Agilent Technologies Launches China Holding Company; New Company Conso

    Business Editors/High-Tech Editors

    PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 2005--Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced the formation of Agilent Technologies China Holding Co. Ltd., based in Shanghai, to consolidate its entities in China. With the launch of the new company, Agilent expects to expand its presence in this region, as well as accelerate business growth.
    According to Agilent Chairman, President and CEO Ned Barnholt, China represents a significant opportunity for Agilent. "With its rapidly growing economy, China is Agilent's second biggest market," said Barnholt. "Through the formation of the new holding company, we are combining our different entities there to enhance our presence and achieve operational efficiency. We are also building a platform for further investment in China."
    "Our presence in China dates back many years," added Barnholt. "Our first joint venture, in fact, was established 20 years ago when our company was part of Hewlett-Packard. Today, Agilent is involved in many activities in our China sites, ranging from R&D to manufacturing, sales and support."
    Wayne Chan, president of Agilent Greater China, will oversee the operation and development of the holding company. "Today's announcement is another big step in Agilent's long-term plans for China," said Chan. "We expect to become more involved in a range of new activities that may include strategic investments and participation in joint ventures. Our ultimate goal is to position Agilent as the most innovative high-growth, high-tech company in the region."
    Agilent's businesses in China employ 1,100 people and are centered in Beijing and Shanghai, with other offices located throughout the country. Among its facilities in Shanghai are Agilent Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., which focuses on R&D, marketing and manufacturing services for the company's Life Sciences and Chemical Analysis business, and a Software Application Center for Agilent's Automated Test Group, which develops software for the semiconductor manufacturing and test industries. Other Shanghai operations include the Agilent Shanghai Trading Co., which opened in 2004 for outsourcing the company's semiconductor products to contract manufacturers in China, as well as providing design and application support to its semiconductor customers, and an Agilent Technologies Co. Ltd. Shanghai branch office.
    In Beijing, Agilent Technologies Co., Ltd. is chartered with product marketing, sales and technical support. With headquarters in Beijing, the business has branch offices in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an and Shenyang. Agilent Technologies Software Co. Ltd., including a division of Agilent Labs, opened in Beijing in 2000 to support the company's research efforts in China. Work there is focused on R&D, as well as product development, and serving China's growing wireline and wireless communications industries.

    About Agilent Technologies

    Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

    NOTE TO EDITORS: Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news.

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CONTACT: Agilent Amy Flores, 650-752-5303 (U.S.) amy_flores@agilent.com Tina Zhao, 86 10 6564 7888 (China) tina_zhao@agilent.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA CHINA INTERNATIONAL ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Agilent Technologies Inc.

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