Investor Relations

WILMINGTON, Mass., Feb 21, 2002 (BW HealthWire) -- Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (CRL:NYSE) announced today that the lead investor group in its September 1999 management-led leveraged buy-out transaction, Credit Suisse First Boston's (CSFB) DLJ Merchant Banking Group (DLJMB), has distributed to the limited partners in its private equity funds approximately 1.7 million shares of Charles River's common stock. In the fourth quarter of 2001, DLJMB distributed 3.8 million CRL shares to these investors. Prior to today's distribution, DLJMB's private equity funds held approximately 11% of Charles River's outstanding common shares. Following this distribution, CSFB will hold approximately 3.2 million shares or 7.2% of the Company's outstanding common stock. This distribution by DLJMB of CRL shares of common stock is not a new issuance of shares, but rather a transfer of existing shares among investors. As a result, there is no increase in shares outstanding, and no EPS impact.

Charles River Laboratories, based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, is a leading provider of critical research tools and integrated support services that enable innovative and efficient drug discovery and development. The Company is the global leader in providing the animal research models required in research and development for new drugs, devices and therapies. The Company also offers a broad and growing portfolio of biomedical products and services that enable customers to reduce cost, increase speed, and enhance productivity and effectiveness in drug discovery and development. Charles River's customer base spans over 50 countries, and includes all of the major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as many leading hospitals and academic institutions. The Company operates 76 facilities in 15 countries worldwide.

CONTACT: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. Christopher DiFrancesco Director, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Ir@criver.com 978-658-6000 ext.1329