Clinical diagnostics products developer Bio-Rad Laboratories has made a binding offer to acquire all equity interests in digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) developer Stilla Technologies.
Financial details of the potential acquisition were not disclosed.
Stilla Technologies operates in France and the US, specialising in developing and marketing next-generation digital PCR instruments, consumables, and assays.
Its Nio range of all-in-one digital PCR systems supports the development of a wide range of genetic tests and molecular assays. These include liquid biopsy for oncology diagnostics, cell and gene therapy, organ transplant testing, infectious diseases, and food and environmental testing.
In June 2024, the PCR technology developer added two new digital PCR system configurations to the Nio product line.
The deal is expected to expand Bio-Rad’s digital PCR portfolio and accelerate the development of new PCR solutions.
Stilla Technologies CEO Rémi Dangla said: “We are thrilled with the prospect of joining Bio-Rad, a leader in the field of digital PCR.
“With Stilla’s passion for product development and Bio-Rad’s extensive life science expertise, operational excellence, and global reach, together we can bring substantial value to the work of applied research and biopharma customers around the globe.”
Bio-Rad provides products for life science research and clinical diagnostics.
Headquartered in Hercules, California, Bio-Rad employs around 7,700 people globally and reported $2.6bn in revenue in 2024.
Its customers include universities, research institutions, hospitals, biopharmaceutical companies, and labs in clinical, food safety, and environmental quality sectors.
Bio-Rad CEO Norman Schwartz said: “Stilla’s next-generation digital PCR solutions would make a compelling and complementary addition to Bio-Rad’s best-in-class digital PCR portfolio.
“Once closed, the acquisition will support our strategy to further expand our business into applied research and clinical diagnostics where customers expect a higher degree of automation and throughput capabilities.”
The acquisition is subject to employee consultations, regulatory approvals, and other standard conditions. It is expected to close by the end of Q3 2025.
Additionally, Bio-Rad has reported a 2% decline in Q4 2024 net sales, totalling $667.5m, compared to Q4 2023.
Full-year 2024 sales decreased 3.9% to $2.57bn, driven by lower sales in the life sciences segment.
