SHIMADZU CORPORATION SIGNS GLOBAL OEM SOFTWARE AGREEMENT WITH BIOINFORMATICS SOLUTIONS PROVIDER NONLINEAR DYNAMICS

12th January, 2004.(Newcastle, UK and Kyoto, Japan) Shimadzu Corporation today announced a worldwide OEM distribution agreement with Nonlinear Dynamics, the leading provider of bioinformatics software solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, Shimadzu Biotech will distribute a dual-branded version - 'Shimadzu Phoretix' - of a selection of Nonlinear's software solutions. These products are for the analysis and data-mining of 2D and 1D electrophoresis gels, the core separation technologies for proteomics and genomics research.
Financial terms were not disclosed.

Katsuhiko Ichimura, General Manager, Life Science Business Unit and Life Science Laboratory at Shimadzu Corporation, said, "The addition of Nonlinear's world-class analysis and data-mining products opens up excellent opportunities for us and further strengthens Shimadzu's strategic goals within the Life Science arena. Adopting products from both Nonlinear's 1D and 2D ranges will complement our existing products, such as the Xcise™ and the CHIP™ chemical inkjet printer. It will also enable further technological diversification over the coming months and years into other related markets. We are very pleased to be able to announce this new partnership with Nonlinear, which we see as a very important development within Shimadzu Corporations' Life Science business units."

The software from Nonlinear has been chosen to complement and extend Shimadzu Biotech's existing product portfolio. For example, the 2D products will result in an expanded scope for Shimadzu Biotech's Xcise™ solution. The Xcise currently combines, in a single benchtop instrument, the functions of gel acquisition imaging, protein spot cutting and digestion, peptide extraction and deposition onto a MALDI target plate. The new 2D software products from Nonlinear will extend this workflow, by integrating in-depth analysis of 2D electrophoresis gels and automatic export of spot pick-lists.

Neil Loftus, European Account Manager for Shimadzu Biotech, added, "We always intended to use Xcise as a foundation from which to grow our proteomics offerings. Software for comprehensive gel analysis and spot definition was the logical next step and Nonlinear's reputation in this field is unrivalled. We are looking forward to working with them closely on this and other developments over the coming years."

John Spreadbury, Group Sales and Marketing Director of Nonlinear Dynamics, commented, "I am delighted that Nonlinear and Shimadzu have agreed to move forward as strategic partners in this arena. Our products are undergoing continuous development and enhancement in order to maintain their position at the forefront of their markets. Nonlinear keeps apace with new technological developments and listens to our user's evolving requirements - we have successfully achieved this for fourteen years now. Entering into this agreement with a partner of Shimadzu's unrivalled history, experience and reputation further enhances our global presence in the
market and will subsequently result in a larger and more diverse group of customers."

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About Shimadzu Biotech

Shimadzu Biotech is a business unit of Shimadzu Corporation and its headquarters are in Japan. It has been created to unite a strong solutions-based offering and accelerate the progress of biotechnology research and development. Shimadzu Biotech captures, within one dedicated organisation, the best expertise and technology from within Shimadzu Corporation and its subsidiary, Kratos Analytical (part of Shimadzu Biotech).

About Nonlinear Dynamics Ltd

Established in 1989, Nonlinear Dynamics is a leading worldwide provider of bioinformatics solutions to the life science industry. The Company's innovative product portfolio comprises high-quality analysis and data mining tools for 1D and 2D electrophoresis gels and microarrays, the core technologies of genomics and proteomics. Nonlinear sells and supports its products through its UK headquarters, its USA office, and its global network of partners and OEMs.

For more information, please contact:

Shimadzu Biotech
Tetsuo Ichikawa
Tel: +81-75-823-1148
email: tichi@shimadzu.co.jp
Web: www.shimadzu-biotech.net

For press information, please contact:

De Facto Communications
Richard Anderson
Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3300
Fax: +44 (0)20 7496 3355
email: r.anderson@defacto.com