Bio-Rad's Strategic Acquisition of Stilla Technologies

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO) has announced a binding offer to acquire Stilla Technologies, a developer of next-generation digital PCR solutions. The acquisition, expected to close by the end of Q3 2025, aims to complement Bio-Rad's existing digital PCR portfolio and enhance its competitive position in the rapidly growing digital PCR market.

Stilla Technologies, operating in France and the U.S., develops the Nio® family of all-in-one digital PCR systems, which supports genetic testing across multiple applications including liquid biopsy, oncology diagnostics, cell and gene therapy, organ transplant testing, infectious diseases, and food and environmental testing. The integration of Stilla's Nio platform with Bio-Rad's forthcoming QX Continuum system would create a comprehensive product portfolio addressing both high-throughput clinical needs and specialized research applications.

The acquisition's timing is particularly strategic as the digital PCR market enters a critical growth phase, driven by increasing demand in oncology diagnostics, cell and gene therapy, and infectious disease testing. Stilla's expertise in developing automated, all-in-one systems directly addresses the market's shift toward simplified workflows and increased throughput capabilities.

Key synergistic opportunities include expanded market access in Europe through Stilla's established French operations, cross-selling opportunities across Bio-Rad's existing customer base, accelerated R&D capabilities through combined intellectual property portfolios, and enhanced competitive positioning against industry leaders like Thermo Fisher and QIAGEN.



The digital PCR market is expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2026, driven by increasing demand in oncology diagnostics, cell and gene therapy, and infectious disease testing. By acquiring Stilla Technologies, Bio-Rad is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of this growing market.



Norman Schwartz, CEO of Bio-Rad Laboratories, stated, "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."

Jim Barry, EVP and President of Bio-Rad's Life Science Group, added, "Together with our planned launch of Bio-Rad’s QX Continuum™ system, the Stilla platform would allow us to serve the full range of digital PCR applications and help us meet the evolving needs of customers in genomics research and applied science."

Rémi Dangla, CEO of Stilla Technologies, stated, "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."

In conclusion, Bio-Rad's acquisition of Stilla Technologies is a strategic move that complements its existing digital PCR portfolio, enhances its competitive position, and enables it to capture growing demand in the digital PCR market. The combined entity would be well-positioned to serve both high-throughput clinical needs and specialized research applications, driving growth and innovation in the digital PCR market.