ICx Acquires GHC Technologies
ICx has acquired GHC Technologies, a developer of technologies for rapid molecular detection. This acquisition provides ICx with leading edge technologies to be integrated into its next generation biodetection products and solutions. The added expertise will also allow ICx to provide extremely fast and highly accurate detection of bioagents to military and security agencies at a low cost.
ICx currently offers a strong line of products to help reduce the vulnerability of individuals and assets to biological threats. Such products include a biological "smoke alarm" that continuously monitors for indoor hazards by assessing changes in ambient air biological particulate levels. ICx plans to incorporate GHC technologies into its existing product line as well as in current and future research and development projects in order to provide integrated biodefense solutions.
"GHC is a leader in adapting high performance laboratory assays to meet the demanding requirements of real world security applications. They are currently funded by DHS on a number of important biosensing programs, such as a rapid pathogen detector for building security and a highly sensitive pathogen reporter for city-wide surveillance," said David Cullin, ICx Senior Vice President of Technology Transition. "ICx is remarkably adept at bringing advanced technologies to the market quickly. The GHC technology will be rapidly integrated into our biodefense solutions targeted at sensing harmful bioagaents in buildings, transportation terminals and public arenas, as well as for frontline military applications."
Current ICx biodefense products include biosamplers and biotriggers which are deployed at first responder sites, fire departments and critical DoD and commercial buildings. These biological "smoke alarm" products provide the first line of defense against airborne bioagents. The technologies developed by GHC round out the product line to include rapid, highly specific detection and identification of biological warfare agents such as Anthrax and will ultimately allow ICx to accurately and affordably identify such agents on the frontline.
"We are excited to join the growing ICx team," said Dr. Roland Stoughton, CEO of GHC. "We see very strong synergies with the existing ICx products and systems and a clear path to fielding our technology."
About GHC Technologies
GHC develops technologies for rapid and information-rich molecular diagnosis. The company's research and development efforts are strengthening U.S. biodefense preparedness and enabling commercial partners to bring ambitious clinical diagnostic products to market. GHC began operations in 2004 and has offices and laboratories in La Jolla, CA.
About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. The Company’s advanced thermal imaging and threat detection systems are used for a wide variety of imaging, thermography, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, navigation, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection. Visit the Company's web site at www.FLIR.com.
The statements in this release by Earl R. Lewis, and the other statements in this release about the award described above, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including the following: the ability to manufacture and deliver the systems referenced in this release, changes in demand for the Company's products, product mix, the timing of deliveries under the award discussed above, the impact of competitive products and pricing, constraints on supplies of critical components, excess or shortage of production capacity, the ability of the Company to manufacture and ship products in the time period required, actual purchases under agreements, the Company's continuing compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, the timely receipt of export licenses for international shipments, the continuing eligibility of the Company to act as a federal contractor, and other risks discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates, and general domestic and international economic conditions. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, or for changes made to this document by wire services or Internet service providers.
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Media Contacts
Angel Bennett
FLIR, Systems, Inc.
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Arlington, VA 22202
angel.bennett@flir.com