Leica Microsystems Enters into Alliance with Sigma-Aldrich to Distribute Histology and Cytology Stains and Reagents in the US

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., and ST. LOUIS Leica Microsystems Inc., a leading microscope and scientific instruments company, has entered into an alliance with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (Nasdaq: SIAL) to distribute histology and cytology stains and reagents in the United States for the medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic sectors. As a preferred provider of Sigma-Aldrich products, Leica Microsystems will now offer its extensive histology/cytology instrument customer base a complete package of equipment, reagents, and service. Leica's specimen preparation products include a full range of products for the histopathology laboratory including automated slide stainers, coverslippers, tissue processors, microtomes, cryostats, embedders, and cassette/slide labeling equipment for histology and cytology laboratories. "We are continually looking for ways to better serve our customers and to drive down their cost of acquiring products, while being competitive," said George Kennedy, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Service for Leica Microsystems' U.S. Specimen Preparation Division. "We believe that the Sigma- Aldrich full line of stains and reagents will enable us to do just that, and that Sigma-Aldrich and Leica have the broadest product lines and best service capabilities to meet the exacting needs of our histology and cytology customers." "This is a unique opportunity for Sigma-Aldrich," said Scott Glover, Vice President of Marketing, Sigma-Aldrich. "Over the years, Leica has established a strong instrument position in the marketplace. This reputation, coupled with our commitment to stains and reagents, should prove to be a successful equation for our customers."