Avnet Inc. (NYSE: AVT), Phoenix, AZ, has acquired a majority interest in European distributor MSC Investoren GmbH as the first step of a two-part transaction in which Avnet will ultimately acquire the remainder of the company.

MSC is a value-add distributor focused on electronic component distribution, embedded computing technology and display solutions, as well as design and manufacturing. In calendar year 2012, MSC has sales exceeding $450 million, with embedded computer technology (including display solutions) accounting for almost 50 percent of its sales.

Patrick Zammit, president of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, said the acquisition strengthens Avnet's position in electronic component distribution while adding a new growth opportunity in embedded computing and display solutions.