Bio-Rad Laboratories acquires Biotest AG's diagnostics businesses

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO) and (NYSE: BIO.B), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostics products, announced today that it has completed the purchase of certain diagnostics businesses of Biotest AG, including its diagnostics products in the areas of blood transfusion testing, transplantation, and infectious diseases for 45 million euros. Bio-Rad signed a definitive agreement to acquire these diagnostics businesses of Biotest on October 23, 2009.

"We are pleased with the opportunity to expand our product offering in the area of immunohematology," said Norman Schwartz, Bio-Rad President and CEO. "Integrating Biotest diagnostics products into our current offering will further strengthen Bio-Rad's position in this area and enable us to provide our customers, including those in the U.S., with a broader range of products and services."