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$1,500,000,000

Debt Securities, Common Stock,

        Avnet, Inc. may offer from time to time, in one or more series or issuances and at prices and on terms that it will determine at the time of offering, up to $1,500,000,000 in gross proceeds to Avnet of

      Avnet’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange under the symbol “AVT.”

      We will provide specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus at the time when we offer them. You should read this prospectus and the applicable supplement carefully before you invest in any of these securities. The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement (of which this prospectus is a part) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission has become effective. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not contain an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

      Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is November 10, 2003.

     We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement. The information contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of the dates on their covers. When we deliver this prospectus or a supplement or make a sale pursuant to this prospectus, we are not implying that the information is current as of the date of the delivery or sale.

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      Whenever we refer to “Avnet” or to “us,” or use the terms “we” or “our” in this prospectus, we are referring to Avnet, Inc. a New York corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries. However, for purposes of the sections entitled “Description of Debt Securities,” “Description of Common Stock,” “Description of Warrants,” “Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase Units,” and “Description of Units,” whenever we refer to “Avnet” or to “us,” or use the terms “we” or “our,” we are referring only to Avnet, Inc.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

      This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings resulting in gross proceeds to us of up to $1,500,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. To the extent that any statement that we make in a prospectus supplement is inconsistent with statements made in this prospectus, you should assume that the statements made in the prospectus supplement modify or supersede those made in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

THE COMPANY

      Avnet is one of the world’s largest distributors of electronic components, enterprise network and computer equipment, and embedded subsystems. Incorporated in 1955, Avnet has become a strategic channel-to-market for the world’s leading electronic component and computer product manufacturers. Avnet serves as a vital link in the chain that connects manufacturers to its global customer base of original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers, value-added resellers and end-users. Avnet distributes electronic components and computer products as received from its suppliers or with assembly or other value added by Avnet. Additionally, Avnet provides engineering design, material management and logistic services, system integration and configuration, and supply chain advisory services. Avnet maintains a worldwide network of large, regional distribution centers and smaller warehouses located in proximity to its customers and suppliers and also maintains inventory on customers’ premises. Avnet has over 300 sales and marketing offices and sells to customers in over 60 countries.

      Avnet’s principal executive offices are located at 2211 South 47th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034, telephone (480) 643-2000.

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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

      The following table sets forth the ratios of Avnet’s earnings to fixed charges, on a consolidated basis, for the periods indicated:

Notes:

USE OF PROCEEDS

      Unless we identify other uses of proceeds in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for Avnet’s general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of debt, capital expenditures, acquisitions, repurchases of Avnet’s common stock, and working capital. Pending these uses, the net proceeds may also be temporarily invested in short-term securities.

      Depending on market conditions and Avnet’s financial needs, Avnet may, from time to time, undertake additional financings. We cannot at this time estimate the amount and timing of such financings, if any.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

      The following description summarizes the general terms and provisions of any debt securities which Avnet may offer under this prospectus. When Avnet offers a particular series of debt securities, we shall deliver with this prospectus a prospectus supplement which will describe the particular terms of the offered series and the extent to which the general terms below may apply to that series.

      Avnet will issue the debt securities under an indenture between Avnet and a trustee chosen by Avnet and qualified to act under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The debt securities will be either senior debt or subordinated debt of Avnet, and will be issued under one of two separate indentures between Avnet and a trustee chosen by Avnet. Senior debt will be issued under a senior note indenture and subordinated debt will be issued under a subordinated note indenture. The senior note indenture and the subordinated note indenture are sometimes referred to in this prospectus individually as an “indenture” and collectively as the “indentures.” The forms of indentures are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Avnet will execute the applicable indenture if and when it issues any debt securities and will file the executed indenture as an exhibit to a Form 8-K filing with the SEC. The executed indenture will be available for inspection at the corporate trust office of the trustee, or you may obtain a copy from Avnet without charge. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” The indentures will be subject to, and governed by, the Trust Indenture Act. The statements contained in this prospectus relating to the indentures and the debt securities we may issue under the indentures are summaries of their material terms but do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the indentures (including those terms made a part of the indentures by reference to the Trust Indenture Act) and these debt securities.

      Avnet can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities in one or more series under the indentures, with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of Avnet’s Board of Directors or a committee of the Board or by a supplemental indenture. We will describe, in a prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the terms of that series, including

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      Avnet may issue debt securities at a discount below their stated principal amount or provide for less than the entire principal amount of the debt securities to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of maturity. In that event, we will describe any material federal income tax considerations and other material considerations in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      Avnet may issue debt securities in bearer form, with or without coupons. In that event, we will describe any material federal income tax considerations and other material considerations in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Ranking of Debt Securities

      Any series of debt securities issued under the senior note indenture will rank equally with all of Avnet’s other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

      Any series of debt securities issued under the subordinated note indenture will be subordinate in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of Avnet. With respect to any series of subordinated debt securities, except as otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, Avnet’s “senior indebtedness” means all Debt (as defined below) permitted to be incurred by Avnet under the terms of the indenture, unless the instrument under which such Debt is incurred expressly provides that it is on a parity with or subordinated in right of

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      With respect to any series of subordinated debt securities, except as otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, “Debt” means, with respect to any Person (as defined below) at any date of determination (without duplication), (i) all indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses, (iii) all obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments (or reimbursement obligations thereto) issued on the account of such Person, (iv) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services, except trade payables, (v) all obligations of such Person as lessee under capitalized leases, (vi) all Debt of others secured by a lien on any asset of such Person (including assets subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease, or other title retention agreement relating to such asset), whether or not such Debt is assumed by such Person; provided that, for purposes of determining the amount of any Debt of the type described in this clause (vi), if recourse with respect to such Debt is limited to such asset, the amount of such Debt shall be limited to the lesser of the fair market value of such asset or the amount of such Debt, and (vii) all Debt of others guaranteed by such Person to the extent such Debt is guaranteed by such Person.

      In the event and during the continuation of any default by Avnet in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any senior indebtedness, or in the event that the maturity of any senior indebtedness has been accelerated because of a default, then, in either case, no payment shall be made by Avnet with respect to the principal (including redemption payments) of or premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt securities until such default shall have been cured or waived in writing or shall have ceased to exist or such senior indebtedness shall have been discharged or paid in full.

      In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any subordinated debt securities, then no payment shall be made by Avnet with respect to the principal (including redemption payments) of or premium, if any, or interest on such subordinated debt securities until the holders of all senior indebtedness outstanding at the time of such acceleration shall receive payment in full of such senior indebtedness (including any amounts due upon acceleration).

      Upon any distribution of Avnet’s assets upon dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, the holders of its senior indebtedness will be entitled to receive payment in full, in cash or cash equivalents, or payment thereof provided for in accordance with its terms, of principal, premium, if any, and interest (including interest accruing after the commencement of any proceeding for Avnet’s bankruptcy or reorganization under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law) before any payment is made on the subordinated debt securities. By reason of the subordination, if Avnet becomes insolvent, holders of its senior indebtedness may receive more, ratably, and holders of the subordinated debt securities having a claim pursuant to the subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably, than Avnet’s other creditors. Such subordination will not prevent the occurrence of any event of default in respect of the subordinated debt securities.

      If Avnet offers debt securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the aggregate amount of outstanding indebtedness, if any, as of the most recent practicable date that by the terms of such debt securities would be senior to such debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will also set forth any limitation on Avnet’s ability to issue any additional senior indebtedness and will describe in more detail the material terms of the subordination provisions of these securities, including relevant definitions.

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Conversion Rights

      Any provisions for the exchange or conversion of a series of debt securities into shares of Avnet common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Exchange, Registration, Transfer and Payment

      Unless we specify otherwise in a prospectus supplement, payment of principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt securities will be payable, and the exchange of and the transfer of debt securities will be registrable, at the office of the trustee or at any other office or agency maintained by Avnet for that purpose subject to the limitations of the indenture. Unless we specify otherwise in a prospectus supplement, Avnet will issue the debt securities in denominations of U.S. $1,000 or whole number multiples thereof. Avnet will not require a service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but it may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge.

Global Debt Securities

      Avnet may issue the debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global security certificates. Avnet will deposit each global security with a depositary or its nominee or custodian, which will be The Depository Trust Company and its nominee Cede & Co unless we name another depositary or nominee in a prospectus supplement, and each global security will bear a legend regarding the restrictions on exchanges and registration of transfer thereof referred to below and any other matters as may be provided for in the indenture.

