PRINCETON, N.J., April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orchid Cellmark Inc.
(Nasdaq: ORCH), a leading worldwide provider of identity DNA testing services,
today announced that it has signed contracts and started DNA testing and other
forensic services work with a number of U.K. police forces. This work was
awarded to Orchid Cellmark under the new North West/South West and Wales
regional forensic tender after a rigorous and competitive bidding process.
Orchid Cellmark has been awarded three-year contracts, each extendable for
a further two years, to provide forensic services, including DNA testing of
database crime scene samples, forensic casework and PACE samples (Police and
Criminal Evidence Act DNA) for multiple police forces that have collectively
tendered their work. Orchid Cellmark has already started DNA testing work for
some of these police force customers and is currently preparing to begin
servicing the others. Orchid Cellmark has recently strengthened its
infrastructure to reinforce its competitiveness and provide expanded
operational capabilities under the new system.
Thomas Bologna, Orchid Cellmark President and Chief Executive Officer
said, "We are extremely pleased that this long awaited regional award has
finally come to fruition. To date, we have been awarded contracts to conduct
DNA and other forensic services for multiple police forces in the region, with
a potential revenue value of approximately $10 million annually. To support
this expected business growth as well as future growth, as previously
announced, Orchid will be building a new regional facility in North West
England in order to provide the best service possible to our new customers."
Mr. Bologna added, "We anticipate that the remaining police forces in the U.K.
will tender their forensics work starting later this year or early next year
and we intend to compete for their business, as well."
About Orchid Cellmark
Orchid Cellmark Inc. is a leading international provider of DNA testing
services for human identity testing and agricultural applications. In the
human identity area, Orchid Cellmark provides DNA testing services for
forensic investigation, paternity testing and family relationship analysis and
security applications. In the agriculture field, Orchid Cellmark provides DNA
testing services for selective trait breeding. Orchid Cellmark's strong
market positions in these segments reflect the company's accredited
laboratories in the U.S. and U.K., its innovative genetic analysis
technologies and expertise and the world-renowned Cellmark brand that has been
associated with exceptional quality, reliability and customer service for
nearly two decades. More information on Orchid Cellmark can be found at
http://www.orchid.com.
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-
looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding:
expectations regarding Orchid Cellmark's business operations and outlook, our
belief that the amount of work under the regional tender has a potential value
of approximately $10,000,000 annually, and the anticipation that the remaining
police forces in the U.K. will tender their forensics work starting later this
year or early next year. Such statements are subject to the risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
projected, including, but not limited to, the risk that we are not able to
regain or replace services that we previously provided to several police
forces in the U.K. under an arrangement with LGC, the risk that the amount of
revenue resulting from the North West/South West and Wales regional tender in
the U.K. is not significant, Orchid Cellmark's ability to timely and
successfully integrate ReliaGene's business, uncertainties relating to
technologies, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost and
pricing of Orchid Cellmark's products and services, dependence on government
funding and collaborations, regulatory approvals, competition, intellectual
property of others, patent protection, litigation, the timing of release of
federal funds, the timing and amount of contracts put up for bid, and Orchid
Cellmark's ability to successfully offer its services directly to U.K. police
forces. These risks and other additional factors affecting these forward-
looking statements and Orchid Cellmark's business are discussed under the
headings "Risks Related to Our Business" and "Risks Associated with Our Common
Stock" in Orchid Cellmark's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
in other filings made by Orchid Cellmark with the Securities and Exchange
Commission from time to time. Orchid Cellmark expressly disclaims any
obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Orchid
Cellmark's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events,
conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based, except as
may be required by law.
Information contained in our press releases should be considered accurate
only as of the date of the release. Information in any press release may be
superseded by more recent information we have disclosed in later press
releases, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise.
Press releases may contain forward-looking statements based on the
expectations of our management as of the date of the release. Actual results
may materially differ based on several factors, including those described in
the press release.
Contacts
Investors: Media:
Mary Bashore Barbara Lindheim
Orchid Cellmark Inc. GendeLLindheim BioCom Partners
(609) 750-2324 (212) 918-4650
SOURCE Orchid Cellmark Inc.