CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 17, 2006--Meridian Bioscience,
Inc. (NASDAQ:VIVO) today announced that it has been recognized by
Forbes as one of "The 200 Best Small Companies" for the fourth year in
a row. The 200 Best Small Companies list is selected following a
comprehensive evaluation of financial results plus additional
operating factors of candidate companies having sales between $5
million and $750 million. Additional qualification criteria included a
consistent pattern of positive growth during a five-year period as
well as over the last twelve months, net profit margins greater than
5% and share prices above $5.00. Meridian Bioscience's overall ranking
was 102 and, in the individual category rankings, Meridian was 13th
based upon its five-year average return on equity.
John A. Kraeutler, President and Chief Operating Officer, stated,
"Our ability to develop and market innovative tests and services is
the basis for our strong, consistent financial performance. This
recognition is a tribute to Meridian's loyal employees and customers
worldwide. Once again we thank the editors of Forbes magazine for
recognizing Meridian's achievements."
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 diagnostic 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
along with proteins and other biologicals used by biopharmaceutical
companies engaged in research for new drugs and vaccines. The Company
markets its products to hospitals, reference laboratories, research
centers, veterinary testing centers, physician offices and diagnostics
manufacturers 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.
CONTACT: Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
John A. Kraeutler, 513-271-3700
SOURCE: Meridian Bioscience, Inc.
