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Filed Pursuant Rule 424(b)(3)

Apogent Technologies Inc.

       The Expiration Time of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation is 5:00 p.m.,

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Terms of the Exchange Offer:

	•	Apogent Technologies Inc., or Apogent, will issue up to $345,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Floating Rate Convertible Senior Debentures due 2033, or the New Floating Rate Debentures, in exchange for any and all outstanding Floating Rate Senior Convertible Contingent Debt Securities due 2033, or the Old Floating Rate CODES, that are validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the consummation of the exchange offer.
	•	The exchange offer is subject to the consummation of the merger, pursuant to which Fisher Scientific International Inc., or Fisher, will acquire Apogent, and Apogent will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Fisher.
	•	If you tender your Old Floating Rate CODES for exchange, you will, by the act of tendering, be consenting to the proposed amendment described under “Terms of Consent Solicitation.”
	•	If the exchange offer is consummated, holders who tender their Old Floating Rate CODES and do not withdraw them prior to the consummation of the exchange offer will receive an exchange fee in cash in an amount equal to 0.50% of the principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES tendered and a consent fee described under “Terms of Consent Solicitation.”
	•	The exchange offer is the initial public offering of the New Floating Rate Debentures. There is no existing market for the New Floating Rate Debentures to be issued, and Apogent does not intend to apply for their listing on any securities exchange or their inclusion in the Nasdaq Stock Market.

The terms of the New Floating Rate Debentures are substantially similar to the Old Floating Rate CODES, except in the following ways:

	•	After the proposed merger, the New Floating Rate Debentures will be convertible into Fisher common stock, or, at the election of Apogent, cash or a combination of cash and Fisher common stock.
	•	The credit rating trigger of the conversion right of the New Floating Rate Debentures will be the assignment of a credit rating by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s below “B3” or “B-,” respectively.
	•	Upon the earlier of (1) the date that Apogent’s Exchange Act reporting obligations are terminated or suspended, which is expected to occur shortly after September 30, 2004, or (2) February 23, 2010, which is 20 days prior to the first date that Apogent will have the right to redeem any or all of the New Floating Rate Debentures, Fisher will guarantee Apogent’s obligations under the New Floating Rate Debentures, but it does not intend to guarantee the Old Floating Rate CODES.
	•	The New Floating Rate Debentures may be convertible into Fisher common stock that is freely transferable under the securities laws only after Fisher guarantees the New Floating Rate Debentures, but the Old Floating Rate CODES will not be convertible into Fisher common stock that is freely transferable at any time unless an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 is otherwise available.
	•	The New Floating Rate Debentures will be convertible for the five-business-day period following any five-consecutive- trading-day period in which the average of the trading prices for the New Floating Rate Debentures, as determined following a request by a holder to make a determination, for that five-trading-day period was less than 97% of the average conversion value for the New Floating Rate Debentures during that period, subject to certain conditions.
	•	The New Floating Rate Debentures will not be eligible for trading in the PORTAL market.

Terms of Consent Solicitation:

	•	Apogent is seeking your consent to a proposed amendment to terminate the registration rights agreement relating to the Old Floating Rate CODES in order to terminate Apogent’s obligations to register the Old Floating Rate CODES and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the Old Floating Rate CODES for resale under the Securities Act.
	•	You must tender your Old Floating Rate CODES in exchange for New Floating Rate Debentures in order to consent to the proposed amendment.
	•	If the exchange offer is consummated, holders who tender their Old Floating Rate CODES and do not withdraw them prior to the consummation of the exchange offer will receive a consent fee in cash in an amount equal to 0.60% of the principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES tendered.

       If Apogent does not receive the requisite consents to the proposed amendment, it would be obligated to pay additional amounts to holders that do not tender their Old Floating Rate CODES from the occurrence of the registration default under the registration rights agreement until such time as the registration default is cured, but would not be obligated to pay additional amounts to holders that do tender their Old Floating Rate CODES from the date of issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       If you have previously validly tendered your Old Floating Rate CODES, then you are not required to take any further action to receive the New Floating Rate Debentures. If you have previously validly tendered your Old Floating Rate CODES, then you may withdraw any Old Floating Rate CODES so tendered at any time prior to the consummation of the exchange offer.

       See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 28 to read about factors you should consider before tendering your Old Floating Rate CODES for exchange.

       Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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*	“Convertible Contingent Debt Securities” and “CODES” are service marks of Lehman Brothers Inc.

       The dealer-manager for the exchange offer and consent solicitation is:

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Prospectus dated August 2, 2004.

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       You should rely only on the information contained in this document or that Apogent Technologies Inc. and Fisher Scientific International Inc. have referred you to. Apogent Technologies Inc. and Fisher Scientific International Inc. have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This prospectus is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the New Floating Rate Debentures to any person or by anyone in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale using the prospectus shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that the information contained in this document or that we have referred you to is correct after the date hereof or that there has been no change in our affairs since the date hereof.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
Prospectus Summary			1
Risk Factors			28
Forward-Looking Statements			37
Use of Proceeds			38
Consolidated Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges			39
The Exchange Offer			40
The Consent Solicitation			49
Description of the New Floating Rate Debentures			52
Description of Fisher Capital Stock			81
Comparative Stock Prices and Dividends			81
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences			83
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements			85
Legal Matters			93
Experts			93
Where You Can Find More Information			93
Incorporation of Documents by Reference			94

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       This prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Fisher and Apogent from other documents that are not included in or delivered with this prospectus. This information is available to you without charge upon your request. You can obtain the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at the following addresses and telephone numbers:

Fisher Scientific International Inc.		Apogent Technologies Inc.
One Liberty Lane		30 Penhallow Street
Hampton, New Hampshire 03842		Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801
(603) 926-5911		(603) 433-6131
Attn: Investor Relations		Attn: Investor Relations

       Investors may also consult Fisher’s or Apogent’s website for more information concerning the exchange offer and consent solicitation described in this prospectus. Fisher’s website is www.fisherscientific.com. Apogent’s website is www.apogent.com. Information included on either website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

       IN ORDER FOR YOU TO RECEIVE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE EXPIRATION TIME OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER AND CONSENT SOLICITATION, FISHER OR APOGENT, AS APPLICABLE, SHOULD RECEIVE YOUR REQUEST NO LATER THAN JULY 26, 2004.

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RISK FACTORS

       You should consider carefully the following risk factors and all of the information set forth and incorporated by reference in this prospectus including, but not limited to, Apogent’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 and Fisher’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as amended by the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed on May 13, 2004 before tendering your Old Floating Rate CODES in exchange for New Floating Rate Debentures which will be convertible into Fisher common stock after the proposed merger.

       The risk factors set forth below, other than those that discuss the consequences of failing to exchange your Old Floating Rate CODES in the exchange offer or as otherwise noted, are applicable to both the Old Floating Rate CODES and the New Floating Rate Debentures issued in the exchange offer.

       Any of these risks could materially adversely affect Apogent and/or Fisher’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, which could in turn materially adversely affect the price of the New Floating Rate Debentures and the Fisher common stock issuable upon conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

Risks Relating to the New Floating Rate Debentures

Apogent and Fisher’s substantial indebtedness could adversely affect their financial health and prevent them from fulfilling their obligations under the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       Apogent and Fisher both have now and will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. On March 31, 2004, Apogent had total consolidated long-term debt of $912.5 million, including $345 million outstanding principal amount of Old Floating Rate CODES, $300 million outstanding principal amount of the Old 2.25% CODES and $250 million outstanding principal amount of 6 1/2% senior subordinated notes. As of March 31, 2004, Apogent had the ability to incur $232 million of additional indebtedness under its existing credit agreement. Fisher expects to enter into a new credit facility prior to, or contemporaneously with, the consummation of the merger. Fisher intends to use a portion of the proceeds of the new credit facility to repay its existing credit facility and the existing Apogent credit agreement and terminate both facilities.

       As of March 31, 2004, Fisher had total long-term debt of $1.63 billion and the ability to incur an additional aggregate amount of $388.7 million under its existing accounts receivable securitization facility and revolving credit facility. Further borrowing under those facilities or incurring any other additional indebtedness would likely increase its leverage and the risks therefrom. Fisher’s debt agreements permit it to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, subject to limitations set forth in those agreements.

       As of March 31, 2004, on a pro forma basis to give effect to the merger, the termination of Apogent and Fisher’s existing credit facilities, the execution of Fisher’s new credit facility, the combined company would have had total debt of $2,805.5 million and the ability to incur $780.3 million of additional indebtedness.

       As of March 31, 2004, Apogent had approximately:

	•	$250 million of its 6 1/2% senior subordinated notes which were guaranteed by certain Apogent subsidiaries to which the New Floating Rate Debentures would have ranked senior in right of payment;

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	•	$652.1 million of senior unsecured debt (all of which was guaranteed by certain Apogent subsidiaries) outstanding and $348.5 million of other senior unsecured liabilities, including trade payables, outstanding (of which $268.8 million was guaranteed by certain Apogent subsidiaries) to which the New Floating Rate Debentures would have ranked equally in right of payment; and
	•	$24.1 million of senior secured indebtedness to which the New Floating Rate Debentures would have ranked effectively junior in right of payment;

in each case without giving effect to the future Fisher guarantee.

       As of March 31, 2004, Apogent’s subsidiaries had outstanding approximately $203.5 million of debt and other liabilities (including trade payables and estimated income taxes payable, but excluding guarantees by certain of Apogent’s subsidiaries of $902.0 million of Apogent’s then outstanding senior and senior subordinated debt) to which the New Floating Rate Debentures would have been structurally subordinated.

       Had the New Floating Rate Debentures been outstanding on March 31, 2004, on a pro forma basis to give effect to the proposed merger, the termination of Apogent and Fisher’s existing credit facilities and the execution of Fisher’s new credit agreement the New Floating Rate Debentures would have ranked effectively junior in right of payment to approximately $416.3 million of senior secured indebtedness of the combined company and equal in right of payment to $952.1 million of senior unsecured indebtedness of the combined company, in each case without giving effect to the future Fisher guarantee. Going forward, certain subsidiaries of Fisher will guarantee Fisher’s new credit facility, but will not guarantee the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       The substantial indebtedness of Fisher and Apogent could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:

	•	make it more difficult for Apogent to satisfy its obligations with respect to the New Floating Rate Debentures;
	•	increase their vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
	•	reduce the availability of their cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, research and development efforts, program investment efforts, and other general corporate needs;
	•	limit their flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in their business and the industry in which they operate;
	•	place them at a competitive disadvantage compared to their competitors with less debt;
	•	expose them to the risk of increased interest rates because some of their debt has variable interest rates; and
	•	limit their ability to borrow additional funds.

       Any default under the agreements governing Apogent’s outstanding indebtedness and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness could make Apogent unable to pay principal and interest on the New Floating Rate Debentures and, as a result, substantially decrease the market value of the New Floating Rate Debentures. A similar default under Fisher’s new credit facility

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Despite current indebtedness levels, Apogent, Fisher and their respective subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with their substantial leverage.

       Apogent, Fisher and their respective subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indenture pursuant to which the New Floating Rate Debentures will be issued do not restrict subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness. The covenants under the revolving credit facility that Fisher expects to enter into prior to, or contemporaneously with, the consummation of the proposed merger may limit its capacity for additional borrowings. If new indebtedness is incurred by Apogent, Fisher and their subsidiaries, the leverage-related risks that they now face would be exacerbated.

Apogent’s ability to service its indebtedness depends on its receipt of funds from its subsidiaries. Restrictions on Apogent’s subsidiaries ability to loan or distribute funds to Apogent could adversely affect Apogent’s subsidiaries’ ability to service indebtedness.

       Apogent is organized as a holding company, with all of its net sales generated through its subsidiaries. Consequently, its operating cash flow and ability to service indebtedness depend in part upon the operating cash flow of Apogent’s subsidiaries’, including foreign subsidiaries, and the payment of funds by them to Apogent in the form of loans, dividends or otherwise. Apogent’s subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends and make loans, advances and other payments to Apogent depends upon any statutory or other contractual restrictions that apply or may in the future apply, which may include requirements to maintain minimum levels of working capital and other assets. Similar considerations will apply to Fisher’s organization as a holding company with respect to its future guarantee of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

Apogent’s ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond its control, including economic, financial and competitive conditions and its inability to generate cash would limit its ability to service its debt, force it to reduce or delay capital expenditures or sell assets, or otherwise adversely affect its operations and the value of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       Apogent’s ability to make payments on and to refinance its indebtedness, including the New Floating Rate Debentures, and to fund planned capital expenditures, program investment efforts, and research and development efforts will depend on its ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors that are beyond Apogent’s control.

       Apogent cannot assure you that its business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to it to enable it to pay its indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs. In addition, Apogent may need to refinance all or a portion of its indebtedness, including these New Floating Rate Debentures, on or before maturity. Apogent cannot assure you that it will be able to refinance any of its indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

       If Apogent’s cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund its debt service obligations, it may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital, or seek to restructure or refinance its indebtedness, including the New Floating Rate Debentures. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit Apogent to meet its scheduled debt service obligations. In the absence of such operating results and resources, Apogent could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to sell material assets or operations to attempt to meet its debt service and other obligations. Apogent’s borrowing agreements restrict its ability to sell assets and use the proceeds from the sales. Apogent may not

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       Similar considerations will apply to Fisher’s organization as a holding company with respect to its future guarantee of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

The interest rate on the New Floating Rate Debentures may be lower than the interest rate on a standard debt security of comparable maturity and may be zero.

       The interest rate on the Old Floating Rate CODES is and the New Floating Rate Debentures will be based on 3-month LIBOR, which is the London Interbank Offered Rate, reduced by a spread of 1.25% (subject to adjustment). 3-month LIBOR represents the interest rate London banks offer for deposits of U.S. dollars for a period of three months. As of the close of business on June 15, 2004, 3-month LIBOR was 1.52% per annum. The interest rate on the Old Floating Rate CODES for the three-month period beginning June 15, 2004 is 0.27%. The interest rate on the New Floating Rate Debentures will initially be the same interest rate as the Old Floating Rate CODES for the interest period beginning on June 15, 2004 and, commencing September 15, 2004, will be adjusted every three months.

       The amount Apogent pays you may be less than the return you could earn on other investments. The interest Apogent pays you may be less than the interest you would earn if you bought the same principal amount of standard senior debt security of Apogent with the same stated maturity date. Your investment may not reflect the full opportunity cost to you when you take into account factors that affect the time value of money.

The New Floating Rate Debentures do not contain certain restrictive covenants that would protect holders of New Floating Rate Debentures upon the occurrence of several kinds of transactions, including a change of control.

       The indenture under which the New Floating Rate Debentures will be issued will not contain restrictive covenants that would protect you from several kinds of transactions that may adversely affect you as a holder of a New Floating Rate Debentures. In particular, the indenture will not contain covenants that limit Apogent’s ability to pay dividends or make distributions on or redeem its capital stock or limit its ability to incur additional indebtedness and, therefore, protect you in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or other similar transaction. In addition, the requirement that Apogent offer to repurchase the New Floating Rate Debentures upon a change of control of Fisher or, in certain circumstances, Apogent is limited to the transactions specified in the definition of a “change of control” under “Description of New Floating Rate Debentures — Repurchase at Option of Holders — Change of Control Put.” For example, a change of control will not be deemed to have occurred if, among other things, at least 90% of the consideration in the transaction otherwise constituting a change of control consists of shares of common stock that are traded or to be traded immediately following such transaction on a national securities exchange or The Nasdaq National Market and, as a result of the transaction, the New Floating Rate Debentures become convertible solely into such common stock and associated rights. Therefore, the proposed merger, pursuant to which Apogent will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Fisher, would not be considered a “change of control” that would require Apogent to offer to repurchase the New Floating Rate Debentures. Accordingly, Apogent or Fisher could enter into certain transactions, such as acquisitions, refinancings or a recapitalization, that could substantially affect their capital structures and the value of Fisher’s common stock but would not constitute a change of control.

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Apogent or Fisher’s ability to repurchase the New Floating Rate Debentures with cash upon a change of control of Fisher or, in certain circumstances, of Apogent may be limited by the insufficiency of cash or other financial resources available at that time.

       In certain circumstances involving a change of control, you may require Apogent to repurchase all or a portion of your New Floating Rate Debentures to the extent set forth in this prospectus. If a change in control were to occur, there can be no assurance that, if required, Apogent, or Fisher as guarantor, will have sufficient cash or other financial resources at that time or would be able to arrange financing to pay the repurchase price of the New Floating Rate Debentures in cash. Their ability to repurchase the New Floating Rate Debentures in that event may be limited by law, by the indenture, by the terms of other agreements relating to Apogent or Fisher’s senior debt and by indebtedness and agreements that Apogent or Fisher may enter into in the future which may replace, supplement or amend their existing or future debt. If a change in control occurs at a time when Apogent, or Fisher as guarantor, is prohibited from repurchasing or redeeming the New Floating Rate Debentures, Apogent or Fisher, as applicable, could seek the consent of lenders to allow Apogent, or Fisher as guarantor, to repurchase the New Floating Rate Debentures or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such a prohibition. If Apogent or Fisher, as applicable, does not obtain a consent or refinance these borrowings, Apogent, or Fisher, as guarantor, could remain prohibited from repurchasing the New Floating Rate Debentures. In addition, failure to repurchase the New Floating Rate Debentures would constitute an event of default under the indenture for the New Floating Rate Debentures, and would constitute a default under the terms of Apogent’s Old Floating Rate CODES, Old 2.25% CODES, 6 1/2% senior subordinated notes and any New 2.25% Debentures issued in that exchange offer and Fisher’s new credit facility and certain of its outstanding senior and senior subordinated indebtedness.

There may not be a liquid market for the New Floating Rate Debentures, and you may not be able to sell your New Floating Rate Debentures at attractive prices or at all.

       The New Floating Rate Debentures are a new issue of securities for which there is currently no public trading market. There is no existing market for the New Floating Rate Debentures to be issued, and Apogent does not intend to apply for their listing on any securities exchange or their inclusion in The Nasdaq Stock Market. Apogent and Fisher have been informed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. that it intends to make a market in the New Floating Rate Debentures after this exchange offer. However, Goldman, Sachs & Co. may cease its market-making activity at any time at its sole discretion. Accordingly, neither Apogent nor Fisher can predict whether an active or liquid trading market for the New Floating Rate Debentures will develop or will be sustained. If an active market for the New Floating Rate Debentures fails to develop or be sustained, the trading price of the New Floating Rate Debentures could fall. The trading price of the New Floating Rate Debentures will depend on many factors, including:

	•	prevailing interest rates and interest rate volatility;
	•	the markets for similar securities;
	•	the financial condition, results of operations and prospects of Apogent and Fisher;
	•	the publication of earnings estimates or other research reports and speculation in the press or investment community;
	•	changes in Apogent or Fisher’s industry and competition; and
	•	general market and economic conditions.