      Notwithstanding any provision of the indenture or any debt security, no global security may be transferred to, or registered or exchanged for debt securities registered in the name of, any person or entity other than the depositary for the global security or any nominee of the depositary, and no such transfer may be registered, unless

      All debt securities issued in exchange for a global security or any portion of a global security will be registered in such names as the depositary may direct.

      Unless we specify otherwise in a prospectus supplement, debt securities which are to be represented by a global security will be registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee. Upon the issuance of a global security, and the deposit of the global security with or on behalf of the depositary for the global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the global security to the accounts of institutions that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee (“participants”). The accounts to be credited will be designated by the underwriters or agents of the debt securities, or by Avnet if it directly offers and sells the debt securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests by participants in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership interest will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary or its nominee for the global security. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security by persons that hold through participants will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership interest within such participant will be effected only through, records maintained by the participant. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in certificate form. The foregoing limitations and these laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global securities.

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      So long as the depositary for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the global security, the depositary or its nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the indenture. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interests in the global security will not be entitled to have debt securities of the series represented by the global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities of the series in certificate form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purposes under the indenture. Therefore, each person owning a beneficial interest in the global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture. If we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to give any notice or take any action a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary will authorize the participants to give that notice or take that action, and participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through those participants to give that notice or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.

      Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the indenture, the rights of the beneficial owners of the debt securities to receive payment of the principal of, and any premium or interest on, the debt securities on or after the respective due dates expressed in the debt securities, or to institute suit for the enforcement of these payments on or after these respective dates, will not be impaired or affected without the consent of the beneficial owners.

      Principal of and any premium or interest on a global security will be payable in the manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Covenants

      The indentures provide that Avnet will be subject to the covenants below for the benefit of each series of debt securities which does not specifically provide otherwise.

Definitions

      “Attributable Debt” means, as to any particular lease, the greater of

      “Consolidated Net Assets” means total assets after deducting all current liabilities as set forth in the most recent balance sheet of Avnet and its consolidated Subsidiaries and computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

      “Funded Debt” means

      “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

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      “Principal Property” means any manufacturing or processing plant or warehouse owned at the date of the indenture or thereafter acquired by Avnet or any Restricted Subsidiary of Avnet which is located within the United States and the gross book value (including related land and improvements thereon and all machinery and equipment included therein without deduction of any depreciation reserves) of which on the date as of which the determination is being made exceeds 2% of Consolidated Net Assets, other than

      “Restricted Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of Avnet (i) substantially all the property of which is located, or substantially all the business of which is carried on, within the United States, and (ii) which owns a Principal Property.

      “Subsidiary” means any corporation more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock of which at the time of determination is owned, directly or indirectly, by Avnet and/or by one or more other Subsidiaries.

      “Voting Stock” means capital stock of a corporation of the class or classes having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors, managers or trustees of such corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes shall have or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency).

Highly Leveraged Transactions

      Unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities, there are no covenants or provisions in the indentures which may afford the holders of debt securities direct protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving Avnet.

Restrictions on Secured Debt

      Avnet covenants in the indentures, for the benefit of each series of debt securities other than any series which specifically provides otherwise, that if Avnet or any Restricted Subsidiary shall after the date of the indenture incur or guarantee any loans, notes, bonds, debentures or other similar evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed (“Certain Debt”) secured by a mortgage, pledge or lien (“Mortgage”) on any Principal Property of Avnet or any Restricted Subsidiary, or on any share of stock or Certain Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary, Avnet will secure or cause such Restricted Subsidiary to secure the debt securities equally and ratably with (or, at Avnet’s option, before) such secured Certain Debt, unless the aggregate principal amount of all such secured Certain Debt (plus the amount of all Attributable Debt which is not excluded as described below under the caption “— Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Financings”) would not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Assets.

      This restriction will not apply to, and there will be excluded from secured Certain Debt in any computation of the above restriction, Certain Debt secured by

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Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Financings

      Avnet covenants in the indentures, for the benefit of each series of debt securities other than any series which specifically provides otherwise, that Avnet will not itself, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any sale and leaseback transaction involving any Principal Property, unless after giving effect thereto the aggregate amount of all Attributable Debt with respect to all such transactions, plus all secured Certain Debt which is not excluded as described above under the caption “— Restrictions on Secured Debt,” would not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Assets.

      This restriction will not apply to, and there will be excluded from Attributable Debt in any computation of the above restriction, any sale and leaseback transaction if

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Restrictions on Mergers and Consolidations

      Avnet covenants in the indentures that it will not consolidate with or merge into any other Person, or sell, convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets unless

Events of Default

      Unless we specify otherwise in a prospectus supplement for a particular series of debt securities, an event of default under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities is:

      If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to the debt securities of any series, either the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of that series may declare the principal amount of the debt securities of such series (or, in the case of debt securities sold at an original issue discount, the amount specified in the terms thereof) and the accrued interest thereon, if any, to be due and payable immediately. Under certain conditions, such a declaration may be rescinded.

      The indentures provide that the trustee will, within 90 days after the occurrence of a default known to it, give the affected holders of debt securities notice of all uncured defaults known to it (the term “default” to mean the events specified above without grace periods). However, except in the case of default in the payment of principal of or interest on any debt security, the trustee will be protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the affected holders of debt securities.

      Avnet must furnish to the trustee annually a statement by certain officers of Avnet certifying that there are no defaults or specifying any default.

      The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right, with certain limitations, to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of such series, and to waive certain defaults with respect thereto. The indentures provide that if an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee shall exercise such of its rights and powers under the indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in exercising the same, as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person’s own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indentures at the request of any of the holders of debt securities unless they shall have offered to the trustee reasonable

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Modification of the Indentures

      With certain exceptions, the indentures may be modified or amended with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modification or amendment. However, no such modification or amendment may be made, without the consent of the holder of each debt security affected, which would

Defeasance and Discharge

      The indentures provide that Avnet may elect, with respect to the debt securities of any series, to terminate (and be deemed to have satisfied) any and all of its obligations in respect of such debt securities (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, to maintain paying agencies and hold monies for payment in trust and, if so specified with respect to the debt securities of a certain series, to pay the principal of, and any premium or interest on, such specified debt securities) on the 91st day after the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or government obligations (as defined in the indentures) which, through the payment of interest thereon and principal thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal of (and premium, if any), and interest, if any, on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, such debt securities on the stated maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and such debt securities. Such a trust may be established only if, among other things, Avnet has delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel (who may be counsel to Avnet) to the effect that, based upon applicable Federal income tax law or a ruling published by the United States Internal Revenue Service, such a defeasance and discharge will not be deemed, or result in, a taxable event with respect to holders of such debt securities. If so specified with respect to the debt securities of a series, such a trust may be established only if establishment of the trust would not cause the debt securities of any such series listed on any nationally recognized securities exchange to be de-listed as a result thereof.

Concerning the Trustee

      Bank One Trust Company, N.A. is the proposed trustee under the indentures and the proposed initial security registrar with regard to all debt securities. Avnet currently does, and from time to time in the future may, maintain lines of credit and have customary banking relationships with Bank One, N.A., an affiliate of the trustee. The trustee currently serves as trustee under the indenture with Avnet dated as of February 1, 1994, which provides for Avnet’s currently outstanding 8% Notes due 2006, 9 3/4% Notes due 2008, 6 7/8% Notes due 2004, 6.45% Notes due 2003, and 7 7/8% Notes due 2005, and may serve as trustee for other debt securities issued by Avnet from time to time in the future.

      The indentures and provisions of the Trust Indenture Act incorporated by reference in the indentures contain certain limitations on the rights of the trustee, should it become our creditor, to obtain payment of claims, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any claim, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with Avnet and its affiliates; however, if the trustee acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate that conflict or resign.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

      Avnet is authorized to issue 300,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share. At the close of business on September 8, 2003, it had outstanding 119,631,253 shares of common stock, including 12,380 treasury shares. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

      The holders of shares of Avnet’s common stock have equal rights to dividends from funds legally available for the payment of dividends when, as and if declared by Avnet’s board of directors, and are entitled, upon liquidation, to share ratably in any distribution in which holders of common stock participate. The common stock is not redeemable, has no preemptive or conversion rights and is not liable for assessments or further calls. The holders of shares of Avnet’s common stock are entitled to one vote for each share at all meetings of shareholders.

      The transfer agent and registrar for Avnet’s common stock is Wachovia Bank, N.A. Avnet’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange.

