S.A.C. Capital reports 5.1% stake in Applera, may propose director nominees

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., April 25 - Investors led by S.A.C Capital Advisors, LLC reported a 5.1% stake in Applera Corp. following a series of buy and sell stock transactions between Feb. 25 and April 24.

The transactions were reported in a schedule 13D filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In a March letter to the company's non-management directors, SAC said it supported the separation of Applera's Celera Group. SAC also asked that the company's chairman and chief executive officer cease to be an officer or director of the Applied Biosystems Group.

The investor recommended the exploration of all strategic alternatives, including the sale of Applied Biosystems.

SAC has not decided whether or not it will nominate individuals for election to Applera's board at the 2008 annual meeting, and it may choose to discuss the company's business with the board, management and fellow shareholders.

Applera, based in Norwalk, Conn., develops instrument-based systems, consumables, software and services used in human disease research.

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