CRO

Blue Sky BioServices Expands its Executive Team - Announces Appointment of Ted Marple as President and CEO

WORCESTER, Mass.July 5, 2013 -- Blue Sky BioServices is pleased to announce that Edward (Ted) Marple has been appointed as President and CEO of Blue Sky BioServices.  Mr. Marple brings significant business and operational experience that will enable Blue Sky's continued growth and leadership as a key partner to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies' research and development teams.

Mr. Marple was most recently Chief Business Officer at Xcellerex, a bioprocess company offering bioprocess equipment and GMP biomanufacturing services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies, prior to its acquisition by GE Healthcare in May 2012.  At Xcellerex he was responsible for focusing and executing on the business strategy of the company.  He previously led the finance and commercial operations at Xcellerex. 

"Adding Ted provides the team with a smart, energetic leader and catalyst for future scalability of customers and services," saidPaul Wengender, Blue Sky's founder.  "His recent leadership roles in finance, operations and strategy will be key additions to help us expand.  We are excited to have him onboard as we continue to build Blue Sky as the leader in providing 'Gene Through Screen' contract research organization (CRO) services."

With Mr. Marple's appointment, Mr. Wengender will focus his efforts on the commercial efforts of Blue Sky, and has assumed the role of Chief Commercial Officer.  Moving forward he will be responsible for sales and marketing, continuing to expand the customer relationships and forming new partnerships with customers globally.  Mr. Wengender will remain a member of the company's Board of Directors.  Norm Garceau, who provides the scientific leadership for the company, will continue to lead the business's laboratory operations as Chief Scientific Officer.

"I am joining a great team of thought leaders," said Mr. Marple.  "Paul has established and grown a company with proven leadership in quality, innovation and execution for its customers.  I look forward to working with Paul and Norm and our customers to build on the solid foundation at Blue Sky as we ensure the company executes on its strategic objectives and continues to grow."

"The Board is delighted to have Ted join Blue Sky," added Peter Glick, Chairman of the Board of Directors.  "Ted brings a critical managerial skill set and industry experience that complement Paul and Norm, and we believe we have a great team to take the company forward as it grows."

About Blue Sky BioServices

Blue Sky BioServices is the leading contract research organization (CRO) providing Gene Through Screen services in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology R&D market.  Our clients enhance the quality and speed of their research by utilizing Blue Sky's premium services such as vector gene synthesis, E. coli, Insect and Mammalian Scale-Up, antibody cloning and production, protein purification, radiometric assays, and assay execution (screening).  Blue Sky invests heavily in experienced people, leading-edge technology, and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.  Because of these investments in people and quality systems, Blue Sky provides unmatched quality and turnaround times.  Blue Sky is majority owned by Ampersand Capital Partners, a healthcare-focused, middle market private equity firm.  For more information, please visitwww.blueskybioservices.com.

About Ampersand Capital Partners

Ampersand is a Boston-based private equity firm with a focus on middle market growth equity investments in the Healthcare sector.  Ampersand leverages its unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams.  Ampersand's portfolio has included more than 20 years of successful investments in healthcare.  For more information, please visit www.ampersandcapital.com.