Apogent Technologies Inc. Announces Acquisitions of Separation Technology, Inc. and Capital Vial, Inc.

Business/Technology Editors & Health/Medical Writers

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PORTSMOUTH, N.H.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 25, 2002

Apogent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: AOT), a leading manufacturer of laboratory and life science products, announced today the acquisitions of Separation Technology, Inc. and Capital Vial, Inc.

Separation Technology, Inc. (STI), located in Altamonte Springs, Florida, designs, manufactures, and markets tabletop microhematocrit centrifuge systems and markets the related consumables. Consumables include capillary tubes, tube holders, and reference controls. These products are used by blood banks, plasma collection centers, kidney dialysis centers, hospitals, and other public health facilities for blood serum and plasma separation. STI utilizes both direct and distribution channels to market with expected revenues, for the next twelve months, of approximately $3.0 million. STI will be included in Apogent's Clinical Diagnostics segment.

Capital Vial, Inc. (CVI), through its facilities in Auburn, Alabama, Fultonville, New York, and Norristown, Pennsylvania, develops, manufactures, and markets patented, flip-top, leak-proof plastic vials and related processing equipment for sample collection and processing. Drugs of abuse testing performed by the major reference laboratories in America is the primary application for CVI's vials. This reference laboratory testing for drugs of abuse is mandated by the Department of Transportation, by union contracts at large companies, and by insurance companies. There is little pre-employment testing volume using CVI vials. Other, smaller markets for these vials include food and dairy testing.

To enhance its sales of plastic vial consumables in the clinical diagnostics market, CVI developed and now markets an automated piece of equipment, called the CV-1000. This machine, located on-site at reference laboratories, automates the process of preparing urine samples for further testing on clinical chemistry analyzers. While reducing direct labor headcount and costs, particularly during the late night to early morning reference lab processing hours, the CV-1000 also increases quality control in the ever-important chain of custody of drug test samples.

CVI's products are sold direct to end-users. Revenues for the next twelve months are expected to be approximately $29 million and will be included in Apogent's Clinical Diagnostics segment.

Commenting on the acquisitions, Apogent's President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frank H. Jellinek, Jr., said, "We are extremely excited by the opportunities presented by these fine companies. These are complementary products for Apogent and broaden our reach, particularly in the diagnostics arena in the United States. Additionally, with CVI, we expect to benefit from consolidation opportunities in manufacturing and purchasing within the Apogent companies."

UPCOMING EVENTS

Company Presentations
Apogent will present at the following upcoming investor conferences:

Conference                              Details

Lehman Brothers Global Healthcare       February 27, 2002 at
                                         11:15 a.m. EST
Conference                              Disney Grand Floridian
                                        Orlando, FL

Bank of America Healthcare Conference   April 2-4, 2002
                                        Four Seasons
                                        Las Vegas, NV

Robert W. Baird Growth Stock Conference May 8-10, 2002
                                        Four Seasons
                                        Chicago, IL

For further information on upcoming investor events, including
copies of the written presentation materials from investor
conferences, please visit the Investor Relations section of Apogent's
website at www.apogent.com.

Company Trade Show Exhibits
Apogent companies will exhibit at the following upcoming industry
trade show:

Show            Details            Apogent Companies Attending

Pittcon         March 18-22, 2002  Barnstead International
                New Orleans, LA    ERTCO
                www.pittcon.org    Genevac
                                   Matrix Technologies
                                   Molecular BioProducts
                                   Nalge Nunc International
                                   National Scientific
                                   Naugatuck Glass

For further information on industry trade shows that Apogent companies attend, please visit Apogent's website.

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements made in this press release regarding future matters are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements, including those dealing with competitors, customers, acquisitions, sales, profit margins, product development, financial performance, and growth strategies are based on current expectations. Our actual results may differ materially from those presently anticipated. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the "Cautionary Factors" contained in Item 7 of the Company's most recent Form 10-K and our subsequent report(s) and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and exhibits to those reports and filings. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Apogent Technologies Inc. is a diversified worldwide leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of value-added laboratory and life science products essential for healthcare diagnostics and scientific research. Apogent's companies are divided into three business segments: Clinical Diagnostics, Labware and Life Sciences, and Laboratory Equipment.