Bio-Rad Laboratories
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Life sciences, Clinical diagnostics |
| Founded | 1 January 1952 in Berkeley, California, United States |
| Founder | David Schwartz, Alice Schwartz |
| Headquarters | Hercules, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Instruments, software, consumables, reagents for life science research and clinical diagnostics |
| Website | www |
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is a U.S.-based company specializing in the development and manufacture of advanced technology products tailored for the life science research and clinical diagnostics sectors. Established in 1952 in Berkeley, California by the married duo David and Alice Schwartz, both alumni of UC Berkeley, Bio-Rad’s corporate headquarters are located in Hercules, California, with operations spanning worldwide.
Business segments
The life science division of Bio-Rad encompasses a wide range of instruments, software solutions, consumables, reagents, and educational content aimed at fields such as cell biology, gene expression, protein purification, protein quantitation, drug discovery, food safety, and scientific education. Their technologies facilitate the separation, purification, identification, analysis, and amplification of biological substances including antibodies, proteins, nucleic acids, cells, and bacteria.
Within its diagnostics segment, Bio-Rad provides an array of products and systems that utilize various technologies to supply clinical data for markets including blood transfusion, diabetes management, autoimmune disorders, and infectious disease testing. These offerings assist in disease detection, monitoring, and therapeutic management.
History
Founded in 1952 by David and Alice Schwartz—both graduates of the University of California, Berkeley—Bio-Rad Laboratories began its journey in life sciences. The company broadened its product range in 1976 by acquiring Environmental Chemical Specialties (ECS), a manufacturer known for human control serum.
In 2008, Bio-Rad gained notable exposure by participating as the opening bell ringer at the New York Stock Exchange on "Bloody Friday," a day characterized by sharp declines in global stock markets.
Strategic acquisitions have been pivotal to Bio-Rad’s expansion: in 2011, it integrated droplet digital PCR technology that allows highly accurate detection of rare tumor sequences and copy number variations. The acquisition of AbD Serotec from MorphoSys AG in January 2013 added more than 15,000 antibodies, kits, and related accessories to Bio-Rad’s research and clinical diagnostic portfolio.
By 2016, Bio-Rad had established direct sales channels across over 35 countries through subsidiaries dedicated to sales, customer support, and product distribution while also utilizing distributors in additional regions. The company further enhanced its PCR capabilities with the 2017 acquisition of RainDance Technologies, a specialist in droplet-based PCR systems.
In March 2021, Bio-Rad announced a strategic collaboration with Roche aimed at advancing quality control solutions. These initiatives underscore Bio-Rad’s continuous efforts to grow its global footprint and sustain a competitive edge within the life sciences arena.
Vickers Instruments
In 1989, Bio-Rad expanded its precision instrumentation offerings by acquiring the British manufacturer Vickers (1828–1999), excluding its defense-related operations which were sold to British Aerospace. Formerly known as Cooke, Troughton & Simms until 1963, this firm originated from a 1922 merger between T. Cooke & Sons, founded in 1837 by entrepreneur Thomas Cooke, and London-based Troughton & Simms, established in 1828 by Edward Troughton. This acquisition strengthened Bio-Rad’s position within the scientific instrumentation market through an expanded precision instrument portfolio.
Bioradiations
Bioradiations serves as Bio-Rad's digital publication offering researchers access to case studies, whitepapers, and expert analyses related to the company's products and services. Originally launched as a printed magazine in 1965, it shifted exclusively to an online format in 2011, reflecting Bio-Rad’s strategic focus on digital engagement to improve customer education and strengthen its market presence.
FCPA Bribery Lawsuits
From 2005 through 2010, subsidiaries of Bio-Rad were involved in bribing foreign officials to secure sales predominantly in Russia, Vietnam, and Thailand, resulting in approximately $35.1 million in unlawful gains. Notable details include:
- In Russia, payments were funneled through overseas agents using fictitious addresses and offshore bank accounts to influence contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health.
- In Vietnam, the Singapore branch consistently bribed government officials; internal apprehensions led to recommendations for intermediaries to maintain these illicit transactions.
- In Thailand, following Bio-Rad’s acquisition of Diamed Thailand, undisclosed bribery practices continued despite internal audits.
In 2017, Bio-Rad reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission amounting to $55 million for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The company faced allegations of inadequate anti-bribery controls and record falsification intended to hide illegal payments. This resolution highlighted compliance difficulties within Bio-Rad’s international operations and triggered improvements in its corporate ethics and governance policies.
Whistleblower Retaliation Lawsuit
In 2013, Sanford Wadler, who served as Bio-Rad’s general counsel for 25 years, alerted the audit committee about suspected bribery involving falsified documentation. Following his disclosure, the company terminated his employment—a decision later deemed wrongful termination under California law.
In 2017, a federal jury awarded Wadler $10.9 million for retaliation against his whistleblowing activities. Bio-Rad appealed this ruling, and in 2019 the U.S. Court of Appeals reduced the compensation to $7.96 million plus an additional $3.5 million covering legal fees and expenses.