Roche Considers Pacific Biosciences Purchase
Pacific Biosciences’ sequencing technology s distinguished by its long read lengths. Late last year, the company introduced its Sequel system, on which the Roche platform will be based.
New York, NY 2/2/16—Citing unnamed sources, Reuters reports that Roche is in discussions with sequencer firm Pacific Biosciences regarding a possible acquisition. Pacific Biosciences developed sequencing technology for Roche to sell and for which Roche will create and supply reagents. The system is expected to be commercialized in the second half of 2016. According to the article, the companies cannot agree on the acquisition’s price, and a deal is not a given. In 2012, Roche tried to acquire Illumina but could not secure control of Illumina’s Board and refused to increase its offer price (see IBO 4/30/12). In 2013, Roche made a bid for Life Technologies’ sequencing business as part of Sigma-Aldrich’s offer to buy Life (see IBO 5/31/13).