       As a result, neither Apogent nor Fisher can assure you that you will be able to sell the New Floating Rate Debentures at attractive prices or at all. In addition, the ability to receive contingent interest, as well as the conversion rights, on the Old Floating Rate CODES and the New Floating Rate Debentures may be limited by a thin trading market. Since the right to receive contingent

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A downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the rating assigned by a rating agency to the New Floating Rate Debentures, if any, could cause the liquidity or market value of the New Floating Rate Debentures to decline significantly.

       Apogent expects to receive ratings of the New Floating Rate Debentures by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s which may be in effect as of the date of the issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures and may be lower than the ratings currently assigned to the Old Floating Rate CODES. Neither Apogent nor Fisher can assure you that the ratings, when assigned, will remain for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if in that rating agency’s judgment future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes in Apogent’s business, so warrant.

The New Floating Rate Debentures and the future Fisher guarantee of the New Floating Rate Debentures will be unsecured and effectively subordinated to any secured debt of Apogent or Fisher.

       The New Floating Rate Debentures and the future Fisher guarantee will not be, and, to the extent that any of Apogent’s subsidiaries guarantee the New Floating Rate Debentures in the future, any such Apogent subsidiary guarantee would not be, secured by any of Apogent or Fisher’s assets or those of their subsidiaries. As a result, the New Floating Rate Debentures and the future Fisher guarantee will be, and any Apogent subsidiary guarantee would be, effectively subordinated to any secured debt that Apogent, Fisher (at the time of its guarantee) and any Apogent subsidiary guarantor (at the time of any such subsidiary guarantee) may incur to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of Apogent or Fisher’s secured debt or the debt of any Apogent subsidiary guarantors may assert rights against the secured assets in order to receive full payment of their debt before the assets may be used to pay the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures. On March 31, 2004, Fisher had secured debt of $391.8 million.

Your claims will be effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future creditors of Apogent’s subsidiaries.

       In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, or reorganization of any of Apogent’s subsidiaries, holders of their indebtedness and trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets of the subsidiaries are made available for distributions to Apogent. As of March 31, 2004, these subsidiaries had outstanding approximately $203.5 million of debt and other liabilities including trade payables and estimated income taxes payable, but excluding guarantees by certain of Apogent’s subsidiaries of $902.0 million of Apogent’s senior and senior subordinated debt.

The future Fisher guarantee of Apogent’s obligations under the New Floating Rate Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future creditors of Fisher’s subsidiaries, other than Apogent.

       In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, or reorganization of any of Fisher’s subsidiaries, holders of their indebtedness and trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims

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The guarantees may be unenforceable due to fraudulent conveyance statutes. Accordingly, you could have no claim against the guarantors.

       The future Fisher guarantee and, to the extent that any of Apogent’s subsidiaries guarantee the New Floating Rate Debentures in the future, any such Apogent subsidiary guarantee could be subject to review under United States federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent conveyance laws in bankruptcy or similar proceedings. Although laws differ among various jurisdictions, a court could, under current fraudulent conveyance laws, subordinate or avoid the guarantees if it found that the guarantees were incurred with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, or the guarantor was a defendant in an action for money damages or had a judgment for money damages docketed against it if, in either case, after final judgment, the judgment is unsatisfied, or the guarantor did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value for the guarantees, and that the guarantor:

	•	was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the issuance of the guarantees;
	•	was engaged or was about to engage in a business or transaction for which the remaining assets of the guarantor constituted unreasonably small capital; or
	•	intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay debts as they matured.

       If a court voided the future Fisher guarantee or any such Apogent subsidiary guarantee, as the result of a fraudulent conveyance, or held it unenforceable for any other reason, holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures would cease to have a claim against Fisher or such Apogent subsidiary guarantor, as the case may be, based on the guarantee and would be creditors only of Apogent and any guarantor whose guarantee was not similarly held unenforceable.

       Apogent cannot assure you that a court would conclude that the future Fisher guarantee or, to the extent that any of Apogent’s subsidiaries guarantee the New Floating Rate Debentures in the future, any such Apogent subsidiary guarantee would be for proper purposes and in good faith. After giving effect to the issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures and the issuance of the future Fisher guarantee or any Apogent subsidiary guarantees, Apogent also cannot assure you that a court would conclude that Apogent, Fisher or any subsidiary guarantors, as applicable, would be solvent and will continue to be solvent, will have sufficient capital for carrying on their respective businesses and will be able to pay their debts as they become absolute and mature.

If Apogent’s Exchange Act reporting obligations are terminated or suspended, that may have an adverse effect on the market price of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       Apogent intends to take steps to terminate or suspend its Exchange Act reporting obligations shortly after its fiscal year ending September 30, 2004. If and when Apogent ceases to have an obligation to file periodic and other reports with the SEC, the information available to holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures regarding Apogent’s financial condition and results of operations would be reduced. This could have an adverse effect on the market price of the New Floating Rate Debentures. After Apogent’s Exchange Act reporting obligations are terminated or suspended and Fisher guarantees the New Floating Rate Debentures, holders of Old Floating Rate CODES and New Floating Rate Debentures alike will only have access to financial information of Fisher and its

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Apogent is subject to risk of product liability and other litigation which could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations and, therefore, adversely affect the value of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       Apogent is subject to the risks of claims involving its products (including those of businesses Apogent no longer owns) and other legal and administrative proceedings, including the expense of investigating, litigating, and settling any claims. Although Apogent currently maintains insurance against some of these risks, uninsured losses, which may be material, could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations and, therefore, adversely affect the value of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

Fisher may incur unexpected costs associated with compliance with environmental regulations and this could adversely affect its results of operations and the value of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       A number of Fisher’s domestic and international operations involve and have involved the handling, transportation, manufacture, use or sale of substances that are or could be classified as toxic or hazardous substances. Some risk of environmental damage is inherent in Fisher’s operations and the products it manufactures, sells or distributes. Fisher has been named as a potentially responsible party for environmental contamination associated with various sites. Fisher is currently implementing remedial measures at some of its facilities, including two of its facilities in New Jersey. Fisher has established reserves in the amount of $31.4 million as of March 31, 2004 for the potential costs of this remediation based on several factors, including management’s knowledge and experience and reports from environmental specialists. However, Fisher’s actual costs may exceed those reflected in its reserves. In addition, future environmental damage resulting from Fisher’s operations may occur, the costs of which may harm its business. Fisher may also be liable for third party infringement claims in addition to primary liability. Future events, including changes in existing laws and regulations or changes in the manner or method of enforcement of such laws, identification of unknown conditions and the development of new remediation techniques and the circumstances of third parties who may be jointly or severally liable for damage may also give rise to additional costs which could adversely affect Fisher’s business.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

After the consummation of the exchange offer there will likely be a limited trading market for the Old Floating Rate CODES which could affect the market price of the Old Floating Rate CODES.

       To the extent that Old Floating Rate CODES are tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, the trading market for Old Floating Rate CODES that remain outstanding after the exchange offer is likely to be significantly more limited than it is at present. A debt security with a smaller outstanding principal amount available for trading (a smaller “float”) may command a lower price than would a comparable debt security with a larger float. Therefore, the market price for Old Floating Rate CODES that are not tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer may be affected adversely to the extent that the principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES exchanged pursuant to the exchange offer reduces the float. A reduced float may also make the trading price of Old Floating Rate CODES that are not exchanged in the exchange offer more volatile.

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Fisher does not intend to guarantee the Old Floating Rate CODES and, therefore, holders of Old Floating Rate CODES will not have recourse to Fisher’s assets and may receive Fisher common stock upon conversion that is not freely transferable under the securities laws.

       Fisher does not intend to guarantee the Old Floating Rate CODES. Holders who do not tender their Old Floating Rate CODES will not have the benefit of any guarantee of the New Floating Rate Debentures by Fisher. Accordingly, any Fisher common stock issuable upon the conversion of Old Floating Rate CODES would not be freely transferable under the securities laws unless an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available. In addition, holders of Old Floating Rate CODES will not have recourse to the assets of Fisher or its direct or indirect subsidiaries, other than Apogent, for the satisfaction of Apogent’s payment obligations under the Old Floating Rate CODES.

Risks Relating to the Proposed Merger

The combined company may be unable to integrate successfully the businesses of Fisher and Apogent and realize the anticipated benefits of the merger.

       The merger of Fisher and Apogent involves the combination of two companies which currently operate as independent public companies. The combined company will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating its business practices and operations. Potential difficulties the combined company may encounter in the integration process include the following:

	•	the inability of the combined company to achieve the cost savings and operating synergies anticipated in the merger, including synergies relating to increased purchasing efficiencies and a reduction in costs associated with the consolidation of operations of the two companies;
	•	lost sales and customers as a result of certain customers of either of the two companies deciding not to do business with the combined company;
	•	complexities associated with managing the combined businesses, coupled with those of consolidating multiple physical locations where management may determine consolidation is desirable;
	•	integrating personnel from diverse corporate cultures while maintaining focus on providing consistent, high quality products and customer service;
	•	potential unknown liabilities and increased costs associated with the merger; and
	•	performance shortfalls at one or both of the two companies as a result of the diversion of management’s attention to the merger.

The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of the combined company’s business and/or the loss of key personnel, many of whom have proprietary information. The diversion of management’s attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the merger and the integration of the two companies’ operations could have an adverse effect on the business and financial results of the combined company after the merger.

       Due to legal restrictions, Fisher and Apogent have been able to conduct only limited planning regarding the integration of the two companies following the merger and have not yet determined the exact nature in which the operations and businesses of the two companies will be combined after the merger. The actual integration may result in additional and unforeseen expenses or delays, and the anticipated benefits of such integration plans may not be realized.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

       This prospectus includes or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements, including without limitation the statements under “Prospectus Summary” and “Risk Factors” herein and under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business” in Apogent and Fisher’s respective periodic filings with the SEC which are incorporated by reference herein. The words “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Apogent and Fisher have based their forward-looking statements on their current expectations and projections about future events. Although Apogent and Fisher believe that their assumptions made in connection with the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurances that the assumptions and expectations will prove to have been correct. All forward-looking statements reflect Apogent and Fisher’s present expectations of future events and are subject to a number of important assumptions, factors, and risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others:

	•	the effects of domestic and international economic and business conditions on Apogent and Fisher’s businesses;
	•	Apogent and Fisher’s outstanding indebtedness and leverage, and the restrictions imposed by their indebtedness;
	•	risks from rapid technological change and new product introductions;
	•	changes in customer purchasing patterns;
	•	competitive factors;
	•	failure to consummate the proposed merger as currently contemplated;
	•	transitional challenges associated with the proposed merger and other acquisitions;
	•	the cyclical nature of some of the industries and markets into which Apogent and Fisher sell their products;
	•	Apogent and Fisher’s dependence upon key distributors and manufacturers;
	•	possible disruption of Apogent and Fisher’s manufacturing operations from labor unrest, shortages of critical materials, or other causes;
	•	regulatory and litigation risks; and
	•	the other factors described under the caption “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.

       All forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are based on information available to Apogent and Fisher on the date of this prospectus and forward-looking statements incorporated by reference to their past and future filings with the SEC are or will be based on information available to Apogent and Fisher on the dates of those filings. Apogent and Fisher undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Apogent and Fisher or persons acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained throughout this prospectus. Any forward-looking statements made in connection with the exchange offer are not, and have not been, protected under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

       Neither Apogent nor Fisher will receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

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CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES OF APOGENT

       The following table sets forth the historical consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for Apogent for the periods indicated:

Six Months

Year Ended September 30,

Ended

March 31, 2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)

5.6x

3.2x

5.2x

4.1x

3.5x

4.3x

---

(1)	The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is computed by dividing income from continuing operations before income taxes, plus fixed charges, by fixed charges.

       Fixed charges consist of interest expense, amortization of deferred financing fees and an estimate of interest within rental expense.

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES OF FISHER

       The following table sets forth the historical consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for Fisher for the periods indicated:

Three Months

Year Ended December 31,

Ended

March 31, 2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)

3.0x

2.1x

2.5x

1.4x

1.4x

1.5x

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(1)

For the purpose of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income before provision for income taxes and before adjustment for losses from equity investments plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest charges, amortization of debt expense and discount or premium related to indebtedness, whether expensed or capitalized, and that portion of rental expense that Fisher believes to be representative of interest.

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Terms of the Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering the Old Floating Rate CODES and Delivering Consents

       Subject to the terms and conditions described in this prospectus, Apogent will accept for exchange the Old Floating Rate CODES that are validly tendered prior to the expiration time and not withdrawn as permitted below. Holders of Old Floating Rate CODES who validly tender and do not withdraw their Old Floating Rate CODES prior to the consummation of the exchange offer will, by the act of tendering, be consenting to the proposed amendment to the registration rights agreement as described under “The Consent Solicitation.” You may not withhold your consent to the proposed amendment if you tender your Old Floating Rate CODES in the exchange offer.

       As used herein, the term “expiration time” means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 2, 2004. Apogent may, however, in its sole discretion, extend the period of time during which the exchange offer and consent solicitation are open. Apogent intends to request that the registration statement be declared effective by the SEC before the expiration time. The term “expiration time” means the latest time and date to which the exchange offer and consent solicitation are extended.

       As of July 26, 2004, $345 million principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES were outstanding. This prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is being sent on or about the date hereof, to all holders of Old Floating Rate CODES. Apogent’s obligation to accept the Old Floating Rate CODES for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer and consent solicitation are subject to certain conditions as set forth under “— Conditions of the Exchange Offer.”

       Apogent expressly reserves the right, at any time, to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer and consent solicitation are open, and delay acceptance for exchange of any Old Floating Rate CODES, by giving oral or written notice of such extension to the holders thereof as described below. Apogent will extend the duration of the exchange offer and consent solicitation if and as required by applicable law or if the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part is not declared effective by the SEC before the expiration time and the exchange offer is not terminated. In addition, Apogent may choose to extend the exchange offer in order to provide additional time for holders of the Old Floating Rate CODES to tender their Old Floating Rate CODES for exchange. During any such extension:

	•	all the Old Floating Rate CODES previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer and consent solicitation and may be accepted for exchange by Apogent; and
	•	the consents to the proposed amendment that are deemed to have been given pursuant to previous tenders of Old Floating Rate CODES will remain valid.

       Any Old Floating Rate CODES not accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned without expense to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration time or termination of the exchange offer and consent solicitation. The Old Floating Rate CODES tendered in the exchange offer and consent solicitation must be in denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

       Apogent expressly reserves the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer and consent solicitation, and not to accept for exchange any Old Floating Rate CODES, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offer specified under “— Conditions of the Exchange Offer.” If Apogent considers an amendment to the exchange offer to be material, or if Apogent waives a material condition of the exchange offer, Apogent will promptly disclose the amendment or waiver in a prospectus supplement, and to the extent required by law, Apogent will extend the exchange offer for the applicable period required by law. Apogent will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the Old Floating Rate CODES promptly. Such notice, in the case of any extension, will be issued by means of a press release or

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Procedures for Tendering Old Floating Rate CODES and Delivering Consents

       The tender to Apogent of the Old Floating Rate CODES by you as set forth below and Apogent’s acceptance of the Old Floating Rate CODES will constitute a binding agreement between Apogent and you upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal. Except as set forth below, to tender the Old Floating Rate CODES for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer and consent solicitation, you must transmit a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, including all other documents required by such letter of transmittal or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an agent’s message in lieu of such letter of transmittal, to The Bank of New York, as exchange agent, at the address set forth below under “Exchange Agent” on or prior to the expiration time. In addition, either:

	•	a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer (a “book-entry confirmation”) of such Old Floating Rate CODES, if such procedure is available, into the exchange agent’s account at the Depository Trust Company, or DTC, pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described beginning on page 43 must be received by the exchange agent, prior to the expiration time, with the letter of transmittal or an agent’s message in lieu of such letter of transmittal, or
	•	certificates for such Old Floating Rate CODES must be received by the exchange agent along with the letter of transmittal.

       The term “agent’s message” means a message, transmitted by DTC to and received by the exchange agent and forming a part of a book-entry confirmation, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering participant stating that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the letter of transmittal and that Apogent may enforce such letter of transmittal against such participant.

       The method of delivery of the Old Floating Rate CODES, letters of transmittal and all other required documents is at your election and risk. If such delivery is by regular U.S. mail, it is recommended that you use registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery. No letter of transmittal or Old Floating Rate CODES should be sent to Apogent.

       Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed unless the Old Floating Rate CODES surrendered for exchange are tendered:

	•	by a holder of the Old Floating Rate CODES who has not completed the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal, or
	•	for the account of an Eligible Institution (as defined below).

       In the event that signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal are required to be guaranteed, such guarantees must be by a firm which is a member of the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program or the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program (each such entity being hereinafter referred to as an “Eligible Institution”). If the Old Floating Rate CODES are registered in the name of a person other than the signer of the letter of transmittal, the Old Floating Rate CODES surrendered for exchange must be endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or instruments of transfer or exchange, in satisfactory form as Apogent determines in its sole discretion, duly executed by the registered holder with the signature thereon guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

       Apogent in its sole discretion will make a final and binding determination on all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of Old Floating Rate CODES

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       If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person or persons other than the registered holder or holders of the Old Floating Rate CODES, such Old Floating Rate CODES must be endorsed or accompanied by powers of attorney signed exactly as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) that appear on the Old Floating Rate CODES.

       If the letter of transmittal or any Old Floating Rate CODES or powers of attorneys are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by Apogent or the exchange agent, proper evidence satisfactory to Apogent of their authority to so act must be submitted with the letter of transmittal.

Exchange Fee

       Subject to the consummation of the exchange offer, if you validly tender your Old Floating Rate CODES and consent to the proposed amendment to the registration rights agreement thereby, and do not withdraw your tender and consent prior to the expiration time, you will receive an exchange fee equal to 0.50% of the principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES, and an additional consent fee as described under “The Consent Solicitation — Consent Fee.” If your Old Floating Rate CODES are not received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration time, you will not receive the exchange or consent fees.

       If the conditions to the consummation of the exchange offer, including the consummation of the proposed merger, are not satisfied or waived, the exchange offer will not be consummated and you will not receive the exchange or consent fees.

Acceptance of the Old Floating Rate CODES for Exchange; Delivery of the New Floating Rate Debentures

       Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, Apogent will accept all Old Floating Rate CODES properly tendered and issue the New Floating Rate Debentures promptly after the expiration time. See “— Conditions of the Exchange Offer.” For purposes of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, Apogent shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered the Old Floating Rate CODES for exchange if and when Apogent gives oral (confirmed in writing) or written notice to the exchange agent.

       The holder of Old Floating Rate CODES accepted for exchange will receive New Floating Rate Debentures in the aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the surrendered Old Floating Rate CODES. In all cases, issuance of New Floating Rate Debentures for

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	•	certificates for such Old Floating Rate CODES or a timely book-entry confirmation of such Old Floating Rate CODES into the exchange agent’s account at DTC,
	•	a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal or an agent’s message in lieu thereof, and
	•	all other required documents.

       If any tendered Old Floating Rate CODES are not accepted for any reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the exchange offer and consent solicitation or if the Old Floating Rate CODES are submitted for a greater principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, such unaccepted or non-exchanged Old Floating Rate CODES will be returned without expense to the tendering holder (or, in the case of the Old Floating Rate CODES tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry procedures described below, such non-exchanged Old Floating Rate CODES will be credited to an account maintained with DTC) promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer and consent solicitation.

