Tecan unveils new Fluent™ laboratory automation solutions

Männedorf, Switzerland, June 24, 2014 - The Tecan Group (SIX Swiss Exchange: TECN) today announced the launch of the Fluent(TM) laboratory automation family as the latest addition to its extensive liquid handling portfolio. Fluent is a unique automation concept built around the application-specific needs of laboratories, delivering more capacity and increased speed. With an initial focus on the complete automation of cell-based and biochemical assay workflows, the new systems bring together all the modules and devices required for these assays in a simple, productive and easy-to-use platform.

Tecan CEO David Martyr commented: "We are excited to launch the Fluent laboratory automation solutions with three new instruments to complement our leading Freedom EVO product family and extend our product portfolio. Fluent has been a major development program for Tecan and the launch of the first wave of products underpins our leading brand in laboratory automation that stands for quality, reliability and innovation.

Fluent reflects the increasingly application-focused nature of the life sciences market, as scientists look to partner with equipment manufacturers that can provide this type of high quality and user-friendly technical solution, backed by knowledgeable and responsive application support. Our first Fluent solutions are designed to meet the needs of the strongly growing cell biology market and our test sites and assay partners have been impressed by its speed and capabilities."

Simplicity - Productivity - Confidence
Fluent provides high precision, superior throughput and extended walkaway time - making it easier to get more done, more confidently. Completely new from the ground up, it is available in three sizes - offering deck capacities from 30 to 72 microplates - to suit the throughput requirements of almost any laboratory.

The Fluent solution for cell-based assays is designed to take the complexity out of cell biology research, simplify day-to-day tasks and increase both throughput and reliability. High definition liquid handling ensures precision and accuracy over a wide dynamic range, from sub-microliter to milliliter volumes. Patented Adaptive Signal Technology(TM) precisely detects even small volumes enabling accurate monitoring of liquid, allowing for the use of smaller reagent and sample volumes for significant cost savings. The patented Dynamic Deck(TM) uses a modular, multilevel design to offer exceptional deck capacity, allowing flexible integration of all the complementary devices required for cell-based research - including incubators, washers and readers - into a single, fully automated system.
Liquid handling and labware logistics have never been easier, thanks to the instrument's three, task-specific arms which operate simultaneously to ensure timely completion of assays, minimizing the time cells spend outside of the incubator. Perfect coordination of the robotic arms is achieved by the platform's Path Finder(TM) move optimization technology, which continuously adapts to the changing topography of the workdeck, avoiding the need for laborious programming of individual arm movements, helping to accelerate both set-up and routine system use.
The platform's intuitive FluentControl(TM) software and built-in touchscreen interface simplify day-to-day activities by guiding scientists through routine set-up and operation of the system for consistent, reproducible operation.
Fluent is launched together with specific application notes that were developed together with partners to generate real scientific data and provide a proof of concept for a selection of commonly-used cell-based assays.

To find out more about Tecan's Fluent laboratory automation solutions, register for an end-user targeted webinar taking place today, June 24th, 2014, at 16:00 h CEST: http://www.tecan.com/WebinarFA

About Tecan
Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading global provider of laboratory instruments and solutions in biopharmaceuticals, forensics and clinical diagnostics. The company specializes in the development, production and distribution of automated workflow solutions for laboratories in the life sciences sector. Its clients include pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, university research departments, and forensic and diagnostic laboratories. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Tecan is also a leader in developing and manufacturing OEM instruments and components that are then distributed by partner companies. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has manufacturing, research and development sites in both Europe and North America and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries. In 2013, Tecan generated sales of CHF 388 million (USD 419 million; EUR 316 million). Registered shares of Tecan Group are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (TECN; ISIN CH0012100191).

For further information:
Tecan Group
Martin Braendle
Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
Tel. +41 (0) 44 922 84 30
Fax +41 (0) 44 922 88 89
investor@tecan.com
www.tecan.com