ORANGE COUNTY

Beckman Instruments Sued for $150 Million: Two scientists who spent more than 12 years working with Beckman Instruments on a cancer detection test are seeking $150 million in damages in a lawsuit that alleges breach of contract by the Fullerton-based company. The suit filed in Superior Court in Santa Ana by Boris and Lea Cercekalleges that Beckman “materially breached” its contractual obligations to the couple in late 1994 when it suddenly stopped research into the early detection technology. The Cerceks claim that they were forced to retire late last year and that Beckman has prohibited them from carrying on research into the technology they began researching 30 years ago. Beckman Instruments spokeswoman Jeanie Herbertsaid Friday that the company had not seen the suit and could not comment on the allegations.