2008-09-09 03:01:01 -

- Riley Investment Management LLC ("RIM") announced that Riley Investment Partners Master Fund, L.P. is withdrawing its director nominations for the upcoming 2008 Asyst Technologies annual meeting of shareholders. RIM believes Asyst's August 13, 2008 press release regarding ongoing discussions with Aquest shows Asyst is taking constructive measures with respect to a sale that would maximize shareholder value. In light

of the situation, RIM believes that proxy fight would be costly and disruptive to the sale process. RIM reiterates its view that shareholders will be best rewarded, and valuation most appropriately realized, through a sale of the company, and that it is incumbent on the Board to not only engage actively and expeditiously in meaningful discussions with any potential acquirer, but to allow shareholders to determine whether any bid is fair and reasonable. RIM intends to carefully monitor the actions of Asyst's management and Board, whose members are ultimately accountable to its shareholders.

Riley Investment Management LLC
Bryant Riley, Managing Member
310-966-1445
br@rileyim.com