PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 17, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orchid Cellmark Inc. (Nasdaq:ORCH), a leading international provider of identity DNA testing and other forensic services, today announced it has been awarded two-year extensions to contracts previously awarded under the North West/South West and Wales regional forensic tender process in the U.K. Total estimated annual value of the combined contracts is approximately (U.S.) $10 million (at the current foreign exchange rate).
These forensic testing contracts encompass three areas: Delivery of a comprehensive casework service involving the provision of a range of forensic analytical techniques; DNA testing of crime scene samples for submission to the National DNA Database; and DNA testing of samples taken from arrestees (PACE samples – taken under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act).
In total, Orchid Cellmark was awarded work from nine U.K. police forces involved in this tender: Avon & Somerset, Cumbria, Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Dyfed Powys, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and North Wales police. The contracts, initially awarded in April 2008 for three years, now extend until 2013.
Thomas Bologna, Orchid Cellmark president and chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased our hard work has been rewarded by these contract extensions. The past two years have seen a significant expansion of the company's operations to deliver the work awarded by these police forces, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the years ahead."
Over the last two decades Orchid Cellmark has established its position as one of the leading providers of forensic services in the U.K. Based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire and Chorley, Lancashire, the company provides a comprehensive forensic service ranging from the testing of mouth swab samples for submission to the U.K. National DNA Database, to the collection and forensic analysis of a range of evidence types for the investigation of the most serious crimes. The company also conducts its market leading paternity and immigration testing services from its Abingdon facility.
About Orchid Cellmark
Orchid Cellmark (Nasdaq:ORCH) is a leading international provider of DNA testing primarily for forensic and family relationship applications. Orchid Cellmark is one of the largest providers of forensic DNA testing services and its DNA results are used by the criminal justice system to assist with the identification of perpetrators, the exclusion of suspects and the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals. The Company's UK operation also provides the police with a broad range of forensic laboratory techniques as part of a comprehensive casework investigation service. The company provides DNA family relationship testing to numerous child services organizations and individuals seeking to verify parentage. Orchid Cellmark also serves immigration and security authorities for DNA testing of individuals. In the agriculture field, the company provides DNA testing services for selective trait breeding. Orchid Cellmark's strong market positions in these areas reflect the company's accredited laboratories in the U.S. and U.K., its innovative genetic analysis technologies and expertise, and the company's reputation for exceptional quality, reliability and customer service for nearly two decades. More information on Orchid Cellmark can be found at www.orchidcellmark.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; and Orchid Cellmark's expectation that the total estimated annual value of the combined contracts under the North West/South West and Wales regional forensic tender is (US) $10 million (at the current foreign exchange rate). 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 the amount of revenue resulting from the North West/South West and Wales regional forensic tender may be less than estimated, uncertainties relating to trends in government spending, outsourcing trends, 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 and state 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, 2009, as amended, 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.