IDEXX to Ring NASDAQ Closing Bell and Make History for IDEXX and Maine

WESTBROOK, Maine, Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. IDXX today announced that Chairman and CEO Jonathan Ayers will have the honor of ringing the NASDAQ Closing Bell on Tuesday, December 16, marking the first time in history that a Maine company has drawn trading at NASDAQ to a close.

"Ringing the NASDAQ Closing Bell is the culmination of 30 years of innovation at IDEXX in Westbrook, Maine," said Ayers.  "We are proud to be from Maine and are committed to continuing to grow the company and give back to the state, by creating good jobs and investing in our communities."

IDEXX provides careers to 6,300 people, 2,100 of them in Maine. The company added 220 of those jobs since completing a $35 million expansion at its Westbrook World Campus in 2013. That project also supported 60 area contractors, employing roughly 450 workers, of which more than 95% were Maine-based.

Founded in 1984 with just five employees in the Old Port neighborhood of Portland, IDEXX has grown to be a global leader in diagnostic information that keeps pets and people healthy and milk and water safe. The company is having one of its best years on record, with revenue of over $1.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, an 11% increase over the prior year period.

"Maine is proud that IDEXX is the first company in our state to ring the NASDAQ Closing Bell," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "IDEXX is a Maine success story, growing from just five employees to over 6,000 worldwide today. Creating jobs and improving the Maine economy is a major focus of my Administration, and IDEXX has been a top performer in providing good-paying careers to Mainers. During our trade missions, especially to Colombia and China, IDEXX was instrumental in introducing international business contacts to our state. We thank IDEXX for its commitment to Maine, and we welcome its significant investment in our state."

"When Mr. Ayers rings the NASDAQ bell, he won't just be closing out the day's trading, he'll be marking a major milestone for IDEXX Laboratories and its thousands of talented employees in our state," said U.S. Senator Angus King. "For 30 years, IDEXX has proven that innovation and collaboration, along with a dedication to your employees, is a winning formula that achieves success in the global economy and creates rewarding jobs here at home. This is an historic and proud moment for IDEXX and for Maine."

"It's a privilege to create products and services that make the world a better place—and doubly so to do it here in Maine," said Ayers. "When we're ringing the bell at NASDAQ, I'll be thinking of all the veterinarians whose faith in IDEXX solutions has enabled us to get where we are today, as well as my 2,100 co-workers in Maine who've made our success story possible."

About IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency and to build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing diagnostic tests and information for livestock and poultry diagnostic tests and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs more than 6,000 people and offers products to customers in more than over 175 countries.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "may," "anticipates," "intends," "would," "will," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "should," and similar words and expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements because actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by the Company pursuant to United States securities laws contain discussions of these risks and uncertainties. The Company assumes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are advised to review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which are available from the SEC's EDGAR database at www.sec.gov, at various SEC reference facilities in the United States and via the Company's website at www.idexx.com).

Contact: 
IDEXX Laboratories
Elizabeth Hunt
Senior Marketing Manager
207-556-4650 
elizabeth-hunt@idexx.com

MSLGROUP 
781-684-0770 
idexx@mslgroup.com

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SOURCE IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.