HAMPTON, N.H., Oct 24, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Fisher
Scientific International Inc. (NYSE: FSH), today reported that it has been
informed by its largest shareholder, Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund III, that it has
implemented a pro rata distribution of 6 million shares of Fisher Scientific
common stock to the institutional investors which are parties to the investor
agreement dated January 21, 1998. The company believes that certain of these
shareholders are not considered restricted investors and therefore, have the
ability to sell stock received in the distribution, and this could account for
the recent increase in trading volume of the company's stock. Management
shareholders are not participants in the pro rata distribution of Fisher
Scientific stock.
Fisher will release earnings for the third quarter as originally scheduled on
Monday, Nov. 4, 2002 and expects to meet or exceed current Wall Street consensus
earnings estimates.
About Fisher Scientific International Inc.
Fisher Scientific International Inc. (NYSE: FSH) is the world leader in serving
science. We enable scientific discovery and clinical-laboratory testing services
by offering more than 600,000 products and services to over 350,000 customers in
approximately 145 countries. As a result of its broad product offering,
electronic-commerce capabilities, and integrated global logistics network,
Fisher serves as a one-stop source of products, services and global solutions
for many of its customers. The company's primary target markets are scientific
research and healthcare. Additional information about Fisher is available on the
company's Web site at www.fisherscientific.com.
This announcement includes forward-looking statements. Fisher Scientific has
based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and
projections about future events. Although Fisher Scientific believes that its
assumptions made in connection with the forward-looking statements are
reasonable, no assurances can be given that its assumptions and expectations
will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to
various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Fisher Scientific undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these
risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in
this announcement might not occur.
Media Contact:
Gia L. Oei, 603-929-2489
E-mail: Gia.Oei@nh.fishersci.com
Investor Contact:
Carolyn Miller, 603-929-2381
E-mail: Carolyn.Miller@nh.fishersci.com
SOURCE Fisher Scientific International Inc.
URL: http://www.fisherscientific.com
