FRANKFURT, Germany – May 16, 2006 – PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE: PKI), a global leader in Health Sciences and Photonics, today announced at ACHEMA 2006, Booth: D5-e7 in Hall 5.1 Stand 405/504 in Hall A2, the introduction of the 2006 model of its Optima™ 5000 Series of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) instruments. The new model features enhancements that enable laboratories to more economically measure the composition of solutions and maximize ICP productivity.

PerkinElmer’s market-leading Optima family of ICP-OES spectrometers has broad use in the environmental, specialty metals, food, academic and governmental sectors for laboratories with moderate to heavy loads of difficult samples. The 2006 model is available for shipment in early July.

“PerkinElmer knows that productivity is a key priority for laboratories,” said Jonathan Rennert, vice president and general manager, Analytical Sciences, for PerkinElmer’s Life and Analytical Sciences division. “Based on customer input, and by leveraging our significant expertise in inorganic analysis, we have designed this new model to offer laboratories enhancements that maximize productivity while continuing to set the standard for accuracy.

“The 2006 model of our Optima 5000 Series is a re-investment in this proven, high-performing tool, and a demonstration of our continued commitment to our customers,” Rennert continued.

The new model features enhanced detector electronics, providing substantially faster readout in quality control and certain other applications, with improved data acquisition electronics, dual processing electronics and independent VIS and UV readout electronics. It also offers simplified, faster A-D electronics, computer Ethernet communications and enhanced software features, all in a smaller instrument footprint.

PerkinElmer has expanded the transient signal capabilities for longer signal measurements and increased the number of elements that can be analyzed in the FIAS mode. Yates noted that 23 elements/wavelengths can be analyzed for up to a 20-minute read cycle, enabling customers to expand capabilities into new application areas, such as speciation.

PerkinElmer is the market leader in inorganic analysis. The company’s state-of-the art Optima Series of ICP-OES instrumentation provide features such as the common WinLab32 software platform for ease of use and reduced training requirements when switching from atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy to ICP-OES. A customized detector and RF power supply improve accuracy and reliability while a patented Dual-view optical system ensures the widest working range for both axial and radial viewing in the same analysis. This provides the full range of coverage from the low ppb to high ppm levels encountered in most environmental laboratories.

Global service and support are available to assist in any aspect of analysis.

For more information on PerkinElmer’s Optima 5000 Series visit: www.perkinelmer.com/optima5000.

Factors Affecting Future Performance
This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements relating to estimates and projections of future earnings per share and revenue growth and other financial results, developments relating to our customers and end-markets, and plans concerning business development opportunities. Words such as "believes," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," “projects,” “forecasts,” "will" and similar expressions, and references to guidance, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current assumptions and expectations and no assurances can be given that our assumptions or expectations will prove to be correct. A number of important risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation: (1) our failure to introduce new products in a timely manner; (2) our ability to execute acquisitions and license technologies, or to successfully integrate acquired businesses and licensed technologies into our existing business or to make them profitable; (3) our failure to protect adequately our intellectual property; (4) the loss of any of our licenses or licensed rights; (5) our ability to compete effectively; (6) fluctuation in our quarterly operating results and our ability to adjust our operations to address unexpected changes; (7) our ability to produce an adequate quantity of products to meet our customers’ demands; (8) our failure to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations; (9) regulatory changes; (10) economic, political and other risks associated with foreign operations; (11) our ability to retain key personnel; (12) restrictions in our credit agreement; (13) our ability to realize the full value of our intangible assets; and (14) other factors which we describe under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.

Other Information
Health Sciences end markets include genetic screening, environmental, service, biopharma, and medical imaging. Photonics markets include sensors and specialty lighting.