PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 8, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orchid Cellmark Inc. (Nasdaq:ORCH), a leading international provider of identity DNA testing services, today announced that the company has commenced work under a recently awarded contract with Thames Valley Police (TVP), the largest non-metropolitan police force in the United Kingdom, with whom Orchid Cellmark has previously worked as a sub-contractor. Orchid's role as a sub-contractor to TVP ended in April 2008.
Under this contract Orchid Cellmark will conduct all of TVP's requirements for DNA testing of PACE samples (mouth swabs taken under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act) and DNA analysis of volume crime scene samples for submission to the National DNA Database from the company's Abingdon facility.
Thomas Bologna, Orchid Cellmark's president and chief executive officer said, "I am delighted we've 'won back' this work now as a direct supplier. It is an important win and represents a significant amount of work for our company." Mr. Bologna added, "This award is further evidence of our commitment to excellent customer service and the successful transition we have made to become a leading direct supplier of DNA testing services to U.K. police forces throughout the country."
Over the last two decades Orchid Cellmark has established its position as one of the leading providers of forensic services in the United Kingdom. Based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire and Chorley, Lancashire, the company provides a full range of forensic DNA services ranging from the testing of mouth swab samples for submission to the U.K. National DNA Database, to the collection and analysis of evidence for the investigation of the most serious crimes. The company also conducts its market leading paternity and immigration testing services from its Abingdon facility.
About Orchid Cellmark
Orchid Cellmark (Nasdaq:ORCH) is a leading international provider of DNA testing services primarily for forensic and family relationship applications. Orchid Cellmark is one of the largest providers of forensic DNA testing services and its DNA results are used by the criminal justice system to assist with the identification of perpetrators, the exclusion of suspects and the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals. The company provides DNA family relationship testing to numerous child services organizations and individuals seeking to verify parentage. Orchid Cellmark also serves immigration and security authorities for DNA testing of individuals. In the agriculture field, the company provides DNA testing services for selective trait breeding. Orchid Cellmark's strong market positions in these areas reflect the company's accredited laboratories in the U.S. and U.K., its innovative genetic analysis technologies and expertise, and the company's reputation for exceptional quality, reliability and customer service for nearly two decades. More information on Orchid Cellmark can be found at www.orchidcellmark.com.
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding expectations regarding Orchid Cellmark's business operations and outlook. Such statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, the risk that the amount of revenue resulting from the TVP contract will not be significant, uncertainties relating to technologies, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost and pricing of Orchid Cellmark's products and services, dependence on government funding and collaborations, regulatory approvals, competition, intellectual property of others, patent protection, litigation, the timing of release of federal and state funds, the timing and amount of contracts put up for bid, and Orchid Cellmark's ability to successfully offer its services directly to U.K. police forces. These risks and other additional factors affecting these forward-looking statements and Orchid Cellmark's business are discussed under the headings "Risks Related to Our Business" and "Risks Associated with Our Common Stock" in Orchid Cellmark's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other filings made by Orchid Cellmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Orchid Cellmark expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Orchid Cellmark's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based, except as may be required by law.
Information contained in our press releases should be considered accurate only as of the date of the release. Information in any press release may be superseded by more recent information we have disclosed in later press releases, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise. Press releases may contain forward-looking statements based on the expectations of our management as of the date of the release. Actual results may materially differ based on several factors, including those described in the press release.