Bank Irel13.375 Regulatory News (BOI)

11 May 2006 07:01

Biotrace International PLC11 May 2006 For Immediate Release 11 May 2006 BIOTRACE INTERNATIONAL PLC ("Biotrace", "the Company" or "the Group") Company Awarded NATO Defence Contract Biotrace International Plc, a leading manufacturer of industrial microbiologyproducts, announces that it has been awarded a contract by the North AtlanticTreaty Organisation (NATO) Maintenance and Supply Agency ("NAMSA") to supplythree Field laboratories. Following a competitive tendering process, NAMSA awarded a contract to BiotraceMicroSafe for the supply of three Nuclear, Biological and Chemical ("NBC") fieldlaboratories and associated equipment. These will be deployed by the ItalianArmy in any contaminated areas for operations in Italy and missions abroad. The total contract value for the three NBC laboratories is €1.74 million (£1.2million) with delivery in the last quarter of 2006. Ian Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Biotrace, said: "To date our Defence business has represented a modest percentage of Grouprevenues and has largely been driven by sales of products to a single customer,the UK Ministry of Defence. This has resulted in sales being better in someyears than others depending on system usage and world events. The acquisition of MicroSafe in Italy just over six months ago has broadeningthe customer base and expanded Defence revenues substantially. Thissignificant contract win from a major new customer demonstrates our enhancedcapability to deliver complete solutions for military and homeland defence andis a great endorsement of our technology and expertise in addressing thisspecialist market. Whilst the Defence business remains difficult to predict, greater opportunitiesnow exist for growth with this contract adding significantly to revenues in2006." -ENDS- For further information, please contact:Biotrace International Plc Ian Johnson, Chief Executive Officer Tel : +44 (0) 1656 641 400Peter Morgan, Finance Director Buchanan CommunicationsTim Anderson / James Strong Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000 Notes to editors: Biotrace International Plc is a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrialmicrobiology products. The Company is organised into three business segments:Food & Environmental, Pharmaceutical, Personal Care & Cosmetics and Defence.The Group's proprietary technologies are used by most of the world's leadingfood and beverage manufacturers who rely on Biotrace products as an essentialpart of their quality control procedures. Other industrial customers includepharmaceutical and personal care product/cosmetics manufacturers together withenvironmental/industrial process water clients. The Defence segment providessystems and consumables for the rapid detection of biological weapons formilitary and homeland security organisations. Formed in 1988 and floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1993, Biotrace hadtotal revenues of over £29 million in 2005. The Company is headquartered inBridgend, UK with manufacturing and sales operations worldwide. Visit Biotraceat www.biotrace.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange