IDEXX Laboratories to purchase Bommeli Diagnostics

23 August 2004

Intervet herewith publishes a press release by IDEXX Laboratories Inc. purchasing Dr. Bommeli AG, an Intervet company.

WESTBROOK, Maine, TBD, 2004-08-23—The Production Animal Services group of IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), signed an agreement on August 17, 2004, for the purchase of Dr. Bommeli AG, a company of the Dutch animal health company Intervet. Based in Liebefeld-Bern, Switzerland, Bommeli is an internationally recognized leader in the veterinary diagnostic market offering state-of-the-art diagnostic reagents and testing for the control of livestock diseases. The acquisition is expected to be completed later this year, upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals in Europe.

“Combining the resources, technical knowledge and best practices of both organizations provides compelling opportunities for our customers, our employees and our businesses,” commented Dr. Quentin Tonelli, Vice President, IDEXX Laboratories. “The Bommeli CHEKiT® line of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay products has an outstanding reputation in the European market, and greatly complements the IDEXX product portfolio. The synergies which exist between our companies, coupled with IDEXX’s strong commitment toward research and development, will result in a broader portfolio of products to address our customer’s long-term diagnostic needs.”

About IDEXX
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., is a worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of innovative, technology-based products and services for animal health. The Company’s largest business is focused on companion animal health, combining biotechnology, medical device technology and information technology to aid veterinarians in providing better medicine while building successful practices. IDEXX Laboratories is also focused on employing innovative technologies to monitor production animal health and the safety and quality of drinking water and milk. Headquartered in Westbrook, Maine, IDEXX Laboratories employs over 2,500 people and offers products to customers in more than 100 countries.

About Intervet
Intervet, a business unit of Akzo Nobel, headquartered in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, with sales of EUR 1,010 million in 2003, is dedicated to research and development, production and marketing of innovative animal health products and feed additives. Intervet's product range for use in livestock, companion animals, poultry and fish includes vaccines, antiparasitics, anti-infectives, endocrine products and other pharmaceutical specialties, diagnostics and feed additives. Intervet operates globally with its own marketing organizations. The company currently employs around 5,000 people.

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations of future events, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from management's expectations. Risks and uncertainties include timing and success of new product introductions, competition and technological change, government regulation and obtaining government approvals, product demand and market acceptance, availability of products and raw materials, and litigation. A further description of these risks and uncertainties and other factors can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

For further information please contact:

André Fuchs,
IDEXX Laboratories Inc.
Director and General Manager
Production Animal Services
Tel: +1-207-856-8704
Andre-Fuchs@idexx.com

or

Tom Mikulka
IDEXX Laboratories Inc.
Marketing Manager
Production Animal Services
Tel: +1-207-856-0393
Tom-Mikulka@idexx.com

or

Sabine Schueller
Communications & Public Affairs
Intervet International bv
Tel: +31 (0)485 587085
Fax: +31 (0)485 585392
sabine.schueller@intervet.com