Unterpremstätten, Austria, May 17, 2004 - austriamicrosystems AG, a leading global developer and manufacturer of high performance analog and analog intensive mixed signal microchips (ICs), will be listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich as of today, following its successful initial public offering (IPO). The IPO comprises 3.7 million shares at a price of CHF 35 (€ 22.7) per share. The total volume of the offering is CHF 129.5 million (EUR 84.1 million) of which the company will receive CHF 63.8 million (EUR 41.5 million).

For more than 20 years austriamicrosystems has specialised in the area of high performance analog and mixed signal ICs. The company offers a broad range of customer-specific ASICs, ASSPs (application specific standard products) as well as, more recently, Standard Linear products. austriamicrosystems is an industry leader in the fields of power management (powersaving circuit technology especially for portable devices), high voltage driver ICs, low noise sensor interfaces and radio frequency ICs.

austriamicrosystems ICs enable optimal lighting in mobile phones and are responsible for optimized power consumption. They play a central role in portable MP3 players, safety systems for automobiles and heart rate monitor watches for joggers. They make wireless car keys work and are used in airbags, rain sensors as well as electronic meters for blood glucose (diabetes), electricity, and water, to name but a few ways that the company touches our everyday lives.

John Heugle, CEO of austriamicrosystems AG: "We are pleased to announce a successful transaction in the face of difficult capital market conditions. We have been very encouraged by the quality of the investors we have attracted and welcome them as shareholders. In returning to the stock exchange, we will raise our profile as one of the leading analog and analog-intensive mixed-signal companies globally."

Michael Wachsler-Markowitsch, CFO of austriamicrosystems AG, adds: "The net proceeds of more than CHF 63 million (€ 41 million) allow us to accelerate the pay back of long term debt, further strengthening our growth plans especially in Asia Pacific. The increased visibility as a publicly listed company at the same time increases the confidence of our large customers to rely on us as a sole source supplier. We are able to strengthen our financial position as a basis for accelerated revenue and profit growth."

austriamicrosystems AG

austriamicrosystems AG, headquartered in Unterpremstaetten near Graz, Austria, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high performance analog and analog-intensive mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) tailored to specific customer applications. Its products include customer-specific ASICs, ASSPs (application specific standard products) and Standard Linear ICs. The company is active in four strategic business units Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and Full Service Foundry and currently has more than 800 employees.

The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution in the United States of America. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under that Act or an available exemption from it. There is no intention to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States. These materials do not contain or constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States.

This document is directed at and/or for distribution in the U.K. only to (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2001 (the "Order") or (ii) high net worth entities falling within article 49(2)(a) to (e) of the Order (all such persons being together referred to as "relevant persons"). This document is directed only at relevant persons. Other persons should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. This document is confidential and is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced, redistributed or passed on to any other person or published, in whole or in part, for any other purpose.

No prospectus within the meaning of Article 2 of the Austrian Capital Market Act (KMG) has been or will be prepared in Austria in connection with the Offering of the Securities. The Securities may only be offered in Austria on a private-placement-basis within the meaning of Article 1 para 1 KMG or to a limited group of professional investors in the meaning of Article 3 (1) (11) KMG.

This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase securities. This document is not a prospectus in the sense of article 652a of the Swiss Code of Obligations and the information contained herein should not be relied upon when deciding on whether to make an investment by purchasing securities or otherwise.

No prospectus within the meaning of the German Securities Sales Prospectus Act (the "SPA") has been or will be prepared in connection with the offering. The securities will be offered in the Federal Republic of Germany solely to persons who purchase or sell securities as part of their trade, profession or occupation pursuant to Section 2, No. 1 of the SPA and/or who are a part of a restricted circle of investors who have been selected by the offeror(s) and are informed enough to understand the possible investment risks involved pursuant to Section 2, No. 2 of the SPA.