840467--2/23/2009--BECKMAN_COULTER

related topics

{operation, international, foreign}

{cost, operation, labor}

{product, market, service}

{customer, product, revenue}

{property, intellectual, protect}

{loan, real, estate}

{cost, regulation, environmental}

{acquisition, growth, future}

{regulation, government, change}

{competitive, industry, competition}

{operation, natural, condition}

We face significant competition, and our failure to compete effectively could adversely affect our sales and results of operations. We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign regulations and compliance with these laws could cause us to incur substantial costs and adversely affect our results of operations. We must continue to market and improve existing products and develop new products that meet customer needs and expectations or our business and results of operations will be adversely impacted. Our business could be adversely affected if we do not prevail in present or future third party intellectual property litigation adverse to our products or if our patents or other intellectual property rights are challenged, invalidated, circumvented or expire. We rely on certain suppliers and manufacturers for raw materials and other products, and fluctuations in the availability and price of such products and services may interfere with our ability to meet our customers needs. Consolidation of our customer base and the formation of group purchasing organizations could adversely affect our sales and results of operations. Reductions in government funding to our customers could negatively impact our sales and results of operations. Our international operations expose us to foreign currency exchange fluctuations. Global market, economic and political conditions and natural disasters may adversely affect our operations and performance. Costs associated with our supply chain initiatives will affect earnings and results of operations. We are subject to various income tax risks and regulations throughout the world. Our investment in marketable securities is significant and is subject to market, interest rate and credit risk that may reduce its value. Acquisitions and divestitures pose financial and other risks and challenges.

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840467--2/23/2009--BECKMAN_COULTER_INC