DDC, One of the Largest DNA Testing Companies Worldwide, Further Expands with the Acquisition of Orchid Cellmark's Government Paternity Business

FAIRFIELD, Ohio, Dec. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DDC (DNA Diagnostics Center), one of the largest DNA testing companies in the world, announced today the acquisition of Orchid Cellmark, Inc.'s  (Orchid Cellmark) government paternity business. Orchid Cellmark, a leading international provider of DNA testing services primarily for forensic and family relationship applications, is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp®) (NYSE: LH).  

"Our acquisition of Orchid's government paternity business significantly expands the size and scope of DDC's portfolio, further solidifying our position as one of the largest DNA testing companies in the world," said Peter Vitulli, DDC President and CEO. He continued, "This transaction allows for a strong and vibrant competitive landscape in the marketplace, which will in turn benefit the consumer. Orchid's government paternity business has earned an outstanding reputation for excellent quality and reliability, as well as top notch customer service, and we are pleased to enter into this agreement." 

Orchid Cellmark has provided parentage testing services to government agencies since 1979, providing contracts to numerous state and county entities under exclusive and multi-vendor terms.  Some of these contracts and their renewals span more than two decades.   

About DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)

For 16 years, DDC has been the largest provider of private DNA paternity and other DNA tests in the U.S. and worldwide, offering comprehensive DNA testing services for paternity and other family relationships, forensics, cell line authentication, and ancestry. The Company is also known for its groundbreaking technologies, including an exclusive license for the most innovative and accurate non-invasive prenatal paternity test using SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) Microarray Technology, which only requires a simple blood draw from the mother and alleged father. Other services provided by DDC include DDC Veterinary, the animal DNA testing division, which provides innovative, quality DNA testing for companion and sport animals. DDC was the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes, ensuring highly stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC's unique Dual Process™ ensures all professionally collected DNA samples are independently tested twice producing legal results of unmatched quality and reliability. DDC is recognized through a number of accreditations nationally and internationally achieving perfect ratings in its past 16 inspections including those performed by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). DDC is also accredited by ACLASS to meet the standards of ISO 17025 and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board International and follows the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) guidelines, which attests to DDC's superior forensic testing service. For more information: www.dnacenter.com or 1-800-362-2368.   

SOURCE DDC