SAN DIEGO — Illumina, Inc. ILMN -0.19%, a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function (the “Company”), announced today that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted a Rights Agreement, pursuant to which one preferred stock purchase right will be distributed as a dividend on each share of the Company’s common stock held of record as of the close of business on February 6, 2012 (the “Rights”). Initially, the Rights will be represented by the Company’s common stock certificates, or by the registration of uncertificated shares of common stock in the Company’s share register, and will not be exercisable.

The Rights Agreement, which is designed to deter coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics, was adopted in response to the announcement by Roche (RHHBY.PK) of its unsolicited acquisition proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Illumina’s common stock for $44.50 per share in cash.

“Consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Illumina Board has taken this action to ensure that our stockholders receive fair treatment and protection in connection with any proposal or offer to acquire the Company, including the proposal announced by Roche, and to provide stockholders with adequate time to properly assess any such proposal or offer without undue pressure while also safeguarding their opportunity to realize the long-term value of their investment in the Company,” said Jay Flatley, Chief Executive Officer of Illumina.

Under the Rights Agreement, with certain exceptions, if any person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company’s common stock (which, as provided in the Rights Agreement, includes stock referenced in derivative transactions and securities), then each Right not beneficially owned by such beneficial owner will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Rights’ then-current exercise price, shares of the Company’s common stock having a market value of twice the Rights’ then-current exercise price. In addition, with certain exceptions, if, after any person or group has become a beneficial owner of 15% or more of the Company’s common stock, the Company becomes involved in a merger or other business combination, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such 15% or more beneficial owner) to purchase, at the Right’s then-current exercise price, common shares of the acquiring company having a value of twice the Rights’ then-current exercise price.

Further details about the Rights Agreement will be contained in a Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by the Company.

Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Bank of America Merrill Lynch are acting as financial advisors and Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP is acting as legal counsel to Illumina.

About Illumina

Illumina ( www.illumina.com ) is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function. We provide innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA and protein. We also provide tools and services that are fueling advances in consumer genomics and diagnostics. Our technology and products accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.