Avnet Abacus, one of Europe's leading interconnect, passive, electromechanical and power distributors, has announced that it has signed a Pan-European franchise agreement with Murata covering the Japanese manufacturer's broad range of innovative passive products. The agreement builds on a 20 year relationship between the two companies. Previously, Avnet Abacus has covered selected European territories for Murata passives and has held a Pan-European agreement for the company's power solutions products. This extended agreement further enhances Avnet Abacus' position as a leading distributor of Murata products. Avnet Abacus is particularly enthusiastic about introducing Murata's innovative ceramic based components to a wider European design engineering audience. Commented Alan Jermyn, VP European Marketing: "We recognise Murata's global leadership in ceramic based electronic components. Our particular focus will be on the application and design in of new products such as SMD Pyroelectric Infra Red sensors, AMR Sensors, Microblower, timing devices & Metal T-cap ranges." About Avnet Abacus Avnet Abacus is a pan-European demand creation distributor specialising in interconnect, passive, electromechanical, power supply and battery products. Avnet Abacus' extensive product range and exceptional linecard is supported by a team of over 50 product specialists based across Europe, delivering technical expertise and technology focused initiatives. Avnet Abacus is a business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, a business region of Avnet, Inc., (NYSE: AVT) www.avnet-abacus.eu