      Under its certificate of incorporation, Avnet is authorized to issue up to 3,000,000 shares of preferred stock, in series. For each series of preferred stock, Avnet’s board of directors may fix the relative rights, preferences and limitations as between the shares of such series, the shares of other series of Avnet preferred stock, and the shares of Avnet common stock. No shares of Avnet preferred stock are outstanding.

Board of Directors

      Although New York law permits the certificate incorporation of a New York corporation to provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors, Avnet’s certificate of incorporation does not so provide.

      New York law permits the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of a New York corporation to divide its directors into as many as four classes with staggered terms of office. However, Avnet’s certificate and by-laws do not so provide for a classified board of directors. Therefore, all of its directors are elected annually for one-year terms.

      Under New York law, shareholders may remove any or all directors for cause. New York law also allows directors to be removed without cause if provided in the certificate of incorporation. The Avnet certificate of incorporation authorizes any or all of the directors to be removed with or without cause at any time by the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of Avnet and provides that the terms of the removed directors shall forthwith terminate.

      New York law provides that newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and vacancies arising for any reason may be filled by vote of the board of directors, whether or not constituting a quorum, except that:

      The Avnet by-laws provide that any vacancy created by the removal of a director by the shareholders with or without cause may be filled only by a vote of the shareholders, and that any vacancy created for any other reason may be filled by a vote of the board of directors or the shareholders.

Power to Call Special Shareholders Meetings

      Under New York law, a special meeting of shareholders may be called by the board of directors and by such person or persons as may be authorized to do so in the certificate of incorporation or by-laws. In addition, if an annual shareholder meeting has not been held for a certain period of time and a sufficient number of directors were not elected to conduct the business of the corporation, the board must call a special meeting for the election of directors. If the board fails to do so, or sufficient directors are not elected within a

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Actions by Written Consent of Shareholders

      New York law provides that any action which may be taken by shareholders by vote may be taken without a meeting by written consent, signed by holders of all outstanding shares entitled to vote, or if authorized by the certificate of incorporation, by holders of the minimum number of shares necessary to authorize the action at a meeting of shareholders at which all shares entitled to vote are present and voted. The Avnet certificate of incorporation does not authorize shareholders to act by less than unanimous written consent.

Dividends and Repurchases of Shares

      Under New York law, dividends may be declared or paid and other distributions may be made out of surplus only, so that the net assets of the corporation remaining after a dividend or distribution must at least equal the amount of the corporation’s stated capital. A corporation may declare and pay dividends or make other distributions except when the corporation is currently insolvent or would thereby be made insolvent or when the declaration, payment or distribution would be contrary to any restrictions contained in its certificate of incorporation.

Approval of Certain Business Combinations and Reorganizations

      Under New York law, two-thirds of the votes of all outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon are required to approve mergers, consolidations, share exchanges or sales, leases or other dispositions of all or substantially all the assets of a corporation if not made in the usual or regular course of business. New York law was amended in 1998 to permit a New York corporation then in existence to reduce the required vote to a majority of the outstanding shares, but Avnet has not done so.

Business Combination Following a Change in Control

      New York law prohibits any business combination (defined to include a variety of transactions, including mergers, consolidations, sales or dispositions of assets, issuances of stock, liquidations, reclassifications and the receipt of certain benefits from the corporation, including loans or guarantees) with, involving or proposed by any interested shareholder (defined generally as any person that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a New York corporation or any person that is an affiliate or associate of a New York corporation and at any time within the past five years was a beneficial owner of 20% or more of the outstanding voting stock) for a period of five years after the date on which the interested shareholder first became an interested shareholder, unless the transaction is approved by the board of directors prior to the date on which the interested shareholder became an interested shareholder. After this five-year period, a business combination between a New York corporation and the interested shareholder is prohibited unless either certain “fair price” provisions are complied with or the business combination is approved by a majority of the outstanding voting stock not beneficially owned by the interested shareholder. Under New York law, corporations may elect not to be governed by the statute described above, but Avnet’s certificate of incorporation does not contain such an election.

