of TecSem AG and General Precision, Inc., which broaden our factory automation and mini- environment offerings. Finally, we have announced a definitive agreement to acquire PRI Automation, Inc., which will be the largest acquisition in the history of the automation segment of our industry. Through PRI, we will gain key technologies in the areas of automated material handling systems for wafers and reticles, atmospheric robotics and fab infrastructure support that will blend with our products and services to enhance our ability to deliver complete automation solutions. As we prepare for an inevitable upturn in the industry, we at Brooks feel better than ever that the execution of our business strategy has improved our growth prospects in the long term. Brooks’ ability to offer more complete, more capable and more integrated solutions pro- vides a compelling value proposition to our customers. Our strong balance sheet allows us to continue investing in both the infrastructure necessary to support a larger organization as well as in R&D to drive future growth. We plan to continue making strategic acquisitions that improve our competitive position, reduce our time-to-market and reduce our risk. We have also built what I believe is a talented management team that has been able to achieve success in these difficult industry conditions. The end result is that Brooks will be prepared to ramp up quickly with leading-edge products to serve the semiconductor industry’s needs as it moves to next generation technologies built around 300mm wafers, finer design rules and new materials. Each technology node offers an opportunity for share gain, and we have positioned Brooks Automation to emerge from the current downturn with a more robust product portfolio and subsequently greater market share opportunities. In summary, we believe the other side of this industry downturn represents a major oppor- tunity for the Company and its shareholders. It’s my personal opinion that you need to be swift, you need to get it right, you need to be well coordinated and you need to be a low-cost pro- ducer to have a sustainable business model in this industry, otherwise, you risk becoming an also-ran company. We understand the challenge and we are committed to being the best and fastest growing provider of automation solutions, which is one of the fastest growing segments of the semiconductor capital equipment market. The formula for success at Brooks has not changed: it is still all about the best people, products and processes, and I believe that we are in fine shape in all these areas. I would like to thank our shareholders for entrusting us with your capital, our customers for their confidence and business, and our employees for accomplishing what we said we would do and more. Respectfully, 4 BROOKS AUTOMATION 2001 Annual Report Robert J. Therrien President and CEO “ We understand  the challenge  and we are  committed to  being the best  and fastest  growing  provider of  automation  solutions. ”