Fisher Scientific To Acquire Clintrak Pharmaceutical Services

Hampton, NH - Fisher Scientific International Inc. (NYSE: FSH) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Clintrak Pharmaceutical Services, a leading provider of clinical-trial label generation and supply-chain management services, for $125 million in cash from a group of investors led by Bear Growth Capital Partners. Clintrak had 2005 revenues of approximately $31 million.

The acquisition of Clintrak Pharmaceutical will not only enhance Fisher's existing biopharma services offering, which includes a full range of clinical-trial materials, logistics, analytical testing and bio-specimen management services, but also add complementary expertise in the area of complex clinical-trial labeling services. The Clintrak acquisition is expected to close early in the second quarter.

Fisher also announced that it has acquired privately held TC Tech, a leading provider of single-use, flexible bioprocessing systems for bioprocess development and production applications. TC Tech's products include sterile fluid-handling bags, bag manifold systems, tanks and tank liners, biopharmaceutical tubing and other components. Together with Fisher's HyClone operation, TC Tech will provide Fisher with an extensive suite of disposable fluid- management systems and validated serum and media offerings for its biopharma customers.

Fisher is funding the acquisitions with cash-on-hand and bank borrowings. The company expects the acquisitions will have no effect on its 2006 earnings per share and that they will be accretive in 2007.

SOURCE: Fisher Scientific International Inc.