Semitool Announces Resignation of President & CEO

Semitool, Inc. announced the resignation of President and Chief Executive Officer, Fabio Gualandris. Mr. Gualandris is leaving February 15, 2000 to join a global chip manufacturer.

"I am returning to the IC industry, where I started my career some 16 years ago," commented Mr. Gualandris. "With a strong product portfolio and a talented and dedicated management team in place, Semitool is well positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities ahead."

"We are grateful to Fabio for his dedication during his tenure at Semitool," said Chairman Raymon F. Thompson. "Fabio played a major role in successfully positioning Semitool as a leader in the Semiconductor Equipment Industry. He brought with him the customer's perspective and with record orders and the highest backlog in more than two years, he leaves the company in a strong position. We wish him every success in his future."

In the interim period, Mr. Thompson will assume responsibilities of CEO and President in addition to his role as Chairman. The Board of Directors will be meeting to consider alternatives.

Semitool designs, manufactures, markets, and services equipment used in the fabrication of semiconductors. The Company's products include batch and single wafer spray surface preparation and cleaning equipment, electrochemical deposition tools for copper interconnect and other metal deposition applications, thermal processing equipment, and software control systems for semiconductor manufacturing equipment.