       Upon issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures at the consummation of the exchange offer, Apogent will pay tendering holders of Old Floating Rate CODES any and all accrued but unpaid interest on the Old Floating Rate CODES to, but excluding the date of issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures, including any additional amounts that may have accrued since June 14, 2004 due to a registration default under the registration rights agreement.

Book-Entry Transfers

       For purposes of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, the exchange agent will request that an account be established with respect to the Old Floating Rate CODES at DTC within two business days after the date of this prospectus, unless the exchange agent already has established an account with DTC suitable for the exchange offer and consent solicitation. Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC may make book-entry delivery of the Old Floating Rate CODES by causing DTC to transfer such Old Floating Rate CODES into the exchange agent’s account at DTC in accordance with DTC’s procedures for transfer. Although delivery of the Old Floating Rate CODES may be effected through book-entry transfer at DTC, the letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof or an agent’s message in lieu thereof, with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at the address set forth under “— Exchange Agent” on or prior to the expiration time.

Withdrawal Rights

       You may withdraw your tender of the Old Floating Rate CODES at any time prior to the consummation of the exchange offer. If you withdraw your tender of the Old Floating Rate CODES prior to the expiration time, you will thereby be revoking your consent to the proposed amendment to the registration rights agreement and you will not receive the exchange fee or the consent fee.

       For a withdrawal of a tender to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent at one of the addresses set forth under “— Exchange Agent.” This notice must specify:

	•	the name of the person having tendered the Old Floating Rate CODES to be withdrawn,
	•	the Old Floating Rate CODES to be withdrawn (including the principal amount of such Old Floating Rate CODES), and

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	•	where certificates for the Old Floating Rate CODES have been transmitted, the name in which such Old Floating Rate CODES are registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.

       If certificates for the Old Floating Rate CODES have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, the withdrawing holder must also submit the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn and a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, unless such holder is an Eligible Institution. If the Old Floating Rate CODES have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn Old Floating Rate CODES and otherwise comply with the procedures of DTC.

       Apogent will make a final and binding determination on all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such notices. Any Old Floating Rate CODES so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer and consent solicitation. The withdrawal of Old Floating Rate CODES will also be deemed a withdrawal of the holders’ consent to the proposed amendment to the registration rights agreement.

       Any Old Floating Rate CODES tendered for exchange but not exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder without cost to such holder (or, in the case of the Old Floating Rate CODES tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures described above, such Old Floating Rate CODES will be credited to an account maintained with DTC for the Old Floating Rate CODES) promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn Old Floating Rate CODES may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under “— Procedures for Tendering Old Floating Rate CODES and Delivering Consents” above at any time prior to the expiration time. If you have previously validly tendered your Old Floating Rate CODES, then you may exercise your withdrawal rights at any time prior to the consummation of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn Old Floating Rate CODES may be retendered by following one of the procedures described under “— Procedures for Tendering Old Floating Rate CODES and Delivering Consents” above at any time on or prior to the expiration time.

Conditions of the Exchange Offer

       The exchange offer is subject to the registration statement covering the New Floating Rate Debentures and any post-effective amendment thereto being declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933. The exchange offer is not being made to, and Apogent will not accept tenders of Old Floating Rate CODES from, holders of Old Floating Rate CODES in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offer, or the acceptance of the exchange offer, would not be in compliance with the securities or “blue sky” laws of that jurisdiction. Apogent expects that in every US jurisdiction the exchange offer will be registered upon effectiveness of the registration statement, exempt from registration or subject to a letter from the state securities administrator agreeing to take no action if Apogent does not register the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       The exchange offer is also subject to the consummation of the proposed merger. In addition, notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, Apogent is not required to accept for exchange or issue the New Floating Rate Debentures in exchange for any Old Floating Rate CODES

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	•	there shall be threatened, instituted or pending any action or proceeding before, or any injunction, order or decree shall have been issued by, any court or governmental agency or other governmental regulatory or administrative agency or commission:

	(1) seeking to restrain or prohibit the making or consummation of the exchange offer or consent solicitation or any other transaction contemplated by the exchange offer and consent solicitation, or assessing or seeking any damages as a result thereof,
	(2) resulting in a material delay in Apogent’s ability to accept for exchange or exchange some or all of the Old Floating Rate CODES pursuant to the exchange offer and consent solicitation, or

	•	any statute, rule, regulation, order or injunction shall be sought, proposed, introduced, enacted, promulgated or deemed applicable to the exchange offer or consent solicitation or any of the transactions contemplated by the exchange offer and consent solicitation by any government or governmental authority, domestic or foreign, or any action shall have been taken, proposed or threatened, by any government, governmental authority, agency or court, domestic or foreign, that in Apogent’s reasonable judgment will or will be reasonably likely to, directly or indirectly, result in any of the consequences referred to in clauses (1) or (2) above; or
	•	there shall have occurred:

	(1) any general suspension of or general limitation on prices for, or trading in, securities on any national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market,
	(2) any limitation by a governmental agency or authority which may adversely affect Apogent’s ability to complete the transactions contemplated by the exchange offer and consent solicitation,
	(3) a declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States or any limitation by any governmental agency or authority which adversely affects the extension of credit, or
	(4) a commencement of a war, armed hostilities or other similar international calamity directly or indirectly involving the United States, or, in the case of any of the foregoing existing at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, a material acceleration or worsening thereof; or

	•	any change (or any development involving a prospective change) shall have occurred or be threatened to the business, properties, assets, liabilities, financial condition, operations, results of operations or prospects of Apogent and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or Fisher that, in Apogent’s reasonable judgment, is or is reasonably likely to materially adversely affect Apogent or Fisher, or Apogent has become aware of facts that, in its reasonable judgment, have or may have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, assets, liabilities, financial condition, operations, results of operations or prospects of Apogent or Fisher or with respect to the Old Floating Rate CODES or the New Floating Rate Debentures;

which, in Apogent’s reasonable judgment in any case, and regardless of the circumstances (other than any action by Apogent) giving rise to any such condition, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the exchange offer and consent solicitation and/ or with such acceptance for exchange or with such exchange.

       The consummation of the proposed merger and the conditions described in the four bullet points above are for Apogent’s sole benefit and may be asserted by Apogent regardless of the

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       Apogent does not currently intend to waive the merger condition to the exchange offer and consent solicitation. If Apogent decided to waive the merger condition and proceed with the exchange offer and consent solicitation, it would amend the terms of the exchange offer to reflect that the New Floating Rate Debentures would be convertible into Apogent common stock and any other applicable change to the terms of the exchange offer and extend the duration of the exchange offer as required by applicable law.

       In addition, Apogent will not accept for exchange any Old Floating Rate CODES tendered, and no New Floating Rate Debentures will be issued in exchange for any such Old Floating Rate CODES, if at such time any stop order shall be threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part, or the qualification of the indenture relating to the New Floating Rate Debentures under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

Exchange Agent

       The Bank of New York has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer and consent solicitation. All executed letters of transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent at the address set forth below. Questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

The Bank of New York as Exchange Agent

By Registered or Certified Mail:		By Hand and Overnight Courier:
The Bank of New York 101 Barclay Street, 7E New York, New York 10286 Attention: Diane Amoroso Reorganization Unit		The Bank of New York 101 Barclay Street, Corporate Trust Services Window New York, New York 10286 Attention: Diane Amoroso Reorganization Unit
By Facsimile:		Confirm by Telephone or for Information:
(212) 298-1915		(212) 815-3738

       Delivery of the letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth above or transmission of such letter of transmittal via facsimile other than as set forth above does not constitute a valid delivery of the letter of transmittal.

Information Agent

       Apogent has appointed Innisfree M&A Incorporated to act as the information agent in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation. Any questions concerning the exchange offer or consent solicitation procedures or requests for assistance or additional copies of this prospectus or the letters of transmittal may be directed to the information agent at (888) 750-5834 (toll free) or at the address listed below: 501 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor New York, New York 10022. Banks and brokers may call collect at (212) 750-5833.

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Dealer-Manager

       Apogent has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co. as dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and consent solicitation. Apogent has been informed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. that it intends to make a market in the New Floating Rate Debentures after this exchange offer. However, Goldman, Sachs & Co. may cease its market-making activity at any time at its sole discretion. Accordingly, Apogent cannot assure you that an active market in the New Floating Rate Debentures will develop or be maintained. Questions and requests for assistance may also be directed to the dealer-manager at (800) 471-7731. Banks and brokers may call collect at (212) 902-1697.

Fees and Expenses

Exchange Agent

       The principal solicitation is being made by mail by The Bank of New York, as exchange agent. The exchange agent will be paid customary fees for its services and reimbursed for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the provision of these services. All other expenses relating to the exchange offer and consent solicitation, including the fees and expenses of the trustee under the indenture relating to the New Floating Rate Debentures, filing fees, blue sky fees and printing and distribution expenses will be paid by Apogent.

Information Agent

       Innisfree M&A Incorporated, as information agent, may contact holders of the Old Floating Rate CODES by mail, telephone, facsimile transmission and personal interviews and may request brokers, dealers and other nominee stockholders to forward materials relating to the exchange offer and consent solicitation to beneficial owners. The information agent will receive customary compensation for its services and will be reimbursed for customary out-of-pocket expenses.

Dealer-Manager

       Goldman, Sachs & Co., as dealer-manager, has agreed to solicit exchanges of the Old Floating Rate CODES and accompanying consents to the proposed amendment to the registration rights agreement. Apogent and Fisher will pay Goldman, Sachs & Co. a total fee of 0.4% of the outstanding principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES for serving as the dealer-manager and will reimburse Goldman, Sachs & Co. for specified expenses payable as of the completion of the exchange offer and consent solicitation. Apogent and Fisher have also agreed to indemnify Goldman, Sachs & Co. against certain liabilities, including liabilities under federal securities laws.

       Goldman, Sachs & Co. has provided certain investment banking services to Fisher from time to time, including having acted as:

	•	a lead manager for the offerings of (1) 12.0 million shares of Fisher common stock in May 2001, (2) 7.2 million shares of Fisher common stock in February 2002, (3) $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 2.50% Convertible Senior Notes due October 2023 of Fisher in July 2003, and (4) $330,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due March 1, 2024 of Fisher in March 2004;
	•	financial advisor with respect to Fisher’s acquisition of Dharmacon, Inc. entered into February 2004 and the proposed merger with Apogent; and
	•	a financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger with Apogent.

       Pursuant to the terms of Goldman, Sachs & Co.’s engagement as financial advisor in connection with the proposed merger, Fisher has agreed to pay Goldman, Sachs & Co. a transaction fee of $10,000,000, $7,500,000 of which is payable upon consummation of the merger. In addition, Fisher has agreed to reimburse Goldman, Sachs & Co.’s expenses and to indemnify Goldman,

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       Goldman, Sachs & Co. also has provided certain investment banking services to Apogent from time to time, including having (1) acted as co-advisor with respect to Apogent’s spin-off of Sybron Dental Specialities, Inc. in December 2000, (2) acted as co-manager in connection with the offering of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 of Apogent in May 2003 and (3) assisted Apogent in connection with its stock repurchase program in August 2002.

       Concurrently with the exchange offer relating to the Old Floating Rate CODES, Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as dealer-manager for (1) the exchange offer for any and all of Apogent’s outstanding Old 2.25% CODES and (2) a cash tender offer for any and all of Apogent’s outstanding 6 1/2% senior subordinated notes and a concurrent consent solicitation to amend the indenture for the 6 1/2% senior subordinated notes in order to eliminate most of the restrictive covenants in that indenture. Upon completion of the exchange offer for the Old 2.25% CODES, Apogent and Fisher will pay Goldman, Sachs & Co. a total fee of 0.4% of the outstanding principal amount of Old 2.25% CODES for serving as dealer-manager and will reimburse Goldman, Sachs & Co. for specified expenses. Upon completion of the cash tender offer, Apogent and Fisher will pay Goldman, Sachs & Co. a total fee equal to 0.25% of the principal amount of 6 1/2% senior subordinated notes tendered pursuant to the cash tender offer and will reimburse Goldman, Sachs & Co. for specified expenses.

       Goldman, Sachs & Co. may also provide investment banking or other services to Fisher and Apogent in the future. In connection with the above-described services performed by it, Goldman, Sachs & Co. received, and may receive in the future, compensation. In the ordinary course of these activities Goldman, Sachs & Co. may actively trade the debt or equity securities (or related derivative securities) of Fisher and Apogent for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions of such securities.

Transfer Taxes

       You will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in connection with the tender of the Old Floating Rate CODES in the exchange offer and consent solicitation unless you instruct Apogent to register the New Floating Rate Debentures in the name of, or request that Old Floating Rate CODES not tendered or not accepted in the exchange offer and consent solicitation be returned to, a person other than the registered tendering holder. In those cases, you will be responsible for the payment of any applicable transfer tax.

Consequences of Failing to Exchange the Old Floating Rate CODES

       The trading market in the unexchanged Old Floating Rate CODES could become more limited due to the reduction in the amount of Old Floating Rate CODES outstanding after the consummation of this exchange offer and consent solicitation.

       Fisher does not intend to guarantee Apogent’s obligations under the Old Floating Rate CODES. Accordingly, Fisher common stock that is issuable upon conversion of Old Floating Rate CODES will not be freely transferable under securities laws unless an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available. In addition, holders of Old Floating Rate CODES will not have recourse to the assets of Fisher or its direct or indirect subsidiaries, other than Apogent, for the satisfaction of Apogent’s payment obligations under the Old Floating Rate CODES.

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THE CONSENT SOLICITATION

Purpose of Consent Solicitation

       Concurrently with the exchange offer for the Old Floating Rate CODES, Apogent is also conducting a consent solicitation to amend the registration rights agreement, dated December 17, 2003, among Apogent, the subsidiary guarantors of the Old Floating Rate CODES and the initial purchasers of the Old Floating Rate CODES in order to terminate that agreement. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, Apogent was required to:

	•	file by March 16, 2004, a registration statement under the Securities Act providing for the resale of the Old Floating Rate CODES and the common stock issuable upon conversion of such Old Floating Rate CODES, or a resale registration statement; and
	•	cause such resale registration statement to be declared effective by the SEC by June 14, 2004 and maintain the effectiveness of such resale registration statement for a period ending on the earliest of: (1) December 30, 2005, (2) such time as all holders of the Old Floating Rate CODES and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the Old Floating Rate CODES are eligible to sell all such securities pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act, and (3) the date when all the Old Floating Rate CODES and the common stock issuable upon conversion of the Old Floating Rate CODES are disposed of pursuant to the resale registration statement.

       In accordance with the registration rights agreement, Apogent filed a resale registration statement with the SEC on February 4, 2004. Since that registration statement was not declared effective by the SEC by June 14, 2004, a registration default occurred and is continuing to occur under the registration rights agreement which requires Apogent to pay additional amounts to each holder of the Old Floating Rate CODES equal to:

	•	0.25% per annum of the principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES with respect to the first 90-day period during which the registration default occurred and is continuing; and
	•	0.50% per annum of the principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES with respect to the period commencing on the 91st day following the day the registration default occurred and is continuing;

provided that in no event will additional amounts accrue at a rate per annum exceeding 0.50% of the principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES or at all upon the expiration of term of the agreement which is generally two years from the last date of issuance of the Old Floating Rate CODES.

       Apogent is seeking your consent to amend the registration rights agreement to terminate it and, thereby, terminate its obligations to cause the registration statement to be declared effective and to maintain its effectiveness for the time period required under the registration rights agreement.

Conditions to the Proposed Amendment

       Adoption of the proposed amendment pursuant to the consent solicitation is conditioned upon:

	•	the consummation of the exchange offer; and
	•	at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the holders of the outstanding Old Floating Rate CODES who are not affiliates of Apogent, or the unaffiliated holders, validly tendering their outstanding Old Floating Rate CODES, and consenting to the proposed amendment thereby, and not withdrawing their tender and consent prior to the consummation of the exchange offer.

       No affiliates of Apogent beneficially own any of the outstanding Old Floating Rate CODES. If the requisite consents of the unaffiliated holders to the proposed amendment are received prior to

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Effect of Delivering Consents

       By tendering your Old Floating Rate CODES, you will be giving your consent to the proposed amendment. See “Procedures for Tendering Old Floating Rate CODES and Delivering Consents” for information on how to tender your Old Floating Rate CODES to the exchange agent. Holders of Old Floating Rate CODES who wish to consent to the proposed amendment must validly tender and not withdraw their Old Floating Rate CODES prior to the consummation of the exchange offer. You will, by the act of tendering, be consenting to the proposed amendment and you may not withhold your consent if you tender your Old Floating Rate CODES in the exchange offer.

       Holders who consent to the proposed amendment to the registration rights agreement will not be waiving their right to receive any additional amounts that accrue upon the occurrence and continuance of any registration default under the registration rights agreement prior to the date of the issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures. If the requisite consents to the proposed amendment are not received, holders who tender their Old Floating Rate CODES in exchange for New Floating Rate Debentures will receive the consent fee, but will not continue to receive any additional amounts that may accrue on and after the date of issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures due to the continuance of the registration default on and after such date. See “— Payment of Additional Amounts” below.

Withdrawal Rights

       Holders of Old Floating Rate CODES who have consented to the proposed amendment by tendering their Old Floating Rate CODES may withdraw their tender, and their consent thereby, up until the consummation of the exchange offer. See “The Exchange Offer — Withdrawal Rights” for a description of how to withdraw your tender. If you withdraw your tender of the Old Floating Rate CODES prior to the consummation of the exchange offer and withdraw your consent to the proposed amendment to the registration rights agreement thereby, you will not receive the consent or exchange fees.

Extensions

       Apogent may extend the expiration time of the exchange offer and consent solicitation as described in “The Exchange Offer — Terms of the Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering the Old Floating Rate CODES and Delivering Consents.” During any extension of the expiration time of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, the consents to the proposed amendment that holders will be deemed to have given pursuant to previous tenders of Old Floating Rate CODES will remain valid.

Consent Fee

       Subject to the consummation of the exchange offer, if you validly tender your Old Floating Rate CODES, and consent to the proposed amendment thereby, and do not withdraw such tender and consent prior to the consummation of the exchange offer, you will receive a consent fee equal to 0.60% of the principal amount of the Old Floating Rate CODES and an exchange fee described under “ Exchange Offer — Exchange Fee.” This consent fee approximates the present value of the

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       If your consent to the proposed amendment is not received prior to the expiration time, scheduled for 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 2, 2004, unless extended by Apogent, you will not receive the consent or exchange fees.

Consequences of Your Failure to Consent

       If the requisite consents of the unaffiliated holders are received, the amendment will become operative and Apogent’s obligation to register any Old Floating Rate CODES and the Fisher common stock issuable upon conversion for resale under the Securities Act and pay any further additional amounts due to the occurrence of a registration default under the registration rights agreement will be terminated, regardless of whether or not you consent to the proposed amendment.

       If your Old Floating Rate CODES are not received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration time, you will not receive the consent or exchange fees.

Payment of Additional Amounts

       If the requisite consents are received, the proposed amendment will not become effective until the consummation of the exchange offer and the payment of the consent and exchange fees to each of the holders of the Old Floating Rate CODES who have validly tendered their Old Floating Rate CODES and consented to the proposed amendment thereby, currently scheduled to occur promptly after August 2, 2004, unless Apogent extends the exchange offer and consent solicitation. Since the proposed amendment will not be effective until after a registration default has already occurred under the registration rights agreement, Apogent will be required to pay additional amounts to the holders of Old Floating Rate CODES, whether or not they tender their Old Floating Rate CODES in the exchange offer, that accrue from June 15, 2004 to, but excluding, the effective date of the proposed amendment, at which time additional amounts will cease to accrue because Apogent would have no further obligations under the registration rights agreement. If the exchange offer and consent solicitation expire on August 2, 2004, the currently scheduled expiration time of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, Apogent would be required to pay holders of Old Floating Rate CODES a total of approximately $117,396 of additional amounts that will have accrued on the Old Floating Rate CODES, which is equal to approximately $0.34 per $1,000 principal amount of Old Floating Rate CODES. If Apogent does not receive the requisite consents to the proposed amendment, it would continue to pay additional amounts to holders that do not tender their Old Floating Rate CODES from the date of the issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures until such time as the registration default is cured.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW FLOATING RATE DEBENTURES

       The New Floating Rate Convertible Senior Debentures due 2033, or the New Floating Rate Debentures, will be issued under an indenture, by and among Apogent, as issuer, Fisher, and The Bank of New York, as trustee. The indenture for the New Floating Rate Debentures is referred to as the New Indenture. The terms of the New Floating Rate Debentures include those stated in the New Indenture and those made part of the New Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or the Trust Indenture Act.

       The following description is only a summary of the material provisions of the New Floating Rate Debentures and the New Indenture. It does not restate these documents in their entirety. You are urged to read these documents because they, and not this description, define the rights of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures. A copy of the New Indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement which includes this prospectus. You may request copies of the New Floating Rate Debentures and the New Indenture at Apogent’s address set forth under the caption, “Where You Can Find More Information.”

       In this section, Apogent refers only to Apogent Technologies Inc. and not its subsidiaries.

Differences between the New Floating Rate Debentures and the Old Floating Rate CODES

       The New Floating Rate Debentures differ from the Old Floating Rate CODES in the following ways:

	•	The Old Floating Rate CODES are convertible, after the proposed merger, into Fisher common stock, and the New Floating Rate Debentures will be convertible into Fisher common stock, or, at the election of Apogent, cash or a combination of cash and Fisher common stock.
	•	The credit ratings trigger of the conversion right of the Old Floating Rate CODES is the assignment of a credit rating by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s below “Ba3” or “BB,” respectively. The credit ratings trigger of the conversion right of the New Floating Rate Debentures will be the assignment of a credit rating by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s below “B3” or “B-,” respectively.
	•	Upon the earlier of (1) the date that Apogent’s Exchange Act reporting obligations are terminated or suspended, which is expected to occur shortly after September 30, 2004, or (2) February 23, 2010, which is 20 days prior to the first date that Apogent will have the right to redeem any or all of the New Floating Rate Debentures, Fisher will guarantee Apogent’s obligations under the New Floating Rate Debentures. Fisher does not intend to guarantee Apogent’s obligations under the Old Floating Rate CODES. It is expected that each of the current Old Floating Rate CODES subsidiary guarantors will be released from its subsidiary guarantee under the Old Floating Rate CODES shortly before the consummation of the exchange offer, and they will not provide a guarantee of the New Floating Rate Debentures as of the date of issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures.
	•	The New Floating Rate Debentures may be convertible into Fisher common stock that is freely transferable under the securities laws only after Fisher guarantees the New Floating Rate Debentures, but the Old Floating Rate CODES will not be convertible into Fisher common stock that is freely transferable at any time unless an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 is otherwise available.
	•	The New Floating Rate Debentures will be convertible during the five-business-day period following any five-consecutive-trading day period in which the average of the trading prices for the New Floating Rate Debentures, as determined following a request by a holder to make a determination, for that five-trading-day period was less than 97% of the average conversion value for the New Floating Rate Debentures during that period, subject to certain

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		conditions described below under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Upon Satisfaction of Market Price Conditions,” but the Old Floating Rate CODES are convertible during the five-business-day period following any 10-consecutive-trading day period in which the average of the trading prices for the Old Floating Rate CODES for that 10-trading-day period was less than 98% of the average conversion value for the Old Floating Rate CODES during that period.
	•	The New Floating Rate Debentures will not be eligible for trading in the PORTAL market, but the Old Floating Rate CODES are eligible for trading in the PORTAL market.

Brief Description of the New Floating Rate Debentures

       The New Floating Rate Debentures:

	•	will be limited to a maximum of $345,000,000 aggregate principal amount;
	•	for each quarterly interest period commencing with the quarterly interest period beginning on September 15, 2004, will bear interest at a per annum rate which will equal 3-month LIBOR, adjusted quarterly, minus a spread of 125 basis points (which spread may be reset under certain circumstances, as described herein); notwithstanding any quarterly adjustments of the interest rate or resetting of the spread, the interest rate borne by the New Floating Rate Debentures will never be less than zero;
	•	for the period from the date of issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures to, but excluding, September 15, 2004, will bear interest at a rate of 0.27% per annum, which is equal to the interest rate currently applicable to the Old Floating Rate CODES;
	•	will bear contingent interest in the circumstances described under “— Contingent Interest;”
	•	will be general unsecured obligations, ranking equally with all of Apogent’s other unsecured senior indebtedness and senior in right of payment to any subordinated indebtedness; as indebtedness of Apogent, the New Floating Rate Debentures will be effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and liabilities of Apogent’s subsidiaries, except that the New Floating Rate Debentures will rank equally with any unsecured senior indebtedness, and senior to any subordinated indebtedness, of:

	•	any Apogent subsidiary that may guarantee the New Floating Rate Debentures in the future, but only at such time that such a subsidiary guarantee is provided, if any; and
	•	Fisher, but only at such time as Fisher guarantees the New Floating Rate Debentures;

	•	will be convertible, after the proposed merger, into Fisher common stock (or, at the election of Apogent, cash or a combination of cash and Fisher common stock), at a conversion price of approximately $59.09 per share, subject to adjustment as described under “— Conversion Rights,” in the following circumstances:

	•	during any fiscal quarter, if the sale price of Fisher common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30-consecutive-trading-day period ending on the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter was more than 130% of the conversion price on that thirtieth trading day (on July 30, 2004, the closing price of Fisher common stock on the NYSE was $58.20 per share, or 98.5% of the initial conversion price listed above),
	•	on or before December 15, 2028, during the five-business-day period following any five-consecutive-trading-day period in which the average of the trading prices for the New Floating Rate Debentures as determined following a request from a holder to make a determination, for that five-trading-day period was less than 97% of the average conversion value for the New Floating Rate Debentures during that period; provided that, if at the time of the conversion the sale price of Fisher common stock is greater than the then-current conversion price of the New Floating Rate Debentures and less

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		than or equal to 130% of the then-current conversion price of the New Floating Rate Debentures and the New Floating Rate Debentures are not otherwise convertible, you will receive, at Apogent’s option, cash, Fisher common stock or a combination of cash and Fisher common stock with a value equal to the principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures on such conversion date. (If Apogent elects to pay in Fisher common stock or in a combination of cash and Fisher common stock, Fisher common stock will be valued at 100% of the average of the sale prices for Fisher common stock for the five trading days ending on the third trading day preceding the conversion date.);
	•	during any period, (1) when the credit rating assigned to the New Floating Rate Debentures by Moody’s is below “B3” or the credit rating assigned to the New Floating Rate Debentures by Standard & Poor’s is below “B-,” (2) in which the credit rating assigned to the New Floating Rate Debentures is suspended or withdrawn by either rating agency, or (3) in which neither agency continues to rate the New Floating Rate Debentures or provide ratings services or coverage to Apogent;
	•	if the New Floating Rate Debentures have been called for redemption, or
	•	upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions;

	•	will be redeemable at Apogent’s option in whole or in part beginning on March 15, 2010 upon the terms and for a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures plus any accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent interest) as set forth under “— Optional Redemption by Apogent;”
	•	will be repurchased by Apogent, at your option, on December 15, 2008, March 15, 2010, December 15, 2014, December 15, 2019, December 15, 2024 and December 15, 2029, or upon a change of control of Fisher or, in certain circumstances, Apogent; and
	•	will be due on December 15, 2033, unless earlier converted, redeemed by Apogent at its option or repurchased by Apogent at your option.

       The New Indenture will not contain any financial covenants and will not restrict Apogent, Fisher or any Apogent subsidiaries, including any Apogent subsidiary guarantors, to the extent that any Apogent subsidiary guarantees the New Floating Rate Debentures in the future, from paying dividends, incurring additional senior or other indebtedness, or issuing or repurchasing Apogent’s other securities. The New Indenture also will not protect you in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or a change in control of Fisher or, in certain circumstances, Apogent, except to the extent described under “— Repurchase at Option of Holders — Change of Control Put” below.

       Under the New Indenture, Apogent will agree, and by acceptance of a beneficial interest in the New Floating Rate Debentures each beneficial owner of the New Floating Rate Debentures will be deemed to have agreed, among other things, for United States federal income tax purposes, to treat the New Floating Rate Debentures as indebtedness that is subject to the regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments unless otherwise required by the Internal Revenue Service and, for purposes of those regulations, to treat the fair market value of any stock received upon any conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures as a contingent payment, and to be bound by Apogent’s determination of the “comparable yield” and “projected payment schedule” with respect to the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       No sinking fund is provided for the New Floating Rate Debentures. The New Floating Rate Debentures will not be subject to defeasance. The New Floating Rate Debentures will be issued only in registered form in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000 above that amount. No service charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of the New Floating Rate Debentures, but Apogent may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

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       You may present definitive New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion, registration of transfer and exchange, without service charge, at Apogent’s office or agency in New York City, which initially will be the office or agency of the trustee in New York City. For information regarding conversion, registration of transfer and exchange of global securities, see “— Form, Denomination and Registration.”

Future Guarantee by Fisher

       In connection with the proposed merger and the refinancing transactions, Apogent intends to take steps to terminate its periodic and other reporting obligations under the Exchange Act shortly after the end of Apogent’s fiscal year ending September 30, 2004. Upon the earlier of (1) the date that Apogent’s Exchange Act reporting obligations are terminated or suspended, which is expected to occur shortly after September 30, 2004, or (2) February 23, 2010, which is 20 days prior to the first date that Apogent will have the right to redeem any or all of the New Floating Rate Debentures, Fisher will fully and unconditionally guarantee the full and prompt payment of the principal and interest (including contingent interest), if any, with respect to the New Floating Rate Debentures. The Fisher guarantee will be a general, unsecured obligation of Fisher. At and after the date upon which Fisher guarantees the New Floating Rate Debentures, the Fisher guarantee will rank effectively junior to the senior secured indebtedness of Fisher and all indebtedness of Fisher’s subsidiaries, other than Apogent, equally with other senior unsecured indebtedness of Fisher and senior to the subordinated indebtedness of Fisher.

       Until such time as Fisher guarantees the New Floating Rate Debentures, Fisher common stock that may be issued upon conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures will not be freely transferable under the securities laws unless an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available. In addition, holders will not have recourse to the assets of Fisher or its subsidiaries, other than Apogent, for the satisfaction of Apogent’s payment obligations under the New Floating Rate Debentures. Fisher does not intend to guarantee the Old Floating Rate CODES.

Interest

       For the period from the date of issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures, which shall occur promptly after the expiration time, to September 15, 2004, interest on the New Floating Rate Debentures will accrue at a rate of 0.27% per annum, which is equal to the interest rate currently applicable to the Old Floating Rate CODES. For each subsequent quarterly interest period, commencing with the quarterly interest period beginning on September 15, 2004, interest on the New Floating Rate Debentures will accrue at a per annum rate equal to 3-month LIBOR, adjusted quarterly as described below, minus a spread of 125 basis points, which spread may be reset upon the occurrence of a reset transaction. See “— Resetting the Spread” below. Notwithstanding any quarterly adjustments of the interest rate or resetting of the spread, the interest rate borne by the New Floating Rate Debentures will never be less than zero. Apogent will also pay contingent interest on the New Floating Rate Debentures in the circumstances described below under “— Contingent Interest.”

       Apogent will pay interest quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2004, unless any such interest payment date (other than an interest payment date at maturity) would otherwise be a day that is not a business day, in which case the interest payment date will be postponed to the next succeeding business day (except if that business day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, that interest payment date will be the immediately preceding business day). If the maturity date of the New Floating Rate Debentures is a day that is not a business day, all payments to be made on such day will be made on the next succeeding business day, with the same force and effect as if made on the maturity date, and no additional interest will be payable as a result of such a delay in payment. Apogent will pay interest to the holders of record at the close of business on the March 1, June 1, September 1,

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	•	In general, Apogent will not pay interest accrued and unpaid on any New Floating Rate Debenture that is converted. See “— Conversion Rights” below. If a holder of New Floating Rate Debentures converts after a record date for an interest payment but prior to the corresponding interest payment date, it will receive interest accrued and paid on such New Floating Rate Debentures on the interest payment date, notwithstanding the conversion of such New Floating Rate Debentures prior to such interest payment date, because such holder will have been the holder of record on the corresponding record date. However, at the time such holder surrenders such New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion, it must pay Apogent an amount equal to the interest that has accrued and will be paid on the interest payment date. The preceding sentence does not apply, however, to a holder that converts, after a record date for an interest payment date but prior to the corresponding interest payment date, New Floating Rate Debentures that Apogent calls for redemption on a redemption date that is after such record date and prior to such interest payment date.
	•	Apogent will pay interest to a person other than the holder of record on the record date if it redeems the New Floating Rate Debentures on a date that is after the record date and prior to the corresponding interest payment date. In this instance, Apogent will pay interest accrued and unpaid on the New Floating Rate Debentures being redeemed to, but not including, the redemption date to the same person to whom Apogent will pay the principal of such New Floating Rate Debentures.

       Except as provided below, Apogent will pay interest on:

	•	the global securities representing the New Floating Rate Debentures to DTC in immediately available funds; and
	•	any definitive New Floating Rate Debentures by check mailed to the holders of those New Floating Rate Debentures; or
	•	any definitive New Floating Rate Debentures having an aggregate principal amount of more than $5,000,000 by wire transfer in immediately available funds if requested by the holders of those New Floating Rate Debentures not later than the relevant record date.

       At maturity, Apogent will pay interest on any definitive New Floating Rate Debentures at the office of the trustee in New York City.

       Apogent will pay principal on:

	•	the global securities representing the New Floating Rate Debentures to DTC in immediately available funds; and
	•	any definitive New Floating Rate Debentures at Apogent’s office or agency in New York City, which initially will be the office or agency of the trustee in New York City.

       The interest rate will be determined by the calculation agent, which initially shall be the trustee. The interest rate for each quarterly period (other than the period commencing on the date of issuance for which the interest rate which will be equal to the interest rate then applicable to the Old Floating Rate CODES) will be adjusted on the interest adjustment date. The term “interest adjustment date” means March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 of each year; provided that, if any interest adjustment date would otherwise be a day that is not a business day, such interest adjustment date shall be postponed to the next succeeding business day, except if such business day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, such interest adjustment date will be the immediately preceding business day. The adjusted interest rate will be based upon 3-month LIBOR, determined on the second preceding London banking day (which is referred to as the interest determination date) as described below, less the applicable spread. Notwithstanding any

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       Interest generally will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days for which interest is payable in the relevant interest period, divided by 360. All percentages resulting from any calculation of interest will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point being rounded upwards (e.g., 4.876545% (or .04876545) would be rounded to 4.87655% (or .0487655), and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation on the New Floating Rate Debentures will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upward).

       The term “3-month LIBOR” as determined by the calculation agent means, with respect to any interest determination date:

	1.     the rate for 3-month deposits in United States dollars commencing on the related interest adjustment date, that appears on the Moneyline Telerate Page 3750 (as described below) as of 11:00 A.M., London time, on the interest determination date, unless fewer than two such offered rates so appear; or
	2.     if fewer than two offered rates appear, or no rate appears, as the case may be, on the particular interest determination date on the Moneyline Telerate Page 3750, the rate calculated by the calculation agent of at least two offered quotations obtained by the calculation agent after requesting the principal London offices of each of four major reference banks in the London interbank market to provide the calculation agent with its offered quotation for deposits in United States dollars for the period of three months, commencing on the related interest adjustment date, to prime banks in the London interbank markets at approximately 11:00 A.M., London time, on that interest determination date and in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in United States dollars in that market at that time; or
	3.     if fewer than two offered quotations referred to in clause (2) are provided as requested, the rate calculated by the calculation agent as the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted at approximately 11:00 A.M., New York time, on the particular interest determination date by three major banks (which will not include Apogent’s affiliates) in the City of New York selected by the calculation agent for loans in United States dollars to leading European banks for a period of three months and in a principal amount that is representative for a single transaction in United States dollars in that market at that time; or
	4.     if the banks so selected by the calculation agent are not quoting as mentioned in clause (3), 3-month LIBOR in effect immediately prior to the particular interest determination date.

       “Moneyline Telerate Page 3750” means the display on Moneyline Telerate (or any successor service) on such page (or any other page as may replace such page on such service) for the purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of major banks for United States dollars.

       “London banking day” means a day on which commercial banks are open for business, including dealings in United States dollars, in London.

       The term “business day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close in the City of New York.

Resetting the Spread

       If a reset transaction occurs, the spread will be adjusted to equal the adjusted spread from the effective date of such reset transaction to, but not including, the effective date of any succeeding reset transaction.

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       A “reset transaction” means:

	•	a merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange to which the entity that is the issuer of the common stock into which the New Floating Rate Debentures are then convertible is a party;
	•	a sale of all or substantially all the assets of that entity;
	•	a recapitalization of the common stock of that entity; or
	•	a distribution as described in the fourth bullet point of the first paragraph under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Price Adjustments” below,

after the effective date of which transaction or distribution the New Floating Rate Debentures would be convertible into:

	•	shares of an entity the common stock of which had a dividend yield for the four fiscal quarters of such entity immediately preceding the public announcement of that transaction or distribution that was more than 2.5% higher than the dividend yield on Fisher common stock (or other common stock then issuable upon a conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures) for the four fiscal quarters preceding the public announcement of that transaction or distribution; or
	•	shares of an entity that announces a dividend policy prior to the effective date of that transaction or distribution which policy, if implemented, would result in a dividend yield on that entity’s common stock for the next four fiscal quarters that would be more than 2.5 percentage points higher than the dividend yield on Fisher common stock (or other common stock then issuable upon a conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures) for the four fiscal quarters preceding the public announcement of that transaction or distribution.

