PRINCETON, N.J. and HOUSTON, Feb. 9 – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network — Orchid Cellmark Inc. a leading worldwide provider of identity DNA testing services, and Kenyon International Emergency Services, Inc., the world’s leading disaster management company, today announced they have established an agreement for Orchid Cellmark to provide forensic DNA testing services for Kenyon and Kenyon’s customers, including identity DNA testing services for victims of natural or man-made disasters around the world. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed
“We believe this important contract with Kenyon International reflects Orchid Cellmark’s success in applying our advanced forensic DNA techniques to help identify victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center and the Asian tsunami disasters, as well as our proven ability to consistently deliver excellent service,” said Paul J. Kelly, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Orchid Cellmark. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide forensic DNA testing services for the world’s leading disaster management company.”
Kenyon has provided emergency response services since 1929. In addition to providing services for numerous air accidents, Kenyon has increasingly been engaged to help with non-aviation-related disasters. Kenyon assisted in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including working with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City to provide mortuary services for World Trade Center victims. Kenyon has provided disaster management services to the governments of Australia, Thailand and more than two dozen other countries in the recovery and repatriation of those killed in the Asian tsunami of December 2004. More recently, Kenyon has completed work for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to recover the bodies of deceased victims of Hurricane Katrina.
“Recent catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina, the Asian tsunami and the 9/11 terrorist attacks illustrate the critical role forensic DNA testing can play in identifying victims and helping to provide solace to the surviving next of kin,” said Robert Jensen, president and chief executive officer of Kenyon International. “It is Kenyon’s belief that identification of disaster victims is a human rights issue and having top quality DNA systems in place can help provide closure for families in crisis. Kenyon is committed to responding to mass fatality incidents in a highly competent and professional manner, and we believe Orchid Cellmark’s proven track record of providing rapid, high-quality forensic DNA testing will help ensure that disaster victims are identified rapidly and accurately.”
Orchid Cellmark is a long established and well-respected international private forensic DNA testing firm. It has conducted DNA testing for the FBI and for criminal justice agencies in all 50 U.S. states and hundreds of municipalities, as well as for many law enforcement agencies in the U.K. Orchid Cellmark has provided forensic DNA analyses for many high-profile criminal cases, including the O.J. Simpson, Green River serial murderer, JonBenet Ramsey and Unabomber cases. More recently, Orchid Cellmark has applied its innovative forensic DNA technology to help identify victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center and the Asian tsunami disasters.
Orchid Cellmark’s U.S.-based forensic laboratories have received the prestigious accreditation of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). Orchid Cellmark’s laboratories are also certified by the American Association of Blood Banks and its Dallas and Nashville laboratories are accredited by the National Forensic Science Technology Center.
About Kenyon International
Kenyon International Emergency Services, Inc. is a full-service disaster management company specializing in contingency planning, disaster management response and recovery, identification of human remains and personal effects, training, family assistance, call centers, memorials and humanitarian services. Kenyon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Service Corporation International, Inc. (NYSE: SCI – News), and is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with offices in Sydney, Australia, London, U.K. and Singapore. More information on Kenyon can be found at http://www.kenyoninternational.com.
About Orchid Cellmark Inc.
Orchid Cellmark is a leading provider of identity DNA testing services for the human identity and agriculture markets. In the human identity area, the company provides DNA testing services for forensic, family relationship and security applications. In the agriculture field, Orchid Cellmark provides DNA testing services for agricultural selective trait breeding. Orchid Cellmark’s strong market positions in these segments reflect the company’s accredited laboratories in the U.S. and U.K., its innovative genetic analysis technologies and expertise, and the world-renowned Cellmark brand that has been associated with exceptional quality, reliability and customer service for nearly two decades. More information on Orchid Cellmark can be found at http://www.orchid.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. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “could,” “may,” and “predict” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. 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, uncertainties relating to technologies, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost and pricing of Orchid Cellmark products and services, dependence on government funding and collaborations, regulatory approvals, competition, intellectual property of others, patent protection, litigation and the successful relationship between Orchid Cellmark and Kenyon. These risks and other additional factors affecting these 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, 2004, 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.
