Ingram Micro Expands Reach In Video Games Market, Creates New Consumer Games Division

Company Builds On Success In Canada And Becomes First Broad-Line Information Technology (IT) Distributor In Europe To Gain Distribution Rights For The Consumer Games Market

SANTA ANA, Calif., April 17, 2002 _ Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), the largest global wholesale provider of technology products and supply chain management services, today announced its expansion into the video gaming market in Germany. The company’s new division, Ingram Micro Games GmbH, offers a complete portfolio of consumer gaming products to resellers in the German IT and games trade channel.

This launch follows the company’s successful entry into the Canadian gaming market in 2001. As the exclusive retail distributor for Microsoft’s Xbox, Ingram Micro’s XTREME product division in Canada recently expanded its offerings to include additional third-party software and accessories for all video game platforms.

“Ingram Micro is always looking for ways to expand into new markets and distribute new technologies to increase sales in the IT channel,” said Kent B. Foster, chairman and chief executive officer, Ingram Micro Inc. “Growth in the gaming industry is exploding and it’s critical for manufacturers and software developers to get their products to market quickly. The PC, video and gaming markets are converging and the distribution of gaming products requires the same high standards for logistics as technology products. Therefore, this move is a natural evolution for Ingram Micro to create synergies that we can capitalize on.”

Initially starting with game consoles from key manufacturers Sony and Nintendo, Ingram Micro Games in Germany also will offer games software from Electronic Arts, Infogrames and Konami; and accessories from Logitech, Saitek, Bigben Interactive and others. The new division will service German resellers in both the IT and games channel with a focus on independent games and toy trade businesses. As with the Canadian division, it will leverage Ingram Micro’s global leadership in world-class logistics, market reach and electronic commerce tools to assist its customers in getting products to market quickly and efficiently.

“The formation of Ingram Micro Games represents an exciting new direction for Ingram Micro in Europe,” said Greg Spierkel, president, Ingram Micro Europe. “We are the first broad-line IT distributor in Europe to gain distribution rights from leading manufacturers in the games space. This strategic, new business unit will make use of our industry leading supply chain services, while providing an extensive channel reach for vendors in the rapidly growing games sector.”

Ingram Micro Games begins operations on May 1 from its office located in Würzburg, Germany, which is located in the Munich area. Ingram Micro’s existing distribution and warehousing infrastructure in Straubing, Germany, will provide the logistics power behind Ingram Micro Games.

About Ingram Micro Inc.
Ingram Micro Inc. is the largest global wholesale provider of technology products and supply chain management services. The company operates in 37 countries with sales of more than $25 billion for the fiscal year 2001. Ingram Micro’s global regions provide the distribution of technology products and services, market development programs, and supply chain management services to more than 170,000 technology solution providers and 1,700 manufacturers. The company is focused on maximizing shareowner value and achieving customer satisfaction through innovation in the information technology supply chain. Visit www.ingrammicro.com/corp.