09:48 AM EST - MDS Inc. : said it signed an agreement to sell its Central Labs operation, which conducts analysis of samples from late-stage clinical trials to Czura Thornton. MDS stated that it will receive around $8 million in proceeds from the transaction, including certain transition services. The purchase price may be increased by up to $4 million if certain performance thresholds are attained by Central Labs following the closing, the company added. Under the terms of the agreement, Czura Thornton would acquire MDS's Central Labs operation, which has more than 600 employees at six sites in Europe, North America and Asia. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2009, and is subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. MDS Inc.
shares T.MDS are trading down $0.10 at $9.05.
