Wetzlar, Germany. For the first time in its history, Leica Microsystems’ annual sales volume for 2008

exceeded the billion US dollar mark, reports the international high-tech microscope and scientific

instrument manufacturer and distributor, headquartered in Wetzlar.

“Over the last two years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the demand for our products throughout

the world. In most of the markets in which we operate – including biomedical research, clinical

applications, industry, microsurgery, and histopathology – we have achieved double-digit organic growth

rates. Moreover, we have substantially expanded our product breadth through a number of strategic

company acquisitions,” comments Dr. David Martyr, President of Leica Microsystems.

Numerous company acquisitions expand product range and benefit customers

Leica Microsystems was purchased by Washington D.C.-based

Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) in the summer of 2005.

Since that time, Leica Microsystems has acquired and

integrated eight companies in Australia, Europe, the US, and

Asia. With these acquisitions, Leica Microsystems has

significantly broadened its product offering and now provides

one of the most comprehensive ranges of microscopy and

histopathology products on the market. Leica Microsystems’

histology offering now includes consumables for use with its

instruments. This allows histology customers to obtain all

needed products from a single source. “I’m pleased to say that

we’ve not only expanded our product portfolio through strategic

acquisitions, but we have also gained significant market share

as a result of innovation within our existing segments,” says

Martyr.

Dr. David Martyr, President of

Leica Microsystems.

For image in high resolution,

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