MERIDIAN SIGNS PACT TO ACQUIRE BIOTRIN HOLDINGS PLC.

Meridian Bioscience, Inc., (Nasdaq:VIVO), Cincinatti, has executed a letter of intent to acquire all the outstanding capital stock of Biotrin Holdings plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

The purchase price includes cash and possible future earnout opportunities, the amounts of which were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed within 45 days.

Biotrin develops, manufactures and sells leading diagnostic tests for the identification of diseases and important life science products used in pharmaceutical research. Annual worldwide revenues for Biotrin are about $7 million and are growing rapidly. An important patented product is an advanced diagnostic test for parvovirus, a viral pathogen that is often associated with serious complications in pregnancy and can also be a factor in transplant recipients. Biotrin's diagnostic products are an ideal fit within Meridian's existing product line and global distribution system.

Biotrin, through its work with biomarkers, has been a pioneer in the rapidly emerging field of predictive toxicology, the science of using specific cells from key organs to predict the potential toxic effects of new drug compounds as they are being evaluated for safety and efficacy. The biomarker products further enhance Meridian's strategic commitment to expand its presence in the life science market. These products are sold to major pharmaceutical manufacturers and research laboratories worldwide.

Jack Kraeutler, president and COO, said, "We are enthusiastic about the strategic fit of Biotrin as it relates to Meridian's well-articulated goals of core business growth through internal development and acquisitions. The parvovirus diagnostic test is a highly profitable product addition and the biomarker business adds an important enabling technology to our expanding life science capability as we continue to build our marketing efforts to the pharmaceutical industry. We anticipate a smooth integration of the Biotrin products into the Meridian business structure."

William J. Motto, chairman and CEO, said, "Combined with our Viral Antigens and BIODESIGN business elements, this acquisition positions Meridian Bioscience front and center in life sciences. We believe the parvovirus product will be a strong profit contributor and will benefit from Meridian's sales and distribution channels. In addition, Biotrin has several exciting new products well along in the development cycle.

Meridian is a fully integrated life science company that manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products and offers biopharmaceutical enabling technologies. Utilizing a variety of methods, these products provide accuracy, simplicity and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, viral, urinary and respiratory infections. All Meridian products are used outside of the human body and require little or no special equipment. The company's products are designed to enhance patient well-being while reducing the total outcome costs of healthcare. Meridian has strong market positions in the areas of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections, serology, parasitology and fungal disease diagnosis. In addition, Meridian is a supplier of rare reagents and specialty biologicals. The company markets its products to hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, veterinary testing centers and physician offices in more than 60 countries around the world. The company's shares are traded through Nasdaq's National Market, symbol VIVO.

For more information, visit http://www.meridianbioscience.com or call 513/271-3700.