News Releases

Benchmark Electronics, Inc., a leading contract manufacturing provider, announced today that 100% of its outstanding 6% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2006 (the "Notes") were converted into common shares of Benchmark Electronics, Inc as of September 5, 2003. The principal amount of the outstanding Notes was $80.2 million prior to the conversion. The Notes were converted at a rate of $40.20 per share or approximately 24.88 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes outstanding.

In connection with the redemption of the Notes, the Company will incur a $470,546 charge related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the scope of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict," and similar expressions, and the negatives of such expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, such statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including but not limited to industry and economic conditions, customer actions and the other factors discussed in Benchmark's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. is in the business of manufacturing electronics and provides its services to original equipment manufacturers of computers and related products for business enterprises, medical devices, video/audio/entertainment products, industrial control equipment, testing and instrumentation products, and telecommunication equipment. Benchmark's global operations include facilities in eight countries. Benchmark's Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BHE.

SOURCE: Benchmark Electronics, Inc.