MATTSON TECHNOLOGY INC. AND METRON TECHNOLOGY N.V. ANNOUNCE THE SALE OF MATTSON'S AG ASSOCIATES RTP PRODUCT LINE TO METRON

FREMONT, CA. and BURLINGAME, CA February 27, 2002 - Mattson Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MTSN), a leading supplier of advanced process equipment used to manufacture semiconductors, and Metron Technology N.V. (Nasdaq: MTCH), a leading global provider of outsourced marketing, sales, service and support solutions to the semiconductor industry, announced today that the companies have signed an agreement by which Mattson will sell to Metron the AG Associates rapid thermal processing (RTP) product line, which Mattson obtained through its acquisition last year of the semiconductor division of STEAG Electronic Systems AG. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

On closing, which is scheduled for March 12, 2002, Metron will assume exclusive ownership of the 4000 and 8000 series RTP product line and begin distribution of spare parts for the installed base from its service locations in Southeast Asia, Europe and the United States. Metron will manufacture and refurbish RTP systems as part of its growing legacy systems business at a newly renovated facility in Scotland and in a facility in Silicon Valley, which Metron will sub-lease from Mattson. With the exception of Japan, where Canon Sales Company, Inc. will continue to distribute these products, Metron will provide sales, marketing and technical support services for the product line worldwide.

"Mattson's commitment to customers is paramount in this deal, and we have structured the transfer to help ensure that our customers receive continued availability of systems, support and spares," said David L. Dutton, Mattson's president and chief executive officer. "We are transitioning these mature products to Metron Technology to allow us to focus on enhancing our leading-edge 2000 and 3000 series RTP products while developing the next generation of innovative RTP tools."

Dutton continued, "In keeping with our focus on customer satisfaction and our commitment to provide continuous service and support, we chose to transition the mature AG 4000 and 8000 series RTP products to a provider capable of embracing these products as a primary focus. We feel confident that Metron Technology, which has extensive experience over the last eleven years with the 4000 and 8000 series products, will provide the desired focus and priority to these products and their related support. Mattson will work to support Metron and the customers to help make the transition is as seamless as possible."

"This acquisition is a significant step in Metron's move into equipment manufacturing and allows us to further leverage our global sales and service infrastructure," said Dennis Riccio, president and chief operating officer of Metron Technology. "Metron is uniquely positioned to produce and service products that have demonstrated value and allow OEM's, such as Mattson Technology, to focus their resources on advanced technology and next generation tools. This is a natural step in the management of our industry's product life cycle and a positive sign that Metron's equipment manufacturing business is taking root in key segments of our industry."

Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the results of Metron Technology to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2001 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2001. Metron Technology does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

About Metron Technology N.V.

Metron Technology N.V. (NASDAQ: MTCH) is a leading global provider of outsourced marketing, sales, service and support solutions to semiconductor materials and equipment suppliers and semiconductor manufacturers. Metron also provides semiconductor manufacturers with the ability to outsource a wide variety of fab equipment support services, such as materials management, cleanroom services and facility maintenance. These services enable Metron's customers to increase fab productivity and focus on their core competencies, such as product development, manufacturing and marketing. By partnering with Metron, Metron's principals (suppliers) can focus on product development and other core competencies, reduce their time to market and use Metron's global network to better compete with larger companies. Metron Technology N.V. has its headquarters in Burlingame, California, and is on the web at www.metrontech.com

About Mattson Technology, Inc.

Mattson Technology, Inc. is a leading supplier of semiconductor wafer processing equipment used in "front-end" fabrication of integrated circuits. The company is a market leader in dry strip and RTP equipment, and its products combine advanced process technology on high-productivity platforms backed by industry-leading support. Since beginning operations in 1989, the company’s core vision has been to help bring technology leadership and productivity gains to semiconductor manufacturers worldwide. Headquartered in Fremont, Calif., the company maintains sales and support centers throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. For more information, please contact Mattson Technology, Inc., 47131 Bayside Parkway, Fremont, Calif. 94538. Telephone: (800) MATTSON/(510) 657-5900. Fax: (510) 492-5911. Internet: www.mattson.com.