HERCULES, CA and FULLERTON, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--May 31, 2007 -- Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX:BIO - News) (AMEX:BIO-B - News), and Beckman Coulter, Inc. (NYSE:BEC - News), today announced an eight-year extension of a development and manufacturing agreement between the companies in immunodiagnostic testing for blood virus and infectious disease.
As part of the agreement, Bio-Rad will develop new immunoassays for Beckman Coulter’s UniCel® and Access® immunoassay systems including Hepatitis B envelope antigen and antibody (HBe Ag and Ab). These assays are used as indicators of chronic hepatitis or active infection. Bio-Rad will also develop a next generation HIV combo assay for the detection of HIV/AIDS.
“The strengthening of our partnership -- which dates back to 1997 -- represents our combined commitment to add significant value for blood virus and infectious disease testing laboratories and gain market share in the $1.6 billion worldwide blood virus and infectious disease area,” said Richard Creager, Beckman Coulter Corporate Vice President, Immunoassay Business Center. “This partnership enables us to deliver on our promise to expand our immunoassay menu and drive sales of our immunoassay systems.”
“Each of our organizations has a long and distinguished history of innovation and scientific discovery,” said Bio-Rad Vice President and Group Manager Clinical Diagnostics John Goetz. “We believe our expertise in immunodiagnostic testing for blood virus and infectious disease will allow our respective companies to make significant contributions to diagnostics and patient care. These initiatives mark the evolution of our partnership and the renewed commitment of our organizations to provide high value immunodiagnostic testing.”
About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (AMEX:BIO - News) (AMEX:BIO-B - News), has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. The company is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 85,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs over 5,000 people globally and had revenues of nearly $1.3 billion in 2006. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.
About Beckman Coulter
Beckman Coulter, Inc., based in Fullerton, California, develops, manufactures and markets products that simplify, automate and innovate complex biomedical tests. More than 200,000 Beckman Coulter systems operate in laboratories around the world, supplying critical information for improving patient health and reducing the cost of care. Recurring revenue consisting of supplies, test kits, service and operating-type lease payments represents more than 75 percent of the company’s 2006 annual revenue of $2.53 billion. For more information, visit www.beckmancoulter.com.
Various statements made within this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” for the purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “safe harbor” provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements contained herein involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from the Company’s expectation.
Contact: For more information contact:
Tina Cuccia Corporate Communications Manager Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 510-724-7000 Email Contact
Mary Luthy Beckman Coulter, Inc. 714-773 8895 or 714-993-8770 Email Contact
Robert Raynor, Ph.D. (investors) Beckman Coulter, Inc. 714-773-7620 Email Contact
Source: Bio-Rad Laboratories