Dissenters’ Appraisal Rights

      Under New York law, any shareholder of a corporation has the right to obtain payment for the fair value of the shareholder’s shares in the event of

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      However, no appraisal rights will be available in a merger to a shareholder of the surviving corporation whose rights are not adversely affected or whose shares were, at the record date to vote on the plan of merger, either listed on a national securities exchange or designated as a national market system security on an interdealer quotation system by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

      Avnet may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, or “debt warrants,” as well as warrants to purchase common stock, or “equity warrants.” We refer below to debt warrants and equity warrants collectively as “warrants.” Warrants may be issued independently or together with any securities and may be attached to or separate from those securities. We will issue warrants under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. When we issue warrants, we will describe the specific terms of the warrants in a prospectus supplement.

Debt Warrants

      A prospectus supplement will describe the terms of debt warrants offered thereby, the warrant agreement relating to the debt warrants and the debt warrant certificates representing the debt warrants, including the following:

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      Debt warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new debt warrant certificates of different denominations. Debt warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon the exercise and will not be entitled to payment of principal of, or any premium or interest on, the debt securities purchasable upon the exercise.

Equity Warrants

      A prospectus supplement will describe the terms of equity warrants offered thereby, the warrant agreement relating to the equity warrants and the equity warrant certificates representing the equity warrants, including the following:

      Unless we specify otherwise in a prospectus supplement, holders of equity warrants will not be entitled, by virtue of being such holders, to vote, consent, receive dividends, receive notice as stockholders with respect to any meeting of Avnet stockholders, or to exercise any rights whatsoever as Avnet stockholders.

      As described in a prospectus supplement, the exercise price payable and the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon the exercise of each equity warrant will be adjusted in certain events, including the issuance of a stock dividend to holders of common stock or a stock split, reverse stock split, combination, subdivision or reclassification of common stock. Instead of adjusting the number of shares of common stock purchasable upon exercise of each equity warrant, Avnet may elect to adjust the number of equity warrants. Unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement, no adjustments in the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the equity warrants will be required until cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% thereof. Avnet may, at its option, reduce the exercise price at any time. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of equity warrants, but we will pay the cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable. Unless we specify otherwise in a prospectus supplement, in case of any consolidation, merger, or sale or conveyance of Avnet’s property as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, the holder of each outstanding equity warrant shall have the right to the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash) receivable by a holder of the number of shares of common stock into which the equity warrant was exercisable immediately prior to the particular triggering event.

Exercise of Warrants

      Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the principal amount or number of securities at the exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the applicable

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      We will describe the procedures for exercising warrants in a prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Avnet will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon that exercise. If less than all of the warrants represented by a particular warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS

      Avnet may issue stock purchase contracts, representing contracts obligating holders to purchase from Avnet, and Avnet to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of Avnet’s common stock at a future date or dates. The price per share of common stock may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of units, which are referred to as stock purchase units, consisting of a stock purchase contract and, as security for the holder’s obligations to purchase the common stock under stock purchase contracts, senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities or junior subordinated debt securities of Avnet.

      The stock purchase contracts may require Avnet to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations thereunder in a specified manner, and in certain circumstances Avnet may deliver newly issued prepaid stock purchase contracts, which are referred to as prepaid securities, upon release to a holder of any collateral securing such holder’s obligations under the original stock purchase contract.

      The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units and, if applicable, prepaid securities. The description in the prospectus supplement will only be a summary and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the stock purchase contracts, the collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, if applicable, relating to such stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units and, if applicable, the prepaid securities and the document pursuant to which such prepaid securities will be issued.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

      Avnet may issue units consisting of two or more constituent securities. These units may be issuable as, and for a specified period of time may be transferable as, a single security only, rather than the separate constituent securities comprising such units. If Avnet issues units, it will describe the specific terms of the units in a prospectus supplement, including

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      Avnet may sell the securities offered in this prospectus to or through one or more underwriters or dealers, directly to institutional investors or other purchasers, through agents, or through a combination of such or other methods. Avnet may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

      If Avnet uses underwriters in a sale, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account and may resell them from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. We may offer the securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. The underwriter or underwriters in a particular underwritten offering of securities will be named in the prospectus supplement for such offering and, if an underwriting syndicate is used, the name of the managing underwriter or underwriters will appear on the cover of such prospectus supplement.

      Avnet may sell the securities directly or through agents designated by Avnet from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities will be named, and any commissions Avnet pays to such agent will be disclosed, in the prospectus supplement relating to that offer and sale. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

      In connection with the sale of securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from Avnet or from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agents in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions received by them from Avnet and any profit on the resale of securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Any such underwriter or agent will be identified, and any such compensation received from Avnet will be described, in the related prospectus supplement.

      If so indicated in a prospectus supplement, Avnet will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as the agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from Avnet at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by Avnet. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the securities will not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.

      Under agreements which Avnet may enter into, underwriters and agents who participate in the distribution of securities may be entitled to indemnification by Avnet against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution by Avnet with respect to payments they may be required to make in respect thereof.

      The underwriters or agents and their affiliates may engage in transactions with and perform services for Avnet or its affiliates in the ordinary course of their respective businesses.

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      If underwriters or dealers are used in a sale of securities, until the distribution of the securities is completed, rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of any such underwriters and certain selling group members, if any, to bid for and purchase the securities. As an exception to these rules, representatives of any underwriters may engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the securities. Such transactions may consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities.

      If the underwriters create a short position in the securities in connection with the offerings, that is, if they sell more securities than are set forth on the cover page of the prospectus supplement, the representatives of the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing securities in the open market. The representatives of the underwriters may also elect to reduce any short position by exercising all or part of any overallotment option described in the prospectus supplement.

      The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter market. We cannot give you any assurances as to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the securities.

LEGAL MATTERS

      The validity of any offered securities will be passed upon for Avnet by David R. Birk, its Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Birk beneficially owns 211,687 shares of Avnet’s common stock, which includes 201,250 shares issuable upon exercise of employee stock options. Certain legal matters with respect to offered securities will be passed upon for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, by their counsel.

EXPERTS

      The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Avnet, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 27, 2003 and June 28, 2002, and for the years then ended have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent accountants, incorporated by reference herein and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The audit report covering the June 27, 2003 consolidated financial statements refers to a presentation change for the allocation of goodwill to the Company’s segments and the transitional disclosures required by SFAS No. 142.

      On April 17, 2002, Avnet dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP (“Arthur Andersen”) as its independent auditors. After reasonable efforts, Avnet was unable to obtain Arthur Andersen’s written consent to the inclusion of Arthur Andersen’s audit report with respect to Avnet’s financial statements for the year ended June 29, 2001 in Avnet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2003.

      Under these circumstances, Avnet has dispensed with the requirement under Section 7 of the Securities Act, to file Arthur Andersen’s consent as an exhibit to Avnet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 2003, in reliance on Rule 437a under the Securities Act. Because Avnet was unable to obtain the consent of Arthur Andersen to the inclusion of their audit report, Arthur Andersen will not have any liability under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act in the event that the above-mentioned financial statements contain any untrue statements of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein, in each case by virtue of their inclusion in this prospectus supplement. Accordingly, you would be unable to assert a claim against Arthur Andersen under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act.

      The consolidated financial statements of Kent Electronics Corporation and subsidiaries for the year ended March 31, 2001, have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, appearing in Avnet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2003, which report is incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the authority of that firm as experts in giving such report.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

      This prospectus is a part of a registration statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-107474, which Avnet filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act. We refer you to this registration statement for further information concerning Avnet and any offering of securities.

      Avnet files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission File Number 1-4224). These filings contain important information which does not appear in this prospectus. For further information about Avnet, you may obtain these filings over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. Avnet also posts certain of these filings on its web site at http://www.avnet.com. You may also read and copy these filings at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330, and may obtain copies of Avnet’s filings from the public reference room by calling (202) 942-8090.

      The SEC allows Avnet to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents which Avnet has filed or will file with the SEC. We are incorporating by reference in this prospectus

      All documents which Avnet has filed or will file, as applicable, with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act after the date of the registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and after the reports listed above and before the termination of this offering of Avnet’s securities will be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a part of it from the filing dates of such documents. Certain statements in and portions of this prospectus update and replace information in the above listed documents incorporated by reference. Likewise, statements in or portions of a future document incorporated by reference in this prospectus may update and replace statements in and portions of this prospectus or the above listed documents.

      We shall provide you without charge, upon your written or oral request, a copy of the indentures, any warrant agreement or other agreement relating to Avnet’s securities offered in this prospectus, and any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, other than exhibits to such documents which are not specifically incorporated by reference into such documents. Please direct your written or telephone requests to the Corporate Secretary, Avnet, Inc., 2211 South 47th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034 (Telephone 480-643-2000).

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