Meridian makes, markets and distributes a broad range of diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products and technologies for a variety of biomedical customers in more than 60 countries. Fiscal 2009 net sales were $148.3 million, up six percent from the previous year. Sales of rapid influenza tests, driven by the H1N1 pandemic, drove a major portion of the growth of our diagnostics business units in 2009; flu test sales outside of the U.S., especially in Europe, were key. The company says rapid tests for foodborne diseases, such as toxigenic E. coli, also grew double digits in (the fourth quarter) and are expected to be a major contributor to fiscal 2010 sales increases. Founded in 1977, the company employs about 400 people worldwide. R&D, manufacturing and warehousing are at corporate headquarters in Hamilton County.