EXHIBIT 99.1

                           ASYST TECHNOLOGIES APPOINTS
                 PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



FREMONT, Calif., April 3, 2002 - Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq NM: ASYT), a

leading provider of integrated automation systems that optimize the productivity

of semiconductor manufacturing, today announced that its Board of Directors has

appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as its independent auditor for the fiscal year

ended March 31, 2002, replacing Arthur Andersen.

         Mihir Parikh, chairman and CEO of Asyst, said, "We have been extremely

well served by the Asyst team at Arthur Andersen and have great respect for all

the Andersen people who have worked on our behalf."

About Asyst: Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated
automation solutions that enable semiconductor manufacturers to increase overall
equipment effectiveness, improve yields and increase fab throughput. The company
offers a broad range of 200mm and 300mm solutions that enable the safe and rapid
transfer of wafers and information between process equipment and the fab line
throughout the IC fabrication process, while reducing IC damage caused by human,
environmental, mechanical and chemical factors. Asyst's homepage is
http://www.asyst.com
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CONTACT:    Laura Guerrant                   John Swenson
            Guerrant Associates              Asyst Technologies, Inc.
            (808) 882-1467                   (510) 661-5000
            lguerrant@guerrantir.com         jswenson@asyst.com
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