Meridian Bioscience Hires Vice President of Operations.

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CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 2, 2001

Meridian Bioscience, Inc., (Nasdaq:VIVO) today announced it has hired Larry Baldini as its Vice President of Operations. Most recently, Mr. Baldini was Director of Operations (Sensory Systems) at Instrumentation Laboratories, Ann Arbor, MI; he previously held the titles of Operations Manager and Facilities Manager. Mr. Baldini has extensive experience in managing a wide variety of operations, including implementing quality systems (QSRs and ISO 9002), establishing metrics, controlling scrap and overtime, reducing backorders and improving manufacturing efficiencies. His accomplishments include developing standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with good manufacturing procedure, participating in the startup of a new diagnostic manufacturing plant, designing and directing construction of new laboratories and clean rooms, and managing the transfer of operations to new locations. Mr. Baldini, 41, holds a BS, Business Administration. His employment with Meridian Bioscience begins today.

Jack Kraeutler, President, said, "We are delighted to welcome Larry as the newest member of Meridian's senior management team. Mr. Baldini has a broad background in in vitro diagnostic product manufacturing and operations management. His focus on efficient, high quality manufacturing and his commitment to manufacturing under the Quality System Regulation and other international regulatory standards, will provide Meridian with important leadership in its Operations areas."

Meridian is a fully integrated life sciences 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. Meridian's website address is www.meridianbioscience.com.