       The “adjusted spread” with respect to any reset transaction will be the arithmetic average of the spreads, expressed as a percentage, from 3-month LIBOR quoted by two dealers engaged in the trading of convertible securities selected by Apogent (or Apogent’s successor) as the spread from 3-month LIBOR which should be used in calculating the rate at which interest on the New Floating Rate Debentures should accrue so that the fair market value, expressed in dollars, of a New Floating Rate Debentures immediately after the later of:

	•	the public announcement of the reset transaction; or
	•	the public announcement of a change in dividend policy in connection with the reset transaction,

will equal the average trading price (as described below under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Upon Satisfaction of Market Price Conditions”) of the New Floating Rate Debentures for the 20 trading days preceding the date of public announcement of the reset transaction or the change in dividend policy, as the case may be; provided that in no event will the rate of interest borne by the New Floating Rate Debentures (without giving effect to any contingent interest) at any time after the first interest payment date be less than the greater of (a) zero and (b) 3-month LIBOR, determined as provided above, minus 125 basis points.

       For purposes of the definition of reset transaction, the dividend yield on any security for any period means the dividends paid or proposed to be paid pursuant to an announced dividend policy on that security for that period, divided by, if with respect to dividends paid on that security, the average sale price (as defined below) of the security during that period and, if with respect to dividends proposed to be paid on that security, the sale price of that security on the effective date of the related reset transaction.

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       The “sale price” of a security on any date of determination means:

	•	the closing sale price (or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price) of a security (regular way) on the New York Stock Exchange on that date;
	•	if that security is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange on that date, the closing sale price as reported in the composite transactions for the principal U.S. securities exchange on which that security is listed;
	•	if that security is not so listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, the closing sale price as reported by The Nasdaq National Market;
	•	if that security is not so reported, the last price quoted by Interactive Data Corporation for that security or, if Interactive Data Corporation is not quoting such price, a similar quotation service selected by Apogent; or
	•	if that security is not so quoted, the average of the mid-point of the last bid and ask prices for that security from at least two dealers recognized as market-makers for that security.

Contingent Interest

       In addition to the interest Apogent will pay as described under “— Interest” and “— Resetting the Spread,” Apogent will pay contingent interest, subject to the accrual and record date provisions described above, to the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures during any quarterly interest period commencing with the quarterly interest period beginning December 15, 2009, if the average trading price, as described below under “— Conversion Rights — Conversion Upon Satisfaction of Market Price Conditions,” of a New Floating Rate Debentures for the five trading days ending on the second trading day immediately preceding the beginning of the relevant quarterly interest period equals 120% or more of the principal amount of a New Floating Rate Debentures.

       The rate of contingent interest payable in respect of any quarterly period will equal 0.0625% of the average trading price of the New Floating Rate Debentures over the measuring period triggering the contingent interest payment. Contingent interest will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days for which interest is payable in the relevant interest period, divided by 360.

       Upon determination that holders of New Floating Rate Debentures will be entitled to receive contingent interest during any relevant quarterly period, on or prior to the start of the relevant quarterly interest period Apogent will issue a press release and publish information with respect to any contingent interest on Apogent’s website.

       Apogent will pay contingent interest, if any, in the same manner as Apogent will pay interest described above under “— Interest,” and your obligations in respect of the payment of contingent interest in connection with the conversion of any New Floating Rate Debentures will also be the same as described above under “— Interest.”

Conversion Rights

General

       Subject to Apogent’s right to satisfy conversion obligations in cash (see “— Apogent’s Options Upon Conversion Settlement”), you may elect to convert any of your outstanding New Floating Rate Debentures (or any portion of such New Floating Rate Debentures) into shares of Fisher common stock initially at the conversion price of approximately $59.09 per share (equal to a conversion rate of approximately 16.9233 shares per $1,000 principal amount of New Floating Rate Debentures) under the circumstances summarized below. The conversion price is, however, subject to adjustment as described below. Fractional shares of Fisher common stock will not be issued upon conversion of New Floating Rate Debentures. Instead, Apogent will pay a cash adjustment based upon the sale price of Fisher common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the conversion date. You

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       Upon conversion, Apogent will have the right to deliver, in lieu of shares of Fisher common stock, cash or a combination of cash and shares of Fisher common stock. It is Apogent’s current intention to satisfy its obligation upon a conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures first, in cash, in an amount equal to the principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures converted and second, in shares of Fisher common stock, to satisfy the remainder, if any, of Apogent’s conversion obligation. Apogent’s ability to deliver cash at the time of any conversion will be subject to many factors, including the amount of cash available to Apogent, whether the agreements then governing Apogent’s indebtedness would permit such a cash settlement and Apogent’s then existing cash needs. Apogent has the unilateral right, exercisable at any time, to elect, by notice to the trustee and the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures, that upon conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures at any time following the date of such notice, Apogent shall be required to satisfy certain of its conversion obligation in cash.

       Holders may surrender their New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion prior to the stated maturity only under the following circumstances:

	•	during any fiscal quarter, if the sale price (as described above under “Resetting the Spread”) of Fisher common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30-consecutive-trading-day period ending on the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter was more than 130% of the conversion price on that thirtieth trading day;
	•	on or before December 15, 2028, during the five-business-day period following any five-consecutive-trading-day period in which the average of the trading prices for the New Floating Rate Debentures, as determined following a request by a holder to make a determination for that five-trading-day period was less than 97% of the average conversion value for the New Floating Rate Debentures during that period, subject to certain conditions described below under “— Conversion Upon Satisfaction of Market Price Conditions;”
	•	during any period (1) when the credit rating assigned to the New Floating Rate Debentures by Moody’s is below “B3” or the credit rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s is below “B-,” (2) in which the credit rating assigned to the New Floating Rate Debentures is suspended or withdrawn by either rating agency, or (3) in which neither agency continues to rate the New Floating Rate Debentures or provide ratings services or coverage to Apogent;
	•	if Apogent has called the New Floating Rate Debentures for redemption; or
	•	upon the occurrence of any of the corporate transactions described below in “— Conversion Upon Specified Corporate Transactions.”

       If you have exercised your right to require Apogent to repurchase your New Floating Rate Debentures as described under “— Repurchase at Option of Holders,” you may convert your New Floating Rate Debentures only if you validly withdraw your notice of exercise of the repurchase right prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the applicable repurchase date.

Conversion Upon Satisfaction of Market Price Conditions

       A holder may submit any of its New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion during any fiscal quarter if the sale price of Fisher common stock for at least 20 trading days in the 30-consecutive-trading-day period ending on the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter exceeds 130% of the conversion price on that thirtieth trading day.

       On or before December 15, 2028, a holder may submit any of its New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion during the five-business-day period following any five-consecutive-trading-day period in which the average of the trading prices for the New Floating Rate Debentures, as

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       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the conversion agent, which shall initially be the trustee of the New Floating Rate Debentures, shall have no obligation to determine the trading price of the New Floating Rate Debentures unless Apogent shall have requested that it make such determination; and Apogent shall have no obligation to make such request unless so requested by a holder. At such time as a written request is made by a holder, Apogent shall instruct the conversion agent to determine the trading price per New Floating Rate Debentures beginning on the next trading day and on each successive trading day until the trading price per New Floating Rate Debentures is greater than or equal to 97% of the average conversion value for five consecutive trading days.

       “Conversion value” is equal to the product of the sale price for Fisher common stock on a given day multiplied by the then-applicable conversion rate, which is the number of shares of Fisher common stock into which each $1,000 principal amount of New Floating Rate Debentures is then convertible.

       The “trading price” of the New Floating Rate Debentures on any date of determination means:

	(1) the average of the secondary market bid quotations per $1,000 principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures obtained by Apogent or the conversion agent for $10,000,000 principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures at approximately 3:30 P.M., New York City time, on such determination date from three independent nationally recognized securities dealers Apogent selects;
	(2) if at least three such bids cannot reasonably be obtained by Apogent or the conversion agent, but two such bids are obtained, then the average of the two bids shall be used;
	(3) if only one such bid can reasonably be obtained by Apogent or the conversion agent, this one bid shall be used; or
	(4) if Apogent or the conversion agent cannot reasonably obtain at least one bid for $10,000,000 principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures from a nationally recognized securities dealer or in Apogent’s reasonable judgment the bid quotations are not indicative of the secondary market value of the New Floating Rate Debentures, then the trading price of the New Floating Rate Debentures will equal (a) the then-applicable conversion rate of the New Floating Rate Debentures multiplied by (b) the sale price of Fisher common stock on such determination date.

Conversion Upon Credit Rating Event

       A holder may submit any of its New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion during any period (1) when the credit rating assigned to the New Floating Rate Debentures by Moody’s is below “B3” or the credit rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s is below “B-,” (2) in which the credit rating assigned to the New Floating Rate Debentures is suspended or withdrawn by either rating agency,

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Conversion Upon Notice of Redemption

       A holder may submit for conversion any of its New Floating Rate Debentures that Apogent has called for redemption provided that it surrenders those New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion prior to the close of business on the day that is two business days prior to the redemption date, even if the New Floating Rate Debentures are not otherwise convertible at that time. If a holder already has delivered a notice of exercise of the repurchase right with respect to a New Floating Rate Debenture, however, the holder may not surrender that New Floating Rate Debenture for conversion until the holder has validly withdrawn the notice prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the applicable repurchase date.

Conversion Upon Specified Corporate Transactions

       If:

	•	Fisher distributes to all or substantially all holders of Fisher common stock certain rights entitling them, for a period expiring within 60 days of the record date for distribution, to purchase Fisher common stock at less than the sale price of Fisher common stock on the business day immediately preceding the announcement of such distribution;
	•	Fisher distributes to all or substantially all holders of Fisher common stock, cash or other assets, debt securities or certain rights to purchase its securities and the fair market value of that distribution has a per share value exceeding 5% of the sale price of Fisher common stock on the business day immediately preceding the date of declaration of that distribution; or
	•	a change of control as described under “Repurchase of New Floating Rate Debentures at the Option of Holders — Change of Control Put” occurs but holders of New Floating Rate Debentures do not have the right to require Apogent to repurchase their New Floating Rate Debentures as a result of such change of control because either (1) the sale price of Fisher common stock for specified periods prior to such change of control exceeds specified levels or (2) the consideration received in such change of control consists of capital stock that is freely tradeable and the New Floating Rate Debentures become convertible into that capital stock (each as more fully described under “Repurchase of New Floating Rate Debentures at the Option of Holders — Change of Control Put”);

then Apogent must notify the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures at least 20 days prior to the ex-dividend date for the distribution or within 30 days after the occurrence of the change of control, as the case may be. Once Apogent has given that notice, holders may convert their New Floating Rate Debentures at any time until either (a) the earlier of close of business on the business day immediately preceding the ex-dividend date and Apogent’s announcement that the distribution will not take place, in the case of a distribution, or (b) the earlier of 30 days after the delivery of the notice or the date Apogent announces that the change of control will not take place, in the case of a change of control. In the case of a distribution, no adjustment to the ability of a holder of New Floating Rate Debentures to convert will be made if the holder participates or will participate in the distribution without conversion.

       In addition, if Fisher is party to a consolidation, merger or binding share exchange pursuant to which Fisher common stock will be converted into cash, securities or other property, a holder may convert its New Floating Rate Debentures at any time from and after the date which is 15 days prior to the anticipated effective date of the transaction until 15 days after the effective date of the transaction. If Fisher is a party to a consolidation, merger or binding share exchange pursuant to which Fisher common stock is converted into cash, securities or other property, then, at the effective

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       As a result of the announcement of the proposed merger, the Old Floating Rate CODES may be converted into common stock of Apogent for a period beginning 15 days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed merger and ending on the day preceding the actual consummation of the proposed merger and will also become convertible into common stock of Fisher for a period of 15 days following the actual effective date of the proposed merger. Since the New Floating Rate Debentures will not be issued until after the consummation of the merger, they will not become convertible into common stock as a result of the announcement of the proposed merger.

       If the transaction also constitutes a “change of control,” as defined below, the holder can require Apogent to repurchase all or a portion of its New Floating Rate Debentures as described under “— Repurchase at Option of Holders — Change of Control Put.”

       If Apogent exercises its option to redeem the New Floating Rate Debentures, a holder may nevertheless exercise its right to have its New Floating Rate Debentures repurchased pursuant to the repurchase rights discussed below under “Repurchase at Option of Holders,” if applicable, or to convert such New Floating Rate Debentures as discussed above under “Conversion Rights,” in each case until the close of business two business days immediately preceding the Redemption Date.

Conversion Procedures

       Except as provided below, if you submit your New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion on any day other than an interest payment date, you will not receive any interest that has accrued on the New Floating Rate Debentures. By delivering to the holder (1) the number of shares of Fisher common stock issuable upon conversion, together with a cash payment, if any, in lieu of fractional shares, (2) the cash amount payable in lieu of the delivery of the shares of Fisher common stock issuable upon conversion, or (3) a combination of (a) the cash amount (determined as set forth below) payable in lieu of the delivery of a portion of the shares of Fisher common stock issuable upon conversion and (b) the remaining shares of Fisher common stock issuable upon conversion (determined as set forth below), together with a cash payment, if any, in lieu of fractional shares, Apogent will satisfy its obligation with respect to the converted New Floating Rate Debentures. That is, accrued but unpaid interest (including contingent interest) will be deemed to be paid in full rather than canceled, extinguished or forfeited. If you convert after a record date for an interest payment but prior to the corresponding interest payment date, you will receive interest accrued and paid on such New Floating Rate Debentures on the interest payment date, notwithstanding the conversion of such New Floating Rate Debentures prior to such interest payment date, because you will have been the holder of record on the corresponding record date. However, at the time of surrender of such New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion, you must pay Apogent an amount equal to the interest that has accrued and will be paid on the New Floating Rate Debentures being converted on the interest payment date. The preceding sentence does not apply, however, to a holder that converts, after a record date for an interest payment date but prior to the corresponding interest payment date, the New Floating Rate Debentures that Apogent calls for redemption on a redemption date that is after such record date and prior to such interest payment date.

       You will not be required to pay any taxes or duties relating to the issuance or delivery of Fisher common stock if you exercise your conversion rights, but you will be required to pay any tax or duty which may be payable relating to any transfer involved in the issuance or delivery of any Fisher common stock in a name other than your own. Certificates representing shares of Fisher common stock will be issued or delivered only after all applicable taxes and duties, if any, payable by you have been paid.

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       To convert interests in a global New Floating Rate Debenture, you must deliver to DTC the appropriate instruction form for conversion pursuant to DTC’s conversion program. To convert a definitive New Floating Rate Debenture, you must:

	•	complete the conversion notice on the back of the New Floating Rate Debenture (or a facsimile thereof);
	•	deliver the completed conversion notice and the New Floating Rate Debentures to be converted to the specified office of the conversion agent;
	•	pay all funds required, if any, relating to interest on the New Floating Rate Debentures to be converted to which you are not entitled, as described in the second preceding paragraph; and
	•	pay all taxes or duties, if any, as described in the preceding paragraph.

       The conversion date will be the date on which all of the foregoing requirements have been satisfied. The New Floating Rate Debentures will be deemed to have been converted as of the close of business on the conversion date.

Apogent’s Options Upon Conversion Settlement

       Apogent may satisfy all of its obligations upon conversion, by delivering to you a number of shares of Fisher common stock equal to the aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures you are converting divided by the then applicable conversion price. In addition, Apogent will pay cash for all fractional shares of Fisher common stock as described above under “— Conversion Rights — General.”

       Apogent may choose to satisfy all of its obligations upon conversion by delivering, in lieu of delivering solely shares of Fisher common stock, cash or a combination of cash and shares of Fisher common stock. Apogent may choose to satisfy all of its obligations to any holder upon such holder’s conversion by delivering cash and/or shares of Fisher common stock, regardless of Apogent’s election with respect to any other holder’s conversion. Apogent will notify you through the conversion agent no later than two trading days following the conversion date of its election to deliver shares of Fisher common stock or to pay cash in lieu of delivery of some or all of the shares of Fisher common stock (and, if applicable, the dollar amount per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of New Floating Rate Debentures that Apogent will pay in cash), unless Apogent has already informed you of its election in connection with an optional redemption of the New Floating Rate Debentures as described under “— Optional Redemption by Apogent — Optional Redemption.”

       If Apogent elects to satisfy the entire conversion obligation in cash, you will receive cash in an amount equal to the product of:

	(x) a number equal to (1) the aggregate amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures to be converted, divided by (2) the then applicable conversion price; and
	(y) the average sale price of Fisher common stock during the 10-trading-day period beginning on the third trading day after the delivery of the conversion notice, or the cash settlement averaging period.

       If Apogent elects to satisfy a portion of the conversion obligation in cash and the remainder of the conversion obligation in shares of Fisher common stock, you will receive:

	(x) a fixed amount of cash per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of New Floating Rate Debentures to be converted, or the cash amount; and

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	(y) a number of shares of Fisher common stock per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of New Floating Rate Debentures to be converted equal to the sum, for each trading day of the cash settlement averaging period, of the greater of:

	(1) zero; and
	(2) the quotient of:

	(a) an amount equal to (i) the product of the sale price of Fisher common stock on such trading day and the then applicable conversion rate less (ii) the cash amount divided by:
	(b) the product of the sale price of Fisher common stock on such trading day multiplied by 10 (the number of trading days in the cash settlement averaging period).

The quotient described above is expressed as a formula as follows:

(sale price of Fisher common stock on such trading day * then applicable conversion rate) - cash amount

In this case, you will receive cash for fractional shares of common stock (calculated on an aggregate basis in respect of all the New Floating Rate Debentures you have surrendered for conversion) based on the sale price of Fisher common stock on the last trading day of the cash settlement averaging period.

       If Apogent chooses to satisfy its obligations upon any conversion by delivering only shares of Fisher common stock (except for any fractional shares), then as soon as practicable (subject to certain exceptions) after the second trading day succeeding the conversion date Apogent will deliver such shares of Fisher common stock (and cash in lieu of any fractional shares). If Apogent chooses to satisfy its obligations upon any conversion by delivering cash or a combination of cash and shares of Fisher common stock, then as soon as practicable after the twelfth trading day succeeding the conversion date Apogent will deliver such cash and shares of Fisher common stock.

       Once you convert New Floating Rate Debentures, you will commit to receive the conversion consideration that Apogent elects to provide you, which may consist of cash and/or shares of Fisher common stock. If Apogent chooses to satisfy all of its obligations upon conversion by delivering cash or a combination of cash and shares of Fisher common stock, the amount you receive from Apogent will depend on the sale price of Fisher common stock over the cash settlement averaging period and you will not be able to determine this amount prior to committing to convert.

       Apogent has the unilateral right, exercisable at any time, to elect, by notice to the trustee and the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures, that upon conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures at any time following the date of such notice, Apogent shall be required to satisfy certain of its conversion obligation in cash.

