Company Overview

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is a global life science and clinical diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets analytical instruments, reagents, consumables, and software used for research, biopharmaceutical production, and clinical diagnostics. The company operates primarily in the life science research and clinical diagnostics industries, serving academic institutions, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, hospitals, reference laboratories, and public health organizations. Its core revenue drivers are laboratory instruments, assay systems, reagents, and recurring consumables used in regulated and research environments.

Founded in 1952 by David Schwartz and Alice Schwartz, Bio-Rad began as a supplier of scientific instruments for biochemical research and steadily expanded through internal development and acquisitions. Over time, the company built a diversified portfolio spanning molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, and diagnostic testing, establishing a reputation for quality, regulatory compliance, and long-standing customer relationships. Bio-Rad is recognized for its durable installed base of instruments, which supports recurring revenue from reagents and consumables.

Business Operations

Bio-Rad operates through two primary business segments: Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics. The Life Science segment provides research and biopharmaceutical production tools, including instruments, reagents, consumables, and software for genomics, proteomics, cell biology, and bioprocessing applications. The Clinical Diagnostics segment develops and supplies diagnostic systems, test kits, and quality controls used in blood screening, diabetes monitoring, autoimmune disease testing, and infectious disease diagnostics.

The company generates revenue through direct product sales, long-term reagent rental agreements, service contracts, and consumable replenishment tied to its installed instrument base. Bio-Rad maintains manufacturing, research and development, distribution, and service operations across multiple regions and sells products through a combination of direct sales forces and distributors. Its global operating structure includes numerous wholly owned subsidiaries, such as Bio-Rad Laboratories (India) Private Limited, supporting regional manufacturing, sales, and regulatory activities.

Strategic Position & Investments

Bio-Rad’s strategy emphasizes organic innovation, disciplined acquisitions, and long-term investments that enhance its technology platform and market access. A key element of its strategic positioning is its significant equity stake in Sartorius AG, a leading bioprocessing and laboratory equipment company, which represents a major long-term investment and contributes materially to Bio-Rad’s financial results through equity income.

The company has also pursued targeted acquisitions to strengthen its technology portfolio, including Celsee, Inc., which expanded its single-cell analysis capabilities. Bio-Rad continues to invest in emerging areas such as digital PCR, bioprocess quality control, and advanced diagnostics, focusing on technologies that generate recurring consumable revenue and align with regulatory and quality-driven markets.

Geographic Footprint

Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, United States, and operates globally across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa and the Middle East. The company maintains manufacturing and research facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia, complemented by regional sales, service, and distribution centers that support local customer needs and regulatory requirements.

International markets represent a substantial portion of Bio-Rad’s revenue, with strong positions in North America, Western Europe, China, and Japan. Through its global subsidiary network and distribution partners, Bio-Rad maintains a broad international presence and plays an influential role in supplying life science research tools and diagnostic systems to both developed and emerging healthcare markets.

Leadership & Governance

Bio-Rad is led by an experienced executive team with deep operational, scientific, and financial expertise. The company maintains a governance structure aligned with U.S. public company standards and emphasizes long-term value creation, regulatory compliance, and disciplined capital allocation. Leadership has consistently articulated a strategy focused on innovation, operational excellence, and leveraging its installed base and equity investments for sustainable growth.

Key executives include:

• Norman D. Schwartz – President and Chief Executive Officer
• Ilan Daskal – Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
• Adam P. Kress – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Annette Tumolo – Executive Vice President, Global Commercial Operations
• Michael Crowley – Executive Vice President, Life Science Group