Microchip Technology CEO to Ring NASDAQ Opening Bell on March 19, 2008

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Microchip Technology Incorporated (NASDAQ:MCHP), a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, announced today that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Sanghi, will ring the NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, recognizing Microchip's 15 years as a NASDAQ-listed company and the 15th anniversary of Microchip's IPO.

Microchip's IPO took place on March 19, 1993 at an offering price of $0.57 per share (as adjusted for all stock splits). The stock price closed at $33.73 on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Stockholders who have held Microchip's stock throughout the 15-year period have seen stock price appreciation of approximately 5,800%. In addition, Microchip is one of the highest divided-paying semiconductor companies, with a current dividend rate of approximately 4%. Finally, Microchip's revenue has grown by more than 1,000% since its IPO, with net sales of $88.7 million in fiscal 1993 to net sales of over $1 billion in fiscal 2007.

"It is a pleasure and an honor to mark the 15th anniversary of Microchip's IPO by ringing NASDAQ's opening bell," stated Mr. Sanghi. "This milestone is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our employees, our large and loyal customer base, and efforts to create long-term shareholder value."

Microchip's opening bell ceremony will be aired live at 9:30AM (Eastern Time) at http://www.nasdaq.com/reference/marketsite_about.stm and on NASDAQ's MarketSite Tower at 43rd and Broadway in New York, NY.

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

The Microchip name and logo is a registered trademark of Microchip

                       Technology Incorporated.

Source: Microchip Technology Incorporated

Released March 18, 2008