Conversion Price Adjustments

       Apogent will adjust the initial conversion price for certain events, including:

	•	issuances of Fisher common stock as a dividend or distribution on Fisher common stock;
	•	certain subdivisions and combinations of Fisher common stock;
	•	issuances to all or substantially all holders of Fisher common stock of certain rights or warrants to purchase Fisher common stock (or securities convertible into Fisher common stock) at less than (or having a conversion price per share less than) the then-current market price (as defined below) of Fisher common stock;

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	•	distributions to all or substantially all holders of Fisher common stock of cash, shares of Fisher capital stock (other than Fisher common stock), evidences of Fisher indebtedness or assets including securities, but excluding:

	•	the rights and warrants referred to in the third bullet point above,
	•	any dividends and distributions in connection with a reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, statutory share exchange, combination, sale or conveyance resulting in a change in the conversion consideration pursuant to the second succeeding paragraph, and
	•	any dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash;

	•	distributions consisting exclusively of cash to all or substantially all holders of Fisher common stock (other than dividends or distributions made in connection with Fisher’s liquidation, dissolution or winding-up), in which case the conversion price shall be reduced so that it shall equal the price determined by multiplying the conversion price in effect on the applicable record date by a fraction:

	(1)	the numerator of which shall be the current market price on such record date less the full amount of cash so distributed as applicable to one share of Fisher common stock; and
	(2)	the denominator of which shall be the current market price on such record date,

		such adjustment to be effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the record date for the distribution; provided that if the portion of the cash so distributed applicable to one share of Fisher common stock is equal to or greater than the current market price of Fisher common stock on the record date, in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, adequate provision shall be made so that each holder shall have the right to receive upon conversion the amount of cash such holder would have received had such holder converted each New Floating Rate Debenture on the record date; and

	•	purchases of Fisher common stock pursuant to a tender offer made by Fisher or any of its subsidiaries to the extent that the same involves an aggregate consideration having a fair market value that, together with:

	•	any cash and the fair market value of any other consideration paid in any other tender offer by Fisher or any of subsidiaries for Fisher common stock expiring within the 12 months preceding the expiration of such tender offer for which no adjustment has been made, and
	•	the aggregate amount of any and all cash distributions referred to in the preceding bullet point to all holders of Fisher common stock within 12 months preceding the expiration of such tender offer and for which no adjustment has been made,

		exceeds 10% of Fisher’s market capitalization on the expiration of such tender offer, in which case, the conversion price shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the price determined by multiplying the conversion price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the date of the expiration for the offer by a fraction:

	(1)	the numerator of which shall be (x) the product of (i) the number of shares of Fisher common stock outstanding (including any tendered shares) at the expiration time and (ii) the current market price of Fisher common stock at the expiration time less (y) the excess amount over 10% of Fisher’s market capitalization; and
	(2)	the denominator of which shall be the product of the number of shares of Fisher common stock outstanding (including any tendered shares) at the expiration time and the current market price of Fisher common stock at the expiration time.

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		Such reduction (if any) shall become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the expiration time. No adjustment will be made under the bullet point above regarding tender offers for Fisher common stock if it would result in an increase in the conversion price.

       “Current market price” on any date means the average of the daily sale prices per share of Fisher common stock for the 10 consecutive trading days immediately prior to such date, subject to certain adjustments to take into account “ex” dates.

       Apogent will not be required to make an adjustment in the conversion price unless the adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the conversion price in effect at such time; provided that Apogent will carry forward any adjustments that are less than 1% of the conversion price and make such carried forward adjustments, regardless of whether the aggregate adjustment is less than 1%, within one year of the first such adjustment carried forward. Except as stated above, Apogent will not adjust the conversion price for the issuance of Fisher common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for Fisher common stock or carrying the right to purchase any of the foregoing.

       If Fisher:

	•	reclassifies or changes its common stock (other than changing its par value or changes resulting from a subdivision or combination); or
	•	consolidates or combines with or merges into any person or sells or conveys to another person its property and assets as, or substantially as, an entirety,

and holders of Fisher common stock receive stock, other securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) with respect to or in exchange for their common stock, the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures may convert their New Floating Rate Debentures into the consideration they would have received if they had converted their New Floating Rate Debentures immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation, combination, merger, sale or conveyance. Fisher may not become a party to any such transaction unless its terms are consistent with the foregoing.

       In the event that Fisher distributes shares of capital stock of a subsidiary of Fisher, the conversion rate will be adjusted, if at all, based on the market value of the subsidiary stock so distributed relative to the market value of Fisher common stock, in each case over a measurement period following the distribution.

       In the event Fisher elects to make a distribution described in the third or fourth bullet points of the first paragraph of this subsection “— Conversion Price Adjustments,” which, in the case of the fourth bullet, has a per share value equal to more than 5% of the sale price of a share of Fisher common stock on the business day immediately preceding the declaration date for the distribution, then, if the distribution would also trigger a conversion right under “— Conversion Upon Specified Corporate Transactions,” or if the New Fisher Floating Rate CODES are otherwise convertible, Apogent will be required to give notice to the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures at least 20 days prior to the ex-dividend date for the distribution and, upon the giving of notice, the New Floating Rate Debentures may be surrendered for conversion at any time until the close of business on the business day prior to the ex-dividend date or until Apogent announces that the distribution will not take place. No adjustment to the conversion price or the ability of a holder of a New Floating Rate Debentures to convert will be made if the holder will otherwise participate in the distribution without conversion or in certain other cases.

       In the event of any distribution described in the fourth bullet point of the first paragraph of this subsection “— Conversion Price Adjustments,” in which (1) the fair market value of the distribution applicable to one share of Fisher common stock equals or exceeds the average of the sale prices of Fisher common stock over the 10-consecutive-trading-day period ending on the record date for such

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       Apogent may from time to time, to the extent permitted by law, reduce the conversion price of the New Floating Rate Debentures by any amount for any period of at least 20 days. In that case, Apogent will give at least 15 days’ notice of such decrease. Apogent may make such reductions in the conversion price, in addition to those set forth above, as Apogent’s board of directors deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of Fisher common stock resulting from any dividend or distribution of stock (or rights to acquire stock) or from any event treated as such for income tax purposes.

Optional Redemption by Apogent

Optional Redemption

       Apogent may not redeem the New Floating Rate Debentures in whole or in part at any time prior to March 15, 2010. At any time and from time to time on or after March 15, 2010, Apogent may redeem some or all of the New Floating Rate Debentures, on at least 20 but not more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, Apogent will pay interest (including contingent interest) on the New Floating Rate Debentures being redeemed, including those New Floating Rate Debentures which are converted into Fisher common stock after the date the notice of the redemption is mailed and prior to the redemption date. This interest will include interest accrued and unpaid to, but excluding, the redemption date. If the redemption date is an interest payment date, Apogent will pay the interest to the holder of record on the corresponding record date, which may or may not be the same person to whom Apogent will pay the redemption price.

       In the notice of the redemption, Apogent may, but is not obligated to, indicate whether it intends to satisfy all of its obligations upon any conversions in connection with the redemption by delivering (i) solely shares of Fisher common stock, (ii) cash, or (iii) a combination of cash and shares of Fisher common stock and, if applicable, the cash amount.

Partial Redemption

       If Apogent does not redeem all of the New Floating Rate Debentures, the trustee will select the New Floating Rate Debentures to be redeemed in principal amounts of $1,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 by lot or on a pro rata basis. If any New Floating Rate Debenture is to be redeemed in part only, Apogent will issue a New Floating Rate Debenture in principal amount equal to the unredeemed principal portion thereof. If a portion of your New Floating Rate Debentures is selected for partial redemption and you convert a portion of your New Floating Rate Debentures, the converted portion will be deemed to be taken from the portion selected for redemption.

Repurchase at Option of Holders

Optional Put

       On December 15, 2008, March 15, 2010, December 15, 2014, December 15, 2019, December 15, 2024 and December 15, 2029, each holder may require Apogent to repurchase all or a portion of its New Floating Rate Debentures for which the holder has properly delivered and not withdrawn a written repurchase notice, subject to certain additional conditions, at a repurchase price

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       Apogent will be required to give notice at least 20 business days prior to each repurchase date to all holders at their addresses shown in the register of the registrar and to beneficial owners as required by applicable law stating, among other things, the procedures that holders must follow to require Apogent to repurchase their New Floating Rate Debentures as described below.

       The repurchase notice given by each holder electing to require Apogent to repurchase New Floating Rate Debentures must be received by the trustee no later than the close of business on the third business day prior to the repurchase date and must state certain information, including:

	•	the CUSIP of the holder’s New Floating Rate Debentures to be delivered for repurchase;
	•	the portion of the principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures to be repurchased, which must be $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000; and
	•	that the New Floating Rate Debentures are to be repurchased by Apogent pursuant to the applicable provision of the New Indenture.

       A holder may withdraw any repurchase notice by delivering a written notice of withdrawal to the paying agent prior to the close of business on the day immediately preceding the repurchase date. The notice of withdrawal shall state certain information, including:

	•	the principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debenture being withdrawn;
	•	the certificate number, if any, of the New Floating Rate Debenture being withdrawn; and
	•	the principal amount, if any, of the New Floating Rate Debentures that remain subject to the repurchase notice.

       In connection with any repurchase Apogent will, to the extent applicable:

	•	comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act which may then be applicable; and
	•	file a Schedule TO or any other required schedule under the Exchange Act.

       Apogent’s obligation to pay the repurchase price for the New Floating Rate Debentures for which a repurchase notice has been validly delivered and not withdrawn is conditioned upon the holder delivering the New Floating Rate Debentures, together with any endorsements Apogent or the trustee may require, to the paying agent at any time after delivery of the repurchase notice. Apogent will cause the purchase price for the New Floating Rate Debentures to be paid promptly following the later of the repurchase date or the time of delivery of the New Floating Rate Debentures, together with such endorsements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Apogent shall not repurchase any New Floating Rate Debentures that may be put to it for repurchase on an optional repurchase date if there has occurred (prior to, on or after, as applicable, the giving, by the holders of such New Floating Rate Debentures, of the required repurchase notice) and is continuing an event of default (other than a default in the payment of the repurchase price with respect to such New Floating Rate Debentures).

       If the paying agent holds money sufficient to pay the purchase price of the New Floating Rate Debentures for which a repurchase notice has been given on the business day following the repurchase date in accordance with the terms of the New Indenture, then, immediately after the repurchase date, the New Floating Rate Debentures will cease to be outstanding and interest on the New Floating Rate Debentures will cease to accrue, whether or not the New Floating Rate

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       Apogent’s ability to repurchase New Floating Rate Debentures for cash may be limited by restrictions on its ability to obtain funds for such repurchase through dividends from its subsidiaries and the terms of its then existing borrowing agreements.

Change of Control Put

       If a change of control of Fisher or, in certain circumstances, Apogent, occurs, you will have the right to require Apogent to repurchase all or a portion of your New Floating Rate Debentures not previously called for redemption, or any portion of those New Floating Rate Debentures that is equal to $1,000 or a whole multiple of $1,000. The repurchase price is equal to 100% of the principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures to be repurchased. Apogent will also pay interest (including contingent interest) accrued and unpaid to, but excluding, the repurchase date.

       Within 30 days after the occurrence of a change of control of Fisher or, in certain circumstances, Apogent, Apogent is required to give you notice of the occurrence of the change of control and of your resulting repurchase right. The repurchase date is a business day 30 days after the date Apogent gives notice of a change of control. To exercise the repurchase right, you must deliver, on or prior to the close of business on the business day prior to the repurchase date, written notice to the trustee of your exercise of your repurchase right, together with the New Floating Rate Debentures, together with any endorsements Apogent or the trustee may require, with respect to which your right is being exercised. You may withdraw this notice by delivering to the paying agent a notice of withdrawal prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the repurchase date.

       A “change of control” will be deemed to have occurred at such time after the original issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures when any of the following has occurred:

	•	the acquisition by any person, including any syndicate or group deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, through a purchase, merger or other acquisition transaction or series of purchase, merger or other acquisition transactions of shares of Apogent or Fisher’s capital stock entitling that person to exercise 50% or more of the total voting power of all shares of Apogent or Fisher’s capital stock entitled to vote generally in elections of directors, other than any acquisition by Fisher, any of its subsidiaries or any of its employee benefit plans (except that such person shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition);
	•	the first day on which a majority of the members of the board of directors of Fisher are not continuing directors (as defined below); or
	•	the consolidation or merger of Fisher or Apogent with or into any other person, any merger of another person into Fisher or Apogent, or any conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of Fisher’s or Apogent’s properties and assets to another person, other than:

	(1) any transaction:

	•	that does not result in any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of Fisher or Apogent’s capital stock, as applicable; and
	•	pursuant to which holders of Fisher or Apogent’s capital stock immediately prior to such transaction have the entitlement to exercise, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the total voting power of all shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in elections of directors of the continuing or surviving person immediately after giving effect to such transaction;

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	(2) any merger solely for the purpose of changing Fisher or Apogent’s jurisdiction of incorporation and resulting in a reclassification, conversion or exchange of outstanding shares of common stock solely into shares of common stock of the surviving entity; or
	(3) the consolidation or merger of Fisher or Apogent with or into any direct or indirect subsidiary of Fisher, any merger of any direct or indirect subsidiary of Fisher into Fisher or Apogent, or any conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of Fisher or Apogent’s properties and assets to any direct or indirect subsidiary of Fisher.

However, a change of control will be deemed not to have occurred if:

	•	the sale price per share of Fisher common stock for any five trading days within:

	•	the period of 10 consecutive trading days ending immediately after the later of the change of control or the public announcement of the change of control, in the case of a change of control under the first bullet point of the definition of “change of control” above, or
	•	the period of 10 consecutive trading days ending immediately before the change of control, in the case of a change of control under the second bullet point of the definition of “change of control” above,

	equals or exceeds 110% of the conversion price of the New Floating Rate Debentures in effect on each such trading day; or

	•	at least 90% of the consideration in the transaction or transactions constituting a change of control consists of shares of common stock traded or to be traded immediately following such change of control on a national securities exchange or The Nasdaq National Market and, as a result of the transaction or transactions, the New Floating Rate Debentures become convertible solely into such common stock (and any rights attached thereto).

       Also, a spinoff of Apogent’s capital stock would not be a change of control.

       The beneficial owner shall be determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. The term “person” includes any syndicate or group which would be deemed to be a “person” under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

       “Continuing directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the board of directors of Fisher who:

	•	was a member of the board of directors of Fisher on the date of the issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures; or
	•	was nominated for election or elected to the board of directors of Fisher with the approval of two-thirds of the continuing directors who were members of the board of directors of Fisher at the time of a new director’s nomination or election.

       Rule 13e-4 under the Exchange Act requires the dissemination of certain information to security holders if an issuer tender offer occurs for certain equity securities and may apply if the repurchase option becomes available to holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures. Apogent and Fisher will comply with this rule to the extent applicable at that time.

       Apogent may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the terms of the New Indenture, at any time purchase the New Floating Rate Debentures in the open market or by tender at any price or by private agreement. Any New Floating Rate Debentures so purchased by Apogent may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the terms of the New Indenture, be reissued or resold or may be surrendered to the trustee for cancellation. Any New Floating Rate Debentures surrendered to the trustee may not be reissued or resold and will be canceled promptly.

       The foregoing provisions would not necessarily protect holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures if highly leveraged or other transactions involving Apogent or Fisher occur that may adversely affect holders.

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       Apogent’s ability to repurchase the New Floating Rate Debentures upon the occurrence of a change in control is subject to important limitations. The occurrence of a change of control could cause an event of default under, or be prohibited or limited by, the terms of Apogent or Fisher’s other indebtedness, including indebtedness that Apogent or Fisher may incur in the future. Further, Apogent cannot assure you that it or Fisher would have the financial resources, or would be able to arrange financing, to pay the repurchase price for all the New Floating Rate Debentures and other indebtedness that might be delivered by holders thereof seeking to exercise the repurchase rights.

       The definition of “change of control” includes a phrase relating to the conveyance, transfer, sale, lease or disposition of “all or substantially all” of Apogent or Fisher’s properties and assets. There is no precise, established definition of the phrase “substantially all” under New York law, which is the law governing the New Indenture and the New Floating Rate Debentures. Accordingly, there may be uncertainty as to whether or not a change of control may have occurred and, therefore, as to whether or not the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures will have the right to require Apogent to repurchase their New Floating Rate Debentures.

       Any failure by Apogent to repurchase the New Floating Rate Debentures when required following a change of control would result in an event of default under the New Indenture. Any such default may, in turn, cause a default under senior debt that Apogent or Fisher has or may incur in the future.

       Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Apogent shall not repurchase any New Floating Rate Debentures that may be put to Apogent following a change of control if there has occurred (prior to, on or after, as applicable, the giving, by the holders of such New Floating Rate Debentures, of the required repurchase notice) and is continuing an Event of Default (other than a default in the payment of the repurchase price with respect to such New Floating Rate Debentures).

Subsidiary Guarantees

       Fisher is currently negotiating with various institutional lenders the terms of a new multi-year secured credit facility that will provide both a term and revolving facility. Fisher expects to enter into this new credit facility prior to, or contemporaneously with, the consummation of the merger. Fisher intends to use a portion of the proceeds of the new credit facility to repay its existing credit facility and Apogent’s existing credit agreement, dated as of July 29, 2003, among Apogent, as borrower, certain subsidiaries of Apogent, as co-borrowers, and other subsidiaries of Apogent, as subsidiary guarantors, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent. The Apogent subsidiaries that guarantee Apogent’s obligations under the Old Floating Rate CODES as of the date of this prospectus, or the current Old Floating Rate CODES subsidiary guarantors, are also subsidiary guarantors under Apogent’s existing credit agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Old Floating Rate CODES and the New Floating Rate Debentures, any current Old Floating Rate CODES subsidiary guarantor will be released from its obligation as a subsidiary guarantor of the Old Floating Rate CODES, and its proposed subsidiary guarantee of the New Floating Rate Debentures, when it is released from its obligations under Apogent’s existing credit agreement. Each of the current Old Floating Rate CODES subsidiary guarantors will be released from its obligations under Apogent’s existing credit agreement upon its termination, which is expected to occur contemporaneously with the consummation of the proposed merger, and none of them will become co-borrowers or guarantors under Fisher’s new credit facility. As a result, each of the current Old Floating Rate CODES subsidiary guarantors will be released from their subsidiary guarantees under the Old Floating Rate CODES shortly before the consummation of the exchange offer, and it will not provide a guarantee of the New Floating Rate Debentures as of the date of issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

       To the extent that any of Apogent’s subsidiaries guarantee the New Floating Rate Debentures in the future, each such Apogent subsidiary will execute a guarantee pursuant to which it will unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the full and prompt payment of the principal,

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       To the extent that any Apogent subsidiary guarantees the New Floating Rate Debentures in the future, it would be released:

	•	in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that Apogent subsidiary (including by way of merger or consolidation);
	•	in connection with any sale of all of the capital stock of that Apogent subsidiary; or
	•	in connection with any termination of the obligations of that Apogent subsidiary guarantor as a guarantor and, if applicable, as a co-borrower under the existing Apogent credit agreement, or an amendment, modification or supplement thereof in accordance with the credit agreement’s terms.

