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                                                                    Exhibit 99.1

BROOKS AUTOMATION SELLS $150 MILLION OF 4.75% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES



CHELMSFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 18, 2001--Brooks Automation, Inc.
(Nasdaq:BRKS) announced today that it agreed to privately place $150 million
aggregate principal amount of 4.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2008.
This represents a $25 million increase over the total principal amount of notes
the Company previously announced would be offered. The notes will be convertible
into the Company's common stock at a conversion price of $70.23 per share. The
Company has granted the initial purchasers of the notes a 30-day option to
purchase an additional $25 million principal amount of the notes. The placement
of the notes is expected to close on May 23, 2001.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the 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 press release shall not constitute an offer to
sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the convertible subordinated notes.

Neither the notes nor the common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state
securities laws, and they may not be offered or sold in the United States or to
U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.


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