Beckman Coulter Re-Ups With Novation

Beckman Coulter Inc. said Monday its three-year chemistry agreement with Novation has been extended for an additional two years, which should generate an estimated $144 million more for the Fullerton company.

Beckman said it will continue to provide Novation with chemistry, immunodiagnostic and automation products. The contract with Novation, a supply cost-management company based in Irving, Texas, will run through Dec. 31, 2002.

Novation also has agreements with Beckman Coulter for hematology and flow-cytometry products, as well as Access immunoassay systems and tests.

Beckman, which provides instrument systems, expects the combined contracts to generate more than $122 million in revenue this year. The company reported 2000 sales of $1.9 billion.

Beckman’s stock was off 51 cents a share Monday, closing at $36.88 on the New York Stock Exchange.