Investor Relations

WILMINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2008--Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE: CRL) today announced that Dr. Deborah Kochevar, Dean of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, was elected to the Company's Board of Directors. Dr. Kochevar's extensive scientific and veterinary expertise will be an asset to the board as it identifies new opportunities to further enhance the Company's unique portfolio of essential drug discovery and development products and services. As a member of the board, she will also serve on the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

"Dr. Kochevar is widely regarded as one of the industry's leading experts in veterinary medicine. She will bring a unique perspective to the board as we continue to identify new opportunities that help our clients accelerate their drug development programs," said James C. Foster, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River.

"Charles River's reputation for scientific and veterinary excellence, consistent quality and commitment to humane care is unparalleled in the industry," said Dr. Kochevar. "I look forward to working with this truly talented team as well as playing a role in the Company's growth."

Dr. Kochevar has played a key role in defining the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine as a nationally recognized leader in veterinary education, clinical care and research. Under her direction, the Cummings School makes vital contributions to animal and human health, public health, the environment and public policy. Previously, she was a long-time faculty member and administrator at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University where she held the Wiley Chair of Veterinary Medical Education.

Dr. Kochevar's areas of research include pharmacology and cellular and molecular biology. She is a diplomate and past-president of the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology and is active in the American Veterinary Medical Association, having chaired its Council on Education and the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates.

About Charles River

Accelerating Drug Development. Exactly. Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies, and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our more than 9,000 employees worldwide are focused on providing clients with exactly what they need to improve and expedite the discovery, development through first-in-human evaluation, and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "will," "may," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Forward looking statements include statements in this press release regarding future demand for drug discovery and development products and services including the outsourcing of these services; the specific contributions of members of Charles River's Board of Directors; and expectations regarding market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on Charles River's current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A further description of these risks, uncertainties, and other matters can be found in the Risk Factors detailed in Charles River's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on February 20, 2008, as well as other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Charles River assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update information contained in this release except as required by law.

CONTACT: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
Media Contact:
Amy Cianciaruso, 781-222-6168
amy.cianciaruso@crl.com
or
Investor Contact:
Susan E. Hardy, 781-222-6190
susan.hardy@crl.com

SOURCE: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.