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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November&nbsp;26, 2001 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Registration No. 333-  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>APPLERA CORPORATION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>06-1534213</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or Other Jurisdiction of<BR>
Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification Number)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>301 Merritt 7<BR>
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851-1070<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>AXYS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN (1)<BR>
AXYS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (1)<BR>
AXYS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 1997 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (1)<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full Title of the Plans) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>William B. Sawch, Esq.<BR>
Senior Vice President and General Counsel<BR>
Applera Corporation<BR>
301 Merritt 7<BR>
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851-1070<BR>
(203) 840-2000<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of agent for service) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Copy to:<BR>  </I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Richard Capelouto, Esq.<BR>
Simpson Thacher &amp; Bartlett<BR>
3330 Hillview Avenue<BR>
Palo Alto, California 94304<BR>
(650) 251-5000 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE<BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="36%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities to be<BR>
Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be<BR>
Registered<BR>
(1)(2)(3)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Offering Price<BR>
Per Share (4)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum<BR>
Aggregate<BR>
Offering Price<BR>
Per Share (4)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of<BR>
Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="36%"><FONT SIZE=2>Applera Corporation&#151;Celera Genomics Group Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (including the rights associated with those shares pursuant to Applera Corporation's Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement)
(1)(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>846,889</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$29.52</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$24,561,124</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$6,140.25</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant
to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 12, 2001 (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Registrant, Angel Acquisition Sub, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), a
Delaware corporation and direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant, and Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Axys"), a Delaware corporation, Merger Sub was merged with and into Axys and Axys became a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant on November 16, 2001. In accordance with the Merger Agreement, all outstanding options under Axys' 1989 Stock Option Plan, 1997 Non-Officer Equity Incentive
Plan and 1997 Equity Incentive Plan have been assumed by the Registrant and are being replaced with options to acquire, in the aggregate, 670,568 shares of Applera Corporation&#151;Celera
Genomics Group Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Applera&#151;Celera stock"), and all shares that remain available for grant under the 1997 Equity Incentive Plan are being replaced with
shares to acquire 176,321 shares of Applera&#151;Celera stock, the issuance of which shares is being registered hereby.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Includes
associated rights to purchase 1/1000<SUP>th</SUP> of a share of Applera Corporation's Series B participating junior preferred stock. Until the occurrence of prescribed
events, the rights are not exercisable, are evidenced by the certificates representing Applera-Celera stock and will be transferred only with shares of Applera-Celera stock. In accordance with Rule
457(i) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no separate fee is paid.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant
to Rule 416 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement registers additional shares of Applera&#151;Celera stock issuable
pursuant to the antidilution provisions of each of the plans listed above.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
solely for the purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such estimate is based upon: (i) in the case of shares of the
Applera&#151;Celera stock which may be purchased upon the exercise of outstanding options under the plans listed above, the weighted average exercise price of $29.52, and (ii) in the case of
shares of the Applera&#151;Celera stock for which options have not yet been granted and the option price of which is therefore unknown, the average of the high and low price per share of the
Applera-Celera stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on November&nbsp;21, 2001, of $27.03. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART I    <BR>    <BR>    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The document(s) containing the information specified in Part&nbsp;I will be sent or given to employees as specified by Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Such documents are not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission either as part of this Registration Statement or as
prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424 of the Securities Act. Such documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 3
of Part&nbsp;II hereof, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section&nbsp;10(a) of the Securities Act. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2579_part_ii_information_req__de202479"> </A>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II    <BR>    <BR>    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2579_item_3._incorporation_of_document_by_reference."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2579_3"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3. Incorporation of Document by Reference.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Applera Corporation ("Applera") and are incorporated herein by reference: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Annual
Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended June&nbsp;30, 2001;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September&nbsp;30, 2001;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Current
Reports on Form&nbsp;8-K filed on July&nbsp;10, 2001, July&nbsp;27, 2001, September&nbsp;6, 2001, October&nbsp;24, 2001 and November&nbsp;19, 2001;
and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(d)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
description of Applera&#151;Celera stock and rights to purchase participating junior preferred stock set forth in Applera's registration statements on Form 8-A filed
pursuant to Section&nbsp;12 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents subsequently filed by Applera pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all of such securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this
Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. 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 Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2579_item_4._description_of_securities."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2579_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. Description of Securities.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2579_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2579_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2579_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2579_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits Applera's board of directors to indemnify any person against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any threatened, pending </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

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or completed action (except settlements or judgments in derivative suits), suit or proceeding in which such person is made a party by reason of his or her being or having been a director, officer,
employee or agent of Applera, in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of indemnification to which a person
may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Applera's
certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide for indemnification of its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
permitted by sections 102 and 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, Applera's certificate of incorporation eliminates a director's personal liability for monetary damages to
the company and its stockholders arising from a breach or alleged breach of a director's fiduciary duty except for liability under section&nbsp;174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, for
liability for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Applera or its stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, or for any transaction which the director derived an improper personal benefit. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
directors and officers of Applera are covered by insurance policies indemnifying against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 that might be incurred by them in such capabilities and against which they cannot be indemnified by Applera. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2579_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2579_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2579_item_8._exhibits."> </A>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. Exhibits.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>3.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2>Certificate of Incorporation of Applera Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Applera Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No.
1-4389)).</FONT></TD>
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3.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Bylaws of Applera Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No. 333-67797)).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
3.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Certificate of Designations of Series A Participating Junior Preferred Stock and Series B Participating Junior Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No.
333-67797)).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement, dated as of April 28, 1999, between Applera Corporation and BankBoston N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No.
333-67797)).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Simpson Thacher &amp; Bartlett.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
10.29</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1989 Stock Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s Annual Report on From 10-K filed on March 31, 1997 (Commission File No. 0-22788)).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
10.30*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
10.31*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1997 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="8%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.1*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Filed
herewith. </FONT></DD></DL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2579_item_9._undertakings."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2579_9"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. Undertakings.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement; </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;To
include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than
20&nbsp;percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement; </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>provided, however</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i)&nbsp;and (a)(1)(ii)&nbsp;do not apply if the registration statement is on Form&nbsp;S-3,
Form&nbsp;S-8 or Form&nbsp;F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed with or </FONT></P>

</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated in the registration statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant
to Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc2579_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc2579_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Norwalk, State of Connecticut, on November&nbsp;26, 2001. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2>APPLERA CORPORTATION</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WILLIAM B. SAWCH</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2>Name:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2>William B. Sawch</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="44%"><FONT SIZE=2>Senior Vice President and General Counsel</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We, the undersigned directors and officers of the registrant, do hereby constitute and appoint Tony L. White and William B. Sawch, or either of them, our true
and lawful attorneys and agents, to do any and all acts and things in our name and on our behalf in our capacities as directors and officers and to execute any and all instruments for us and in our
names in the capacities indicated below, which said attorneys and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Act of 1933 and
any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with this Registration Statement, including specifically, but without limitation, power and authority
to sign for us or any of us in our names in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) hereto and we do hereby ratify and confirm all that
said attorneys and agents, or either of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="24%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ Tony L. White</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Tony L. White</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2>November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Dennis L. Winger</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Dennis L. Winger</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Vikram Jog</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Vikram Jog</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Corporate Controller (principal accounting officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Richard H. Ayers</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Richard H. Ayers</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Jean-Luc Belingard</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Jean-Luc Belingard</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Robert H. Hayes</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert H. Hayes</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

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<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Arnold J. Levine</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Arnold J. Levine</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Theodore E. Martin</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Theodore E. Martin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Georges C. St. Laurent, Jr.</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Georges C. St. Laurent, Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Carolyn W. Slayman</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Carolyn W. Slayman</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ Orin R. Smith</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Orin R. Smith</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="37%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ James R. Tobin</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> James R. Tobin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="34%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="24%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
November 26, 2001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka2579_exhibit_index"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka2579_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="88%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Description</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>3.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2>Certificate of Incorporation of Applera Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Applera Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No.
1-4389)).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
3.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Bylaws of Applera Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No. 333-67797)).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
3.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Certificate of Designations of Series A Participating Junior Preferred Stock and Series B Participating Junior Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No.
333-67797)).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement, dated as of April 28, 1999, between Applera Corporation and BankBoston N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No.
