Investor Relations

WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2007--James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL), was named one of the New England region's 2007 Entrepreneurs of the Year by Ernst & Young LLP at an awards ceremony held in Boston last week. Mr. Foster was awarded the honor in the Biotechnology category, joining 14 other regional business leaders who were chosen for their exceptional leadership within their industry sector.

"For 21 years, Ernst & Young has recognized outstanding entrepreneurship through our Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) program," said Bryan Pearce, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) program director for New England. "This year's award recipients are truly an inspiration to all. We salute them for their drive, determination and hard work - and congratulate them on their success."

Mr. Foster was nominated by Ty Howe of Marsh USA, who wrote in his nomination: "Jim Foster views the world with a critical eye towards what he could do better, faster, more effectively to succeed not just tomorrow, but twenty years from now... A time always comes when a business arrives at the edge; Jim prefers to lead the charge rather than find himself there unexpectedly."

Jim Foster said, "I am so honored to be included among a group of truly talented individuals who are recognized as among the best in their field. I share this award with the terrific team at Charles River Laboratories; each colleague here is the real engine behind the successful execution of our shared vision to effectively serve our customers."

All award recipients were selected by an independent panel of judges composed of past Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) alumni. New England award recipients are eligible for consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2007 national program. Award recipients in several categories, as well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) award recipient, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 17, 2007. The overall national Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) award recipient is then considered for the worldwide event held in Monte Carlo.

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) awards program celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and continues to recognize the leaders and visionaries who are creating and building world-class businesses. Awards are given to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

About the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards

The Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) awards program was created and is produced by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP. As the first award of its kind, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) Award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic and growing businesses. The program, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2006, honors entrepreneurs through regional, national and global award programs in over 125 cities and 40 countries.

About Charles River Laboratories

Charles River Laboratories based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, partners with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions to advance the drug discovery and development process, bringing drugs to market faster and more efficiently. Charles River's 8,000 employees serve clients worldwide. For more information on Charles River, visit our website at www.criver.com.

CONTACT: Denterlein Worldwide
Diana Pisciotta, 617-784-5256

SOURCE: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.