Tecan, a leading supplier of laboratory equipment for the life science industry, announced a change in its Group Management today. Aitor Galdos, who has served as CEO since 2003, is leaving the company. He will be succeeded by Thomas Bachmann (45). An experienced top Swiss executive, Bachmann is currently CEO of the Steel Division of the AFG Arbonia-Forster Group, and previously held various senior positions with Rieter Ltd., the global industrial concern.

Männedorf, December 16, 2004 – The change of CEO stems from differences between Mr. Galdos and the Board of Directors over the company’s operational management. The Board has agreed the following top-priority operational goals for 2005:

• to achieve and maintain worldwide regulatory compliance;
• to increase operational efficiency;
• to aggressively pursue further growth opportunities;
• to improve margins.

For further information please contact:

Mike Baronian
Phone +41 (0)44 922 81 11
Mobile +41 (0)79 344 74 30
E-mail mike.baronian@tecan.com