Press Releases

NEWARK INONE LAUNCHES POWERFUL SEARCH CAPABILITIES
"Our new search engine takes the work out of searching online for electronic components," says Newark's Website Director

CHICAGO (September 20, 2004) — Newark, a subsidiary of global distributor Premier Farnell plc (NYSE:PFP, LDE:pfl) and the leading small-quantity distributor of electronic components and test equipment in North America, announced today that it has implemented new cutting-edge search capabilities on its website, as part of an ongoing commitment to help customers save time sourcing and purchasing components. Utilizing the industry's broadest electronics selection, rich product data, sophisticated parametric search functionality and guided navigation, accurate search results can be returned to the user within seconds at www.newark.com

The launch follows extensive market research gathered by Newark into the challenges faced by today's time-pressed design engineer, purchasing and maintenance professional when buying products online. As a result of the new search capabilities, customers can quickly and easily access the critical information needed to make an informed buying decision.

Newark's search engine uses proven logic to match products and then provides filtered results in a relevant ranked order. From there, the results can be easily filtered by manufacturer or sorted by price, availability and a range of other product attributes. Selecting product categories also can narrow the results. Products can be compared side-by-side, and customers can access datasheets, chat live with Newark's technical product support team or link to a manufacturer's website for more detailed information.

"The search experience at www.newark.com is very intuitive, quick, as well as easy to use," said Mike Yantis, website director, Newark. "A customer simply enters criteria into one search box using a partial or complete stock number, manufacturer name, description, or other attribute - and the search engine virtually does the rest."

In conjunction with its enhanced website launch, Newark is sponsoring a weekly sweepstakes for a $500 gift certificate. Customers are entered with each purchase transaction on www.newark.com now through December 3, 2004.

For further information on Newark, the sweepstakes, or to view a brief guided tour of the new search capabilities visit www.newark.com.

About Newark

Newark, a subsidiary of global distributor Premier Farnell plc, is North America's leading small-quantity distributor of electronic components and test equipment, and its #1 source for RoHS compliant parts and information. RoHS is the acronym for the European Union's Restrictions of certain Hazardous Substances directive, which took effect July 1, 2006.

Visited by thousands of engineers and electronics buyers each week, Newark's RoHS Express site at www.newark.com/rohs provides critical information to help companies transition to compliance, including: the latest news, on-demand lead-free soldering webinars, downloadable step-by-step guides to compliance and updates on US and Canadian green laws.

In addition to offering the broadest electronics selection from 440+ top manufacturers for same-day shipping, Newark provides a unique range of value-added services at no charge, including, RoHS Bill of Materials updates, eProcurement implementation and support, and automatic re-reeling for components.

With multiple sales channels, customers do business with Newark through contact centers, a local branch network in the US, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, a dedicated field sales force and a world-class website at www.newark.com. The holder of a General Services Administration schedule (#GS-06F-0044M,) Newark also supports federal government customers through a dedicated website, www.teamgov.com, and a specially trained team of representatives.

Newark's parent company, Premier Farnell plc, is a leading global marketer and distributor of electronic, maintenance repair and operations (MRO) and specialist products and services, trading in more than 100 countries with a database of 2 million customer contacts. For general information, visit www.newark.com and www.premierfarnell.com. Also, you can reach Newark's media contact, Janice Fleisher, at 773.907.5941 and at jfleisher@newarkinone.com.

© Copyright 2007. Newark is a service mark of Premier Farnell Corp. All other trademarks, product or service names displayed in this release, registered or unregistered, constitute the intellectual property of their respective holders.