Bio-Rad Laboratories
Global developer and manufacturer of life science research and clinical diagnostic technologies.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Bio-Rad Laboratories is a United States-based developer and manufacturer of specialized technologies for life science research and clinical diagnostics. Founded in Berkeley, California, in 1952 by married couple David and Alice Schwartz, the company began by serving scientific laboratories and gradually built a broad portfolio spanning research instruments, reagents, consumables, software, quality-control materials, and clinical diagnostic systems. It is headquartered in Hercules, California, and operates through subsidiaries, direct sales organizations, distributors, and agents in markets around the world. The company’s activities are commonly organized around two broad areas. Its Life Science segment supplies tools used to separate, purify, identify, measure, and amplify biological materials. These include products for cell biology, gene expression, protein purification and quantitation, nucleic-acid analysis, drug discovery and biomanufacturing, food safety, and science education. Bio-Rad’s portfolio includes laboratory automation, chromatography and electrophoresis systems, imaging equipment, antibodies, reagents, assay kits, consumables, and software. Its technologies are used by academic and government researchers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, food laboratories, and industrial quality-control organizations. Its Clinical Diagnostics business provides systems and reagents that generate information used in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Major application areas include blood typing and transfusion medicine, diabetes testing, autoimmune disease testing, infectious-disease diagnostics, and quality-control products for clinical laboratories. The business serves hospitals, reference laboratories, blood banks, public-health facilities, and other healthcare organizations. Rather than operating primarily as a consumer-facing healthcare brand, Bio-Rad is principally an infrastructure and technology supplier whose products are used by laboratory professionals. Bio-Rad expanded through both internal development and acquisitions. The 1976 purchase of Environmental Chemical Specialties added human control-serum capabilities. In 1989, the company acquired the scientific-instrument business of Vickers, extending its historical laboratory-equipment activities. In the 2010s, Bio-Rad strengthened its molecular biology and antibody portfolios through the acquisition of AbD Serotec from MorphoSys in 2013 and its droplet-based digital PCR capabilities through the acquisition of RainDance Technologies in 2017. Droplet digital PCR became an important part of the company’s molecular-analysis offering because it enables highly sensitive measurement of rare genetic sequences and copy-number variation. Bio-Rad has also invested in scientific communication and education. Its Bioradiations publication began as a print magazine in 1965 and later became an online resource featuring application information, case studies, technical guidance, and research-related content. The publication supports the company’s role as a specialist supplier by helping laboratory users understand methods and applications associated with its products. The company’s history has also included significant compliance and governance challenges. Investigations into conduct by subsidiaries and acquired operations resulted in United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement actions concerning improper payments in Russia, Vietnam, and Thailand during the 2005–2010 period. Bio-Rad paid $55 million in 2017 to resolve related Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission matters. A connected whistleblower dispute involving former general counsel Sanford Wadler led to a jury award that was later reduced on appeal. These matters remain important parts of the company’s corporate history, alongside its continuing development of research and diagnostic platforms. Today, Bio-Rad remains an active, publicly traded specialist healthcare and life-science company. Its positioning is centered on technically advanced laboratory systems and recurring consumables, supported by application expertise, global distribution, and relationships with research and clinical institutions.
History
Bio-Rad Laboratories was established in Berkeley, California, in 1952 by David Schwartz and Alice Schwartz, who had recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. The founders built the company around specialized products for scientific laboratories, a model that allowed Bio-Rad to serve research institutions while gradually expanding into clinical diagnostics. A major early expansion came in 1976, when Bio-Rad acquired Environmental Chemical Specialties, a producer of human control serum. This strengthened the company’s position in clinical laboratory quality control. In 1989, Bio-Rad acquired the non-defense instrument activities of British firm Vickers Instruments. Vickers had inherited a long tradition associated with Cooke, Troughton & Simms and earlier British scientific-instrument makers, giving Bio-Rad additional historical depth in laboratory equipment. Bio-Rad continued to broaden its product base across electrophoresis, chromatography, immunology, molecular biology, laboratory quality control, and clinical testing. Its research products came to include instruments, software, reagents, consumables, antibodies, and educational materials used in protein analysis, gene-expression studies, cell biology, drug development, food safety, and related fields. Its diagnostics activities developed around blood transfusion, diabetes, autoimmune disease, infectious disease, and other clinical applications. The company’s international reach expanded through subsidiaries and distribution networks. By 2016, it maintained direct distribution channels in more than 35 countries outside the United States, with additional sales supported by distributors and agents. This structure enabled Bio-Rad to combine local customer service with a global portfolio of laboratory technologies. In 2011, Bio-Rad added droplet digital PCR technology. The method partitions samples into large numbers of droplets, allowing researchers to detect rare sequences and quantify nucleic acids with high sensitivity. In January 2013, Bio-Rad acquired AbD Serotec, a MorphoSys division, adding more than 15,000 antibodies, kits, and related accessories to its research and diagnostic portfolio. In 2017, it acquired RainDance Technologies, a company associated with droplet-based PCR systems, reinforcing its molecular-analysis capabilities. Bio-Rad also developed a scientific publishing and education presence. Bioradiations began as a print magazine in 1965 and continued in print until 2011, when it was replaced by an online publication. The digital version provides researchers with application notes, case studies, technical information, and discussions related to laboratory methods and Bio-Rad products. The company experienced a major compliance crisis involving conduct by subsidiaries and acquired operations from 2005 through 2010. United States authorities alleged that improper payments were made to foreign government officials in Russia and Vietnam and that a bribery scheme at Diamed Thailand continued after it became known internally. Authorities also alleged that Bio-Rad’s books and records mischaracterized the payments. In 2017, Bio-Rad paid $55 million to settle related Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters with the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission. The same period produced a separate whistleblower dispute. Sanford Wadler, who had served as Bio-Rad’s general counsel for approximately 25 years, reported suspected bribery and accounting issues through internal channels in 2013. After his dismissal, litigation found that the termination violated California public policy. A jury award in 2017 was later reduced by an appeals court in 2019, with additional attorneys’ fees and costs awarded. Bio-Rad remains an active public company headquartered in Hercules, California. Its business continues to combine research technologies with clinical laboratory systems, using instruments, consumables, reagents, software, and technical support to serve scientific and healthcare customers internationally.
- 2021
Partnership with Roche announced
[1]Bio-Rad announced a partnership with Roche.
- 2017
RainDance Technologies acquired
[1]The acquisition strengthened Bio-Rad’s droplet-based PCR and molecular-analysis capabilities.
- 2017
Foreign bribery matters resolved
[1]Bio-Rad paid $55 million to resolve United States FCPA-related enforcement matters.
- 2013
AbD Serotec acquired
[1]Bio-Rad purchased AbD Serotec from MorphoSys, adding a large portfolio of antibodies, kits, and accessories.
- 2011
Droplet digital PCR technology added
[1]Bio-Rad obtained droplet digital PCR technology for sensitive detection of rare sequences and measurement of copy-number variation.
- 1989
Vickers instrument business acquired
[1]Bio-Rad purchased Vickers Instruments’ non-defense instrument activities, extending its laboratory-equipment portfolio.
- 1976
Environmental Chemical Specialties acquired
[1]The acquisition added a producer of human control serum and expanded Bio-Rad’s clinical quality-control activities.
- 1965
Bioradiations begins publication
[1]Bio-Rad launched Bioradiations as a print magazine for laboratory researchers; it later became an online publication.
- 1952
Company founded in Berkeley
[1]David and Alice Schwartz founded Bio-Rad Laboratories in Berkeley, California.
Products and positioning
A technically specialized, mid-to-premium supplier of life science research tools and clinical laboratory diagnostics.
Molecular biology and genetic analysis · 2011
Droplet digital PCR systems
Bio-Rad’s droplet digital PCR platforms partition samples into many reaction compartments, enabling highly sensitive and quantitative analysis of nucleic acids. The technology is used for applications such as rare-variant detection, copy-number analysis, mutation measurement, and other molecular workflows where precise target quantification is important.
Protein analysis
Protein electrophoresis and Western blotting systems
These products support separation, transfer, detection, and quantification of proteins. The line includes electrophoresis equipment, blotting systems, imaging tools, reagents, membranes, and consumables used by research and biotechnology laboratories to study protein expression and molecular characteristics.
Bioprocessing and purification
Chromatography and protein purification systems
Bio-Rad supplies chromatography instruments, columns, media, and related consumables for separating and purifying biological molecules. These products serve academic research, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology manufacturing, and process-monitoring workflows involving proteins, antibodies, and other biomolecules.
Clinical diagnostics
Clinical diabetes diagnostics
Bio-Rad provides laboratory systems and reagents used in diabetes monitoring and testing. These products help clinical laboratories measure relevant biomarkers and maintain analytical quality in workflows supporting diagnosis and long-term management of diabetes.
Transfusion medicine
Blood-typing and transfusion diagnostics
This portfolio supports blood-group testing, compatibility assessment, and transfusion-laboratory quality control. Its customers include blood banks, hospitals, and specialized clinical laboratories that require standardized systems and reagents for safe transfusion services.
Research reagents · 2013
Research antibodies and assay kits
Bio-Rad’s antibody and assay portfolio supports immunology, cell biology, protein research, infectious-disease studies, and other laboratory applications. The acquisition of AbD Serotec significantly expanded the breadth of antibodies, kits, and accessories available to research and diagnostic customers.
Controversies
2019
Whistleblower retaliation litigation
Former general counsel Sanford Wadler alleged that Bio-Rad terminated him after he reported suspected bribery and accounting misconduct through internal procedures. Courts found the termination violated California public policy. A jury award was later reduced on appeal to $7.96 million, with attorneys’ fees and costs also awarded.
2017
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement matters
United States authorities alleged that Bio-Rad subsidiaries and acquired operations made improper payments to foreign officials in Russia, Vietnam, and Thailand from 2005 through 2010, and that company books and records did not accurately describe the payments. Bio-Rad paid $55 million to resolve Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission matters.
Marketing campaigns
- 1965Bioradiations
Global scientific research market
Bio-Rad created Bioradiations as a specialist publication intended to share laboratory methods, applications, and research information with customers. It later moved from print to an online format, continuing as a technical content and education channel.
Outcome. Transitioned from print publication to online resource in 2011.
Brand decisions
2021
Partnership with RocheStrategyBackground
The partnership reflected Bio-Rad’s use of external relationships to extend its position in clinical and laboratory diagnostics.
Action taken
Bio-Rad announced a partnership with Roche.
2017
Acquisition of RainDance TechnologiesM&ABackground
Bio-Rad aimed to reinforce its capabilities in droplet-based molecular analysis and PCR.
Action taken
Bio-Rad acquired RainDance Technologies, a developer of droplet-based PCR systems.
Aftermath
The acquisition expanded Bio-Rad’s technology base in digital PCR and related molecular workflows.
2013
Acquisition of AbD SerotecM&ABackground
Bio-Rad sought to broaden its antibody, assay, and research-reagent portfolio.
Action taken
Bio-Rad purchased AbD Serotec, a division of MorphoSys AG.
Aftermath
The transaction added more than 15,000 antibodies, kits, and accessories to Bio-Rad’s research and diagnostic offerings.
2011
Adoption of droplet digital PCR technologyProduct launchBackground
The technology addressed the need for more sensitive and precise nucleic-acid quantification, particularly in applications involving rare genetic sequences and copy-number variation.
Action taken
Bio-Rad added droplet digital PCR to its molecular biology technology portfolio.
Aftermath
The technology became an important foundation for Bio-Rad’s digital PCR product offering.
Recent events
Bio-Rad launches anti-daratumumab antibodies[3]
Bio-Rad announced the launch of a range of anti-daratumumab antibodies that inhibit daratumumab from binding to its target, CD38. The article states that the antibodies are suitable for bioanalysis and drug monitoring of daratumumab and its biosimilars.
Reported
Bio-Rad announces Simon May appointment to lead Life Science Group[4]
Bio-Rad announced Simon May's appointment as Executive Vice President and President of its Life Science Group, effective January 4, 2022. He is to succeed Annette Tumolo, who will retire from the role.
Reported
Seegene and Bio-Rad sign U.S. diagnostic-products partnership[5]
Seegene said it signed a partnership with Bio-Rad for clinical development and commercialization of infectious-disease molecular diagnostic products for the U.S. market, subject to clinical development and FDA approval.
Bio-Rad introduces three StarBright Dyes[6]
Bio-Rad introduced StarBright Violet 570, 670 and 710 Dyes for flow cytometry applications.
Bio-Rad launches PIF Supplement[7]
Bio-Rad announced the launch of its PIF Supplement for enriching Enterobacteriaceae, including Salmonella and Cronobacter, in powdered infant formula, dairy ingredients and cereal.
Bio-Rad launches SARS CoV-2 Standard[8]
Bio-Rad launched a SARS CoV-2 Standard through its Exact Diagnostics product line to support laboratory validation of COVID-19 testing assays.
Bio-Rad launches SARS CoV-2 Standard[9]
Bio-Rad announced that it launched the SARS CoV-2 Standard through its Exact Diagnostics product line to support laboratory validation of COVID-19 testing assays.
Sources12 sources
- 1Bio-Rad Laboratoriesen.wikipedia.org
- 2Bio-Rad Laboratories official websitebio-rad.com
- 3Bio-Rad推出抗达雷妥尤单抗抗体naturalnews.com
- 4Bio-Rad宣布任命Simon May领导生命科学事业部biospace.com
- 5Seegene与Bio-Rad签署美国诊断产品合作协议us.acrofan.com
- 6Bio-Rad推出三款StarBright染料selectscience.net
- 7Bio-Rad推出PIF Supplementselectscience.net
- 8Bio-Rad推出SARS CoV-2标准品biospectrumindia.com
- 9Bio-Rad推出SARS CoV-2 Standardbiospectrumindia.com
- 10Bio-Rad introduces Bio-Plex Pro Human SARS-CoV-2 Variant Neutralization Antibody Assaysselectscience.net
- 11Bio-Rad Launches Its Reliance SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay Kit in Europetechnologynetworks.com
- 12Bio-Rad launches SARS CoV-2 Standard for COVID-19 testingselectscience.net
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