Neogen Corp. said it paid cash and stock to purchase AMPCOR, aCamden, N.J.-based company that develops and manufacturesdiagnostic test kits for detection of harmful microorganisms, such assalmonella and Escherichia coli.Shada Biabani, Neogen's communications manager, said financialdetails of the acquisition have not been released. Over the next twoyears, privately-held AMPCOR will get additional funds based onsales.AMPCOR, which has a staff of 13, will continue operations in Camdenas a subsidiary of Neogen under the name AMPCOR Diagnostics Inc.Biabani said that AMPCOR had revenues of about $1 million on salesof its diagnostic tests and profits of $32,000 in the last fiscal year.Neogen said it expects to begin commercial production of AMPCOR'stests for salmonella and E. coli by the end of the year.AMPCOR also is developing tests for three other food-borne bacteria,campylobacter, shigella and listeria. Neogen said tests forcampylobacter and shigella should be available by early spring 1995.Neogen, of Lansing, Mich., also markets diagnostic tests for detectionof natural toxins, drug residues, pesticides and plant diseases. _Charles Craig

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