333-67797)).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Simpson Thacher &amp; Bartlett.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
10.29</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1989 Stock Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s Annual Report on From 10-K filed on March 31, 1997 (Commission File No. 0-22788)).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
10.30*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
10.31*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1997 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.1*</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>*</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Filed
herewith. </FONT></DD></DL>
<HR NOSHADE>
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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="01PAL2579_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_1">PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_2">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_3">Item 3. Incorporation of Document by Reference.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_4">Item 4. Description of Securities.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_5">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_6">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_7">Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_8">Item 8. Exhibits.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2579_9">Item 9. Undertakings.</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc2579_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka2579_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 26, 2001
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
APPLERA CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
06-1534213
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
301 Merritt 7
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851-1070
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
AXYS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN (1)
AXYS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 1997 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (1)
AXYS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 1997 NON-OFFICER EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (1)
(Full Title of the Plans)
William B. Sawch, Esq.
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Applera Corporation
301 Merritt 7
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851-1070
(203) 840-2000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of agent for service)
Copy to:
Richard Capelouto, Esq.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
3330 Hillview Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 251-5000
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities to be
Registered
Amount to be
Registered
(1)(2)(3)
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price
Per Share (4)
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
Per Share (4)
Amount of
Registration Fee
Applera Corporation—Celera Genomics Group Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (including the rights associated with those shares pursuant to Applera Corporation's Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement)
(1)(2)
846,889
$29.52
$24,561,124
$6,140.25
(1)
Pursuant
to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 12, 2001 (the "Merger Agreement"), among the Registrant, Angel Acquisition Sub, Inc. ("Merger Sub"), a
Delaware corporation and direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant, and Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Axys"), a Delaware corporation, Merger Sub was merged with and into Axys and Axys became a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant on November 16, 2001. In accordance with the Merger Agreement, all outstanding options under Axys' 1989 Stock Option Plan, 1997 Non-Officer Equity Incentive
Plan and 1997 Equity Incentive Plan have been assumed by the Registrant and are being replaced with options to acquire, in the aggregate, 670,568 shares of Applera Corporation—Celera
Genomics Group Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Applera—Celera stock"), and all shares that remain available for grant under the 1997 Equity Incentive Plan are being replaced with
shares to acquire 176,321 shares of Applera—Celera stock, the issuance of which shares is being registered hereby.
(2)
Includes
associated rights to purchase 1/1000
th
of a share of Applera Corporation's Series B participating junior preferred stock. Until the occurrence of prescribed
events, the rights are not exercisable, are evidenced by the certificates representing Applera-Celera stock and will be transferred only with shares of Applera-Celera stock. In accordance with Rule
457(i) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no separate fee is paid.
(3)
Pursuant
to Rule 416 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement registers additional shares of Applera—Celera stock issuable
pursuant to the antidilution provisions of each of the plans listed above.
(4)
Estimated
solely for the purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Such estimate is based upon: (i) in the case of shares of the
Applera—Celera stock which may be purchased upon the exercise of outstanding options under the plans listed above, the weighted average exercise price of $29.52, and (ii) in the case of
shares of the Applera—Celera stock for which options have not yet been granted and the option price of which is therefore unknown, the average of the high and low price per share of the
Applera-Celera stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on November 21, 2001, of $27.03.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The document(s) containing the information specified in Part I will be sent or given to employees as specified by Rule 428(b)(1) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). Such documents are not being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission either as part of this Registration Statement or as
prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 of the Securities Act. Such documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement pursuant to Item 3
of Part II hereof, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Document by Reference.
The following documents were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Applera Corporation ("Applera") and are incorporated herein by reference:
(a)
Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001;
(b)
Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001;
(c)
Current
Reports on Form 8-K filed on July 10, 2001, July 27, 2001, September 6, 2001, October 24, 2001 and November 19, 2001;
and
(d)
The
description of Applera—Celera stock and rights to purchase participating junior preferred stock set forth in Applera's registration statements on Form 8-A filed
pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.
