FMC Corporation and Strategic Diagnostics Announce Alliance; Partnership to develop analytical tests to detect critical polymer concentrations in water systems.

PHILADELPHIA and NEWARK, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November 19, 1998--FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) and Strategic Diagnostics Inc. (Nasdaq NMS:SDIX) today announced an agreement to develop immunoassay-based test kits to detect certain of FMC's proprietary Belclene(R) water-soluble maleic polymers. FMC is the leading producer of polymaleates for use in industrial applications such as cooling towers, boilers and process waters. This agreement, which includes the assignment of certain FMC patent rights to SDI, further strengthens SDI's position in polymer technologies. It gives SDI additional methods and expands its geographical coverage and allows FMC to market the products developed under the agreement through their existing, international distribution channels.

Mr. James Nicol, manager of FMC's Industrial Water Additives business unit commented, "We are pleased with this new relationship with Strategic Diagnostics. The products envisioned under this agreement are strategically important to FMC, and we believe they will further enhance the value of Belclene(R) polymaleates in industrial water applications."

Mr. Richard Birkmeyer, President and CEO of SDI said, "We are delighted with this new strategic alliance. We believe this application is another important step in the transformation of the multi-billion dollar polymer market and the potential for FMC and SDI is very significant. This agreement further demonstrates that SDI's polymer technologies are robust and improves our already strong competitive position. We are now the gateway for the use of antibodies to detect water soluble polymers."

Under the agreement, SDI will develop analytical tests to detect concentration of FMC's Belclene polymers in water systems using its proprietary, lateral flow, strip technology. The parties expect to launch the product commercially in the second quarter of 1999. SDI will exclusively manufacture the commercial products.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

FMC Corporation is one of the world's leading producers of chemicals and machinery for industry and agriculture. FMC employs approximately 17,000 people at 100 manufacturing facilities and mines in 22 countries. The company divides its businesses into three major segments: Performance Chemicals, Industrial Chemicals and Machinery and Equipment.

Strategic Diagnostics is a leading provider of biotechnology-based diagnostic tests for a broad range of commercial applications. Through its TSD BioServices subsidiary, Strategic Diagnostics also provides antibody and immunoreagent research and development services. Strategic Diagnostics' test kits are produced in a variety of formats suitable for field and laboratory use, offering advantages of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, portability, and rapid response.

This news release contains forward-looking statements reflecting FMC's and SDI's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "enable," "believe," "potential," "promising," and similar expressions as they relate to FMC and SDI are intended to identify said forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ from those anticipated by FMC and SDI at this time. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, changes in demand for products, delays in product development, inability to obtain required domestic and foreign government approvals, modifications to development and sales relationships, the ability to achieve anticipated growth, international approvals, competition, seasonality, and other factors more fully described in FMC's and SDI's public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.