  Code(3) Total hourly  Bi-Weekly
                                   base 1               base 2              base 3              base rate     car allowance

         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Annual base salary        Annual incentive target          Annual target income        Annual bonus
         (incentive plan)          (incentive plan)                 (incentive plan)            (incentive plan)
            205004.00                  160000.00                        365004.00
         --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Effective date     Next salary review date    Increase code  PR=promotion   MT=merit   SA=salary adjustment
                                                                      Definitions of these increase codes are on the back of this
            7-6-98                                                    form.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

POSITION DATA
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Job title                                                               Job code        Requisition #      Effective date

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FED WITHHOLD (attach a W-4)               STATE WITHHOLD (attach state form)        MULTIPLE TAX LOC                    LOCATION
- ---------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------   -----------------------------------------------
# ded  $ withhold  % withhold  M status   # ded  $ withhold  % withhold  M status   P state  P local S state S local    Loc Key

- ---------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------   -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

COMMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please pay guarantee at 100% through June 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

160,000 target incentive -- 4 week = 12,307.69  5 week = 15,384.60
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pay incentive based on 4/4/5 week quarter
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

APPROVALS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepared by (print name)                Signature                  Date prepared
Michael Melancon                        /s/                           2/16/99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supervisor (print name)                 Signature                  Date

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manager (print name)                    Signature                  Date

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>   8
                                    EXHIBIT B


                      MUTUAL AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS

         I recognize that differences may arise between Avnet, Inc. ("the
Company") and me during or following my employment with the Company, and that
those differences may or may not be related to my employment. I understand and
agree that by entering into this Agreement to Arbitrate Claims ("Agreement"), I
anticipate gaining the benefits of a speedy, impartial dispute-resolution
procedure.

         Except as provided in this Agreement, the Federal Arbitration Act shall
govern the interpretation, enforcement and all proceedings pursuant to this
Agreement. To the extent that the Federal Arbitration Act is inapplicable,
applicable state law pertaining to agreements to arbitrate shall apply.

         I understand that any reference in this Agreement to the Company will
be a reference also to all divisions, subsidiaries and affiliates of the
Company. Additionally, except as otherwise provided herein, any reference to
the Company shall also include all benefit plans; the benefit plans' sponsors,
fiduciaries, administrators, affiliates; and all successors and assigns of any
of them.

CLAIMS COVERED BY THE AGREEMENT

         The Company and I mutually consent to the resolution by arbitration of
all claims or controversies ("claims"), whether or not arising out of my
employment (or its termination), that the Company may have against me or that I
may have against the Company or against its officers, directors, employees or
agents in their capacity as such or otherwise. The claims covered by this
Agreement include, but are not limited to, claims for wages or other
compensation due; claims for breach of any contract or covenant (express or
implied); tort claims; claims for discrimination and harassment (including, but
not limited to, race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age,
marital status, medical condition, handicap or disability); claims for benefits
(except where an employee benefit or pension plan specifies that its claims
procedure shall culminate in an arbitration procedure different from this one);
and claims for violation of any federal, state, or other governmental law,
statute, regulation, or ordinance, except claims excluded in the section
entitled "Claims Not Covered by the Agreement."

         Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, both the Company and I
agree that neither of us shall initiate or prosecute any lawsuit or
administrative action (other than an administrative charge of discrimination) in
any way related to any claim covered by this Agreement.


                                       1
<PAGE>   9
CLAIMS NOT COVERED BY THE AGREEMENT

         Claims I may have for workers' compensation or unemployment
compensation benefits are not covered by this Agreement.

         Also not covered are claims by the Company for injunctive and/or other
equitable relief including, but not limited to, claims for injunctive and/or
other equitable relief for unfair competition and/or the use and/or unauthorized
disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information, as to which I
understand and agree that the Company may seek and obtain relief from a court of
competent jurisdiction.

REQUIRED NOTICE OF ALL CLAIMS AND STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

         The Company and I agree that the aggrieved party must give written
notice of any claim to the other party within one (1) year of the date the
aggrieved party first has knowledge of the event giving rise to the claim;
otherwise the claim shall be void and deemed waived even if there is a federal
or state statute of limitations which would have given more time to pursue the
claim.

         Written notice to the Company, or its officers, directors, employees or
agent, shall be sent to its President at the Company's then-current address. I
will be given written notice at the last address recorded in my personnel file.

         The written notice shall identify and describe the nature of all claims
asserted and the facts upon which such claims are based. The notice shall be
sent to the other party by certified or registered mail, return receipt
requested.

