Cepheid to Acquire Stretton Scientific

Sunnyvale, CA (OBBeC) -  Cepheid has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Stretton Scientific, a privately held distributor of scientific diagnostic, measuring and monitoring equipment based in Stretton, England.

Stretton Scientific currently distributes Cepheid's SmartCycler System, among other diagnostic and life science products, to a broad group of medical customers including the National Health Service (NHS), medical universities and commercial customers.

"Consistent with Cepheid's strategy to invest in sales and marketing capabilities to support national market development, the acquisition of Stretton Scientific is expected to augment our newly established UK-based direct sales team," said John Bishop, Cepheid's Chief Executive Officer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cepheid will pay approximately 1.2 million pounds Sterling in cash to acquire Stretton Scientific. The transaction is expected to close in early November, 2008, subject to customary closing conditions, and it is not expected to have a material impact on Cepheid's 2008 fourth quarter results.