       Apogent will also cause each subsidiary of Apogent that is (a) created or acquired after the issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures pursuant to the New Indenture and (b) designated as a co-borrower or guarantor under the existing Apogent credit agreement, or an amendment, modification or supplement thereof in accordance with the credit agreement’s terms, to promptly execute and deliver to the trustee a guarantee pursuant to which such subsidiary will unconditionally guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the full and prompt payment of the principal, interest (including contingent interest), if any, and additional amounts with respect to the New Floating Rate Debentures.

Events of Default

       Each of the following will constitute an event of default under the New Indenture:

	(1) Apogent’s failure to satisfy its obligations upon conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures by delivering shares of Fisher common stock, cash or a combination of cash and shares of Fisher common stock upon exercise of a holder’s conversion right;
	(2) Apogent’s failure to pay when due the principal of any of the New Floating Rate Debentures at maturity, upon redemption or exercise of a repurchase purchase price or otherwise;
	(3) Apogent’s failure to pay an installment of interest (including contingent interest) on any of the New Floating Rate Debentures for 30 days after the date when due;
	(4) the failure by Apogent to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in the New Floating Rate Debentures or the New Indenture for a period of 60 days after written notice of such failure, requiring Apogent to remedy the same, shall have been given to Apogent by the trustee or to Apogent and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures then outstanding;
	(5) a default under any indebtedness for money borrowed by Apogent, any guarantor (including Fisher) or any of Apogent’s subsidiaries that is a “significant subsidiary” or any group of two or more of its subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a significant subsidiary, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of which is in an amount in excess of $25 million, for a period of 30 days after written notice to Apogent by the trustee or to Apogent

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	and the trustee by holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures then outstanding, which default:

	•	is caused by a failure to pay when due principal or interest on such indebtedness by the end of the applicable grace period, if any, unless such indebtedness is discharged; or
	•	results in the acceleration of such indebtedness, unless such acceleration is waived, cured, rescinded or annulled;

	(6) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to Apogent, any guarantor (including Fisher) or any of Apogent’s subsidiaries that is a significant subsidiary or any group of two or more of Apogent’s subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a significant subsidiary; and
	(7) any guarantee being held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid.

       The New Indenture will provide that the trustee shall, within 90 days of the occurrence of a default, give to the registered holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures notice of all uncured defaults known to it, but the trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it, in good faith, determines that the withholding of such notice is in the best interest of such registered holders, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any of the New Floating Rate Debentures when due or in the payment of any redemption or repurchase obligation.

       If an event of default specified in clause (6) above occurs and is continuing, then automatically the principal of all the New Floating Rate Debentures and any accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent interest) thereon shall become immediately due and payable. If an event of default shall occur and be continuing, other than with respect to clause (6) above (the default not having been cured or waived as provided under “— Modifications, Amendments and Meetings” below), the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures then outstanding, by written notice to Apogent, may declare the New Floating Rate Debentures due and payable at their principal amount together with any accrued and unpaid interest (including contingent interest), and thereupon the trustee may, at its discretion, proceed to protect and enforce the rights of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures by appropriate judicial proceedings. Such declaration may be rescinded or annulled either with the written consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures then outstanding or a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures represented at a meeting at which a quorum (as specified under “— Modifications, Amendments and Meetings” below) is present, in each case upon the conditions provided in the New Indenture.

       The New Indenture will contain a provision entitling the trustee, subject to the duty of the trustee during default to act with the required standard of care, to be indemnified by the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the New Indenture at the request of such holders. The New Indenture will provide that the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures then outstanding through their written consent, or the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures then outstanding represented at a meeting at which a quorum is present by a written resolution, may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the trustee.

       However, the trustee may refuse to follow any direction that:

	•	conflicts with any law or the New Indenture;
	•	the trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of the holders not joining in the direction; or
	•	may expose the trustee to personal liability.

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       Apogent will be required to furnish annually to the trustee a statement as to the fulfillment of Apogent’s obligations under the New Indenture.

Consolidation, Merger or Assumption

       Apogent may, without the consent of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures, consolidate with, merge into or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets as an entirety to any other corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia provided that:

	•	the surviving corporation assumes all Apogent’s obligations under the New Indenture; and
	•	immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an event of default, shall have happened and be continuing; and
	•	Apogent shall have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and, if a supplemental indenture is required in connection with such transaction, such supplemental indenture comply with the conditions stated in this paragraph.

       There will be no restrictions on Fisher’s ability to consolidate, merge or sell its assets.

Modifications, Amendments and Meetings

Changes Requiring Approval of Each Affected Holder

       The New Indenture (including the terms and conditions of the New Floating Rate Debentures) may not be modified or amended, without the written consent or the affirmative vote of the holder of each New Floating Rate Debentures affected by such change, to, among other things:

	•	change the maturity of the principal of or any installment of interest (including contingent interest) on any New Floating Rate Debentures;
	•	reduce the principal amount, the redemption price, or the repurchase price (including the change of control repurchase price) of, or accrued interest (including accrued contingent interest) on, any New Floating Rate Debentures;
	•	impair or adversely affect the conversion rights of any holder of the Floating Rate Debentures;
	•	impair or adversely affect the rights of any holder of New Floating Rate Debentures with respect to any guarantees (including the future guarantee by Fisher);
	•	change the currency of payment of such New Floating Rate Debentures or interest thereon from U.S. dollars;
	•	alter the manner of calculation or rate of accrual of interest or contingent interest on any New Floating Rate Debentures or extend the time for payment of any such amounts;
	•	impair or adversely affect the right of any holder to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any New Floating Rate Debentures;
	•	modify Apogent’s obligations to maintain an office or agency in New York City;
	•	impair or adversely affect the repurchase option of holders or the conversion rights of holders of New Floating Rate Debentures;
	•	modify the redemption provisions of the New Indenture in a manner adverse to the holders of New Floating Rate Debentures;

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	•	reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures outstanding necessary to modify or amend the New Indenture or to waive any past default; or
	•	reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures outstanding required for the adoption of a resolution or the quorum required at any meeting of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures at which a resolution is adopted.

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

       Except for modifications and amendments set forth in the preceding paragraph that require the written consent or the affirmative vote of the holder of each New Floating Rate Debentures affected and except for the modifications and amendments set forth in the succeeding paragraph that may be made without the consent of the holder of any New Floating Rate Debentures, the New Indenture (including the terms and conditions of the New Floating Rate Debentures) may be modified or amended either:

	•	with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures at the time outstanding; or
	•	by the adoption of a resolution at a meeting of holders at which a quorum is present by at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures represented at such meeting.

Changes Requiring No Approval

       The New Indenture (including the terms and conditions of the New Floating Rate Debentures) may be modified or amended by Apogent and the trustee, without the consent of the holder of any New Floating Rate Debentures, for the purposes of, among other things:

	•	adding to Apogent’s covenants or those of the guarantors for the benefit of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures;
	•	surrendering any right or power conferred upon Apogent or the guarantors;
	•	providing for conversion rights of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures if any reclassification or change of Fisher common stock or any consolidation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of Fisher’s assets occurs;
	•	providing for the assumption of Apogent’s obligations to the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures in the case of a merger, consolidation, conveyance, transfer or lease;
	•	reducing the conversion price, provided that the reduction will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures (after taking into account tax and other consequences of such reduction);
	•	complying with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the New Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended;
	•	curing any ambiguity or correcting or supplementing any defective or inconsistent provision contained in the New Indenture; provided that such modification or amendment does not, in the good faith opinion of Apogent’s board of directors and the trustee, adversely affect the interests of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures in any material respect;
	•	adding guarantees with respect to the New Floating Rate Debentures; or
	•	adding or modifying any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the New Indenture which Apogent and the trustee may deem necessary or desirable and which will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures.

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Meetings; Quorum

       The New Indenture contains provisions for convening meetings of the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures to consider matters affecting their interests. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution will be persons holding or representing a majority in aggregate principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures at the time outstanding and, at any reconvened meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum, 25% of the aggregate principal amount.

Satisfaction and Discharge

       Apogent and Fisher may satisfy and discharge their obligations under the New Indenture while New Floating Rate Debentures remain outstanding, subject to certain conditions, if:

	•	all outstanding New Floating Rate Debentures have become due and payable at their scheduled maturity; or
	•	all outstanding New Floating Rate Debentures have been redeemed,

and, in either case, Apogent has deposited with the trustee cash, or in the event of conversions, shares of Fisher common stock and/or cash, sufficient to pay all amounts and to deliver all Fisher common stock due and payable in respect of all outstanding New Floating Rate Debentures on the date of their maturity or the date of redemption.

Governing Law

       The New Indenture and the New Floating Rate Debentures will be governed by, and will be construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

Information Concerning the Trustee

       The Bank of New York, as trustee under the New Indenture, will be appointed by Apogent as paying agent, conversion agent, registrar and custodian with regard to the New Floating Rate Debentures. The trustee or its affiliates may from time to time in the future provide banking and other services to Apogent in the ordinary course of their business.

Information Concerning the Transfer Agent and Registrar for Fisher Common Stock

       Mellon Investor Services LLC is the transfer agent and registrar for Fisher common stock.

Calculations in Respect of New Floating Rate Debentures

       Apogent will be responsible for making certain of the calculations called for under the New Floating Rate Debentures. These calculations include, but are not limited to, determination of the trading prices of the New Floating Rate Debentures and of Fisher common stock and amounts of contingent interest payments, if any, payable on the New Floating Rate Debentures. Apogent will make all these calculations in good faith and, absent manifest error, its calculations will be final and binding on the holders of the New Floating Rate Debentures. Apogent will provide a schedule of its calculations to the trustee, and the trustee is entitled to rely conclusively on the accuracy of Apogent’s calculations without independent verification.

Form, Denomination and Registration

       Denomination and Registration. The New Floating Rate Debentures will be issued in fully registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and whole multiples of $1,000.

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       Global Securities; Book-Entry Form. Except as provided below, the New Floating Rate Debentures will be evidenced by one or more global securities deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co. as DTC’s nominee.

       Record ownership of the global securities may be transferred, in whole or in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee, except as set forth below. A holder may hold its interests in the global New Floating Rate Debentures directly through DTC if the holder is a participant in DTC, or indirectly through organizations which are direct DTC participants if such holder is not a participant in DTC. Transfers between direct DTC participants will be effected in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC’s rules and will be settled in same-day funds. Holders may also beneficially own interests in the global New Floating Rate Debentures held by DTC through certain banks, brokers, dealers, trust companies and other parties that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct DTC participant, either directly or indirectly.

       So long as Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, is the registered owner of the global securities, Cede & Co. for all purposes will be considered the sole holder of the global securities. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in the global securities:

	•	will not be entitled to have certificates registered in their names;
	•	will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificates in definitive form; and
	•	will not be considered holders of the global securities.

       The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Consequently, the ability of an owner of a beneficial interest in a global New Floating Rate Debentures to transfer the beneficial interest in the global New Floating Rate Debentures to such persons may be limited.

       Apogent will wire, through the facilities of the trustee, payments of principal and interest payments on the global securities to Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, as the registered owner of the global securities. None of Apogent, the trustee and any paying agent will have any responsibility or be liable for paying amounts due on the global securities to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities.

       It is DTC’s current practice, upon receipt of any payment of principal of and interest on the global securities, to credit participants’ accounts on the payment date in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the New Floating Rate Debentures represented by the global securities, as shown on the records of DTC, unless DTC believes that it will not receive payment on the payment date. Payments by DTC participants to owners of beneficial interests in the New Floating Rate Debentures represented by the global securities held through DTC participants will be the responsibility of DTC participants, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street name.”

       Because of time zone differences, the securities accounts of a Euroclear Bank, S.A./ N.V. (“Euroclear”) or Clearstream Bank, société anonyme (“Clearstream”) participant purchasing an interest in a global New Floating Rate Debentures from a participant in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear or Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. Cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a global New Floating Rate Debentures by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC’s settlement date.

       If you would like to convert your New Floating Rate Debentures into Fisher common stock pursuant to the terms of the New Floating Rate Debentures, you should contact your broker or other

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       Because DTC can only act on behalf of DTC participants, who in turn act on behalf of indirect DTC participants and other banks, your ability to pledge your interest in the New Floating Rate Debentures represented by global securities to persons or entities that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate.

       None of Apogent, Fisher nor the trustee (nor any registrar, paying agent or conversion agent under the New Indenture) will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or direct or indirect DTC participants of their obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations. DTC has advised Apogent that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of the New Floating Rate Debentures, including, without limitation, the presentation of the New Floating Rate Debentures for conversion as described below, only at the direction of one or more direct DTC participants to whose account with DTC interests in the global securities are credited and only for the principal amount of the New Floating Rate Debentures for which directions have been given.

       DTC has advised Apogent as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. DTC was created to hold securities for DTC participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between DTC participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations and may include certain other organizations. Certain DTC participants or their representatives, together with other entities, own DTC. Indirect access to the DTC system is available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through, or maintain a custodial relationship with, a participant, either directly or indirectly.

       Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in the global securities among DTC participants, it is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. If DTC is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by Apogent within 90 days, Apogent will cause New Floating Rate Debentures to be issued in definitive form in exchange for the global securities. None of Apogent, the trustee or any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, direct or indirect DTC participants of their obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations, including maintaining, supervising or reviewing the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in global securities.

       According to DTC, the foregoing information with respect to DTC has been provided to its participants and other members of the financial community for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a representation, warranty or contract modification of any kind.

       Definitive New Floating Rate Debentures. Definitive New Floating Rate Debentures will not be issued in exchange for New Floating Rate Debentures represented by global securities except as set forth below. If at any time, (1) DTC notifies Apogent in writing that it is no longer willing or able to continue to act as depositary for the global securities, or DTC ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary for the global securities is not appointed by Apogent within 90 days of such notice or cessation; (2) Apogent, at its option, notifies the trustee in writing that Apogent has elected to cause the issuance of the definitive New Floating Rate Debentures in exchange for all or any part of the New Floating Rate Debentures represented by a global security or global securities; or (3) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the registrar has received a request from DTC for the issuance of definitive New Floating Rate

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DESCRIPTION OF FISHER CAPITAL STOCK

       The following is a summary of the material terms of Fisher’s capital stock. It is only a summary; therefore, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. Accordingly, you should read carefully the more detailed provisions of Fisher’s certificate of incorporation and Fisher’s bylaws, both of which are incorporated by reference and will be sent to the holders of the Old Floating Rate CODES upon request. See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 93.

Authorized Capital Stock

       The authorized capital stock of Fisher consists of 500,000,000 shares of Fisher common stock and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. No shares of preferred stock are issued and outstanding.

Common Stock

       The shares of common stock of Fisher are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive rights. Each holder of Fisher common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Fisher common stock held of record on the applicable record date on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be outstanding from time to time, the holders of shares of Fisher common stock are entitled to share equally, share for share, in any dividends or other distributions that may be declared by Fisher’s board of directors out of legally available funds. Fisher’s common stock is traded on the NYSE, under the symbol “FSH.”

COMPARATIVE STOCK PRICES AND DIVIDENDS

       The table below presents the NYSE closing market price for Fisher common stock, as reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions Tape, the NYSE closing market price for Apogent common stock, as reported on the NYSE Composite Transactions Tape, and the market value of a share of Apogent common stock on an equivalent per share basis. These prices are presented as of each of the following dates:

	•	March 16, 2004, the last trading day before the public announcement of the signing of the merger agreement; and
	•	July 30, 2004, the latest practicable date before the date of this prospectus.

		Fisher				Apogent				Apogent Equivalent
		Common Stock				Common Stock				Per Share(1)
March 16, 2004		$	52.32			$	27.78			$	29.30
July 30, 2004			58.20				32.50				32.59

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(1)	The equivalent per share data for Apogent common stock has been determined by multiplying closing market price of a share of Fisher common stock on each of the dates listed above by the exchange ratio of .56.

Dividends

       Neither Apogent nor Fisher has paid a cash dividend on their respective common stock during the last five fiscal years. As of July 30, 2004, the number of outstanding shares of common stock of Fisher was 64,335,882. As of July 30, 2004, the number of outstanding shares of common stock of Apogent was 90,161,122.

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Market Prices

       The following table sets forth the range of the reported high and low per share sales prices of shares of Fisher and Apogent common stock as shown on the NYSE, for the calendar quarters indicated.

	Fisher

			High				Low
Year ended December 31, 2001:
	First Quarter		$	40.00			$	31.52
	Second Quarter			38.70				23.60
	Third Quarter			28.45				21.00
	Fourth Quarter			30.60				23.70
Year ended December 31, 2002:
	First Quarter		$	31.25			$	25.26
	Second Quarter			33.43				25.71
	Third Quarter			31.90				22.85
	Fourth Quarter			31.92				26.05
Year ended December 31, 2003:
	First Quarter		$	32.95			$	26.70
	Second Quarter			37.10				24.55
	Third Quarter			41.25				33.40
	Fourth Quarter			42.80				38.40
Year ending December 31, 2004:
	First Quarter		$	57.30			$	39.27
	Second Quarter			60.75				53.08

	Apogent

			High				Low
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2001:
	First Quarter		$	29.12			$	18.62
	Second Quarter			22.05				17.88
	Third Quarter			25.80				18.95
	Fourth Quarter			25.40				21.35
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2002:
	First Quarter		$	26.52			$	21.25
	Second Quarter			26.50				21.80
	Third Quarter			25.49				20.15
	Fourth Quarter			21.27				16.87
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2003:
	First Quarter		$	21.24			$	16.70
	Second Quarter			21.40				14.45
	Third Quarter			20.89				14.60
	Fourth Quarter			22.51				19.79
Fiscal year ending September 30, 2004:
	First Quarter		$	23.60			$	20.85
	Second Quarter			31.23				22.65
	Third Quarter			33.83				29.95

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

       The following discussion sets forth the opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, regarding the material United States federal income tax consequences of the exchange of Old Floating Rate CODES for New Floating Rate Debentures pursuant to the exchange offer (which we refer to as the “Exchange”), and the receipt of the consent fee, the exchange fee and the additional amounts to beneficial holders of Old Floating Rate CODES (which are referred to as “Holders”). This discussion is based upon existing United States federal income tax law, which is subject to change or differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not discuss all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be important to particular Holders in light of their individual circumstances, such as Holders subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, and tax-exempt organizations) or to Holders that hold their Old Floating Rate Codes or New Floating Rate Debentures as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale, or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes or Holders that are U.S. persons for United States federal income tax purposes that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those discussed below. In addition, this discussion does not discuss any foreign, state, or local tax considerations. This discussion assumes that Holders will hold their Old Floating Rate CODES or New Floating Rate Debentures as “capital assets” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

       If a partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) is a Holder, the treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A Holder that is a partnership and partners in such partnership should consult their tax advisors about the United States federal income tax consequences of the Exchange.

       HOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

Tax Consequences of the Exchange and the Payment of the Consent Fee, the Exchange Fee and the Additional Amounts

       Tax Consequences for Holders Participating in the Exchange. Generally, the exchange of an old debt instrument for a new debt instrument will result in an “exchange” for United States federal income tax purposes if, based on all of the facts and circumstances, the legal rights and obligations of the new debt instrument differ from those of the old debt instrument to a degree that is economically significant. Although there is no authority directly on point with respect to the facts and circumstances surrounding the Exchange and the matter is not free from doubt, the Exchange should not be treated as an “exchange” for United States federal income tax purposes because the legal rights and obligations of the New Floating Rate Debentures should not be considered to differ from the legal rights and obligations of the Old Floating Rate CODES to a degree that is economically significant. Rather, the New Floating Rate Debentures received by a Holder should be treated as a continuation of the Old Floating Rate CODES in the hands of a Holder. As a result, there should be no United States federal income tax consequences to Holders who participate in the Exchange, other than as described below with respect to the payment of the consent fee, the exchange fee and the additional amounts. Pursuant to the indentures relating to the Old Floating Rate CODES and the New Floating Rate Debentures, Holders have agreed to treat the Old Floating Rate CODES and the New Floating Rate Debentures as indebtedness that is subject to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments. Pursuant to such treatment, (i) a Holder generally should have the same tax consequences with respect to the New Floating Rate Debentures as would have arisen if such Holder continued to hold its Old Floating Rate CODES and

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       The payment of additional amounts in connection with a registration default should be treated as additional payments on the Old Floating Rate CODES. These additional payments generally should be treated as additional interest or, if a negative adjustment is properly treated as arising with respect to the Old Floating Rate CODES, should reduce the amount of the negative adjustment.

       Tax Consequences for Holders Not Participating in the Exchange. A Holder that does not participate in the Exchange should have no United States federal income tax consequences as a result of the Exchange, except as described above with respect to the payment of additional amounts in connection with a registration default.

United States Federal Withholding Tax

       Although the tax treatment of the payment of the exchange fee and the consent fee is unclear under current law and therefore counsel is unable to render an opinion as to whether this position would be sustained if challenged by the IRS, we intend to treat the payment of the exchange fee and the consent fee as taxable as ordinary income to Non-United States Holders participating in the Exchange and to report such payments to such Holders and the IRS for information purposes in accordance with such treatment. Accordingly, unless the payment of the exchange fee and the consent fee are received in connection with a trade or business that such Holder is conducting in the United States and the Holder provides the appropriate documentation (generally, an IRS Form W-8 ECI or applicable substitute form), we intend to withhold at a rate of 30% on the payment of the exchange fee and the consent fee to a Non-United States Holder (or lower rate if so specified by an applicable income tax treaty). As used herein, the term “Non-United States Holder” means any Holder that is not (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or partnership (including any entity or arrangement treated as a corporation or partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) created or organized under the laws of the United States or any state (or the District of Columbia), (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source or (iv) a trust if a United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States trustees or beneficiaries have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. Non-United States Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of a refund of such withholding tax.

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

       The following unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been prepared to give effect to the combination of Fisher and Apogent accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations,” which is referred to as SFAS 141. The merger consideration has been allocated on a preliminary basis to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on information that was available to management at the time these pro forma financial statements were prepared. The adjustments to the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are subject to change pending a final analysis of the total purchase price and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The impact of these changes could be material.

       The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2004 combines the historical consolidated balance sheets of Fisher and Apogent as of that date and gives effect to the merger as if it had occurred on March 31, 2004. Estimates of acquisition liabilities relating to the integration of Apogent and Fisher operations are not reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as the integration plans have not been finalized.

       The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004, and the year ended December 31, 2003 give pro forma effect to the merger as if the merger had occurred on the first day of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 combines the historical financial statements of Fisher and Apogent for the period and gives effect to the merger as if it occurred on the first day of the period presented. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 combines the historical financial statements of Fisher for the year ended December 31, 2003 with the historical financial statements of Apogent for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, adjusted to include the three month period ended December 31, 2003 and exclude the three month period ended December 31, 2002. Potential cost savings from combining the operations have not been reflected in the unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations as there can be no assurance that any such cost savings will occur.

       The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are based upon available information and upon certain estimates and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. These estimates and assumptions are preliminary and have been made solely for the purposes of developing these pro forma combined financial statements. Unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations or financial position of the combined company that would actually have been achieved had the transaction been completed for the period presented, or that may be obtained in the future. These unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are based upon the respective historical consolidated financial statements of Fisher and Apogent and notes thereto, which are incorporated into this prospectus by reference. The pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited and unaudited historical financial statements of Fisher and Apogent and related notes thereto previously reported on Forms 10-K and Forms 10-Q. See “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 93.

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FISHER SCIENTIFIC INTERNATIONAL INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

				Fisher				Apogent
				As of				As of
				March 31,				March 31,				Pro Forma				Pro Forma
				2004				2004				Adjustments				Combined
ASSETS
Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	56.4			$	43.8			$	—			$	100.2
	Marketable securities, available for sale				—				12.7				—				12.7
	Accounts receivable				490.3				185.8				(26.4	)(e)			649.7
	Inventories				377.3				217.2				100.0	(a)			694.5
	Other current assets				148.7				35.5				—				184.2
	Total current assets				1,072.7				495.0				73.6				1,641.3
Property, plant and equipment					470.2				275.0				—				745.2
Goodwill					1,262.8				1,022.6				1,454.1	(a)			3,739.5
Intangible assets					287.6				182.6				511.4	(a)			981.6
Other assets					168.3				40.1				—				208.4
	Total assets			$	3,261.6			$	2,015.3			$	2,039.1			$	7,316.0
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
	Short-term debt			$	9.2			$	13.7			$	—			$	22.9
	Accounts payable				414.9				48.1				(26.4	)(e)			436.6
	Accrued and other current liabilities				280.3				123.0				45.0	(d)			448.3
	Total current liabilities				704.4				184.8				18.6				907.8
Long-term debt					1,634.2				912.5				—				2,546.7
Other liabilities					295.6				177.4				—				473.0
	Total liabilities				2,634.2				1,274.7				18.6				3,927.5
Stockholders’ equity:
	Common stock				0.6				1.1				(0.6	)(b,c)			1.1
	Capital in excess of par value				993.7				281.1				2,479.5	(b,c)			3,754.3
	Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)				(391.9	)			799.7				(799.7	)(c)			(391.9	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income				28.2				16.4				(16.4	)(c)			28.2
	Deferred compensation				—				(5.5	)			5.5	(c)			—
	Treasury stock, at cost				(3.2	)			(352.2	)			352.2	(c)			(3.2	)
		Total stockholders’ equity			627.4				740.6				2,020.5				3,388.5
		Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	3,261.6			$	2,015.3			$	2,039.1			$	7,316.0

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

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FISHER SCIENTIFIC INTERNATIONAL INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

			Historical
			Fisher				Apogent
			Three Months				Three Months
			Ended				Ended
			March 31,				March 31,				Pro Forma				Pro Forma
			2004				2004				Adjustments				Combined
Sales			$	1,011.0			$	298.0			$	(42.4	)(f)		$	1,266.6
Cost of sales				735.2				155.7				(42.4	)(f)			848.5
Selling, general and administrative expense				207.5				79.8				3.1	(g)			290.4
Income from operations				68.3				62.5				(3.1	)			127.7
Interest expense				22.0				7.0				—				29.0
Other expense, net				(0.7	)			1.6				—				0.9
Income from continuing operations before income taxes				47.0				53.9				(3.1	)			97.8
Income tax provision				12.4				19.8				(1.1	)(h)			31.1
Income from continuing operations			$	34.6			$	34.1			$	(2.0	)		$	66.7
Income per common share from continuing operations:
	Basic		$	0.54			$	0.39							$	0.59
	Diluted		$	0.51			$	0.38							$	0.55
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic			63.6				88.4								113.9
	Diluted			68.2				90.6								120.5

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

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FISHER SCIENTIFIC INTERNATIONAL INC.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

			Historical
															Apogent
			Fisher				Apogent								Twelve
			Year Ended				Year Ended								Months Ended
			December 31,				September 30,								December 31,				Pro Forma				Pro Forma
			2003				2003				(i)				2003				Adjustments				Combined
Sales			$	3,564.4			$	1,097.5			$	20.8			$	1,118.3			$	(163.0	)(f)		$	4,519.7
Cost of sales				2,624.9				579.0				15.1				594.1				(163.0	)(f)			3,056.0
Selling, general and administrative expense				680.9				284.4				7.5				291.9				12.3	(g)			985.1
Income from operations				258.6				234.1				(1.8	)			232.3				(12.3	)			478.6
Interest expense				84.8				46.2				(1.6	)			44.6				—				129.4
Other expense, net				77.7				65.7				0.7				66.4				—				144.1
Income from continuing operations before income taxes				96.1				122.2				(0.9	)			121.3				(12.3	)			205.1
Income tax provision				17.7				39.8				(0.6	)			39.2				(4.3	)(h)			52.6
Income from continuing operations				78.4				82.4				(0.3	)			82.1				(8.0	)			152.5
Income per common share from continuing operations:
	Basic		$	1.38			$	0.82															$	1.43
	Diluted		$	1.29			$	0.81															$	1.35
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic			56.9				100.4																106.8
	Diluted			60.6				101.2																112.7

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma combined financial statements.

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NOTES TO THE PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1	— Basis of Presentation

       The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements presented include the reported results for Fisher as reported in its Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, as amended. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements also include the reported results for Apogent as reported in its Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, as applicable, for the periods presented.

       On March 17, 2004, the companies announced that the boards of directors of Fisher and Apogent unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement to combine the two companies. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Apogent stockholders will receive .56 shares of Fisher common stock for each share of Apogent common stock. The merger is subject to approval by the stockholders of both Fisher and Apogent, as well as customary regulatory approvals, and there can be no assurance that the transaction will be consummated.

       The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of March 31, 2004 combines the historical consolidated balance sheet of Fisher and Apogent as of that date and gives effect to the merger as if it had occurred on March 31, 2004.

       The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 gives pro forma effect to the merger as if it occurred on the first day of the period presented, and combines the historical financial statements of Fisher and Apogent for the period. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 gives pro forma effect to the merger as if the merger had occurred on the first day of the period presented. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 combines the historical financial statements of Fisher for the year ended December 31, 2003 with the historical financial statements of Apogent for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2003, adjusted to include the three-month period ended December 31, 2003 and exclude the three-month period ended December 31, 2002.

       The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements presented include certain pro forma adjustments as discussed in Note 2 — Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements do not purport to be indicative of the results of operations or financial position of the combined company that would actually have been achieved had the transaction been completed for the period presented, or that may be obtained in the future. The unaudited pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited and unaudited historical financial statements of Fisher and Apogent referred to above.

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Note 2	— Unaudited Pro Forma Adjustments

	Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet

(a)	Represents the purchase by Fisher of the outstanding shares of Apogent common stock and the initial allocation of the consideration paid. The allocation of purchase price in accordance with SFAS 141 has been made based upon management estimates and third party valuations that have not been finalized. Accordingly, the allocation of purchase price is preliminary and revisions may be made:

Aggregate value of stock consideration(1)			$	2,632.5
Value of Apogent stock options to be assumed by Fisher(2)				128.6
Other consideration and costs(3)				45.0
	Aggregate consideration			2,806.1
Book value of net tangible assets acquired				740.6
Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired(4)				360.0
Amortizable intangible assets acquired(5)				151.4
Inventories(6)				100.0
Allocation of excess purchase price over identifiable net assets acquired (goodwill)			$	1,454.1

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	(1)	Represents the value of 50.3 million shares of Fisher common stock, $0.01 par value, issuable for the acquisition of the approximately 89.8 million shares of Apogent common stock assumed to be outstanding on May 14, 2004. The price per share of Fisher stock of $52.32 was based upon the closing price on March 16, 2004.
	(2)	Represents the estimated fair value, based upon a Black-Scholes valuation, of Fisher’s stock options issuable for the conversion of approximately 11.9 million of Apogent stock options assumed to be outstanding on May 14, 2004. The estimated fair value was calculated using a price of $52.32 for the Fisher common stock.
	(3)	Represents the estimated amount to be paid for transaction costs incurred as a direct result of the merger.
	(4)	Represents the allocation of consideration for the estimated fair value for indefinite-lived intangible assets.
	(5)	Represents the allocation of consideration in excess of book value for the estimated fair value for identified amortizable intangible assets.
	(6)	Represents the allocation of consideration in excess of book value for the fair value of inventories.

(b)	Represents the value of 50.3 million shares of Fisher common stock, $0.01 par value, issuable for the acquisition of the approximately 89.8 million shares of Apogent common stock assumed to be outstanding on May 14, 2004. The price per share of Fisher stock of $52.32 was based upon the closing price on March 16, 2004.
(c)	Represents the elimination of Apogent common stock, capital in excess of par value, retained earnings, treasury stock and accumulated other comprehensive income.
(d)	Represents the estimated amount to be paid for transaction costs incurred as a direct result of the merger.
(e)	Represents an adjustment to eliminate accounts receivable and accounts payable between Fisher and Apogent at March 31, 2004.

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	Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations

(f)	Represents the elimination of sales and cost of sales for transactions between Fisher and Apogent for the periods presented, and assumes all inventories have been sold by Fisher.

(g)	Represents an adjustment to amortize identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives over a weighted-average period of 12 years. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives related to this transaction have been accounted for in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” which is referred to as SFAS 142. SFAS 142 provides for the nonamortization of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma adjustments do not include amortization of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets.
(h)	Represents an adjustment to tax effect the pro forma adjustments at an assumed tax rate of 35%.

(i)	Represents an adjustment to modify Apogent’s fiscal year end of September 30, 2003 to a calendar year end of December 31, 2003. The adjustment includes the three-month period ended December 31, 2003 and excludes the three-month period ended December 31, 2002 as reported in Apogent’s Form 10-Q for the periods presented.

		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2003				2002
Sales		$	278.6			$	257.8			$	20.8
Cost of sales			148.1				133.0				15.1
Selling, general and administrative expense			76.1				68.6				7.5
Income from operations			54.4				56.2				(1.8	)
Interest expense			8.8				10.4				(1.6	)
Other expense, net			1.1				0.4				0.7
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			44.5				45.4				(0.9	)
Income tax provision			16.0				16.6				(0.6	)
Income from continuing operations			28.5				28.8				(0.3	)

Note 3	— Unaudited Pro Forma Income Per Share From Continuing Operations

       Unaudited pro forma income per common share from continuing operations is computed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” Unaudited pro forma basic income per share from continuing operations is computed by dividing pro forma income from continuing operations by the assumed weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding as if the merger occurred on the first day of the period presented. Unaudited pro forma diluted income per share from continuing operations is computed by dividing pro forma income from continuing operations by the assumed weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding as if the merger occurred on the first day of the period presented, including assumed potential common shares from conversion of stock options using the treasury stock method, if dilutive.

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       The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma basic and diluted income per share from continuing operations computational data for the periods presented (in millions, except per share amounts):

						Pro Forma
		Pro Forma				Year Ended
		Three Months Ended				December 31,
		March 31, 2004				2003
Unaudited pro forma income from continuing operations		$	66.7			$	152.5
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding used in the computation of basic earnings per share			113.9				106.8
Common stock equivalents			6.6				5.9
Shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share			120.5				112.7
Unaudited pro forma basic income per share from continuing operations		$	0.59			$	1.43
Unaudited pro forma diluted income per share from continuing operations		$	0.55			$	1.35

       The unaudited pro forma diluted net income per common share from continuing operations does not give effect to 11.3 million shares of Fisher common stock, which would be issuable if Apogent’s convertible debt securities are converted.

       The unaudited pro forma basic and diluted income per share from continuing operations does not purport to be indicative of the combined company’s basic and diluted earnings per share that would have been achieved had the transaction been completed for the period presented, or that may be obtained in the future.

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LEGAL MATTERS

       Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the issuance of the New Floating Rate Debentures will be passed upon for Apogent by Quarles & Brady LLP, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the issuance of the guarantee of the New Floating Rate Debentures by Fisher and the Fisher common stock issuable upon conversion of the New Floating Rate Debentures will be passed upon for Fisher by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters with respect to certain federal income tax matters will be passed upon by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

       The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule of Apogent Technologies Inc. as of September 30, 2003 and 2002 and for the three years in the period ended September 30, 2003, incorporated by reference in this prospectus, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Their reports refer to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

       The financial statements and the related financial statement schedule incorporated by reference in this prospectus from Fisher Scientific International Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to a change in the method of accounting for goodwill and intangible assets in 2002), and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

       Apogent and Fisher are currently subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. In accordance with the Exchange Act, Apogent and Fisher file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Such reports and other information can be read and copies obtained at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including Apogent and Fisher.

       Apogent and Fisher have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, with respect to Apogent’s offering of the New Floating Rate Debentures. This prospectus does not contain all of the information in the registration statement. You will find additional information about Apogent and Fisher and the New Floating Rate Debentures in the registration statement. Any statements made in this prospectus concerning the provisions of legal documents are not necessarily complete and you should read the documents which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC.

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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

       This prospectus incorporates documents, including important business and financial information, by reference that are not part of this prospectus or delivered with this prospectus. This means that Apogent and Fisher are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents. You should be aware that information in a document incorporated by reference may have been modified or superseded by information that is included in other documents that were filed at a later date and which are also incorporated by reference or included in this prospectus.

       Apogent has filed the following documents with the SEC and they are incorporated herein by reference:

	•	Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003;
	•	Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended December 31, 2003 and March 31, 2004;
	•	Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed on October 16, 2003, December 11, 2003, December 12, 2003, December 31, 2003, March 17, 2004, April 19, 2004, June 1, 2004, June 14, 2004, June 16, 2004, June 18, 2004, June 24, 2004, July 2, 2004, July 14, 2004, and July 28, 2004, and an amendment filed on October 24, 2003 to a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 13, 2003; and
	•	The information contained under Item 5 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2004.

       Fisher has filed the following documents with the SEC and they are incorporated herein by reference:

	•	Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, as amended by the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, filed on May 13, 2004;
	•	Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004;
	•	Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed on January 13, 2004, January 20, 2004, February 4, 2004, February 5, 2004, February 11, 2004, March 5, 2004, March 17, 2004, April 16, 2004 and July 26, 2004;
	•	The information contained under Item 5 of the Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on April 29, 2004 and July 29, 2004;
	•	The section of the joint proxy statement/prospectus included in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Fisher Scientific International Inc. (No. 333-114548), as filed with the SEC on May 21, 2004 entitled “The Merger — Interests of Apogent Directors and Officers in the Merger;” and
	•	The description of the common stock of Fisher Scientific International Inc. contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on November 7, 1991 and any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description.

       All documents and reports filed by Apogent and Fisher with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and before the termination of the offering of the New Floating Rate Debentures shall be deemed incorporated herein by reference and shall be deemed to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents and reports. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document or report that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

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       Apogent and Fisher will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, to each person to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, a copy of any of the documents of Apogent and Fisher (other than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference) incorporated by reference herein.

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Apogent Technologies Inc.

Offer to Exchange

and

Solicitation of Consents

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The exchange agent for this exchange offer and consent solicitation is:

The Bank of New York

The information agent for this exchange offer and consent solicitation is:

Innisfree M&A Incorporated

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The dealer-manager for this exchange offer and consent solicitation is:

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

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