Applied Biosystems Group

Type: Public
On the web: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com
Employees: 5,000
Employee growth: 9.4%

Applied Biosystems Group, a tracking-stock unit of Applera, makes the big machines for life scientists to peer into the details of DNA and proteins and chart the future of medicine. Its product line includes systems that detect the polymerase chain reactions used to identify DNA sequences. The unit also provides gene expression assays for various species, specialized enzymes called reagents, and disposable plastic devices to hold DNA samples. Its customers include biotech and drug firms, as well as research institutes, that are studying how drugs interact with the body's systems (pharmacokinetics) and its genetic makeup (pharmacogenomics).

Key numbers for fiscal year ending June, 2007:
Sales: $2,093.5M
One year growth: 9.5%
Net income: $275.1M
Income growth: 16.1%

Officers:
VP, Strategic Planning and Business Development: Paul D. Grossman
President and COO: Mark P. Stevenson
SVP and CFO: Dennis L. Winger

Competitors:
Affymetrix
Beckman Coulter
Bio-Rad Labs