GlobalOptions Group, Inc. (OTCBB: GLOI), a leading provider of domestic and international risk management services, today announced that it has acquired The Bode Technology Group Inc. from ChoicePoint Inc. (NYSE: CPS) in a cash purchase for $12.5 million. Bode is a leading provider of forensic DNA analysis, proprietary DNA collection products, and research services to law enforcement, crime laboratories, and disaster management organizations worldwide. The company, with 2006 sales of $12.2 million and approximately 100 employees, will strengthen GlobalOptions’ existing investigative services, litigation support, government consulting and disaster recovery operations. GlobalOptions’ executive and former New York Police and Fire Commissioner Howard Safir will oversee the Bode organization.
“The acquisition of Bode Technology is a natural extension of our business capabilities and is a major step forward in the second phase of our growth plan, enabling GlobalOptions the unique opportunity to own the newest technologies associated with DNA forensic services,” said Dr. Harvey W. Schiller, CEO and Chairman of GlobalOptions Group. “With the strategic guidance of Howard Safir, we look forward to successfully leveraging the resources of Bode to best suit our clients’ needs.”
“I could not be more proud of the Bode associates and the important work they perform every day to help make our world a safer place,” commented Derek V. Smith, ChoicePoint chairman and chief executive officer. “From helping to identify rapists and murderers, to freeing wrongfully accused and convicted people, to bringing some measure of peace to the families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks, Bode associates personify the power of forensic DNA when used wisely and responsibly.”
Bode’s fully accredited laboratory, one of the largest private forensic DNA labs in the U.S., has processed more than 30,000 forensic cases for nearly every U.S. state and over 15 countries; analyzed nearly a million convicted offender and arrestee DNA samples, which assisted in the elimination of backlogs in 22 states; performed contract research for several federal agencies; and analyzed over 30,000 samples from mass fatalities. Consistently at the forefront of DNA technology, Bode is world renowned for its DNA analysis capabilities on highly compromised and other challenging samples. This vast DNA testing experience has enabled the development of revolutionary DNA collection and documentation products. The entire Bode management team, including President Maureen M. Loftus, will remain with the company
Commenting on the acquisition, Howard Safir, GlobalOptions executive said, “The acquisition of Bode Technology will give GlobalOptions Group the ability to deliver the world’s best DNA analysis and products to both our public and private clients. Bode has long been recognized as the industry leader in research and development of new forensic procedures and products for law enforcement, government and humanitarian missions. The application of DNA science is growing at an extremely rapid pace and Global with Bode will be a major player in that market.”
About GlobalOptions Group, Inc.
GlobalOptions Group, with headquarters in New York City and offices in 16 cities, is a provider of high-end risk assessment and mitigation services to Fortune 1000 corporations, governmental organizations and high-profile individuals throughout the world. GlobalOptions Group’s services currently include risk management and security, investigations and litigation support, and crisis management. These engagements take GlobalOptions Group staff around the world and are typically highly-sensitive engagements where GlobalOptions Group is interacting with senior leaders in corporations and governments. Its overall mission is to identify, evaluate, assess, prevent and correct issues that may threaten people, organizations or strategic initiatives for corporations or governments. www.globaloptionsgroup.com
About Bode Technology Group
The Bode Technology Group is a leader in providing forensic DNA analysis, highly advanced and proprietary DNA collection products, and research services to law enforcement agencies, federal and state governments, crime laboratories and disaster management organizations throughout the United States and around the world.
Operating one of the most internationally respected private DNA laboratories, Bode’s forensic DNA experts have assisted in identifying victims of war, terrorism, crime and natural disasters, including the attack on the World Trade Center, the war in Bosnia and the remains of U.S. soldiers dating back to the Vietnam War. Most recently, Bode played an integral role in identifying victims of the tsunami in Thailand. In the United States, Bode’s casework teams and convicted offender databanking system continue to help law enforcement further the cause of justice by identifying thousands of criminals, while assisting in obtaining the freedom of those proven by DNA testing to be innocent. Based in a suburb of Washington, D.C., Bode employs more than 100 scientists and professionals who develop and use state-of-the-art technology to achieve its mission of becoming the most trusted provider of forensic analysis in the world. Founded in 1995, Bode was acquired in 2001 by ChoicePoint (www.choicepoint.com), a leading provider of identification and credential verification services.