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RNS Number:1468Y
Biotrace International PLC
09 February 2006


For immediate release                                            9 February 2006



                           BIOTRACE INTERNATIONAL PLC

                   Disposal of Ruskinn Life Sciences business


Biotrace International Plc ("Biotrace", "the Company" or "the Group"), a leading
manufacturer of industrial microbiology products, announces today that it has
disposed of the Ruskinn life sciences business via a management buy out ("MBO")
for approximately #1 million in cash.


Ruskinn Technology Ltd ("Ruskinn") was acquired in 2001 and is involved in the
development of systems to enhance the study of cell interaction under hypoxic
and anoxic conditions. The products manufactured and sold to public health
laboratories, hospitals and medical research institutes include highly
specialised bench-top workstations used by microbiologists to help diagnose and
identify a range of infections.  Over the past eighteen months, Biotrace has
invested in a new product line for IVF clinics called AC-TIVE, which is due to
be launched this year. The turnover from Ruskinn products during 2005, which
does not have a recurring revenue element, was #0.9M with a loss of #0.3M after
development costs for the new AC-TIVE product.


With effect from the 1st February, the MBO team led by Mr Samir Patel, the
Group's former head of Life Sciences will take over the Ruskinn business.  Eight
members of staff associated with the business will transfer to the new company,
Ruskinn Life Sciences Ltd ("RLS"), which will remain based in the Bridgend area.
 The consideration will be satisfied by way of cash amounting to #1.05M as well
as 10% equity and a representation on the Board of RLS.  The cash will be paid
in two tranches, with a deferred amount payable by the year end.


Ian Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Biotrace, said:


"This disposal will allow management to focus on the highly profitable
industrial business with its strong recurring revenues.   Our ability to
continue to grow this core activity will be further enhanced by the availability
of the cash generated from the deal and the elimination of losses.


Retaining an interest in RLS provides shareholders with an opportunity to
achieve some upside in the success of AC-TIVE, whilst improving the financial
performance of the Group.


I would like to take this opportunity of wishing Samir and the team every
success in building on the successes to date."


                                    - ENDS -


For further information, please contact:
Biotrace International Plc

Ian Johnson, Chief Executive Officer                  Tel: +44 (0) 1656 641 400
Peter Morgan, Finance Director

Buchanan Communications
Tim Anderson / Mary-Jane Johnson / James Strong       Tel: +44 (0)20 7466 5000



Notes to editors:

Biotrace International Plc is a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial
microbiology and life science products.  The Company is organised into three
business segments: Industrial, Life Sciences and Defence.  The Group's
proprietary technologies are used by most of the world's leading food and
beverage manufacturers who rely on Biotrace products as an essential part of
their quality control procedures. Industrial customers also include
pharmaceutical industries, personal care product manufacturers and environmental
water markets.  The Life Sciences business manufactures highly specialised
workstations for hospital microbiology laboratories and medical research
organisations.  The Defence segment provides systems and consumables for the
rapid detection of biological weapons.



Formed in 1988 and floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1993, Biotrace had
total revenues of #27 million in 2004.  The Company is headquartered in
Bridgend, UK with manufacturing and sales operations worldwide. Visit Biotrace
at www.biotrace.com







                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

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