DISCOVERY

         Each party shall have the right to take deposition of one individual
and any expert witness designated by another party. Each party also shall have
the right to propound requests for production of documents to any party.
Additional discovery may be had only where the panel of arbitrators selected
pursuant to this Agreement so orders, upon a showing of substantial need.

         At least thirty (30) days before the arbitration, the parties must
exchange lists of witnesses, including any expert, and copies of all exhibits to
be used at the arbitration.

SUBPOENAS

          Each party shall have the right to subpoena witnesses and documents
for the arbitration.

ARBITRATION PROCEDURES

         The Company and I agree that, except as provided in this Agreement, any
arbitration shall be in accordance with the then-current Model Employment
Arbitration Procedures of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") before a
panel of three arbitrators who are licensed


                                        2
<PAGE>   10
to practice law in the state where the arbitration is to take place ("the
Panel"). The arbitration shall take place in or near the city of Phoenix,
Arizona.

         The Panel shall apply the substantive law (and the law of remedies, if
applicable) of the state in which the claim arose, or federal law, or both, as
applicable to the claim(s) asserted. The Federal Rules of Evidence shall apply.
The Panel, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have
exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation,
applicability, enforceability or formation of this Agreement, including but not
limited to any claim that all or any part of this Agreement is void or voidable.
The panel shall render an award and opinion in the form typically rendered in
labor arbitrations. The arbitration shall be final and binding upon the parties.

         The Panel shall have jurisdiction to hear and rule on pre-hearing
disputes and is authorized to hold pre-hearing conferences by telephone or in
person, as the Panel deems necessary. The Panel shall have the authority to
entertain a motion to dismiss and/or a motion for summary judgment by any party
and shall apply the standards governing such motions under the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure.

         Either party, at its expense, may arrange for and pay the cost of a
court reporter to provide a stenographic record of proceedings.

ARBITRATION FEES AND COSTS

         The Company and I shall equally share the fees and costs of the Panel.
Each party shall pay for its own costs and attorneys' fees, if any. However, if
any party prevails on a statutory claim which affords the prevailing party
attorneys' fees, or if there is a written agreement providing for fees, the
Panel may award reasonable fees to the prevailing party.

INTERSTATE COMMERCE

         I understand and agree that the Company is engaged in transactions
involving interstate commerce and that my employment involves such commerce.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFICATION OR REVOCATION

         This Agreement to arbitrate shall survive the termination of my
employment. It can only be revoked or modified by a writing signed by me and an
officer of the Company which specifically states an intent to revoke or modify
this Agreement.

SOLE AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT

         This is the complete agreement of the parties on the subject of
arbitration of disputes, except for any arbitration agreement in connection with
any pension or benefit plan. This Agreement supersedes any prior or
contemporaneous oral or written understanding on the subject. No party is
relying on any representations, oral or written, on the subject of the effect,
enforceability or meaning of this Agreement, except as specifically set forth in
this Agreement.


                                        3
<PAGE>   11
CONSTRUCTION

         If any provision of this Agreement is adjudged to be void or otherwise
unenforceable, in whole or in part, such adjudication shall not affect the
validity of the remainder of the Agreement.

CONSIDERATION

         The promises by the Company and by me to arbitrate differences, rather
than litigate them before courts or other bodies, provide consideration for each
other.

NOT AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         This Agreement is not, and shall not be construed to create, any
contract of employment, express or implied. Nor does this Agreement in any way
alter the "at-will" status of my employment.

VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT

         I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS AGREEMENT, THAT I
UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, THAT ALL UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE COMPANY
AND ME RELATING TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE AGREEMENT ARE CONTAINED IN IT,
AND THAT I HAVE ENTERED INTO THE AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND NOT IN RELIANCE ON
ANY PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS BY THE COMPANY OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS AGREEMENT ITSELF.

          I UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT I AM GIVING UP MY RIGHT TO
A JURY TRIAL.

         I FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS
THIS AGREEMENT WITH MY PRIVATE LEGAL COUNSEL AND HAVE AVAILED MYSELF OF THAT
OPPORTUNITY TO THE EXTENT I WISH TO DO SO.

EMPLOYEE                                        AVNET, INC.

/s/ George Smith                                /s/ Brian Hilton
- --------------------------------                --------------------------------
Signature of Employee                           Signature of Authorized
Company


                                                Representative

George Smith                                    President EMEA/ASIA
- --------------------------------                --------------------------------
Print Name of Employee                          Title of Representative

                                                June 10, 1999
- --------------------------------                --------------------------------
Date                                            Date


                                       4



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