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                                                                    Exhibit 99.1



CHELMSFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2001--Brooks Automation, Inc.
(Nasdaq: BRKS) announced today that it intends to offer, subject to market and
other conditions, $125 million of Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008 in a
private placement. The notes will be convertible into the Company's common stock
at the option of the holder, at a price to be determined. The offering is
expected to close in May 2001.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the anticipated offering for
general corporate purposes including working capital, leasehold improvements and
capital equipment purchases. The Company may also use a portion of the net
proceeds to acquire additional businesses, products, and technologies and to
establish additional strategic alliances that the Company believes will
complement its current or future business.

This announcement is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to
buy any of these securities.

The notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes have not
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), or any state securities laws, and are being offered only to qualified
institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Unless
so registered, the notes and common stock issued upon conversion of the notes
may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption
from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state
securities laws.

    CONTACT:     Brooks Automation, Inc.
                 Jim Chiafery, Director of Investor Relations
                 (978) 262-5855
                 James.Chiafery@Brooks.com