All
documents subsequently filed by Applera pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment
which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all of such securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this
Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. 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 Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Registration Statement.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
None.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits Applera's board of directors to indemnify any person against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with any threatened, pending
2
or completed action (except settlements or judgments in derivative suits), suit or proceeding in which such person is made a party by reason of his or her being or having been a director, officer,
employee or agent of Applera, in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including reimbursement for expenses incurred) arising under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that indemnification pursuant to its provisions is not exclusive of other rights of indemnification to which a person
may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
Applera's
certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide for indemnification of its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law.
As
permitted by sections 102 and 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, Applera's certificate of incorporation eliminates a director's personal liability for monetary damages to
the company and its stockholders arising from a breach or alleged breach of a director's fiduciary duty except for liability under section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, for
liability for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to Applera or its stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, or for any transaction which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
The
directors and officers of Applera are covered by insurance policies indemnifying against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act of
1933 that might be incurred by them in such capabilities and against which they cannot be indemnified by Applera.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
3
Item 8. Exhibits.
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Applera Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Applera Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No.
1-4389)).
3.2
Bylaws of Applera Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No. 333-67797)).
3.3
Certificate of Designations of Series A Participating Junior Preferred Stock and Series B Participating Junior Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No.
333-67797)).
4.1
Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement, dated as of April 28, 1999, between Applera Corporation and BankBoston N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No.
333-67797)).
5.1*
Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
10.29
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1989 Stock Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s Annual Report on From 10-K filed on March 31, 1997 (Commission File No. 0-22788)).
10.30*
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan.
10.31*
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1997 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.
23.1*
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.
24.1*
Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).
*
Filed
herewith.
Item 9. Undertakings.
(a) The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i)  To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high and of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than
20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement;
provided, however
, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3,
Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed with or
4
furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated in the registration statement.
(2) That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
(b) The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant
to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Norwalk, State of Connecticut, on November 26, 2001.
APPLERA CORPORTATION
By:
/s/
WILLIAM B. SAWCH
Name:
William B. Sawch
Title:
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned directors and officers of the registrant, do hereby constitute and appoint Tony L. White and William B. Sawch, or either of them, our true
and lawful attorneys and agents, to do any and all acts and things in our name and on our behalf in our capacities as directors and officers and to execute any and all instruments for us and in our
names in the capacities indicated below, which said attorneys and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Act of 1933 and
any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with this Registration Statement, including specifically, but without limitation, power and authority
to sign for us or any of us in our names in the capacities indicated below, any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) hereto and we do hereby ratify and confirm all that
said attorneys and agents, or either of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Tony L. White
Tony L. White
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
November 26, 2001
/s/ Dennis L. Winger
Dennis L. Winger
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)
November 26, 2001
/s/ Vikram Jog
Vikram Jog
Corporate Controller (principal accounting officer)
November 26, 2001
/s/ Richard H. Ayers
Richard H. Ayers
Director
November 26, 2001
/s/ Jean-Luc Belingard
Jean-Luc Belingard
Director
November 26, 2001
/s/ Robert H. Hayes
Robert H. Hayes
Director
November 26, 2001
/s/ Arnold J. Levine
Arnold J. Levine
Director
November 26, 2001
/s/ Theodore E. Martin
Theodore E. Martin
Director
November 26, 2001
/s/ Georges C. St. Laurent, Jr.
Georges C. St. Laurent, Jr.
Director
November 26, 2001
/s/ Carolyn W. Slayman
Carolyn W. Slayman
Director
November 26, 2001
/s/ Orin R. Smith
Orin R. Smith
Director
November 26, 2001
/s/ James R. Tobin
James R. Tobin
Director
November 26, 2001
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Applera Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Applera Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2000 (Commission File No.
1-4389)).
3.2
Bylaws of Applera Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No. 333-67797)).
3.3
Certificate of Designations of Series A Participating Junior Preferred Stock and Series B Participating Junior Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.1 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No.
333-67797)).
4.1
Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement, dated as of April 28, 1999, between Applera Corporation and BankBoston N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Applera Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Commission File No.
333-67797)).
5.1*
Opinion of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
10.29
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1989 Stock Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s Annual Report on From 10-K filed on March 31, 1997 (Commission File No. 0-22788)).
10.30*
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan.
10.31*
Axys Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 1997 Non-Officer Equity Incentive Plan.
23.1*
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.
24.1*
Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).
*
Filed
herewith.
QuickLinks
PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Document by Reference.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Item 9. Undertakings.
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX