Quarterlytics / Healthcare / Medical - Devices / Bio-Rad Laboratories

Bio-Rad Laboratories

bio · NYSE Healthcare
Claim this profile
Ticker bio
Exchange NYSE
Sector Healthcare
Industry Medical - Devices
Employees 5001-10,000
← All annual reports
FY2010 Annual Report · Bio-Rad Laboratories
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Bio-Rad Laboratories  |  Annual Report 2010

bio-rad laboratoriesannual report 2010Bio-Rad Laboratories

Annual Report 

PAGE     1
YEAr  2010 

With numbers like these, it doesn’t take much more 

convincing to see that Bio-Rad is one of the leaders 

in the life science and clinical diagnostics markets. 

Now well into our second half-century of operation, 

Bio-Rad continues to advance and improve, with 

products, processes, and customer support 

that add up to new levels of technological and 

operational achievement. 

1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041Letter to our SharehoLderS2010 was a year in which the economy loomed large. Even with support of government stimulus, the U.S. economy struggled along. Europe was hit by the financial crisis that washed through the U.S. in 2009. So far, Asia Pacific appears  to have been relatively unaffected.In the face of all of this, Bio-Rad has continued to progress. Sales reached a record $1.9 billion, an increase of 8% over last year. Our focus on operating income has also served us well as we continue to realize bottom line improvements. Our operating margin, which a few short years ago was around 10%, is now closer to 15%. As we implement operational changes around the Company, we expect to realize additional improvements over the next several years.Norman SchwartzPresidentDavid SchwartzChairman of the BoardBio-Rad Laboratories

Annual Report 

PAGE     3
YEAr  2010 

Aside from the numbers, there are 

Late in the year, we were able to take 

In March 2011, Jim Bennett retired 

several key accomplishments of 

advantage of favorable conditions in 

from the Board of Directors, a position 

note. First is the successful addition  

the financial markets, refinancing a 

he held since 1977. Jim served the 

of the Biotest blood typing products. 

portion of our long-term debt at lower 

Company in several key operating po-

We acquired this product line in 

interest rates. Of note is the fact that 

sitions during his 33-year association 

the early days of 2010 and with it, 

these bonds are rated investment 

with Bio-Rad and will be remembered 

access to the very important U.S. 

grade—a first for the Company.

for his numerous contributions.

blood typing market. Also in this 

product area, we completed the 

development of and introduced the 

IH-1000, a high volume instrument to 

meet the needs of high volume labo-

ratories in international markets.

2011 ushers in a new year of chal-

As we round the corner to $2 billion, 

lenges and opportunities. Europe 

we are beginning to put in place many 

is expected to have another tough 

of the tools needed to take us through 

economic year and with it, continued 

the next phase of growth. Key among 

pressure on research budgets. The 

them is a global information manage-

tone in U.S. research markets seems 

ment system (ERP). In conjunction 

In our Life Science business, we 

to be a little more upbeat but, with 

with this, we are determining how to 

introduced over 150 new products,  

fresh faces in Congress, optimism 

take better advantage of the size and 

including several new thermal cyclers  

could soon be dashed. Asia and 

scale of our operations and what our 

to meet the increasing needs for 

emerging market areas continue to 

organization should look like to take 

DNA amplification. Other success  

grow at above-average rates, bolster-

us to the next level.

stories include our new line of  

ing what might otherwise be a slow 

precast gels, allowing researchers  

year for our Life Science products. In 

to complete an electrophoresis 

spite of higher levels of unemployment 

separation in 15 minutes—a task 

and pressure to control healthcare 

that formerly took one hour. Also,  

costs, the outlook for our Clinical 

we successfully launched the TC-10 

Diagnostics business continues to 

cell counter, automating and making 

be positive. Part of this is testament 

more accurate a previously manual, 

to the value of diagnostics, which 

time-consuming chore in the lab.

allows for early detection of a health 

2011 will, no doubt, be another year of 

challenges and opportunities, and we 

are looking forward to your continued 

interest in Bio-Rad.

problem, leading to better outcomes 

norman Schwartz 

and lower costs, overall, to the 

PreSiDent

healthcare system.

David Schwartz 

Chairman of the BoarD

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041BIOTECHNOLOGY EXPLOrEr PrOGrAM

Where do breakthroughs  
come from? 

Meet Scott Chilton, 24, a third-year Ph.D. candidate in the Molecular and Cellular Biology 
Department at Harvard University. Scott is studying how a particular species of bacterium 
imports DNA into its genome. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and before that he was a talented and curious high 
school student in Tracy, California, where he wanted to be, at various times, an architect, 
a teacher, a space explorer, a rollercoaster designer—and, of course, a biologist.

Scott traces his early interest in biology 
back to two sources: Kirk Brown, his 
high school science teacher, and  
Bio-Rad’s Biotechnology™ Explorer kits 
that his teacher used to make science 
come to life for his classes. “Scott just 
loved working with the program’s content 
and was so passionate about molecular 
biology,” says Mr. Brown. “His favorite 
area of study was the ELISA Immuno 
Explorer™ Kit, which uses a powerful, 
antibody-based biodetection tool to hunt 
for pathogens in water, food, or air.”

Scott is just one of over 9 million students 
in 36 countries around the globe who 
have used Bio-Rad’s Biotechnology 
Explorer kits in class since the program’s 
inception in 1997. By providing hands-on 

experience with instruments and tech-
niques that are actually used in labs, the 
program gives students relevant training 
and introduces them to what it is like to 
be a scientist in today’s world. 

Scott credits the Biotechnology Explorer 
kits with sparking his interest in science 
education. “I think my experience with the 
kits really helped me develop my under-
standing of how research worked, and 
where I thought I could fit into the process,” 
says Scott, “and that later guided me 
when I began applying to college.”

That understanding clearly paid off for 
Scott. In the summer after his freshman 
year at MIT, he interned at Bio-Rad, 
where he helped to optimize a protocol 

that would speed up the run time of 
certain gels used in DNA electropho-
resis. During his sophomore year he 
worked in a laboratory researching how 
bacterial genes respond to starvation. 
Then, after his junior year, he interned 
at the Salk Institute in San Diego, where 
he was part of a team using small 
molecule fluorescent sensors to study 
enzyme development in plants.

As a former student, Scott has an 
interesting perspective of why the  
Biotechnology Explorer kits are so  
useful in a classroom environment. 
“The kits help a teacher—one who 
may not have a lot of experience in a 
particular area of biotechnology—intro-
duce the concepts to their students. 

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041Scott ChiltonThird-year Ph.D. Candidate,  Harvard UniversityBio-Rad Laboratories

Annual Report 

PAGE     5
YEAr  2010 

They also allow a teacher, with more back-
ground, to tailor this experience to their 
classroom to make it relevant to student 
interests or fit within their curriculum.” 

Most young people have a natural curiosity 
about the world around them and enjoy 
science from an early age. The hard part 
has always been to keep them engaged 
as they progress through school. Tools 
like the Biotechnology Explorer program 
continue to provide that spark.

Just ask Scott Chilton.

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404136countries in which the  program is available14years  the Biotechnology explorer program  has Been in existence9 million   students worldwide who have participated in the program since its inception93,000,000     
units of blood collected
 through donation globally  
each year

BLOOd TYPING 

one-stop testing.

Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida had been well acquainted with the benefits of automated 
blood testing. For years, its technologists had worked with an automated yet unreliable blood typing 
instrument. In 2008, seeing rising demand for blood work, due in part to the area’s senior population, 
Flora Bialen, the hospital’s Blood Bank Supervisor, began looking into upgrading their system.

“We were certainly looking for greater 
reliability,” Flora said, “both in operation 
and in results. But we also had to have 
state-of-the-art automation, where you 
literally open the door, load the sample, 
and walk away.” 

That’s where the Bio-Rad line of auto-
mated blood testing systems came in.

Bio-Rad offers automated blood typing 
and screening systems based on two 
technologies: microplate and gel card, 
to cater to the needs and preferences 
of its customers. The TANGO® optimo 
automated blood typing system, avail-
able in the U.S. and internationally, uses 
microplate technology. In addition to 
the TANGO optimo, Bio-Rad customers 

outside the U.S. also have the option to 
use gel card technology with the com-
pany’s IH-1000 automated blood typing 
system. Released in 2010, the IH-1000 
system was designed for higher-volume 
blood testing and can process up to 400 
patient samples per day. Both of these 
approaches offer significant productivity 
advantages over the traditional, manual 
method of using test tubes for typing, 
cross-matching, and antibody identifica-
tion, all of which can be extremely labor-
intensive and time-consuming. 

Flora and Boca Raton Regional Hospital 
ultimately chose the TANGO optimo 
system, after putting a unit through its 
paces at the hospital. “Promises made 

by the sales team, field service engi-
neers, and technical staff were met and 
exceeded,” Flora said. “They laid out a 
plan that was followed to the letter. We 
felt well taken care of and our needs were 
well met along the way. Every step from 
start to finish was looked after and the  
accountability of everyone was great.”

Once installed, the TANGO optimo system 
exceeded expectations, processing as 
many as 150 samples a day. Technolo-
gists just add a sample—anytime, without 
having to wait to test in batches—and 
the system does the rest. The TANGO 
optimo, in fact, holds enough reagents  
to run 24 hours a day for a full week,  
unattended, as its own internal  

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940412 EvEry 2 sEconds,  an individual in thE u.s.  nEEds blood146,000 blood samples that can be processed  by the Ih-1000 system per year42 Days, after which DonateD  reD blooD cells expireBio-Rad Laboratories

Annual Report 

PAGE     7
YEAr  2010 

maintenance systems monitor perfor-
mance. This frees up blood bank staff 
to do other, more productive tasks. “As 
a result of using TANGO optimo, we are 
able to do more testing in less time with 
less staff,” says Flora. “Our department 
is the very definition of a ‘lean process.’”

In addition to reagent stability, consis-
tent results, and easy-to-use software, 
both the TANGO optimo and the 
IH-1000 system are known for their 
full-automation and walk-away reliabil-
ity, which allow laboratories to more 
efficiently manage their blood testing 
workload. 

Both systems also offer extremely high 
sensitivity and specificity—being able to 
identify extremely rare types of antibod-
ies and red cells in a patient’s blood with 
greater reliability.

The lab’s experience with the TANGO 
optimo system inspired Flora and her 
team at Boca Raton Regional Hospital to 
purchase a second instrument last year. 
Now, the blood bank has the ability to  
increase sample testing volume, validate 
the results, and, of course, perform a 
greater variety of tasks in the time they 
are not testing blood. All in all, it’s a very 
powerful addition to patient care.

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041rHEuMATOId ArTHrITIs 

collaboration  
for the common good.

Rheumatoid arthritis, also referred to as simply “RA”, is a chronic 
autoimmune disease in which cells of the immune system attack 
tissues of the joints. As a result, inflammation of the joints and 
surrounding tissues can occur, causing pain, fatigue, and swelling, 
and may result in significant deformity of joints and disability. 

Prior to therapies introduced over the past 
15 years, about half of rheumatoid arthritis 
patients were work-disabled within 10 
years of diagnosis. The disease frequently 
occurs in people from 20 to 50 years old, 
although it can occur at any age. Its cause 
is unknown, and there is no cure.

Fortunately, scientists are giving this 
critical area of research the attention  
it deserves.

One of these is Dr. William H. Robinson, 
an Associate Professor at Stanford 
University and a Staff Physician at the VA 
Palo Alto Health Care System. In addition 
to his teaching and clinical responsibilities 
as a rheumatologist, Dr. Robinson is also 
a dedicated researcher. Since 2003, he 
has run a research laboratory investigat-
ing the molecular mechanisms underlying 
autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. 

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041Dr. William H. Robinson   Associate Professor of Medicine,         Stanford UniversityBio-Rad Laboratories

Annual Report 

PAGE     9
YEAr  2010 

22% 

percent of adults in the u.s.  
who reported having  
doctor-diagnosed arthritis

34,000,000   

people worldwide suffer  
from rheumatoid arthritis

up to 100     

biomolecules  
in a single patient sample  
can be analyzed simultaneously 
by the bio-plex® suspension 
array system

What does the future hold? With approxi-
mately one-half of a percent of all human 
beings—some 34 million people—afflict-
ed by rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Robinson’s 
objective is to develop a novel diagnostic 
panel of biomarkers that transform the 
management of this disease. He and 
his team have made major progress, 
but significant work remains.

When you consider the contributions 
made by Dr. Robinson and his team— 
and by teams like his around the world—
the odds are getting better in our battle 
against this debilitating disease.

A major objective of Dr. Robinson’s 
research is to develop novel indicators to 
diagnose rheumatoid arthritis along with 
therapies to treat it. 

Over the past several years, one of Dr. 
Robinson’s tools in this battle has been 
Bio-Rad’s line of multiplex products.  
Bio-Rad is a leader in the application of 
this technology to detect autoimmune 
and other human diseases. 

“Bio-Rad’s products have significantly 
accelerated our work,” says Dr. Rob-
inson. “The Bio-Plex, which we use for 
many of our profiling experiments, has 
allowed us to identify novel biomarkers 
for use in diagnosing RA.” This is critical, 
as autoimmune diseases generally affect 
multiple body systems and produce highly 
divergent and often misleading symptoms, 
making accurate diagnosis a challenge.

For individuals who develop rheumatoid 
arthritis, early intervention may result in 
long-term remission of the disease. As 
a result, there is a great need to identify 
these individuals so that clinicians can 
intervene with the goal of preventing joint 
damage. Dr. Robinson has discovered 
biomarkers that identify patients with very 
early rheumatoid arthritis—even before 
they exhibit overt arthritis symptoms. His 
laboratory has also discovered other bio-
markers that help guide clinicians in their 
selection of therapies that are best suited 
for an individual. This is one example of 
how personalized medicine may evolve 
in the future. 

In addition to his own research, Dr. 
Robinson is helping Bio-Rad’s R&D 
group develop biomarker assays. “We 
are currently validating our candidate 
biomarkers in multiple independent RA 
sample sets,” says Dr. Robinson. “Initial 
results are highly promising.”

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041BRCA2  
 Protein

BrCA2

When dna  
needs to be repaired.

It’s called BRCA2, the breast cancer type 2 susceptibility protein. Since the discovery  
of the BRCA2 gene in 1994, biochemists have sought to understand how mutations of 
this gene lead to breast and ovarian cancers. While most inheritable forms of cancers 
are associated with mutations in numerous genes, the link between the BRCA2 gene 
and breast and ovarian cancers is unusually direct. Over 50 percent of the hereditary 
forms of these cancers are the result of the mutation of the BRCA2 gene.

b e fo r e  brca2  wa s   
su c c e ssfu l ly   pu r ifi ed,   
af t e r  b e ing   s tud i ed   
fo r  15  y ea r s

However, genes are only the blueprints for 
proteins, providing the code that determines 
how proteins are made. It is the protein that 
performs the various biological functions 
of a cell. A mutation in a gene sometimes 
leads to the production of a mutated protein, 
which often does not function as a normal 
protein should. So when the link between 
the BRCA2 gene and breast and ovarian 
cancers was discovered, researchers began 
in earnest to isolate and purify the BRCA2 
protein to gain a greater understanding of its 
role in both cellular processes and as a pos-
sible target for cancer therapies.

It wasn’t easy; BRCA2 is no ordinary 
protein. It is notorious for its large size, 
instability, and its tendency to fall apart as 
researchers attempt to purify it. Adding 
to these obstacles is the fact that there is 
simply not a lot of it produced by the cell, 
which makes it even more difficult to find. 

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041Dr. Ryan JensenUniversity of California, Davis15 minutesto get results from  Bio-Rad’s  tGX precast gels4years 35Years Bio-Rad has been an   industry leader in the   manufacture and marketing of electrophoresis productsBio-Rad Laboratories

Annual Report 

PAGE     11
YEAr  2010 

Bio-Rad  
 TGX Precast Gels

Understanding the role played by the 
BRCA2 protein in breast and ovarian 
cancers has been the subject of study of 
Dr. Ryan Jensen and his colleagues at the 
University of California, Davis for over six 
years. “BRCA2 has been claimed by many 
to be one of the most difficult proteins to 
purify,” Dr. Jensen says. “However, under-
standing how it functions would allow us 
to make mutations in the protein—the 
same mutations that are found in tumors 
from patients—and then try to understand 
how and why these defective versions of 
the protein are not working properly.”

“BRCA2 is a DNA repair protein,” explains 
Dr. Jensen. “It’s like a sensor that’s con-
stantly checking for any mistakes in the 
DNA. If it finds any, it repairs them.” So if 
the BRCA2 protein is defective and does 
not perform its usual repair function,  

then DNA damage can begin to ac-
cumulate. Eventually DNA (gene) errors 
get translated into proteins that can’t do 
their job. “Ultimately, everything in the 
cell breaks down and either the cell will 
die, or worse, it will learn to adapt and 
become what we call a cancer cell,” 
Dr. Jensen says.

Taking on the challenge of purifying the 
BRCA2 protein, Dr. Jensen and his team  
relied on Bio-Rad’s Mini-PROTEAN® TGX™ 
precast gels to help them monitor the 
purity and abundance of the protein 
throughout the many steps of the separa-
tion process. These gels consistently 
revealed tight, crisp bands corresponding 
to the BRCA2 protein—bands that often 
failed to appear when the process was 
conducted with hand-poured gels, as  
Dr. Jensen had done previously.

“As I was optimizing the purification of 
BRCA2,” notes Dr. Jensen, “the TGX gels 
allowed me track the protein so that as I 
changed conditions for the purification,  
I could see whether the variables I was 
adjusting were improving or detracting 
from the purification. On top of that, the 
gels were extremely easy to use. I have 
never had a TGX gel fail.”

In 2010, Dr. Jensen and his colleagues 
succeeded. They successfully purified this 
unusually large and complex protein. 

With the purified protein in hand, the real 
work of understanding the molecular 
repair process can now begin. And that 
can lead to DNA repair on a much larger, 
more personal level for millions of people 
worldwide.

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041microns,  
the diameter of  
a human hair

million,  
people worldwide who  
have diabetes 

years that bio-rad  
has provided chromatography  
media used for purification

dIABETEs

purely supportive.

Based in China, Dongyangguang Group is a manufacturer of chemical and 
biopharmaceutical drugs for markets throughout the world. One of its products,  
a diabetes drug, required nothing less than 100 percent purity before it could  
be released commercially. So they turned to Bio-Rad for help. 

Drugs that are administered intravenously, 
such as Dongyangguang Group’s drug, 
have the potential to interact with various 
biological systems in the human body. 
Therefore, any impurities in a drug have 
the potential to cause unwanted side 
effects, such as allergic reactions—or 
worse. For this reason, pharmaceutical 
companies go to great lengths to ensure 
that medications they produce are pure 
and safe for human use. 

The challenge for companies such as 
Dongyangguang Group is how to purify 
their drugs and make the process as  
efficient as possible. 

Biopharmaceutical drugs are created 
or “manufactured,” in a biological “host” 
organism such as a human cell, plant 
cell, or bacteria. Once the protein of 
interest—the drug—is produced, it is 
removed from its host cell and under-
goes a purification process to remove 
any materials that are tagging along. 
By the end of this process, all that 
should remain is the protein of interest, 
which is later administered to a human 
as medication.

To purify their drug, Dongyangguang 
Group uses a Bio-Rad process chroma-
tography system, at the heart of which 
are the “media” or extremely small 

1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404145    MICRONS,                       size of a single                        chromatography particle120 220 50  
Bio-Rad Laboratories

Annual Report 

PAGE     13
YEAr  2010 

particles—just 45 microns in size—that 
have a surface charge to enable them to 
either attract or repel the drug as it moves 
through the column. By varying the pH and 
salt concentration of the buffer solution, 
the protein of interest is isolated from any 
unwanted contaminates. To achieve the 
level of drug purity required, this purification 
process may, in fact, take several chroma-
tography steps.

Bio-Rad’s solution not only helped remove 
impurities from the proteins, it also in-
creased the amount of protein—now in its 
pure form—flowing out of the chromatog-
raphy column by the end of the purifica-
tion process. As an extra bonus, since  

the Bio-Rad resins are recoverable,  
Dongyangguang Group was able to 
reuse them 30 times before they were 
considered spent, a 200 percent in-
crease over their previous method, and 
an obvious source of efficiencies and 
cost savings for the company.

By working closely with Bio-Rad and 
its innovative solution, Dongyangguang 
Group was able to resolve a technical 
challenge in removing impurities from its 
product, while significantly reducing its 
operating costs. 

All of which added up to the highest  
performance possible.

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041THE BusINEss Of BIO-rAd

bio-rad laboratories has played a leading role 
in the advancement of scientific discovery for 
nearly 60 years by providing a broad range of 
innovative tools and services to the life science 
research and clinical diagnostics markets.

Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad has a global team of more than 6,800 employees and serves more 

than 100,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. 

Throughout its existence, Bio-Rad has built strong customer relationships that advance scientific 

research and development efforts and support the introduction of new technology used in the 

growing fields of genomics, proteomics, drug discovery, food safety, medical diagnostics, and more.

L I f E   s C I E N C E s

C L I N I C A L   d I A G N O s T I C s

Bio-Rad’s Life Science Group develops, 

The Clinical Diagnostics Group develops, 

manufactures, and markets a wide range 

manufactures, sells, and supports a 

of laboratory instruments, apparatus, 

large portfolio of products for medical 

and consumables used for research in 

screening and diagnostics. Bio-Rad is a 

functional genomics, proteomics, and 

leading specialty diagnostics company 

food safety. The group ranks among the 

and its products are recognized as the 

top five life science companies world-

gold standard for diabetes monitoring 

wide, and maintains a solid reputation for 

and quality control (QC) systems. The 

quality, innovation, and a longstanding 

company is also well known for its blood 

focus on the success of its customers. 

virus testing and detection, blood typing, 

Bio-Rad’s life science products are based 

autoimmune and genetic disorders testing, 

on technologies used to separate, purify, 

and internet-based software products. 

identify, analyze, and amplify biological 

Bio-Rad’s clinical diagnostics products 

materials such as proteins and nucleic 

incorporate a broad range of technologies 

acids. These technologies include elec-

used to detect, identify, and quantify 

trophoresis, imaging, multiplex immuno-

substances in bodily fluids and tissues. 

assay, chromatography, microbiology, 

The results are used as aids to support 

bioinformatics, protein function analysis, 

medical diagnosis, detection, evaluation, 

transfection, amplification, and real-time 

and the monitoring and treatment of 

PCR. Bio-Rad products support researchers 

diseases and other medical conditions.

in laboratories throughout the world.

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041Bio-Rad Laboratories

Annual Report 

PAGE     15
YEAr  2010 

2010 fINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTs

f i v e - y e a r   r e C o r D

( i n   m i l l i o n S ,   e x C e P t   f o r   r e t u r n   o n   S a l e S   
a n D   P e r   S h a r e   D ata )

Net Sales 

Gross Profit 

R&D Expense 
Net Income Attributable to Bio-Rad 
Return On Sales 
Book Value Per Share 
Basic Earnings Per Share 
Cash Flow from Operations 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009 

2010

$  1,273.9 

$ 

712.5 

$  123.4(1) 

$ 

103.3 

8.1% 

30.92 

3.92 

118.2 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$  1,461.1 

$  791.4 

$  140.5(1) 

$ 

93.0 

6.4% 

 36.12 

3.48 

$ 

$ 

$  191.6 

$  1,764.4 

$  1,784.2 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

962.5 

159.5 

89.5 

5.1% 

38.11 

3.30 

191.4 

$ 

$ 

$ 

 $ 

$ 

 $ 

999.8 

163.6 

144.6 

8.1% 

45.76 

5.28 

325.1 

$	 1,927.1

$	 1,091.5

$	

$	

172.3

185.5

9.6%

 $	

55.17

$	

$	

6.70

225.9

1. exCluDeS $7.7 million anD $4.1 million of PurChaSeD r&D in 2007 anD 2006, reSPeCtively

2010 SaleS By region

net SaleS
  ( i n   m i l l i o n S )

CaSh flow   
from oPerationS
  ( i n   m i l l i o n S )

1

.

7
2
9

,

1
$

2

.

4
8
7

,

1
$

4

.

4
6
7

,

1
$

1

.

1
6
4

,

1
$

9

.

3
7
2

,

1
$

1

.

5
2
3
$

9

.

5
2
2
$

6

.

1
9
1
$

4

.

1
9
1
$

2

.

8
1
1
$

44%
Europe

18%
Pacific
 rim

38%
Americas

B a S i C   e a r n i n g S 
P e r   S h a r e

0
7

.

6
$

8
2

.

5
$

2
9

.

3
$

8
4

.

3
$

0
3

.

3
$

06   07   08   09   10

06  07  08  09  10

06  07  08  09  10

123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940411234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIO-rAd sALEs HIsTOrY

$1.93 Billion

1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404119591965197019751980198519901995200020052010$1.2 billion$1.1 billion$1.3 billion$1.5 billion$1.6 billion$1.7 billion$1.8 billion$1.9 billion$1.4 billion$1 billion$900 million$800 million$700 million$600 million$500 million$300 million$200 million$100 million$400 millionUNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C.  20549 
FORM 10-K 

    X 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the year ended December 31, 2010 
OR 

 For the transition period from 

to 

Commission file number 1-7928 

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

1000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, California 

(Address of principal executive offices) 

94-1381833 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

94547 

(Zip Code) 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code 

(510) 724-7000  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of Each Class 

Class A Common Stock Par Value $0.0001 per share 

Class B Common Stock Par Value $0.0001 per share 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  NONE 

Name of Each Exchange 
on Which Registered 

New York Stock Exchange 

New York Stock Exchange 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. 

[ X ]    Yes 

[    ]    No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. 

[    ]     Yes 

[ X ]   No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

[ X ]    Yes 

[    ]    No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File 
required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to submit and post such files). 

[ X ]    Yes 

[    ]    No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, 
to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or 
any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ X  ] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. 
See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated file     

[ X ] 
[     ] 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

Accelerated filer 
Smaller reporting company  

[    ] 
[    ] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  

[ X ]   No 
As of June 30, 2010, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the  
Registrant’s Class A Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $1,631,417,539 and the aggregate market value of the registrant’s 
Class B Common Stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $39,684,790. 

[    ]     Yes 

As of February 15, 2011, there were 22,707,800 shares of Class A Common Stock and 5,172,343 of Class B Common Stock outstanding. 

(1)  Definitive Proxy Statement to be mailed to stockholders in connection with the 
registrant's 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (specified portions) 

Documents Incorporated by Reference 

Document 

                                        III 

Form 10-K Parts  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Form 10-K December 31, 2010 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Part I. 

Item 1.  Business 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments 

Item 2.  Properties 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings 

Part II. 

Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters And Issuer Purchases Of Equity Securities 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

Item 8. Financial Statements And Supplementary Data 

Item 9. Changes And Disagreements With Accountants On Accounting And Financial Disclosure 

Item 9A. Controls And Procedures 

Item 9B. Other Information 

Part III. 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers And Corporate Governance 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

Item 12. Security Ownership Of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters 

Item 13. Certain Relationships And Related Transactions, And Director Independence 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees And Services 

Part IV. 

Item 15. Exhibits And Financial Statement Schedules 

Signatures 

3 

3 

6 

14 

14 

15 

16 

16 

18 

19 

29 

30 

67 

67 

72 

72 

72 

72 

73 

73 

73 

74 

74 

75 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
PART I.   

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS 

General 

Founded in 1952 and incorporated in 1957, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (referred to in this report as “Bio-Rad,” 
“we,” “us,” and “our”) was initially engaged in the development and production of specialty chemicals used in 
biochemical, pharmaceutical and other life science research applications.  We entered the field of clinical 
diagnostics with the development of our first test kit based on separation techniques and materials developed for 
life science research.  Through internal research and development efforts and acquisitions we have expanded 
into various markets.  Today, Bio-Rad manufactures and supplies the life science research, healthcare, analytical 
chemistry and other markets with a broad range of products and systems used to separate complex chemical and 
biological materials and to identify, analyze and purify their components. 

As we broadened our product lines, we also expanded our geographical market.  We have distribution channels 
in over 30 countries outside the United States through subsidiaries whose focus is customer service and product 
distribution. 

Description of Business  

Business Segments 

Today, Bio-Rad operates in two industry segments designated as Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics.  Both 
segments operate worldwide.  Our Life Science segment and our Clinical Diagnostics segment generated 34% 
and 66%, respectively, of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2010. We generated approximately 
31% of our consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2010 from U.S. sales and approximately 
69% from sales in our remaining worldwide markets. 

For a description of business and financial information on industry and geographic segments, see Note 13 on 
pages 63 through 66 of Item 8 of Part II of this report. 

Life Science Segment 

Our Life Science segment is at the forefront of discovery, creating advanced tools to answer complex biological 
questions.  We are a market leader in our industry, developing, manufacturing and marketing a range of more 
than 5,000 reagents, apparatus and laboratory instruments that serve a global customer base.  Many of our 
products are used in established research techniques, biopharmaceutical production processes and food testing 
regimes.  These techniques are typically used to separate, purify and identify biological materials such as 
proteins, nucleic acids and bacteria within a laboratory or production setting.  We focus on selected segments of 
the life sciences market in proteomics (the study of proteins), genomics (the study of genes), biopharmaceutical 
production, cell biology and food safety.  We estimate that the worldwide market for products in these selected 
segments is approximately $5.0 billion. Our principal life science customers include universities and medical 
schools, industrial research organizations, government agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology 
researchers, food producers and food testing laboratories. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clinical Diagnostics Segment 

Our Clinical Diagnostics segment designs, manufactures, sells and supports test systems, informatics systems, 
test kits and specialized quality controls that serve clinical laboratories in the global diagnostics market.  Our 
products currently address specific niches within the in vitro diagnostics (“IVD”) test market, and we focus on 
the higher margin, higher growth segments of this market. 

We supply more than 3,000 different products that cover more than 300 clinical diagnostic tests to the IVD test 
market. We estimate that the worldwide sales for products in the markets we serve were approximately 
$10.0 billion. IVD tests are conducted outside the human body and are used to identify and measure substances 
in a patient’s tissue, blood or urine. Our products consist of reagents, instruments and software, typically 
provided to our customers as an integrated package to allow them to generate reproducible test results. Revenue 
in this business is highly recurring, as laboratories typically standardize test methodologies, which are 
dependent on a particular supplier’s reagents and consumable products. An installed base of diagnostic test 
systems creates an ongoing source of revenue through the sale of test kits for each sample analyzed on an 
installed system.  Our principal clinical diagnostic customers include hospital laboratories, reference 
laboratories, transfusion laboratories and physician office laboratories. 

Raw Materials and Components 

We utilize a wide variety of chemicals, biological materials, electronic components, machined metal parts, 
optical parts, minicomputers and peripheral devices.  Most of these materials and components are available from 
numerous sources and we have not experienced difficulty in securing adequate supplies. 

Patents and Trademarks 

We own numerous U.S. and international patents and patent licenses.  We believe, however, that our ability to 
develop and manufacture our products depends primarily on our knowledge, technology and special skills.  We 
pay royalties on the sales of certain products under several patent license agreements.  We view these patents 
and license agreements as valuable assets. 

Seasonal Operations and Backlog 

Our business is not inherently seasonal.  However, the European custom of concentrating vacation during the 
summer months usually tempers third quarter sales volume and operating income. 

For the most part, we operate in markets characterized by short lead times and the absence of significant 
backlogs.  Management has concluded that backlog information is not material to our business as a whole. 

Sales and Marketing 

We conduct our worldwide operations through an extensive direct sales force and service network, employing 
more than 1,000 sales and service people around the world. Our sales force typically consists of experienced 
industry practitioners with scientific training, and we maintain a separate specialist sales force for each of our 
segments. Our direct sales approach contrasts with the distributor approach used by some of our competitors, 
allowing us to sell a broader range of our products and have more direct contact with our customers. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our customer base is broad and diversified. Our worldwide customer base includes (1) prominent university 
and research institutions affiliated with more than 100,000 scientists in the U.S. alone; (2) hospital, public health 
and commercial laboratories; (3) other leading diagnostic manufacturers; and (4) leading companies in the 
biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries.  In 2010, no single customer accounted for more 
than two percent of our total net sales.  Our sales are affected by certain external factors.  For example, a number 
of our customers, particularly in the Life Science segment, are substantially dependent on government grants 
and research contracts for their funding.  A significant reduction of government funding would have a 
detrimental effect on the results of this segment. 

Most of our international sales are generated by our wholly-owned subsidiaries and their branch offices.  Certain 
of these subsidiaries also have manufacturing facilities.  Bio-Rad’s international operations are subject to certain 
risks common to foreign operations in general, such as changes in governmental regulations, import restrictions 
and foreign exchange fluctuations.  However, our international operations are principally in developed nations, 
which we regard as presenting no significantly greater risks to our operations than are present in the United 
States. 

Competition 

The markets served by our product groups are highly competitive.  Our competitors range in size from start-ups 
to large multinational corporations with significant resources and reach.  Reliable independent information on 
sales and market share of products produced by our competitors is not generally available. We believe, however, 
based on our own estimates, no one company is so dominant that it prevents other companies, including Bio-
Rad, from competing effectively.  We compete mainly in market segments where our products and technology 
offer customers specific advantages over the competition. 

Because of the breadth of its product lines, the Life Science segment does not face the same competitors for all 
of its products.  Competitors in this market include GE Biosciences, Life Technologies, Millipore and Thermo 
Fisher Scientific.  We compete primarily based on meeting performance specifications. 

Major competitors in the Clinical Diagnostics segment include Roche, Abbott Laboratories (Diagnostic 
Division), Siemens Medical Diagnostics Solutions, Beckman Coulter, Becton-Dickinson, bioMérieux, Ortho 
Clinical Diagnostics, Tosoh, Immucor, Cepheid, and DiaSorin. 

Research and Development 

We conduct extensive research and development activities in all areas of our business, employing approximately 
780 people worldwide in these activities.  Research and development have played a major role in Bio-Rad's 
growth and are expected to continue to do so in the future.  Our research teams are continuously developing new 
products and new applications for existing products.  In our development of new products and applications, we 
interact with scientific and medical professionals at universities, hospitals and medical schools, and in the 
industry.  We spent approximately $172.3 million, $163.6 million and $159.5 million on research and 
development activities during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. 

Regulatory Matters 

The manufacturing, marketing and labeling of certain of our products (primarily diagnostic products) are subject 
to regulation in the United States by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the United States Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA) and in other jurisdictions by state and foreign government authorities.  FDA 
regulations require that some new products have pre-marketing approval by the FDA and require certain 
products to be manufactured in accordance with “good manufacturing practices,” to be extensively tested and to 
be properly labeled to disclose test results and performance claims and limitations. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As a multinational manufacturer and distributor of sophisticated instrumentation equipment, we must meet a 
wide array of electromagnetic compatibility and safety compliance requirements to satisfy regulations in the 
United States, the European Community and other jurisdictions.   

Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations that govern 
such activities as transportation of goods, emissions to air and discharges to water, as well as handling and 
disposal practices for solid, hazardous and medical wastes.  In addition to environmental laws that regulate our 
operations, we are also subject to environmental laws and regulations that create liabilities and clean-up 
responsibility for spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous substances into the environment as a result of 
our operations or otherwise impacting real property that we own or operate.  The environmental laws and 
regulations could also subject us to claims by third parties for damages resulting from any spills, disposals or 
releases resulting from our operations or at any of our properties.  

These regulatory requirements vary widely among countries. 

Employees 

At December 31, 2010, Bio-Rad had approximately 6,880 full-time employees.  Fewer than eight percent of 
Bio-Rad's approximately 2,870 U.S. employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement which will 
expire on November 7, 2012.  Many of Bio-Rad's non-U.S. full-time employees, especially in France, are 
covered by collective bargaining agreements.  We consider our employee relations in general to be good. 

Available Information 

Bio-Rad files annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The public may read and copy 
any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, 
DC 20549.  The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the 
SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  Also, the SEC maintains an Internet website that contains reports, proxy and 
information statements, and other information regarding issuers, including Bio-Rad, that file electronically with 
the SEC.  The public can obtain any documents that we file with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. 

Bio-Rad’s website address is www.bio-rad.com.  We make available, free of charge through our website, our 
Form 10-Ks, 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and any amendments to these forms, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing 
with the SEC. 

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS   

The following risk factors should be read carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-
looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  We believe that any of the following risks 
could have a material affect on our business, operations, industry, financial position or our future financial 
performance.  While we believe that we have identified and discussed below the key risk factors affecting our 
business, there may be additional risks and uncertainties that are not presently known or that are not currently 
believed to be significant that may adversely affect our business, operations, industry, financial position and 
financial performance in the future. 

The ongoing investigation by our Audit Committee and by government agencies of possible violations by 
us of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar laws could have a material adverse 
effect on our business. 

Based on an internal review, we have identified conduct in certain of our overseas operations that may have 
violated the anti-bribery provisions of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and is likely to 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
have violated the FCPA’s books and records and internal controls provisions and our own internal policies.  In 
May 2010, we voluntarily disclosed these matters to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC), which each commenced an investigation.  The Audit Committee of our 
Board of Directors (Audit Committee) has assumed direct responsibility for reviewing these matters and has 
hired experienced independent counsel to conduct an investigation and provide legal advice.  We have provided, 
and intend to continue to provide, additional information to the DOJ and the SEC as the Audit Committee’s 
investigation progresses. 

The Audit Committee’s investigation and the DOJ and SEC investigations are continuing and we are presently 
unable to predict the duration, scope or results of the Audit Committee’s investigation, of the investigations by 
the DOJ or the SEC or whether either agency will commence any legal actions. The DOJ and the SEC have a 
broad range of civil and criminal sanctions under the FCPA and other laws and regulations including, but not 
limited to, injunctive relief, disgorgement, fines, penalties, modifications to business practices including the 
termination or modification of existing business relationships, the imposition of compliance programs and the 
retention of a monitor to oversee compliance with the FCPA.  The imposition of any of these sanctions or 
remedial measures could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our results of operations, cash 
balance and credit ratings.  We have not to date assessed whether any of the activities in question violated the 
laws of the foreign jurisdictions in which they took place. 

We have identified three significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2010 that, when considered and taken together, constitute a material weakness in our 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.  Our failure to establish and maintain 
effective internal control over financial reporting could result in our failure to meet our reporting 
obligations and cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which in turn 
could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline. 

In connection with our Audit Committee’s investigation of our compliance with the FCPA discussed above, our 
management identified three significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2010 that, when considered and taken together, constitute a material weakness in our internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.  A significant deficiency is defined as a deficiency, or 
a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material 
weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of our financial reporting.  
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over 
financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or 
interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 

The three significant deficiencies that we identified are the result of: (i) a number of entity-level control 
deficiencies, including our lack of a comprehensive FCPA policy and training program; our lack of a formal, 
effective disclosure committee to facilitate our compliance with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; 
inadequate policies regarding enterprise-wide risk assessment and management related to doing business in 
high-risk, emerging markets; our failure to perform background checks on certain parties prior to entering into 
material contracts with such parties; our lack of compliance with our existing Code of Business Ethics and 
Conduct in certain countries; and ineffective disclosure of significant exceptions to compliance with company 
policies through our quarterly management sub-certification process; (ii) a number of control deficiencies 
related to our expenditure processes at certain of our international subsidiaries and (iii) a number of control 
deficiencies related to our revenue and accounts receivable process at certain of our international subsidiaries.  
For more information about these three significant deficiencies and the resulting material weakness in our 
internal control over financial reporting and the remediation efforts that we have initiated and intend to initiate 
to attempt to remediate these three significant deficiencies and the resulting material weakness, please see Item 
9A (“Controls and Procedures”) in this report. 

7 

 
 
 
 
We cannot assure you that we will be able to remediate these significant deficiencies and the resulting material 
weakness or that additional significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial 
reporting will not be identified in the future.  Any failure to maintain or implement new or improved internal 
controls, or any difficulties that we may encounter in their maintenance or implementation, could result in 
additional significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, result in material misstatements in our financial 
statements and cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, which in turn could cause the trading price of 
our common stock to decline.  Any such failure could also adversely affect the results of our periodic 
management evaluations and annual auditor attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control 
over financial reporting required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

Adverse changes in general domestic and worldwide economic conditions and instability and disruption 
of credit markets could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition or liquidity. 

Recent global market and economic conditions have been unprecedented and challenging with tighter credit 
conditions, slower growth and recession in most major economies. Although signs of recovery may exist, there 
are continued concerns about the systemic impact of inflation, the availability and cost of credit, a declining real 
estate market and geopolitical issues that contribute to increased market volatility and uncertain expectations for 
the global economy. These conditions, combined with declining business activity levels and consumer 
confidence, increased unemployment and volatile oil prices, contributed to unprecedented levels of volatility in 
the capital markets in recent years.  Any additional, continued or recurring disruptions in the capital and credit 
markets may adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

As a result of these market conditions, the cost and availability of credit has been and may continue to be 
adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and wider credit spreads.  Concern about the stability of the markets 
generally and the strength of counterparties specifically has led many lenders and institutional investors to 
reduce, and in some cases, cease to provide credit to businesses and consumers.  These factors have led to a 
decrease in spending by businesses and consumers alike. Our customers and vendors may experience cash flow 
concerns and, as a result, customers may modify, delay or cancel plans to purchase our products and vendors 
may increase their prices, reduce their output or change terms of sales. Additionally, if customers’ or vendors’ 
operating and financial performance deteriorates, or if they are unable to make scheduled payments or obtain 
credit, customers may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, amounts owed to us. 

Vendors may restrict credit or impose less favorable payment terms.  Any inability of current and/or potential 
customers to pay us for our products or any demands by vendors for accelerated payment terms may adversely 
affect our earnings and cash flow.  Additionally, strengthening of the U.S. dollar associated with the global 
financial crisis may adversely affect the results of our international operations when those results are translated 
into U.S. dollars. 

Furthermore, the disruption in the credit markets could impede our access to capital, especially if we are unable 
to maintain our current credit ratings.  Should we have limited access to additional financing sources when 
needed, we may decide to defer capital expenditures or seek other higher cost sources of liquidity, which may or 
may not be available to us on acceptable terms.  Continued turbulence in the U.S. and international markets and 
economies, and prolonged declines in business and consumer spending may adversely affect our liquidity and 
financial condition, and the liquidity and financial condition of our customers, including our ability to refinance 
maturing liabilities and access the capital markets to meet liquidity needs. 

We cannot assure you that we will be able to integrate acquired companies, products or technologies into 
our company successfully, or we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits from the acquisitions. 

As part of our overall business strategy, we pursue acquisitions of and investments in complementary 
companies, products and technologies.  In order to be successful in these activities, we must, among other 
things: 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
assimilate the operations and personnel of acquired companies; 
retain acquired business customers; 

(cid:120) 
(cid:120) 
(cid:120)  minimize potential disruption to our ongoing business; 
retain key technical and management personnel; 
(cid:120) 
integrate acquired companies into our strategic and financial plans; 
(cid:120) 
accurately assess the value of target companies, products and technologies; 
(cid:120) 
comply with new regulatory requirements; 
(cid:120) 
harmonize standards, controls, procedures and policies; 
(cid:120) 
(cid:120)  minimize the impact to our relationships with our employees and customers; and 
(cid:120) 

assess, document and remediate any deficiencies in disclosure controls and procedures and  
internal controls over financial reporting 

The benefits of any acquisition may prove to be less than anticipated and may not outweigh the costs reported in 
our financial statements.  Completing any potential future acquisition could cause significant diversion of our 
management’s time and resources.  If we acquire new companies, products or technologies, we may be required 
to assume contingent liabilities or record impairment charges for goodwill and other intangible assets over time. 
We cannot assure you that we will successfully overcome these risks or any other problems we encounter in 
connection with any acquisitions, and any such acquisitions could adversely affect our business, financial 
position or operating results. 

The industries and market segments in which we operate are highly competitive, and we may not be able 
to compete effectively with larger companies with greater financial resources than we have. 

The life science and clinical diagnostics markets are each highly competitive. Some of our competitors have 
greater financial resources than we do and are less leveraged than we are, making them better equipped to 
license technologies and intellectual property from third parties or to fund research and development, 
manufacturing and marketing efforts. Moreover, competitive and regulatory conditions in many markets in 
which we operate restrict our ability to fully recover, through price increases, higher costs of acquired goods and 
services resulting from inflation and other drivers of cost increases.  Our competitors can be expected to 
continue to improve the design and performance of their products and to introduce new products with 
competitive price and performance characteristics. Maintaining these advantages will require us to continue to 
invest in research and development, sales and marketing and customer service and support.  We cannot assure 
you that we will have sufficient resources to continue to make such investments or that we will be successful in 
maintaining such advantages. 

We have significant international operations which subject us to various risks such as general economic 
and market conditions in the countries in which we operate. 

A significant portion of our sales are made outside of the United States. Our foreign subsidiaries generated 69% 
of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Our international operations are subject to risks 
common to foreign operations, such as general economic and market conditions in the countries in which we 
operate, changes in governmental regulations, political instability, import restrictions and currency exchange 
rate risks.  We cannot assure you that shifts in currency exchange rates, especially significant strengthening of 
the U.S. dollar compared to the Euro, will not have a material adverse effect on our operating results and 
financial condition. 

We are dependent on government funding and the capital spending programs of our customers, and the 
effect of healthcare reform on government funding and our customers’ ability to purchase our products is 
uncertain. 

Our customers include universities, clinical diagnostics laboratories, government agencies, hospitals and 
pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical companies.  The capital spending programs of these institutions 
and companies have a significant effect on the demand for our products.  Such policies are based on a wide 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
variety of factors, including the resources available to make such purchases, the availability of funding from 
grants by governments or government agencies, the spending priorities among various types of equipment and 
the policies regarding capital expenditures during industry downturns or recessionary periods.  If government 
funding to our customers were to decrease, or if our customers were to decrease or reallocate their budgets in a 
manner adverse to us, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely 
affected. 

Healthcare reform and the growth of managed care organizations have been and continue to be significant 
factors in the clinical diagnostics market.  The trend towards managed care, together with healthcare reform of 
the delivery system in the United States and efforts to reform in Europe, has resulted in increased pressure on 
healthcare providers and other participants in the healthcare industry to reduce costs.  Consolidation among 
healthcare providers has resulted in fewer, more powerful groups, whose purchasing power gives them cost 
containment leverage.  These competitive forces place constraints on the levels of overall pricing, and thus could 
have a material adverse effect on our profit margins for products we sell in clinical diagnostics markets.  To the 
extent that the healthcare industry seeks to address the need to contain costs by limiting the number of clinical 
tests being performed, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.  If these changes in 
the healthcare markets in the United States and Europe continue, we could be forced to alter our approach in 
selling, marketing, distributing and servicing our products. 

Our failure to improve our product offerings and develop and introduce new products may negatively 
impact our business. 

Our future success depends on our ability to continue to improve our product offerings and develop and 
introduce new product lines and extensions that integrate new technological advances.  If we are unable to 
integrate technological advances into our product offerings or to design, develop, manufacture and market new 
product lines and extensions successfully and in a timely manner, our operating results will be adversely 
affected.  We cannot assure you that our product and process development efforts will be successful or that new 
products we introduce will achieve market acceptance. 

If we experience a disruption of our information technology systems, or if we fail to successfully 
implement, manage and integrate our information technology and reporting systems, it could harm our 
business. 

Our information technology (IT) systems are an integral part of our business, and a serious disruption of our IT 
systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.  We depend on our IT 
systems to process orders, manage inventory and collect accounts receivable.  Our IT systems also allow us to 
efficiently purchase products from our suppliers and ship products to our customers on a timely basis, maintain 
cost-effective operations and provide customer service.  We cannot assure you that our contingency plans will 
allow us to operate at our current level of efficiency. 

Our ability to implement our business plan in a rapidly evolving market requires effective planning, reporting 
and analytical processes.  We expect that we will need to continue to improve and further integrate our IT 
systems, reporting systems and operating procedures by training and educating our employees with respect to 
these improvements and integrations on an ongoing basis in order to effectively run our business.  If we fail to 
successfully manage and integrate our IT systems, reporting systems and operating procedures, it could 
adversely affect our business or operating results. 

Risks relating to intellectual property rights may negatively impact our business. 

We rely on a combination of copyright, trade secret, patent and trademark laws and third-party nondisclosure 
agreements to protect our intellectual property rights and products.  However, we cannot assure you that our 
intellectual property rights will not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented or rendered unenforceable, or that 
meaningful protection or adequate remedies will be available to us.  For instance, it may be possible for 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
unauthorized third parties to copy our intellectual property, to reverse engineer or obtain and use information 
that we regard as proprietary, or to develop equivalent technologies independently.  Additionally, third parties 
may assert patent, copyright and other intellectual property rights to technologies that are important to us. If we 
are unable to license or otherwise access protected technology used in our products, or if we lose our rights 
under any existing licenses, we could be prohibited from manufacturing and marketing such products.  We may 
find it necessary to enforce our patents or other intellectual property rights or to defend ourselves against 
claimed infringement of the rights of others through litigation, which could result in substantial costs to us and 
divert our resources.  We also could incur substantial costs to redesign our products, to defend any legal action 
taken against us or to pay damages to an infringed party.  The foregoing matters could adversely impact our 
business. 

We are subject to substantial government regulation. 

Some of our products (primarily diagnostic products), production processes and marketing are subject to federal, 
state, local and foreign regulation, including the FDA and its foreign counterparts.  We are also subject to 
government regulation of the use and handling of a number of materials and controlled substances.  Failure to 
comply with present or future regulations could result in substantial liability to us, suspension or cessation of 
our operations, restrictions on our ability to expand at our present locations or require us to make significant 
capital expenditures or incur other significant expenses. 

We are currently subject to environmental regulations and enforcement proceedings. 

Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations that govern 
such activities as transportation of goods, emissions to air and discharges to water, as well as handling and 
disposal practices for solid, hazardous and medical wastes.  In addition to environmental laws that regulate our 
operations, we are also subject to environmental laws and regulations that create liability and clean-up 
responsibility for spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous substances into the environment as a result of 
our operations or otherwise impacting real property that we own or operate.  The environmental laws and 
regulations also subject us to claims by third parties for damages resulting from any spills, disposals or releases 
resulting from our operations or at any of our properties. 

We may in the future incur capital and operating costs to comply with currently existing laws and regulations, 
and possible new statutory enactments, and these expenditures may be significant.  We have incurred, and may 
in the future incur, fines related to environmental matters and liability for costs or damages related to spills or 
other releases of hazardous substances into the environment at sites where we have operated, or at off-site 
locations where we have sent hazardous substances for disposal.  We can provide no assurance, however, that 
such matters or any future obligations to comply with environmental laws and regulations will not have a 
material impact on our operations or financial condition. 

Loss of key personnel could hurt our business. 

Our products and services are highly technical in nature. In general, only highly qualified and trained scientists 
have the necessary skills to develop and market our products and provide our services. In addition, some of our 
manufacturing positions are highly technical.  We face intense competition for these professionals from our 
competitors, customers, marketing partners and other companies throughout our industry.  We generally do not 
enter into employment agreements requiring these employees to continue in our employment for any period of 
time.  Any failure on our part to hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel could 
substantially damage our business.  Additionally, if we were to lose a sufficient number of our research and 
development scientists and were unable to replace them or satisfy our needs for research and development 
through outsourcing, it could adversely affect our business. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A significant majority of our voting stock is held by the Schwartz family, which could lead to conflicts of 
interest. 

We have two classes of voting stock, Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. With a few 
exceptions, holders of Class A and Class B Common Stock vote as a single class.  When voting as a single class, 
each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one-tenth of a vote, while each share of Class B Common 
Stock has one vote.  In the election or removal of directors, the classes vote separately and the holders of Class 
A Common Stock are entitled to elect 25% of the Board of Directors, with holders of Class B Common Stock 
electing the remaining directors. 

As of February 15, 2011, the Schwartz family collectively held approximately 16% of our Class A Common 
Stock and 90% of our Class B Common Stock.  As a result, the Schwartz family is able to elect a majority of the 
directors, effect fundamental changes in our direction and control matters affecting us, including the allocation 
of business opportunities that may be suitable for our company.  In addition, this concentration of ownership 
and voting power may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company.  

The Schwartz family may exercise its control over us according to interests that are different from other 
investors’ or debtors’ interests. 

Our business could be adversely impacted if we have deficiencies in our disclosure controls and 
procedures or internal control over financial reporting. 

The design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial 
reporting may not prevent all errors, misstatements or misrepresentations.  We cannot assure you that our 
disclosure controls and procedures over internal control of financial reporting will be effective in accomplishing 
all control objectives all of the time. Deficiencies, particularly a material weakness in internal control over 
financial reporting, which may occur in the future could result in misstatements of our results of operations, 
restatements of our financial statements, a decline in our stock price, or otherwise materially adversely affect our 
business, reputation, results of operation, financial condition or liquidity. 

Natural disasters, terrorist attacks or acts of war may cause damage or disruption to us and our 
employees, facilities, information systems, security systems, vendors and customers, which could 
significantly impact our net sales, costs and expenses, and financial condition. 

We have significant manufacturing and distribution facilities, particularly in the western United States, France 
and Switzerland.  In particular, the western United States has experienced a number of earthquakes, wildfires, 
floods, landslides and other natural disasters in recent years.  The occurrences could damage or destroy our 
facilities which may result in interruptions to our business and losses that exceed our insurance coverage.  
Terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001, have contributed to economic instability in 
the United States, and further acts of terrorism, bioterrorism, violence or war could affect the markets in which 
we operate, our business operations, our expectations and other forward-looking statements contained or 
incorporated in this document.  Any of these events could cause a decrease in our revenue, earnings and cash 
flows. 

We may incur losses in future periods due to write-downs in the value of financial instruments. 

We have positions in a variety of financial instruments including asset backed securities and other similar 
instruments. Financial markets are quite volatile and the markets for these securities can be illiquid.  The value 
of these securities will continue to be impacted by external market factors including default rates, changes in the 
value of the underlying property, such as residential or commercial real estate, rating agency actions, the prices 
at which observable market transactions occur and the financial strength of various entities, such as 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 financial guarantors who provide insurance for the securities.  Should we need to convert these positions to 
cash, we may not be able to sell these instruments without significant losses due to current debtor financial 
conditions or other market considerations. 

We have substantial debt and have the ability to incur additional debt.  The principal and interest  
payment obligations of such debt may restrict our future operations and impair our ability to meet  
our obligations under our notes. 

As of December 31, 2010 we and our subsidiaries have approximately $964.3 million of outstanding 
indebtedness.  In addition, we are permitted to incur additional debt provided we comply with the limitation on 
the incurrence of additional indebtedness and disqualified capital stock covenants contained in the indenture 
governing our Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016 (8.0% Notes).  

The following chart shows certain important credit statistics. 

(cid:3)

Total debt 
Bio-Rad’s stockholders’ equity   
Debt to equity ratio 

At December 31, 2010 
(in millions) 

$  
964.3   
$   1,536.7   
0.6   

Our incurrence of substantial amounts of debt may have important consequences.  For instance, it could:  

(cid:120)  make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including those relating to our  

(cid:120) 

outstanding notes; 
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of  
interest and principal due under our debt, including our outstanding notes, which will reduce funds  
available for other business purposes; 
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; 
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industries in  

(cid:120) 
(cid:120) 
  which we operate; 
(cid:120)  place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with some of our competitors that have less debt; 

(cid:120) 

and  
limit our ability to obtain additional financing required to fund working capital and capital  
expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. 

Our ability to satisfy our obligations and to reduce our total debt depends on our future operating performance 
and on economic, financial, competitive and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.  Our business 
may not generate sufficient cash flow, and future financings may not be available to provide sufficient net 
proceeds, to meet these obligations or to successfully execute our business strategy. 

Our existing credit facility, the indenture governing our 8.0% Notes and the terms of our other debt instruments, 
including agreements we may enter in the future, contain or will contain covenants imposing significant 
restrictions on our business.  These restrictions may affect our ability to operate our business and may limit our 
ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise.  These covenants place restrictions on 
our ability to, among other things: 

incur additional debt; 

(cid:120) 
(cid:120)  acquire other businesses or assets through merger or purchase; 
(cid:120)  create liens; 
(cid:120)  make investments; 

13 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(cid:120)  enter into transactions with affiliates; 
(cid:120)  sell assets; 
(cid:120) 
(cid:120)  declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to 

in the case of some of our subsidiaries, guarantee debt; and 

stockholders. 

Our existing credit facility also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, 
including a maximum consolidated leverage ratio test, minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio test and a 
minimum net worth test. 

Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing 
economic, financial and industry conditions.  The breach of any of these restrictions could result in a default.  
An event of default under our debt agreements would permit some of our lenders to declare all amounts 
borrowed from them to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest.  If we were unable to 
repay debt to our senior secured lenders, these lenders could proceed against the collateral securing that debt.  
The collateral is substantially all of our personal property assets, the assets of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% 
of the capital stock of certain of our foreign subsidiaries.  In addition, acceleration of our other indebtedness 
may cause us to be unable to make interest payments on our outstanding notes and repay the principal amount of 
our outstanding notes or may cause the future subsidiary guarantors, if any, to be unable to make payments 
under the guarantees. 

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 
None. 

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES 

We own our corporate headquarters located in Hercules, California.  The principal manufacturing and research 
locations for each segment are as follows: 

Segment 

Location 

Life Science  

Clinical  
Diagnostics 

Richmond, California 
Hercules, California 
Singapore 
Shanghai, China 

Hercules, California 
Benicia, California 
Irvine, California 
Greater Seattle area, Washington 
Plano, Texas 
Lille, France 
Greater Paris area, France 
Nazareth-Eke, Belgium 
Cressier, Switzerland 
Dreieich, Germany 

14 

Owned/Leased 

Owned/Leased 
Owned/Leased 
Leased 
Leased 

Owned/Leased 
Leased 
Leased 
Owned/Leased 
Leased 
Owned 
Leased 
Leased 
Owned/Leased 
Owned/Leased 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Most manufacturing and research facilities also house administration, sales and distribution activities.  In 
addition, we lease office and warehouse facilities in a variety of locations around the world.  The facilities are 
used principally for sales, service, distribution and administration for both segments. 

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS   

Based on an internal review, we have identified conduct in certain of our overseas operations that may have 
violated the anti-bribery provisions of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and is likely to 
have violated the FCPA’s books and records and internal controls provisions and our own internal policies.  In 
May 2010, we voluntarily disclosed these matters to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC), which each commenced an investigation.  The Audit Committee of our 
Board of Directors (Audit Committee) has assumed direct responsibility for reviewing these matters and has 
hired experienced independent counsel to conduct an investigation and provide legal advice.  We have provided, 
and intend to continue to provide, additional information to the DOJ and the SEC as the Audit Committee’s 
investigation progresses. 

The Audit Committee’s investigation and the DOJ and SEC investigations are continuing and we are presently 
unable to predict the duration, scope or results of the Audit Committee’s investigation, of the investigations by 
the DOJ or the SEC or whether either agency will commence any legal actions.  The DOJ and the SEC have a 
broad range of civil and criminal sanctions under the FCPA and other laws and regulations including, but not 
limited to, injunctive relief, disgorgement, fines, penalties, modifications to business practices including the 
termination or modification of existing business relationships, the imposition of compliance programs and the 
retention of a monitor to oversee compliance with the FCPA.  We are unable to estimate the outcome of this 
matter, however, the imposition of any of these sanctions or remedial measures could have a material adverse 
effect on our business or financial condition.  We have not to date assessed whether any of the activities in 
question violated the laws of the foreign jurisdictions in which they took place. 

In addition, we are party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of 
business.  We do not believe, at this time, that any ultimate liability resulting from any of these other matters 
will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.  However, we 
cannot give any assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of these other matters and their resolution could be 
material to our operating results for any particular period, depending on the level of income for the period. 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II.   

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER  
  MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES  

Information Concerning Common Stock  

Bio-Rad’s Class A and Class B Common Stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbols 
BIO and BIO.B, respectively.  The following sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low intraday 
sales prices for our Class A and Class B Common Stock. 

2010 
Fourth Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Second Quarter 
First Quarter 

2009 
Fourth Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Second Quarter 
First Quarter 

Class A 

Class B 

High 

Low 

High 

Low 

 $ 105.60 
   93.36 
   113.68 
   104.44 

 $ 100.99 
   96.20 
   80.61 
   75.60 

$ 89.02   $ 104.57 
  80.00    
92.72 
  85.57     112.94 
  89.82     103.14 

$ 88.16  $  100.00 
94.98 
  68.90    
80.20 
  63.31    
74.37 
  51.33    

 $ 89.82 
   83.82 
   87.25 
   90.00 

 $ 88.69 
   69.34 
   66.25 
   52.04 

On February 15, 2011, we had 366 holders of record of Class A Common Stock and 161 holders of record of 
Class B Common Stock.  Bio-Rad has never paid a cash dividend and has no present plans to pay cash 
dividends.  

See Item 12 for the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and for securities 
authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans. 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Performance Graph 

The following graph compares the cumulative stockholder returns over the past five years for our Class A 
Common Stock, the S&P 400 MidCap Index and a selected peer group, assuming $100 invested on December 
31, 2005, and reinvestment of dividends if paid: 

S
R
A
L
L
O
D

200

150

100

50

0

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Bio-Rad

Peer Group(1)

S&P MidCap 400

(1)  The Peer Group consists of the following public companies: Beckman Coulter, Becton Dickinson, Thermo 
Fisher Scientific, Meridian Bioscience, PerkinElmer and Life Technologies.  Companies in our peer group 
reflect our participation in two different markets: life science research products and clinical diagnostics. No 
single public or private company has a comparable mix of products which serve the same markets. In many 
cases, only one division of a peer group company competes in the same market as we do. Collectively, however, 
our peer group reflects products and markets similar to those of Bio-Rad. 

This stock performance graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement 
incorporating by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, and shall not otherwise 
be deemed filed under these Acts. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Selected Financial Data  
(in thousands, except per share data) 

Net sales 

  Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

  Selling, general and administrative expense  

  Research and development expense  

  Purchased in-process research and development expense 

  Impairment losses on goodwill and long-lived assets 

  Interest expense 

  Foreign exchange losses, net  
  Other (income) expense, net (1) 
  Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests 

Provision for income taxes 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 

2010 

2009 

2008 

2007  (2) 

2006 

Year Ended December 31, 

 $ 

1,927,118 

    $  1,784,244 

  $  1,764,365  

  $  1,461,052 

  $  1,273,930 

835,630 

1,091,488 

635,213 

172,266 

-- 

-- 

63,717 

3,884 

(3,875)

220,283 

(33,348)

(1,445)

784,401 

999,843 

601,468 

163,585 

-- 

3,802 

47,024 

5,003 

(6,871)

185,832 

(36,667)

(4,545)

801,843  

962,522  

591,304  

159,518  

--  

28,757  

32,113  

7,634  

353  

142,843  

(44,579) 

(8,754) 

669,690 

791,362 

507,978 

140,535 

7,656  

-- 

31,606 

2,576 

(19,832)

120,843 

(26,548)

(1,301) 

561,394 

712,536 

438,949 

123,376 

4,100 

-- 

32,022 

1,053 

(28,991)

142,027 

(38,764)

-- 

Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 

 $ 

185,490 

    $ 

144,620

    $ 

89,510  

    $ 

92,994 

    $ 

103,263 

Basic earnings per share  

Diluted earnings per share  

 $ 

 $ 

6.70 

    $ 

5.28

    $ 

3.30  

    $ 

3.48 

    $ 

6.59 

    $ 

5.20

    $ 

3.24  

    $ 

3.41 

    $ 

3.92 

3.83 

Cash dividends paid per common share 

  $ 

-- 

    $ 

-- 

    $ 

-- 

    $ 

-- 

   $ 

-- 

Total assets 

  $  3,062,764 

    $  2,535,853 

  $  2,037,264 

    $  1,971,594 

   $  1,596,168 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities 

  $ 

731,100 

    $ 

737,919 

  $  445,979 

    $  441,805 

   $ 

425,625 

(1) 

(2) 

See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for components of Other (income) expense, net.  Included in 2006 is interest and investment income of $22.2 million, and  

gains on sales of investments of $4.7 million.  

Included in 2007 are the fourth quarter operating results of an acquisition.  See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
     
   
     
  
   
 
     
   
     
  
   
 
     
   
     
  
   
 
     
     
     
  
     
     
    
     
  
   
 
    
     
    
  
   
 
     
     
     
  
   
 
     
     
     
  
   
 
     
     
     
  
   
 
     
     
     
 
  
   
 
     
     
     
 
  
   
 
     
    
    
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 
OPERATIONS 

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our consolidated financial 
statements and the accompanying notes which are an integral part of the statements. 

Other than statements of historical fact, statements made in this Annual Report include forward-looking 
statements, such as statements with respect to our future financial performance, operating results, plans and 
objectives that involve risk and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use 
of forward-looking terminology such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” or 
similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions.  Such statements involve risks and 
uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the 
forward-looking statements.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and 
projections about future events.  However, actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated 
depending on a variety of risk factors including among other things: changes in general domestic and worldwide 
economic conditions; our ability to successfully develop and market new products; our reliance on and access to 
necessary intellectual property; our ability to successfully integrate any acquired business; our substantial 
leverage and ability to service our debt; competition in and government regulation of the industries in which we 
operate; and the monetary policies of various countries.  We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-
looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no 
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, 
future events, or otherwise except as required by Federal Securities law. 

Overview.  We are a multinational manufacturer and worldwide distributor of our own life science research and 
clinical diagnostics products.  Our business is organized into two primary segments, Life Science and Clinical 
Diagnostics, with the mission to provide customers with specialized tools needed for biological research and 
clinical diagnostics. 

We sell more than 8,000 products and services to a diverse client base comprised of scientific research, 
healthcare, industry, education and government customers worldwide.  We manufacture and supply our 
customers with a range of reagents, apparatus and equipment to separate complex chemical and biological 
materials and to identify, analyze and purify components.  Because our customers rely on consistency for their 
experiments and test results, we believe that more than 70% of our revenue is considered recurring. 

We continue to build upon our worldwide reputation for quality, innovative products and well-recognized brand 
names within our industry. Our reach is global, as we currently provide products and services to more than 
85,000 customers in 130 countries worldwide.  Approximately 31% of our 2010 consolidated net sales are from 
the United States and approximately 69% are from international locations.  The international sales are largely 
denominated in local currencies such as Euros, Swiss Franc, Japanese Yen, Singapore Dollar and British 
Sterling.  As a result, our consolidated net sales expressed in dollars benefit when the U.S. dollar weakens and 
suffer when the U.S. dollar strengthens. When the U.S. dollar strengthens, we benefit from lower cost of sales 
from our own international manufacturing sites as well as non-U.S. suppliers and from lower international 
operating expenses. 

On January 6, 2010, we acquired certain diagnostic businesses of Biotest AG (Biotest).  This 45 million Euro 
(approximately $64.9 million) acquisition broadened our product offering in the area of immunohematology and 
provided access to the U.S. markets for these products. 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following shows cost of goods sold, gross profit, expense items and net income as a percentage of net sales: 

Net sales 
  Cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 
Selling, general and administrative expense 
Research and development expense 
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009 
100.0 
44.0 
56.0 
33.7 
9.2 
8.1 

2010 
100.0 
43.4 
56.6 
33.0 
8.9 
9.6 

2008 
100.0 
45.4 
54.6 
33.5 
9.0 
5.1 

We intend that the discussions of critical accounting policies and estimates and recent accounting 
pronouncements that follow will assist you in understanding how such principles, estimates and accounting 
pronouncements affect our financial condition and results of operations as well as significant factors that caused 
changes in our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon 
our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles (GAAP).  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires 
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and 
contingencies as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during 
the reporting periods.  We evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis.  We base our estimates on historical 
experience and on other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of 
which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily 
apparent from other sources.  However, future events may cause us to change our assumptions and estimates, 
which may require adjustment.  Actual results could differ from these estimates. We have determined that for 
the periods reported in this Annual Report on Form 10-K the following accounting policies and estimates are 
critical in understanding our financial condition and results of operations. 

Accounting for Income Taxes.  Management is required to make estimates related to our income tax provision in 
each of the jurisdictions in which we operate.  This process involves estimating our current tax exposure 
together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting 
purposes.  These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Management then assesses the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be 
recovered from future taxable income and to the extent management believes that recovery is not likely, a 
valuation allowance must be established.  To the extent management establishes a valuation allowance or 
increases this allowance in a period, an increase to expense within the Provision for income taxes in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income may result. 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position 
will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax 
benefits recognized in the financial statements on a particular tax position are measured based on the largest 
benefit that has a greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.  The amount of unrecognized 
tax benefits is adjusted as appropriate for changes in facts and circumstances, such as significant amendments to 
existing tax law, new regulations or interpretations by the taxing authorities, new information obtained during a 
tax examination, or resolution of an examination.  We recognize both accrued interest and penalties, where 
appropriate, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Significant management judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets 
and liabilities, and any valuation allowance recorded in connection with the deferred tax assets.  We have 
recorded a valuation allowance of $37.0 million and $37.9 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, 
respectively, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of the deferred tax assets, primarily 
consisting of certain foreign net operating losses carried forward.  The valuation allowance is based on 
management’s current estimates of taxable income for the jurisdictions in which we operate and the period over 
which the deferred tax assets will be recoverable.  In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, or 
these estimates are adjusted in future periods, an additional valuation allowance may need to be established 
which would increase the tax provision, lowering income and impacting our financial position.  Should 
realization of these previously reserved deferred tax assets occur, the provision for income taxes may decrease, 
raising income and positively impacting Bio-Rad’s financial position. 

Valuation of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets.  Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of 
net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of acquired businesses.  Goodwill amounts are assigned to 
reporting units at the time of acquisition and are adjusted for any subsequent significant transfers of business 
between reporting units.  We assess the impairment of goodwill annually in the fourth quarter or whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  We perform the 
impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our reporting segments.  The 
goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to 
identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including 
goodwill.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is 
considered not impaired, and the second step of the impairment test is not required.  The second step, if 
required, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that 
goodwill.  The fair value of a reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including 
any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the 
fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit.  If the carrying amount of the 
reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal 
to that excess. 

We use projected discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit.  The discounted 
cash value projected for goodwill may be different from the fair value that would result from an actual 
transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller.  Projections such as discounted cash flow models are 
inherently uncertain and accordingly, actual future cash flows may differ materially from projected cash flows.  
Management judgment is required in developing the assumptions for the discounted cash flow model.  These 
assumptions include revenue growth rates, profit margins, future capital expenditures, working capital needs, 
expected foreign currency rates, discount rates and terminal values.  We estimate future cash flows using current 
and long-term high level strategic financial forecasts.  These forecasts take into account the current economic 
environment.  The discount rates used are compiled using independent sources, current trends in similar 
businesses and other observable market data.  Changes to these rates might result in material changes in the 
valuation and determination of the recoverability of goodwill.  For example, an increase in the discount rate 
used to discount cash flows will decrease the computed fair value.  In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair 
value calculations on the goodwill impairment test, we apply a 10% decrease to the fair value of each reporting 
unit. 

To validate the reasonableness of the reporting unit fair values, we reconcile the aggregate fair values of the 
reporting units to the enterprise market capitalization including an implied control premium.  In performing the 
reconciliation we may, depending on the volatility of the market value of our stock price, use either the stock 
price on the valuation date or the average stock price over a range of dates around the valuation date.  We 
compare the implied control premium to premiums paid in observable recent transactions of comparable 
companies to determine if the fair values of the reporting units are reasonable. 

21 

 
 
 
 
For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets are grouped 
with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of 
the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.  We assess the impairment of long-lived assets (including 
identifiable intangibles) whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not 
be recoverable.  Factors that we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include: 

(cid:120) 
(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

significant under-performance relative to expected, historical or projected future operating results; 
significant changes in the manner of use of the long-lived assets, intangible assets or the strategy 
for our overall business; 
a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise 
disposed of before the end of its previously estimated useful life; and 
significant negative industry, legal, regulatory or economic trends. 

When management determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon 
the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we test for any impairment based on a 
projected undiscounted cash flow method.  Projected future operating results and cash flows of the asset or asset 
group are used to establish the fair value used in evaluating the carrying value of long-lived and intangible 
assets.  We estimate the future cash flows of the long-lived assets using current and long-term financial 
forecasts.  The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted 
cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If this is the case, an 
impairment loss would be recognized.  The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying 
amount exceeds the fair value. 

In 2009 and 2008, our reviews indicated impairment charges of $3.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, 
related to the developed technology intangible assets of certain product lines that were acquired in 2006.  Also 
in 2008, our review indicated an impairment charge of $27.2 million related to goodwill from a 1999 
acquisition.  The goodwill impairment was caused primarily by the continuing decline in the BSE (bovine 
spongiform encephalopathy) product line.  There were no impairment losses recorded in 2010. 

Valuation of Inventories.   We value inventory at the lower of the actual cost to purchase and/or manufacture the 
inventory, or the current estimated realizable value of the inventory.  We review inventory quantities on hand 
and reduce the cost basis of excess and obsolete inventory based primarily on an estimated forecast of product 
demand, production requirements and the quality, efficacy and potency of raw materials.  This review is done on 
a quarterly basis or, if warranted by the circumstances, more frequently.  In addition, our industry is 
characterized by technological change, frequent new product development and product obsolescence that could 
result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand.  Our estimates of future product 
demand may prove to be inaccurate, and if too high, we may have overstated the carrying value of our 
inventory. In the future, if inventory is determined to be overvalued, we would be required to write down the 
value of inventory to market and recognize such costs in our cost of goods sold at the time of such 
determination.  Therefore, although we make efforts to ensure the accuracy of our forecasts of future product 
demand and perform procedures to safeguard overall inventory quality, any significant unanticipated changes in 
demand, technological developments, regulations, storage conditions or other environment factors affecting 
biological materials, could have a significant impact on the value of our inventory and reported results of 
operations. 

Valuation of Investments.   We regularly review our investments for factors that may indicate that a decline in 
the fair value of an investment below its carrying value is other-than-temporary.  Some factors considered in 
evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include our ability and intent to retain 
the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value, the duration and extent to which 
the fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer.  Such reviews are 
inherently uncertain in that the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline further in future 
periods resulting in realized losses. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Warranty Reserves.   We warrant certain equipment against defects in design, materials and workmanship, 
generally for a period of one year.  Upon delivery and on acceptance of that equipment, we establish, as part of 
cost of goods sold, a provision for the expected costs of such warranty repairs based on historical experience, 
specific warranty terms and customer feedback.   A review is performed on a quarterly basis to assess the 
adequacy of our warranty reserve and it is adjusted if necessary.  The warranty reserve is based on actual 
experience and expected future costs to be incurred.  Should realized costs be higher than expected costs, cost of 
goods sold would be lower in the period of estimation and higher when realized. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.   We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses 
resulting from the collectibility of our customer accounts.  The amount of the allowance is determined by 
analyzing known uncollectible accounts, the age of our receivables, economic conditions in the customers’ 
country or industry, historical losses and our customers’ general credit-worthiness.  Amounts later determined 
and specifically identified to be uncollectible are charged or written off against this allowance.  Uncertainty in 
the current economic environment, if prolonged, could result in greater amounts becoming uncollectible in the 
future.  Should the estimates of losses be higher than the actual uncollectible accounts, we would report lower 
profitability when the estimates are made and higher profitability when the receivable is collected. 

Litigation Accruals.   We record as liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets estimated amounts for claims 
that are probable and can be reasonably estimated.  The likelihood of a material change in these estimated 
reserves is dependent on the possible outcome of settlement negotiations, regulatory or judicial review and the 
development of facts and circumstances in extended litigation which could change claims or assessments when 
both the amount and range of loss on some outstanding litigation is uncertain.  We disclose in the footnotes of 
the financial statements when we are unable to make a reasonable estimate of a material liability that could 
result from unfavorable outcomes in litigation.  As events occur, we will assess the potential liability related to 
our pending litigation and revise our estimates.  Such revisions could materially impact our results of operations. 

Corporate Results -- Sales, Gross Margins and Expenses 

Net sales 
Net sales (sales) in 2010 increased 8.0% to $1.93 billion from $1.78 billion in 2009, with Biotest contributing 
approximately $56.1 million to the growth in sales.  Foreign currency had minimal impact on total sales growth. 
Excluding the additional sales from the Biotest acquisition, 2010 sales grew by 4.8% on a currency neutral 
basis.  Currency neutral sales growth, excluding Biotest, was achieved in all regions, but was primarily driven 
by growth in Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and Latin America. 

The Life Science segment sales in 2010 were $648.1 million, an increase of 2.6%, or 2.2% on a currency neutral 
basis, compared to 2009.  Sales growth was primarily attributed to real-time PCR products and a new product 
line TC 10TM  automated cell counter, partially offset by general market weakness, especially in Europe. 
Currency neutral sales growth in the Life Science segment was primarily in Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin 
America and North America, while European sales declined. 

The Clinical Diagnostics segment reported sales in 2010 of $1.27 billion, an increase of 11.0% compared to 
2009, with Biotest contributing approximately 4.9% to the sales growth.  On a currency neutral basis, sales in 
2010 increased 11.3% including Biotest compared to 2009.  Clinical Diagnostics realized growth in its quality 
controls product line and in immunohematology (before the inclusion of Biotest), diabetes and BioPlex® 2200 
instruments and reagents.  Sales growth was primarily in Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe and Latin America, and to 
a lesser extent North America. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our net sales increased by 1.1% in 2009 to $1.78 billion as compared to 2008.  Excluding the impact of foreign 
currency, 2009 sales increased by approximately 5.5% compared to 2008.  Currency neutral sales growth was 
generated primarily in the regions of Asia Pacific, the United States and developing or emerging markets in 
Eastern Europe and Latin America.  DiaMed Holding AG (DiaMed) distributors acquired in late 2008 and early 
2009 also contributed to sales growth. 

The Life Science segment sales decreased 1.9% in 2009 as compared to 2008.  On a currency neutral basis sales 
increased 0.8%.  The decline in sales of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) products continued in 2009, 
as both product prices and government-mandated tests declined.  Excluding the impact of the BSE product line, 
the Life Science segment grew by 1.3% in 2009 as compared to 2008.  Product groups that showed growth 
included real-time PCR instruments and reagents, the ProteOnTM protein interaction analysis system and the 
Biotechnology ExplorerTM program.  Sales growth in the Life Science segment was primarily in Asia Pacific, 
Latin America and the U.S., while European sales represented the majority of declining sales. 

The Clinical Diagnostics segment achieved sales growth of 3.0% in 2009 as compared to 2008.  Excluding the 
impact of foreign currency, sales increased 8.5% compared to 2008.  Most Clinical Diagnostics major product 
lines showed sales growth, such as BioPlex 2200 systems, quality controls and blood virus products.  There was 
a decline in sales of contract manufacturing as some of these contracts were not renewed.  On a regional basis, 
currency neutral sales growth was primarily provided by Asia Pacific, the United States and emerging markets 
including Latin America, partially offset by sales declines in Europe. 

Gross margin 
Consolidated gross margins were 56.6% in 2010 compared to 56.0% in 2009.  Life Science segment gross 
margins in 2010 improved from 2009 by approximately 2.4%.  The increase was primarily due to improved 
manufacturing overhead absorption, reduction in costs and a favorable product mix toward higher margin 
products.  Clinical Diagnostics segment gross margins in 2010 decreased by approximately 0.4% from 2009.  
The Biotest acquisition had a negative impact on Clinical Diagnostics segment gross margins due to higher 
inventory values resulting from purchase accounting and overall lower margins than historically achieved by the 
segment.  Partially offsetting this decrease in gross margins was a favorable settlement of intellectual property 
disputes and lower royalty expenses. 

Consolidated gross margins were 56.0% in 2009 compared to 54.6% in 2008.  Life Science segment gross 
margins improved in 2009 compared to 2008 by 0.1%.  The improvement was the result of better manufacturing 
overhead absorption from a reduction in costs, the move of new products to more cost efficient off-shore 
manufacturing, and sales mix favoring higher margin reagents rather than instruments with typically lower 
margin.  Clinical Diagnostics segment gross margins improved by approximately 2.2% in 2009 compared to 
2008.  Improvements included lower royalty payments paid to licensors as a result of the expiration of patents in 
blood virus and immunohematology products, increased margin from the acquisition of DiaMed distributors and 
the reduction of the impact of DiaMed pre-acquisition inventory subject to purchase accounting rules.  
Additionally the BioPlex 2200 margins improved from greater placements and higher test volume. 

Selling, general and administrative expense 
Consolidated selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) represented 33.0% of sales in 2010 compared 
to 33.7% of sales in 2009.  The growth rate in absolute SG&A spending was less than the rate of sales growth.  
Moderation in spending for employee related costs and third party commissions lowered the rate of SG&A 
spending to sales.  Absolute dollar increases in SG&A were primarily in employee-related costs, travel and 
related costs, and professional services. 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated SG&A represented 33.7% of net sales for 2009 compared to 33.5% of net sales in 2008.  Growth 
in absolute SG&A spending was proportional to sales.  The Clinical Diagnostics segment grew SG&A at a 
slightly lower rate than the growth in its sales, while the Life Science segment’s reduced rate of spending in 
SG&A was larger than the decline in its sales.  Absolute dollar increases in SG&A were primarily in employee-
related expenses and purchased intangibles amortization, partially offset by lower travel costs and professional 
services. 

Research and development expense 
Research and development expense was $172.3 million in 2010, or 8.9% of sales, compared to 9.2% of sales in 
2009.  Both the Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics segments research and development expense increased in 
absolute dollars, however as a percent of sales, Clinical Diagnostics segment expense decreased from 2009.  
Life Science segment efforts concentrated on genomics, proteomics process chromatography and food 
diagnostics applications.  The majority of the Clinical Diagnostics segment increase was related to an additional 
emphasis in diabetes monitoring, clinical microbiology, expanded blood virus diagnostic tests and improved 
automation. 

Research and development expense was $163.6 million in 2009, or 9.2% of sales, compared to 9.0% of sales in 
2008.  Life Science segment development efforts were directed towards genomics, proteomics and process 
chromatography applications.  Clinical Diagnostics segment development efforts were focused on expanded 
tests for the BioPlex 2200 testing platform, as well as other enhancements to existing automation and reagents 
used for immunohematology, clinical microbiology and blood virus diagnostic tests and additional quality 
control products.  In absolute dollars, the increase was in the Clinical Diagnostic segment, partially offset by a 
decrease in the Life Science segment. 

Corporate Results – Non-operating  

Interest expense 
Interest expense in 2010 increased 35.5% to $63.7 million compared to 2009.  The increase in interest expense 
in 2010 from 2009 was primarily due to the payment of a call premium and the expensing of unamortized debt 
issuance costs for the redemption of the $200.0 million of 6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes in December 
2010, and the interest associated with the $300 million of 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2016 that 
were issued in May 2009.  Our other principal debt obligation was the $225.0 million 7.5% Senior Subordinated 
Notes, which were redeemed in January 2011. 

Interest expense in 2009 increased 46.4% to $47.0 million when compared to 2008.  The additional $300.0 
million of 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes that were issued in May 2009 had increased our indebtedness to 
$742.6 million at December 31, 2009, which increased our interest expense in 2009 compared to 2008. 

Foreign currency exchange gains and losses 
Foreign currency exchange gains and losses consist of foreign currency transaction gains and losses on 
intercompany net receivables and payables and the change in fair value of our forward foreign exchange 
contracts used to manage our foreign currency exchange risk.  Net foreign currency exchange losses for 2010, 
2009 and 2008 were $ 3.9 million, $5.0 million and $7.6 million, respectively.  The 2010 and 2009 net foreign 
currency exchange losses were attributable to greater market volatility, costs to hedge and the result of the 
estimating process inherent in the timing of shipments and payments of intercompany debt.  The 2008 net loss 
reflected a number of unhedged European based intercompany loans denominated in Euros, British Sterling and 
Swiss Francs, which arose as part of our acquisitions in December 2008.  The significant volatility in December 
2008 resulted in an approximate $3 million non-cash loss on these accounts.  Additionally, we recorded a 2008 
loss of $1.6 million on unhedged intercompany payables for our Brazilian subsidiaries, which we have not 
historically hedged due to the high cost.  All years are affected by the economic hedging program we employ to 
hedge our intercompany receivables and payables. 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income and expense, net 
Other income and expense, net for 2010 includes investment and dividend income; generally interest income on 
our cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long term marketable securities.  Other income, net in 
2010 was $3.9 million compared to $6.9 million in 2009.  The decrease primarily resulted from non-recurring 
income of $4.6 million in 2009 related to the relief of a foreign non-income based tax obligation, partially offset 
by higher other-than-temporary impairment of investments in 2009 than in 2010. 

Other income, net in 2009 was $6.9 million compared to other expense, net of $0.4 million in 2008.  The 2009 
other income, net included a relief of $4.6 million for a foreign non-income based tax obligation, higher interest 
and dividend income, and lower charges for impairment on investments compared to 2008. 

Effective tax rate 
Our effective tax rate was 15% and 20% in 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The effective tax rates in 2010 and 
2009 both reflected tax benefits for nontaxable dividend income, research and development tax credits, and 
differences between U.S. and foreign rates.  The lower effective tax rate in 2010 was primarily due to a benefit 
of approximately $22.4 million that related to U.S. foreign tax credits associated with a $163.9 million 
distribution of earnings from our foreign affiliates to the U.S. 

Our effective tax rate was 20%, and 31% in 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The decrease was primarily related to 
the completion in the fourth quarter of 2009 of a U.S. income tax examination covering the years 2001 through 
2005, favorable tax rates associated with higher earnings from operations in lower-tax jurisdictions throughout 
the world and a reduction in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits due to lapses of statutes.   

Our effective tax rate may be impacted in the future, either favorably or unfavorably, by many factors including 
but not limited to statutory tax rates, changes in tax laws or regulations, tax audits and settlements, and 
generation of tax credits. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

Bio-Rad operates and conducts business globally, primarily through subsidiary companies established in the 
markets in which we trade.  Goods are manufactured in a small number of locations, and are then shipped to 
local distribution facilities around the world.  Our product mix is diversified, and certain products compete 
largely on product efficacy, while others compete on price.  Gross margins are generally sufficient to exceed 
normal operating costs.  Funding for research and development of new products as well as routine outflows for 
capital expenditures, and interest and tax expense are covered by cash flow from operations.  In addition to the 
annual positive cash flow from operating activities, additional liquidity is readily available via the sale of short-
term investments and access to our $200.0 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit Agreement) 
that we entered into in June 2010.  Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are on a revolving basis and can be 
used to make acquisitions, for working capital and for other general corporate purposes.  We had no outstanding 
borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2010.  The Credit Agreement expires on June 21, 
2014. 

The continuing slow economic growth in developed nations may adversely affect our future results of 
operations.  Demand for our products and services could change more dramatically than in previous years based 
on activity and support levels from government, universities, hospitals and private industry including diagnostic 
laboratories.  The need for certain sovereign nations with large annual deficits to curtail spending could lead to 
slower growth of, or even a decline in our business.  Sovereign nations either delaying payment for goods and 
services or renegotiating their debts could impact our liquidity. 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2010, we had $1,025.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.   Taking 
into consideration the cash needed to redeem our 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes in January 2011, we had 
available $790.6 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.  Under domestic and international 
lines of credit, we had $251.1 million available for borrowing as of December 31, 2010, of which $13.9 million 
is reserved for standby letters of credit issued by our banks to guarantee our obligations to various companies.  
Management believes that this availability, together with cash flow from operations, will be adequate to meet 
our current objectives for operations, research and development, capital additions for manufacturing and 
distribution, plant and equipment, information technology systems and future acquisitions. 

The instability in credit markets along with inadequate capitalization in some parts of the financial services 
industry could impact both our ability and our customer’s ability to access the necessary capital for acquisition, 
equipment and technology modernization, and the financing of inventory and receivables.  Without this crucial 
intermediary function, manufacturers and end users may have to renegotiate existing arrangements, reduce 
activity levels or seek other business partners. 

Cash Flow from Operations 

Net cash provided by operations was $225.9 million, $325.1 million and $191.4 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, 
respectively.  The net decrease between 2010 and 2009 of $99.2 million primarily represented an increase in 
cash paid to suppliers, including royalty payments covering multiple years and payments to settle intellectual 
property disputes, higher payments on income taxes, and higher interest payments primarily from the call 
premium and the redemption of the $200.0 million of 6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes in December 2010, 
and the interest associated with the $300 million of 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2016 that were 
issued in May 2009.  Partially offsetting this decrease was an increase in cash received from customers 
compared to 2009.  However, cash received from customers was at a slower rate than expected in 2010 due to a 
slowdown in cash collections, as many governments, especially in Europe, address the need for deficit 
reductions and sovereign borrowings.  We continue to stress cash flow as a global company-wide goal. 

The net change between 2009 and 2008 of $133.7 million represented a $121.9 million improvement in the net 
change in cash received from customers and cash paid to suppliers.  The largest item that contributed to the 
increase in cash flows was primarily due to a decrease in inventory levels, which provided approximately $36 
million of cash inflows in 2009.  The expiration of some patents and slower payment patterns reduced royalty 
payments.  Moderation in the growth of headcount and the reduction in other SG&A costs all contributed to an 
improved cash flow.  Additionally, we experienced a reduction in taxes paid of $11.4 million. 

We regularly review the allowance for uncollectible receivables and believe net accounts receivable are fully 
realizable.  We also routinely review inventory for the impact of obsolescence and changes in market prices 
caused by the introduction of new products, technologies and in government reimbursement policies.  We 
expect the first quarter of 2011 cash flows from operations to be lower as Bio-Rad historically makes larger 
payments for royalties, fourth quarter sales commissions to third parties and employee annual bonuses during 
this period. 

Cash Flow from Investing Activities 

Net cash used in investing activities, including capital expenditures was $216.5 million, $176.0 million and 
$146.1 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Capital expenditures in 2010 totaled $87.3 million, 
compared to $66.8 million and $84.8 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Capital expenditures represent the 
addition and replacement of production machinery and research equipment, ongoing manufacturing and facility 
additions for expansions, regulatory and environmental compliance, and leasehold improvements.  Also 
included in capital expenditures were investments in business systems and data communication upgrades and 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
enhancements.  We anticipate accelerating expenditures in future periods to expand our e-commerce platform 
internationally and for implementation globally of a single instance ERP platform, for which we committed to 
purchase software in December 2010.  The estimated global implementation cost could reach approximately 
$150 million and is estimated to take approximately five years to implement.  All periods included equipment 
placed with Clinical Diagnostics segment customers who then contract to purchase our reagents for use. 

On January 6, 2010, we acquired certain diagnostic businesses of Biotest AG for 45 million Euros 
(approximately $64.9 million) in cash.  In September 2010, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests 
of DiaMed France SA for 10.2 million Euros, or approximately $12.9 million, in cash.  In 2010, 2009 and 2008, 
we acquired the remaining shares of DiaMed Holding AG (DiaMed) for approximately $1.4 million, $30.0 
million and $33.6 million, respectively.  In 2008 we also paid cash for the acquisition of two distributors for 
approximately $17 million.  All of these acquisitions are included in our Clinical Diagnostics segment.  We 
anticipate that we will purchase in 2011 the remaining noncontrolling interests in two DiaMed subsidiaries, 
which we estimate will cost approximately $5 million. 

We continue to review other possible acquisitions to expand both our Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics 
segments, including independent distributors of the DiaMed product line.  We routinely meet with the principals 
or brokers of the subject companies.  We are evaluating additional acquisitions on a preliminary basis.  It is not 
certain that any of these transactions will advance beyond the preliminary stages or be completed. 

Cash Flow from Financing Activities 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $228.7 million, $293.9 million and $6.3 million in 2010, 2009 and 
2008, respectively.  Cash provided in 2010 was primarily due to Bio-Rad issuing $425.0 million principal 
amount of 4.875% Senior Notes in December 2010, which yielded net proceeds of $422.6 million at an effective 
rate of 4.946%.  In December 2010, $204.3 million of the net proceeds were used to redeem our $200.0 million 
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes, including a call premium.  In January 2011, the remaining proceeds, 
together with cash on hand, were used to redeem our $225.0 million 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes for 
$234.6 million, including a call premium.  This refinancing should lower our interest expense going forward. 

Net cash provided by financing activities in 2009 was primarily due to Bio-Rad issuing $300 million of 8% 
Senior Subordinated Notes in May 2009, which yielded net proceeds of $294.8 million at an effective rate of 
8.3%.  The net proceeds have been and will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, which 
may include acquisitions.  Net cash provided by financing activities in 2008 principally reflected cash flow for 
the exercise of stock options and receipts from the Employee Stock Purchase Plan transactions, partially offset 
by payments on long-term debt that represented the reduction of acquired DiaMed debt. 

The Credit Agreement that was entered into in June 2010, is secured by substantially all of our personal property 
assets, the assets of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of certain foreign subsidiaries.  It is 
guaranteed by all of our existing and future material domestic subsidiaries and expires in June 2014. 

The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $18 million of Bio-Rad’s common stock over an 
indefinite period of time of which $3.3 million has yet to be repurchased.  The Credit Agreement and the 
indenture governing our 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes restrict our ability to repurchase our stock.  We did 
not repurchase any shares of our common stock during 2010, 2009 or 2008. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had or are reasonably likely to have a current or 
future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Obligations 

The following summarizes certain of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2010 and the effect such 
obligations are expected to have on our cash flows in future periods (in millions): 

Contractual Obligations 
Long-term debt, including current portion (1) 
Interest payments 
Operating lease obligations (2) 
Purchase obligations (3) 
Long-term liabilities (4) 

Payments Due by Period 

Less 
1-3 
Than 
Total  One Year  Years 
 $  0.6 
   48.0 
   46.0 
1.3 
   20.7 

 $ 964.2   $ 233.1 
27.2 
   223.0    
33.1 
   132.7    
57.9 
59.2    
-- 
46.4  

3-5 
Years 
  $  0.2 
    48.0 
    24.3 
-- 
2.0 

More 
than 
5 Years 
  $  730.3 
99.8 
29.3 
-- 
23.7 

(1) 

These amounts represent expected cash payments, including capital lease obligations and are included in our 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.  See Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information
about our debt. 

(2)  Operating lease obligations are described in Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

(3) 

(4) 

Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding
to Bio-Rad and that specify all significant terms.  Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable
without penalty. 

Excluded from this table is our liability for income tax payable, including uncertain tax positions, 
in the amount of $18.4 million.  We are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows of these
tax liabilities, therefore, our income tax obligations are excluded from the table above.  See Note 6 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Recent Financial Accounting Standards 

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a standard to improve disclosures 
about fair value measurements.  Specifically, the standard requires entities to disclose the amounts of significant 
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for these transfers; the reasons 
for any transfers in or out of Level 3; and information in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements 
about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis.  The standard was effective for our interim 
period ended March 31, 2010, except for the requirement to disclose information about purchases, sales, 
issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements on a gross basis.  Those 
disclosures will be effective for our interim period ending March 31, 2011.  This standard did not effect nor is 
expected to effect our consolidated financial statements. 

ITEM 7A.  QUANTITIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

Financial Risk Management 

The main goal of Bio-Rad’s financial risk management program is to reduce the variance in expected cash flows 
arising from unexpected foreign exchange rate and interest rate changes.  Financial exposures are managed 
through operational means and by using various financial instruments, including cash and liquid resources, 
borrowings, and forward and spot foreign exchange contracts.  No derivative financial instruments are entered 
into for the purpose of trading or speculation.  Company policy requires that all derivative positions are 
undertaken to manage the risks arising from underlying business activities.  These derivative transactions do not 
qualify for hedge accounting treatment per general standards for derivatives and hedging.  Derivative 
instruments used in these transactions are valued at fair value and changes in fair value are included in reported 
earnings. 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
  
  
 
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign Exchange Risk.  We operate and conduct business in many countries and are exposed to movements in 
foreign currency exchange rates.  We face transactional currency exposures that arise when we enter into 
transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.  Additionally, our consolidated net equity is 
impacted by the conversion of the net assets of our international subsidiaries for which the functional currency is 
not the U.S. dollar. 

Foreign currency exposures are managed on a centralized basis.  This allows for the netting of natural offsets 
and lowers transaction costs and net exposures.  Where possible, we seek to manage our foreign exchange risk 
in part through operational means, including matching same-currency revenues to same currency costs, and 
same-currency assets to same-currency liabilities.  Moreover, weakening in one currency can often be offset by 
strengthening in another currency.  Foreign exchange risk is also managed through the use of forward foreign 
exchange contracts.  Positions are primarily in Euro, Swiss Franc, British Sterling, Singapore Dollar and 
Japanese Yen.  The majority of forward contracts are for periods of 90 days or less. We record the change in 
value of our foreign currency receivables and payables as a Foreign exchange (gain) loss on our Consolidated 
Statements of Income along with the change in fair market value of the forward exchange contract used as an 
economic hedge of those assets or liabilities. 

Our forward contract holdings at year-end were analyzed to determine their sensitivity to fluctuations in foreign 
currency exchange rates.  All other variables were held constant.  Market risk associated with derivative 
holdings is the potential change in fair value of derivative positions arising from an adverse movement in 
foreign exchange rates.  A decline of 10% on quoted foreign exchange rates would result in an approximate net-
present-value loss of $49 million on our derivative position.  This impact of a change in exchange rates excludes 
the offset derived from the change in value of the underlying assets and liabilities, which could reduce the 
adverse effect significantly. 

Interest Rate Risk of Debt Instruments.  Bio-Rad centrally manages the short-term cash surpluses and shortfalls 
of its subsidiaries.  Our holdings of variable rate debt instruments at year-end were analyzed to determine their 
sensitivity to movements in interest rates.  Due to the relatively small amount of short-term variable rate debt we 
have outstanding, there would not be a material impact to earnings or cash flows if interest rates moved 
adversely by 10%.  Our long-term debt consists primarily of fixed-rate instruments, and is thus insulated from 
interest rate changes.  As of December 31, 2010, the overall interest rate risk associated with our debt was not 
significant. 

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2010 and 2009 
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended  
  December 31, 2010 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
  December 31, 2010 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income  

 for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

  Page 

31 
32 
33-34 

35 

36 

37 
38-66 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

Board of Directors and Stockholders of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.  

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. as of 
December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and changes in 
stockholders' equity and comprehensive income for the years then ended.  Our audits also included the financial 
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)2.  These financial statements and schedule are the 
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial 
statements and schedule based on our audits.  

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating 
the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our 
opinion.  

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated 
financial position of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. at December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the consolidated results of 
its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic 
financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the effectiveness of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 28, 2011, 
expressed an adverse opinion thereon.  

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

Palo Alto, California 
February 28, 2011  

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

Board of Directors and Stockholders 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Hercules, California 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and 
comprehensive income, and cash flows of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the 
year ended December 31, 2008.  Our audit also included the financial statement schedule for the year ended 
December 31, 2008 listed in Item 15(a)2. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the 
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial 
statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance 
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes 
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating 
the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion. 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of the 
Company’s operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, such financial statement 
schedule for the year ended December 31, 2008, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial 
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. 

As discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the accompanying consolidated financial 
statements have been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of new accounting standards for Noncontrolling 
Interests and Interests Grants in Share-Based Payment Transactions. 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 

San Francisco, California 
February 28, 2009 (May 18, 2009 as to the effects of the retrospective adoption of new accounting standards as 
described in Note 1 to the financial statements) 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands) 

ASSETS 
Current assets: 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Restricted cash 
  Short-term investments 
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of   
    $25,052 at 2010 and $23,100 at 2009  

  Inventories: 
    Raw materials 
    Work in process 
    Finished goods 

  Total inventories 

  Deferred tax assets 

December 31, 

2010 

2009 

  $ 

  $ 

906,551   
6,422   
118,636   

649,938 
-- 
94,876 

387,996   

345,734 

82,270   

110,527 
205,303 
398,100   

68,155 
97,513 
185,538 
351,206 

48,021   

43,102 

  Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets 
  Total current assets 

109,620   
    1,975,346   

77,818 
1,562,674 

Property, plant and equipment: 
  Land and improvements 
  Buildings and leasehold improvements 
  Equipment 
  Total property, plant and equipment 
  Accumulated depreciation 

Property, plant and equipment, net 

Goodwill, net 
Purchased intangibles, net 
Long-term deferred tax assets 
Other assets 

TOTAL ASSETS 

18,456    
232,959    
560,718    
812,133    
(478,516)   
333,617    

363,981    
203,881    
12,976    
172,963    

16,853 
204,612 
506,686 
728,151 
(425,734)
302,417 

327,626 
204,779 
13,272 
125,085 

  $  3,062,764    

  $  2,535,853 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.  

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
    
   
  
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
(in thousands, except share data) 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
Current liabilities: 
  Accounts payable 
  Accrued payroll and employee benefits 
  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt 
  Income and other taxes payable 
  Accrued royalties 
  Other current liabilities 
  Total current liabilities 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities 
Deferred income taxes 
Other long-term liabilities 
  Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingent liabilities 

December 31, 

2010 

2009 

  $ 

113,440 
131,381 
233,181 
50,935 
23,944 
113,746 
666,627 

731,100 
59,738 
64,780 
1,522,245 

    $ 

92,988 
126,702 
5,132 
42,322 
46,692 
106,136 
419,972 

737,919 
42,894 
55,855 
1,256,640 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
Bio-Rad stockholders’ equity: 
  Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 7,500,000 shares authorized; 

issued and outstanding - none 

  Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized; 
issued and outstanding – 22,677,300 at 2010 and 22,406,669 at 2009  
  Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 
issued and outstanding – 5,175,343 at 2010 and 5,119,402 at 2009  

  Additional paid-in capital 
  Retained earnings 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income: 
  Currency translation and other 
Total Bio-Rad stockholders’ equity 
  Noncontrolling interests 
Total stockholders’ equity 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

-- 

2 

1 

-- 

2 

1 

156,986 
1,181,687 

130,444 
996,197 

198,020 
1,536,696 
3,823 
1,540,519 
  $  3,062,764 

133,082 
1,259,726 
19,487 
1,279,213 
  $  2,535,853 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.  

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Income 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

Net sales 

Cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 

Selling, general and administrative expense 

Research and development expense 

Impairment losses on goodwill and long-lived assets 

Income from operations 

Interest expense 

Foreign exchange losses, net 

  Other (income) expense, net 

Income before income taxes  

Provision for income taxes 

Net income including noncontrolling interests  

Year Ended December 31, 

2010 

2009 

2008 

    $  1,927,118 

  $  1,784,244 

    $  1,764,365  

835,630 

1,091,488 

635,213 

172,266 

--  

284,009 

63,717 

3,884 

(3,875)

220,283 

(33,348)

186,935 

784,401 

999,843 

601,468 

163,585 

3,802  

230,988 

47,024 

5,003 

(6,871)

185,832 

(36,667)

149,165 

(4,545)

801,843  

962,522  

591,304  

159,518  

28,757  

182,943  

32,113  

7,634  

353  

142,843  

(44,579) 

98,264  

(8,754) 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 

(1,445)  

Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 

Basic earnings per share: 

  $ 

185,490 

  $ 

144,620 

  $ 

89,510  

Net income per share basic attributable to Bio-Rad 

  $ 

6.70 

  $ 

5.28 

  $ 

3.30  

Weighted average common shares - basic 

27,665 

27,404 

27,112  

Diluted earnings per share: 

Net income per share diluted attributable to Bio-Rad 

  $ 

6.59 

  $ 

5.20 

  $ 

3.24  

Weighted average common shares - diluted 

28,151 

27,828 

27,638  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities: 
  Cash received from customers 
  Cash paid to suppliers and employees 
  Interest paid 
  Income tax payments 
  Miscellaneous receipts (payments), net 
  Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 
  Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities: 
  Capital expenditures, net 
  Payments for acquisitions, net of cash received, 

and long-term investments 

  Payments on purchases of intangible assets 
  Purchases of marketable securities and investments 
  Sales and maturities of marketable securities 

and investments 

  Proceeds from (payments for) foreign currency  

economic hedges, net 

  Restricted cash 
  Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities:    
  Net payments on line-of-credit arrangements and  

notes payable 

  Long-term borrowings 
  Payments on long-term borrowings 
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock 
  Debt issuance costs on long-term borrowings 
  Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 
  Net cash provided by financing activities 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

Non-cash investing activities: 
  Capital lease obligation for facilities 

Purchased intangible assets 

Year Ended December 31, 

2010 

2009 

2008 

 $  1,877,483 
(1,536,935)
(59,834)
(55,502)
3,625 
(2,928)
225,909 

 $  1,778,316  
(1,386,382) 
(38,471) 
(37,749) 
10,024  
(664) 
325,074  

 $  1,765,667 
(1,495,669)
(30,792)
(49,159)
6,374 
(5,050)
191,371 

(87,263)

(66,795) 

(84,809)

(89,307)
(4,081)
(240,286)

(35,990) 
(9,566) 
(147,554) 

(53,014)
(4,000)
(77,800)

207,636 

86,473  

78,906 

3,211 
(6,422)
(216,512)

(2,520) 
-- 
(175,952) 

(5,390)
-- 
(146,107)

(830)
424,633 
(206,706)
12,730 
(4,010)
2,928 
228,745 

18,471 

256,613 
649,938 
906,551 

-- 
-- 

 $ 

  $ 
  $ 

(2,303) 
294,750  
(6,823) 
10,286  
(2,641) 
664  
293,933  

(1,642)
1,600 
(11,589)
12,912 
-- 
5,050 
6,331 

2,359  

(8,835)

445,414  
204,524  
649,938  

-- 
-- 

 $ 

 $ 
 $ 

42,760 
161,764 
204,524 

9,768 
11,357 

 $ 

  $ 
  $ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income  
(in thousands) 
Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) 

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital 

Common 
Stock 

Retained 
Earnings 

Total 
Bio-Rad 

Non- 
controlling 
Interests 

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2008 

$        3 

$ 98,629 

$    762,067  

$   110,224  

$    970,923 

$    35,201  

$ 1,006,124

Net income 

Currency translation adjustments 

Other post-employment benefits 

  adjustments, net of tax of ($357) 

Net unrealized holding losses, 

  net of tax of ($9,381) 

*Reclassification adjustments for 

  losses included in net income, 

  net of tax of $0 

   Total comprehensive income  

Issuance of common stock 

Stock compensation expense 

Tax benefit-exercise stock options 

Purchase of additional 

  controlling interests 

Balance at December 31, 2008 

Net income 

Currency translation adjustments 

Other post-employment benefits 

  adjustments, net of tax of $432 

Net unrealized holding gains, 

  net of tax of $2,768 

*Reclassification adjustments for 

  gains included in net income, 

  net of tax of $1,279 

   Total comprehensive income  

Issuance of common stock 

Stock compensation expense 

Tax benefit-exercise stock options 

Purchase of additional 

  controlling interests 

Balance at December 31, 2009 

Net income 

Currency translation adjustments 

Other post-employment benefits 

  adjustments, net of tax of $750 

Net unrealized holding gains, 

   net of tax of $8,574 

*Reclassification adjustments for 

  gains included in net income, 

  net of tax of $224 

   Total comprehensive income 

Issuance of common stock 

Stock compensation expense 

Tax benefit-exercise stock options 

Purchase of additional controlling 

  interests and other 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

3 
-- 
-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

3 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

-- 

--

--

--

--

--

12,912  

7,328  

5,532  

--

124,401  

--

--

--

--

--

10,286  

9,084  

696  

(14,023)

130,444  

--

--

--

--

--

12,730  

10,201  

3,161  

450  

89,510  

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

851,577  

144,620  

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

996,197  

185,490  

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

(17,496)

89,510 

(17,496)

8,754  

(1,175)

98,264

(18,671)

1,848  

1,848 

(19,162)

(19,162)

(10,256)

(10,256)

44,444 

12,912 

7,328 

5,532 

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

7,579

--

--

--

1,848

(19,162)

(10,256)

52,023

12,912

7,328

5,532

-- 

(13,279)

(13,279)

65,158  

1,041,139 

29,501

1,070,640

--

34,307  

144,620 

34,307 

4,545

(195)

149,165

34,112

(1,072)

(1,072)

224

(848)

32,492  

32,492 

2,197 

212,544 

10,286 

9,084 

696 

2,197  

--

--

--

--

--

--

4,574

--

--

--

32,492

2,197

217,118

10,286

9,084

696

(14,023)

(14,588)

(28,611)

133,082  

1,259,726 

--

52,139  

185,490 

52,139 

19,487

1,445

226

1,279,213

186,935

52,365

(2,311)

(2,311)

(224)

(2,535)

14,725  

14,725 

385 

250,428 

12,730 

10,201 

3,161 

385  

--

--

--

--

--

--

14,725

385

1,447  

251,875

--

--

--

12,730

10,201

3,161

450 

(17,111)

(16,661)

Balance at December 31, 2010 

$        3 

  $ 156,986  

$ 1,181,687  

$ 198,020  

$ 1,536,696 

$ 3,823  

$ 1,540,519

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.   * Calculated using the specific identification method. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

1. 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Basis of Presentation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and all of our wholly 
and majority owned subsidiaries (referred to in this report as “Bio-Rad,” “we,” “us” and “our”) after elimination 
of intercompany balances and transactions.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those 
estimates. 

We have changed the presentation of our Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and 
Comprehensive Income, for all periods by presenting the headings in columns and the dates in rows.  Previously 
the headings were in rows and the dates were in columns.  We believe this presentation is preferable as the roll 
forward of the headings is easier to understand and the presentation is consistent with most other companies. 

We evaluate subsequent events and the evidence they provide about conditions existing at the date of the 
balance sheet as well as conditions that arose after the balance sheet date but through the date the financial 
statements are issued.  The effects of conditions that existed at the balance sheet date are recognized in the 
financial statements.  Events and conditions arising after the balance sheet date but before the financial 
statements are issued are evaluated to determine if disclosure is required to keep the financial statements from 
being misleading.  To the extent such events and conditions exist, disclosures are made regarding the nature of 
events and the estimated financial effects for those events and conditions. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months 
or less which are readily convertible into cash.  Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair 
value. 

Restricted Cash 

Restricted cash of 6 million Swiss Francs (approximately $6.4 million) represents a deposit in an escrow 
account for the purchase of a leased building that is expected to take place in May 2011. 

Available-for-Sale Investments 

Available-for-sale investments consist of corporate obligations, municipal securities, asset backed securities, 
U.S. agencies and marketable equity securities.  Management classifies investments at the time of purchase and 
reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date.  Investments with maturities beyond one year may be 
classified as short-term based on their liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the 
investment of cash that is available for current operations.  Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair 
value based on quoted market prices and other observable market data.  Unrealized gains and losses are reported 
as a component of other comprehensive income, net of any related tax effect.  Unrealized losses are 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
charged against income when a decline in the fair value of an individual security is determined to be other-than- 
temporary.  We review our available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary losses on a quarterly basis.  
Realized gains and losses and other-than-temporary impairments on investments are included in Other (income) 
expense, net (see Note 9). 

Concentration of Credit Risk 

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash 
equivalents, investments, foreign exchange contracts and trade accounts receivable.  Cash and cash equivalents 
and investments are placed with various highly rated major financial institutions located in different geographic 
regions.  Bio-Rad has not sustained significant losses from instruments held at financial institutions. 

The forward contracts used in managing our foreign currency exposures have an element of risk in that the 
counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements.  We attempt to minimize this risk by limiting 
the counterparties to a diverse group of highly-rated domestic and international financial institutions.  In the 
event of non-performance by these counterparties, the carrying values of our financial instruments represent the 
maximum amount of loss we would have incurred as of our fiscal year-end.  However, we do not expect to 
record any losses as a result of counterparty default. 

We perform credit evaluation procedures related to our trade receivables and with the exception of certain 
developing countries, generally do not require collateral.  As a result of increased risk in these developing 
countries, some Bio-Rad sales are subject to collateral letters of credit from our customers.  Credit risk for trade 
accounts receivable is generally limited due to the large number of customers and their dispersion across many 
geographic areas.  However, a significant amount of trade receivables are with national healthcare systems in 
countries within the European Economic Community. 

Accounts Receivable 

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our 
customers to make required payments.  The amount of the allowance is determined by analyzing known 
uncollectible accounts, aged receivables, economic conditions in the customers’ country or industry, historical 
losses and our customers’ credit-worthiness.  Amounts later determined and specifically identified to be 
uncollectible are charged or written off against this reserve. 

Inventory 

Inventories are valued at the lower of actual cost or market (net realizable value) and include material, labor and 
overhead costs.  The First-in, First-out (FIFO) method is used to remove inventory.  

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Included in 
property, plant and equipment are buildings and equipment acquired under capital lease arrangements and 
reagent rental equipment.  Property, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment annually or whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  Buildings and 
leasehold improvements are amortized over 15-30 years or the term of the leases or life of the improvements, 
whichever is shorter.  With the exception of reagent rental equipment, which is amortized over a 1-5 year 
period, equipment is depreciated over 3-12 years. 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $1.2 million, $1.2 million and $0.9 million for 2010, 
2009 and 2008, respectively, are included in Capital expenditures, net in the Consolidated Statements of Cash 
Flows. 

Goodwill  

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of 
acquired businesses.  Goodwill is assessed for impairment by applying fair value based tests annually or 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  We 
perform impairment tests of goodwill at our reporting unit level, which is one level below our reporting 
segments.  Our reporting units are identified as components for which discrete financial information is available 
and is regularly reviewed by management.  Goodwill amounts are assigned to reporting units at the time of 
acquisition. 

The goodwill impairment test consists of a two-step process.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test, 
used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including 
goodwill.  We use discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of a reporting unit.  If the fair value 
of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, and 
the second step of the impairment test is not required.  The second step, if required, compares the implied fair 
value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  The fair value of a reporting unit 
is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the 
reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price 
paid to acquire the reporting unit.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied 
fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. 

Long-Lived Assets 

For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, a long-lived asset or assets are grouped 
with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of 
the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.  We assess the impairment of long-lived assets (including 
identifiable intangible assets) annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
value may not be recoverable.  Factors that we consider important that could trigger an impairment review 
include: 

(cid:120) 
(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

(cid:120) 

significant under-performance relative to expected, historical or projected future operating results; 
significant changes in the manner of use of the long-lived assets, intangible assets or the strategy 
for our overall business; 
a current expectation that, more likely than not, a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise 
disposed of at a loss before the end of its previously estimated useful life; and 
significant negative industry, legal, regulatory or economic trends. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
When management determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable based upon 
the existence of one or more of the above indicators of impairment, we test for any impairment based on a 
projected undiscounted cash flow method.  Projected future operating results and cash flows of the asset or asset 
group are used to establish the fair value used in evaluating the carrying value of long-lived and intangible 
assets.  We estimate the future cash flows of the long-lived assets using current and long-term financial 
forecasts.  The carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted 
cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If this is the case, an 
impairment loss would be recognized.  The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying 
amount exceeds the fair value. 

Income Taxes 

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax 
assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial 
statements.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences 
between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the 
year in which the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets 
and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. 

We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized.  In 
making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled 
reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial 
operations.  To the extent we determine that we are able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in 
excess of their net recorded amount, we make an adjustment to the valuation allowance which may reduce the 
provision for income taxes. 

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position 
will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax 
benefits recognized in the financial statements on a particular tax position are measured based on the largest 
benefit that has a greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement.  The amount of unrecognized 
tax benefits is adjusted as appropriate for changes in facts and circumstances, such as significant amendments to 
existing tax law, new regulations or interpretations by the taxing authorities, new information obtained during a 
tax examination, or resolution of an examination.  We recognize both accrued interest and penalties, where 
appropriate, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. 

Revenue Recognition 

Revenue is recognized when pervasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or 
determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and title has passed to the customer or product has been 
delivered absent specific contractual specifications.  Equipment that requires factory installation is not recorded 
until installation is complete and customer acceptance, if required contractually, has occurred.  At the time the 
related revenue is recognized, a provision is recognized for estimated product returns.  Reagent agreements are a 
diagnostic industry sales method that provides use of an instrument if the customer exclusively purchases the 
company’s reagents to use on that instrument.  We have evaluated the reagent agreements and account for the 
contracts under the terms of the guidance in regard to accounting for revenue arrangements with multiple 
deliverables.  All revenues that we earn under our reagent agreements are recognized pursuant to the terms of 
each arrangement either when the reagent has been delivered to or used by the customer.  Service revenues on 
extended warranty contracts are recognized ratably over the life of the service agreement or as services are 
performed, if not under contract. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shipping and Handling 

We classify all freight costs billed to customers as Net sales.  Related freight costs are included in Cost of goods 
sold.  

Warranty 

We warrant certain equipment against defects in design, materials and workmanship, generally for a period of 
one year.  Upon delivery of that equipment, we establish, as part of Cost of goods sold, a provision for the 
expected costs of such warranty based on historical experience, specific warranty terms and customer 
feedback.  A review is performed on a quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of our warranty accrual. 

Components of the warranty accrual, included in Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities, were as 
follows (in millions): 

January 1  
  Provision for warranty 
  Actual warranty costs 

December 31 

Research and Development 

2010 

$  16.1  
19.7  
(17.5)  

$  18.3  

2009 

$  15.8 
16.8 
(16.5) 

$  16.1 

Internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  Third-party research and development costs 
are expensed when the contracted work has been performed.  Purchased in-process research and development 
costs before January 1, 2010 were expensed at the time of purchase.  Beginning January 1, 2010 under a new 
accounting standard, purchased in-process research and development costs acquired in a business combination 
are capitalized as an intangible asset. 

Foreign Currency  

Balance sheet accounts of international subsidiaries are translated at the current exchange rates as of the end of 
the accounting period.  Income statement items are translated at average exchange rates for the period.  The 
resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. 

Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in Foreign exchange losses, net in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income.  Transaction gains and losses result primarily from fluctuations in exchange rates when 
intercompany receivables and payables are denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our 
subsidiary that recorded the transaction. 

Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts 

As part of distributing our products, we regularly enter into intercompany transactions.  We enter into forward 
foreign exchange contracts to manage foreign exchange risk of future movements in exchange rates that affect 
foreign currency denominated intercompany receivables and payables.  We do not use derivative financial 
instruments for speculative or trading purposes, nor do we seek hedge accounting treatment for any of our 
contracts.  As a result, these contracts, generally with maturity dates of 90 days or less and related primarily to 
currencies of industrial countries, are recorded as an asset or liability measured at their fair value at each 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
balance sheet date. The resulting gains or losses offset exchange gains or losses, on the related receivables and 
payables, all of which are recorded as Foreign exchange losses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  
The cash flows related to these contracts are classified as Cash flows from investing activities in the 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 

Noncontrolling Interests 

On January 1, 2009 we adopted a new standard in regard to noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial 
statements.  This standard established new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in 
a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  It clarified that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary 
(minority interest) is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that is reported as equity in the 
consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent company’s equity.  This statement requires 
disclosure, on the face of the Consolidated Statements of Income, of the amounts of consolidated net income 
attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest.  These disclosure requirements were applied 
retrospectively to all periods presented.   

We do not own 100% of the voting stock of some of our consolidated subsidiaries.  The remaining shares held 
by third parties represent a noncontrolling (or minority) interest in these subsidiaries.  Our consolidated 
statements present the full amount of assets, liabilities, income and expenses of all of our consolidated 
subsidiaries, with offsetting amounts shown in Noncontrolling interests for the portion of these items that are not 
attributable to us. 

Share-Based Compensation Plans 

Stock-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted is determined based on the 
grant-date fair value.  We recognize these compensation costs net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite 
service period of the award, which is generally the vesting term of the share-based payment awards.  We 
estimated the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience.  These plans are described more fully in Note 8. 

Earnings per Share 

Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted new guidance which specified that unvested share-based payment awards 
that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating 
securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the two-class method.  As 
our unvested restricted shares qualify as participating securities, we have included these shares in the 
computation of EPS.   

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad by the weighted 
average number of common shares outstanding for that period.  Diluted earnings per share takes into account the 
effect of dilutive instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, and uses the average share price for the 
period in determining the number of potential common shares that are to be added to the weighted average 
number of shares outstanding.  Potential common shares are excluded from the diluted earnings per share 
calculation if the effect would be anti-dilutive. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per 
share and the anti-dilutive shares are as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009 

2010 

2008 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding 
Effect of potentially dilutive stock options  

and restricted stock awards 

Diluted weighted average common shares 

Anti-dilutive shares 

  27,665 

  27,404 

  27,112 

486 
  28,151 

424 
  27,828 

526 
  27,638 

114 

176 

105 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

For certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts 
receivable, marketable securities, notes payable, accounts payable and foreign exchange contracts, the carrying 
amounts approximate fair value. 

The estimated fair value of financial instruments are based on the exchange price that would be received for an 
asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) using available market information or other appropriate 
valuation methodologies in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants.  Estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be 
realized in a current market exchange as considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data used to 
develop estimates of fair value.  The use of different market assumptions or estimation techniques could have a 
material effect on the estimated fair value (see Note 3). 

Recent Financial Accounting Standards 

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a standard to improve disclosures 
about fair value measurements.  Specifically, the standard requires entities to disclose the amounts of significant 
transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the reasons for these transfers; the reasons 
for any transfers in or out of Level 3; and information in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements 
about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis.  The standard was effective for our interim 
period ended March 31, 2010, except for the requirement to disclose information about purchases, sales, 
issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation of recurring Level 3 measurements on a gross basis.  Those 
disclosures will be effective for our interim period ending March 31, 2011.  This standard did not effect nor is 
expected to effect our consolidated financial statements as it is for disclosure purposes only. 

2. 

ACQUISITIONS 

In January 2010, we acquired certain diagnostic businesses of Biotest AG (Biotest) for 45 million Euros 
(approximately $64.9 million) in cash.  The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination.  The 
operating results of these businesses are included in our Clinical Diagnostics segment.  We acquired $30.9 
million of net tangible assets, $12.8 million of goodwill and $21.2 million of intangible assets.  The goodwill 
recorded will not be deductible for tax purposes.  Integrating the acquired portion of Biotest's diagnostic 
businesses into our product portfolio broadened our product offering in the area of immunohematology and 
provided us access to the U.S. markets with a range of products. 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In October 2007, we began acquiring the outstanding shares of DiaMed Holding AG (DiaMed).  DiaMed 
develops, manufactures and markets worldwide a complete line of reagents used in blood typing and screening 
as well as instruments and instrument systems that use its proprietary reagents, and is included in our Clinical 
Diagnostics segment.  The acquisition was performed in stages, with the final shares purchased in February 
2010.  Through December 2008, we acquired $38.1 million of net tangible assets, $202.0 million of goodwill 
and $192.8 million of intangible assets.  The final two purchases were accounted for as equity transactions, 
which resulted in a net reduction of Bio-Rad’s additional paid in capital of $14.9 million.  The following table 
summarizes the purchase activity related to DiaMed (in millions): 

October 2007 
March 2008 
December 2008 
April 2009 
February 2010 

Percent 
Voting 
Interests 
86%
3%
4%
6%
1%
100%

Consideration 
Paid 

$  399.3
14.0
19.6 
30.0 
1.4
$  464.3

In September 2010, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of DiaMed France SA.  We paid 
10.2 million Euros (approximately $12.9 million) in cash.  Approximately 1.5 million Euros (approximately 
$1.9 million) will be due in 2011 as additional contingent consideration and is included in Other current 
liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  As this acquisition was accounted for as an equity transaction, 
Bio-Rad’s additional paid-in capital was increased by $1.2 million. 

In December 2008, we acquired 100% of the shares of DiaMed Fennica Oy (Fennica) and 100% of the shares of 
DiaMed (G.B.) Limited.  These companies were independent distributors of DiaMed products and are included 
in our Clinical Diagnostics segment.  The total cash purchase price of these acquisitions was approximately 
$17 million.  We acquired $2.2 million of net tangible liabilities, $5.7 million of goodwill and $13.5 million of 
intangible assets based on the completion of the purchase price allocations during 2009. 

3. 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 

We determine the fair value of an asset or liability based on the assumptions that market participants would use 
in pricing the asset or liability.  The identification of market participant assumptions provides a basis for 
determining what inputs are to be used for pricing each asset or liability.  A fair value hierarchy has been 
established which gives precedence to fair value measurements calculated using observable inputs over those 
using unobservable inputs.  This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows: 

•  Level 1  Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments 
•  Level 2  Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices in active markets 

•  Level 3 

for similar instruments) 
Significant unobservable inputs (including assumptions in determining  
the fair value of certain investments) 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2010 are classified in 
the hierarchy as follows (in millions): 

Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value: 
Cash equivalents (a): 
  Commercial paper 
  Time deposits 
  Money market funds 
Available-for-sale investments (b): 
  Corporate debt securities 
  U.S. government sponsored agencies 
  Foreign government obligations 
  Municipal obligations 
  Marketable equity securities 
  Asset-backed securities: 

Collateralized mortgage obligations 
Other mortgage-backed securities 

  Other 
Forward foreign exchange contracts (c) 
  Total Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value 

Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value: 

Forward foreign exchange contracts (d) 

Level 1 

  Level 2 

Total 

$       --  
16.7  
266.3  

$   179.6   
25.0   
--   

$   179.6
41.7
266.3

--  
--  
--  
--  
102.2  

39.8   
54.7   
4.5   
7.7   
--   

39.8
54.7
4.5
7.7
102.2

--  
--  
--
--  
$  385.2  

0.1   
2.5   
0.3   
0.5   
$  314.7   

0.1
2.5
0.3
0.5
$  699.9

$        --  

$     3.3   

$      3.3

(a)  Cash equivalents are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
(b)  Available-for-sale investments of $118.6 million are included in Short-term investments and $93.2 

million are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

(c)  Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Prepaid expenses, taxes and 

other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

(d)  Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the 

Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

To estimate the fair value of Level 2 debt securities, excluding commercial paper and U.S. Treasury bills and 
notes, we examine quarterly the pricing provided by two pricing services and we obtain indicative market prices 
when there is insufficient correlation between the pricing services.  To estimate the fair value of Level 2 
commercial paper and U.S. Treasury bills and notes we examine quarterly the pricing from our primary pricing 
service to ensure consistency with other similar securities.  As a result of our analysis as of December 31, 2010, 
we utilized our primary pricing service for all Level 2 debt securities for consistency since the results did not 
require the use of alternative pricing. 

In addition, we review for investment securities that may trade in illiquid or inactive markets by identifying 
instances of a significant decrease in the volume and frequency of trades, relative to historical levels, as well as 
instances of a significant widening of the bid-ask spread in the brokered markets.  As of December 31, 2010, we 
did not have any investment securities in illiquid or inactive markets. 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
The inputs used by our primary pricing service for Level 2 cash equivalents, corporate debt securities, foreign 
government obligations, U.S. government sponsored agencies and municipal obligations, vary depending on the 
type of security being valued, but generally include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, 
issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, corporate actions or 
Nationally Recognized Municipal Securities Information Repository (NRMSIR) material event notices, plus 
new issue money market rates.  

The inputs used by our primary pricing service in estimating the fair value of Level 2 collateralized mortgage 
obligations and other mortgage-backed securities include many of the inputs mentioned above in addition to 
monthly payment information.  These issues were priced by our primary pricing service against issues with 
similar vintage and credit quality with adjustments for tranche, average life and extension risk. 

Forward foreign exchange contracts: As part of distributing our products, we regularly enter into 
intercompany transactions.  We enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to manage foreign 
exchange risk of future movements in foreign exchange rates that affect foreign currency denominated 
intercompany receivables and payables.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or 
trading purposes.  We do not seek hedge accounting treatment for these contracts.  As a result, these contracts, 
generally with maturity dates of 90 days or less and related primarily to currencies of industrial countries, are 
recorded at their fair value at each balance sheet date.  The fair value of these contracts was derived using the 
spot rates published in the Wall Street Journal on the last business day of the quarter and the points provided by 
counterparties.  The resulting gains or losses offset exchange gains or losses on the related receivables and 
payables, both of which are recorded as Foreign exchange losses, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. 
The cash flows related to these contracts are classified as Cash flows from investing activities in the 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  At December 31, 2010, we had contracts maturing in January through 
March 2011 to sell foreign currency with a notional value of $54.1 million and an unrealized loss of $0.1 
million and contracts to purchase foreign currency, which had a notional value of $432.7 million with an 
unrealized loss of $2.7 million. 

Financial assets carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2009 are classified in the hierarchy 
as follows (in millions): 

Assets: 
  Cash equivalents 

Forward foreign exchange contracts 

Available-for-sale investments: 
  Corporate debt securities 
  Municipal obligations 
  Asset-backed securities 
  U.S. government sponsored agencies 
  Foreign government obligations 
  Marketable equity securities 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Total 

  $ 

301.4  
--

  $ 

  $ 

89.8   
0.3   

391.2
0.3

--
--
--
--
--
64.2  

23.8   
2.4   
5.5   
41.5   
17.9   
0.2   

23.8
2.4
5.5
41.5
17.9
64.4

Total 

  $ 

365.6  

  $ 

181.4   

  $ 

547.0

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we did not hold any financial assets that use Level 3 inputs to determine 
fair value. 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
Available-for-sale investments consist of the following (in millions):  

Short-term investments: 
  Corporate debt securities 
  Municipal obligations 
  Asset-backed securities  
  U.S. government sponsored agencies 
  Foreign government obligations 
  Marketable equity securities 

Long-term investments: 
  Marketable equity securities 
  Asset-backed securities  

December 31, 2010 

  Amortized 

  Unrealized 

Cost 

Gains 

Unrealized 
Losses 

  Estimated 

Fair 
Value 

$  39.8  
7.7  
1.9  
54.7  
4.5  
8.8  
117.4  

45.5  
0.7  
46.2  

$      --  
--  
--  
--  
--  
1.3  
1.3  

47.9  
0.1  
48.0  

$      --   
--   
--   
--   
--   
(0.1)   
(0.1)   

(0.9)   
(0.1)   
(1.0)   

$   39.8
7.7
1.9
54.7
4.5
10.0
118.6

92.5
0.7
93.2

Total 

$   163.6  

$   49.3  

$   (1.1)   

$  211.8

Short-term investments: 
  Corporate debt securities 
  Municipal obligations 
  Asset-backed securities  
  U.S. government sponsored agencies 
  Foreign government obligations 
  Marketable equity securities 

Long-term investments: 
  Marketable equity securities 
  Asset-backed securities  

December 31, 2009 

  Amortized 

  Unrealized 

Cost 

Gains 

Unrealized 
Losses 

  Estimated 

Fair 
Value 

$          23.8  
2.4  
0.9  
41.5  
17.9  
8.6  
95.1  

29.9  
5.0  
34.9  

$         --  
--  
--  
--  
--  
0.4  
0.4  

26.4  
0.2  
26.6  

$          -- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
-- 
(0.6)  
(0.6)  

(0.3)  
(0.6)  
(0.9)  

$         23.8
2.4
0.9
41.5
17.9
8.4
94.9

56.0
4.6
60.6

Total 

$        130.0  

$     27.0  

$       (1.5)  

$       155.5

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had investments with gross unrealized losses of $0.6 million and $1.5 
million, respectively, that were in a loss position for 12 months or more.  The number of investment positions 
that were in an unrealized loss position were 43 and 37 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
The unrealized losses on these securities are due to a number of factors, including changes in interest rates, 
changes in economic conditions and changes in market outlook for various industries, among others.  Because 
Bio-Rad has the ability and intent to hold these investments with unrealized losses until a recovery of fair value, 
or for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of fair value, which may be maturity, we 
do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010. 

The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our debt securities at 
December 31, 2010 by contractual maturity date (in millions): 

Mature in less than one year 
Mature in one to five years 
Mature in more than five years 
  Total 

Amortized 
Cost 

Fair 
Value 

$  106.7  
--  
2.6  
$  109.3  

$  106.7
--
2.6
$  109.3

The estimated fair value of financial instruments in the table below has been determined using available market 
information or other appropriate valuation methodologies.  Estimates are not necessarily indicative of the 
amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange as considerable judgment is required in interpreting 
market data used to develop estimates of fair value.  The use of different market assumptions or estimation 
techniques could have a material effect on the estimated fair value.  Other assets include some financial 
instruments that have fair values based on market quotations.  Long-term debt has an estimated fair value based 
on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues. 

The estimated fair value of our financial instruments is as follows (in millions): 

December 31, 2010 

December 31, 2009 

  Carrying  
  Amount  

Estimated  
Fair  
Value  

  Estimated  

Carrying  
Amount  

Fair  
Value  

Other assets 
Current maturities of long-term  
  debt, excluding leases 
Total long-term debt, excluding 
  leases 

$  145.6 

$  205.6 

$     101.8 

$      119.6 

$  225.0 

$  228.1 

$           -- 

$            -- 

$  718.2 

$  734.8 

$      720.1 

$     734.1 

We own shares of ordinary voting stock of Sartorius AG, of Goettingen, Germany, a process technology 
supplier to the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and food and beverage industries.  We own over 30% 
of the outstanding voting shares (excluding treasury shares) of Sartorius as of December 31, 2010.  The 
Sartorius family trust and Sartorius family members hold a controlling interest of the outstanding voting shares. 
We do not have any representative or designee on Sartorius’ board of directors, nor do we have any other 
influence over the operating and financial policies of Sartorius.  Therefore, we account for this investment using 
the cost method.  The carrying value of this investment is included in Other assets in our Consolidated Balance 
Sheets. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. 

GOODWILL AND OTHER PURCHASED INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Goodwill balances have been included in Corporate for segment reporting purposes in Note 13.  Changes to 
Goodwill were as follows (in millions): 

Balances as of January 1: 
  Goodwill 
  Accumulated impairment losses 
  Goodwill, net 
  Updated purchase price allocation 
  Acquisitions 
  Currency fluctuations 
Balances as of December 31: 
  Goodwill 
  Accumulated impairment losses 
  Goodwill, net 

Life  
Science 

  $  70.7 
(27.2) 
43.5 
-- 
-- 
-- 

70.7  
(27.2) 
  $  43.5  

2010 
Clinical 

  Diagnostics

Total 

Life  
Science 

2009 
Clinical 

  Diagnostics

Total 

  $ 284.1 
-- 
    284.1 
-- 
    12.8 
    23.6 

    320.5 
-- 
  $ 320.5 

  $  354.8  
(27.2) 
    327.6  
--  
12.8 
23.6 

  $  70.7 
(27.2) 
43.5 
-- 
-- 
-- 

  $  278.3  
--  
278.3  
(1.6) 
--  
7.4  

  $  349.0  
(27.2) 
    321.8  
(1.6) 
--  
7.4  

    391.2  
(27.2) 
  $  364.0  

70.7  
(27.2) 
  $  43.5  

284.1  
--  
  $  284.1  

    354.8  
(27.2) 
  $  327.6  

In conjunction with the acquisition of certain businesses of Biotest in January 2010 (see Note 2), we recorded 
$12.8 million of goodwill and $21.2 million of intangible assets: $7.5 million of customer relationships, $9.5 
million of developed product technology and $4.2 million of tradenames. 

In 2009, the purchase price allocation was completed for the December 2008 acquisitions of DiaMed Fennica 
Oy and DiaMed (G.B.) Limited. 

In 2008, a $27.2 million impairment loss related to goodwill was recorded in the Life Science segment.  The 
goodwill was originally recorded as part of an acquisition in 1999.  The impairment was caused primarily by the 
continuing decline in sales of the BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) product line.  No impairment losses 
related to goodwill were recorded in 2010 and 2009. 

Other than goodwill, we have no intangible assets with indefinite lives.  Information regarding our identifiable 
purchased intangible assets with definite lives is as follows (in millions): 

Average 
Remaining 
Life (years) 

Customer relationships/lists 
Know how 
Developed product technology 
Licenses 
Tradenames 
Covenants not to compete 
Patents 
Other 

1-13 
1-6 
1-11 
1-10 
2-12 
1-8 
-- 
1 

December 31, 2010 

Purchase  Accumulated 
Amortization 
$ (24.8) 
(33.0) 
(19.2) 
(12.2) 
(15.9) 
(4.6) 
(1.0) 
(0.1) 
$ (110.8) 

Price 
  $ 102.3 
    92.6 
    47.9 
    35.4 
    29.5 
5.9 
1.0 
0.1 
  $ 314.7 

Net 
Carrying 
Amount 

  $  77.5 
59.6 
28.7 
23.2 
13.6 
1.3 
-- 
-- 
  $  203.9 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
Average 
Remaining 
Life (years) 

Customer relationships/lists 
Know how 
Developed product technology 
Licenses 
Tradenames 
Covenants not to compete 
Patents 
Other 

1-14 
1-7 
1-12 
2-11 
3-12 
2-9 
1 
2 

December 31, 2009 

Purchase  Accumulated 
Amortization 
$(15.9) 
 (28.5) 
 (16.5) 
 (12.2) 
  (8.8) 
  (3.4) 
  (0.9) 
  (0.1) 
$(86.3) 

Price 
  $  90.3 
    92.0 
    40.5 
    37.6 
    23.6 
6.0 
1.0 
0.1 
  $ 291.1 

Net 
Carrying 
Amount 

  $  74.4 
63.5 
24.0 
25.4 
14.8 
2.6 
0.1 
-- 
  $  204.8 

In 2009, a $3.8 million impairment loss related to intangible assets was recorded in the Life Science segment.  
The intangible asset impairment related to the developed technology intangible assets of certain product lines 
that were acquired in 2006.  In 2008, a $1.6 million impairment loss related to intangible assets was recorded in 
the Life Science segment.  The intangible asset impairment related to the developed technology intangible assets 
of certain product lines that were acquired in 2006.  No impairment losses related to intangible assets were 
recorded for 2010. 

Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 
2008 was $33.7 million, $31.7 million and $29.8 million, respectively.  Estimated future amortization expense 
(based on existing intangible assets) for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 is 
$32.9 million, $30.6 million, $26.3 million, $23.7 million and $20.7 million, respectively.  

5. 

NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT 

Notes payable includes credit lines maintained locally by our international subsidiaries aggregating 
approximately $51.2 million, of which $48.0 million was unused at December 31, 2010.  At December 31, 
2009, these lines aggregated approximately $52.7 million, of which $49.1 million was unused.  The weighted 
average interest rate on these lines was 1.4% and 4.0% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Bio-Rad 
guaranteed most of these credit lines. 

The principal components of long-term debt are as follows (in millions): 

December 31, December 31, 

2010 

2009 

7.5% Senior Subordinated Notes  
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes 
8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes 
4.875% Senior Notes 
Capital leases and other debt 

    $ 

Less current maturities 
Long-term debt 

    $ 

225.0  
-- 
295.6  
422.6  
21.0  
964.2  
(233.1) 
731.1  

    $ 

    $ 

225.0  
200.0  
295.1  
-- 
22.5  
742.6  
(4.7) 
737.9  

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
   
     
     
 
     
     
     
     
 
In December 2010, Bio-Rad sold $425.0 million principal amount of Senior Notes due 2020 (4.875% Notes).  
The sale yielded net cash proceeds of $422.6 million at an effective rate of 4.946%.  The 4.875% Notes pay a 
fixed rate of interest of 4.875% per year.  We have the option to redeem any or all of the 4.875% Notes at any 
time at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount (plus a specified make-whole premium as defined in 
the indenture governing the 4.875% Notes) and accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.  Our 
obligations under the 4.875% Notes are not secured and rank equal in right of payment with all of our existing 
and future unsubordinated indebtedness.  The net proceeds from the issuance of the 4.875% Notes were used, 
together with cash on hand, to redeem all $200 million of our 6.125% Notes (as defined below) in December 
2010 and all $225 million of our 7.5% Notes (as defined below) in January 2011. 

In June 2010, Bio-Rad entered into a $200.0 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Credit 
Agreement). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are on a revolving basis and can be used for acquisitions, 
for working capital and for other general corporate purposes.  We had no outstanding borrowings under the 
Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2010.  The Credit Agreement expires on June 21, 2014. 

In May 2009, Bio-Rad sold $300.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016 (8.0% 
Notes).  The sale yielded net cash proceeds of $294.8 million at an effective interest rate of 8.3%.  The 8.0% 
Notes pay a fixed rate of interest of 8.0% per year.  We have the option to redeem any or all of the 8.0% Notes 
at any time prior to September 15, 2013 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus a 
specified make-whole premium (as defined in the indenture) governing the 8.0% Notes and accrued and unpaid 
interest thereon to the redemption date.  We also have the option to redeem any or all of the 8.0% Notes at any 
time on or after September 15, 2013 at various declining redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest 
thereon to the redemption date.  Our obligations under the 8.0% Notes are not secured, rank equal in right of 
payment with all of our existing and future senior subordinated indebtedness and rank junior in right of payment 
to all of our existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness, including any borrowings under the Credit 
Agreement and the 4.875% Notes. 

In December 2004, Bio-Rad sold $200.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 
(6.125% Notes).  In December 2010, we redeemed all of the 6.125% Notes for $204.3 million, including a call 
premium, which is included in Interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. 

In August 2003, Bio-Rad sold $225.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (7.5% 
Notes).  In January 2011, we redeemed all of the 7.5% Notes for $234.6 million, including a call premium, 
which will be included in Interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. 

The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of our personal property assets, the assets of our domestic 
subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of certain of our foreign subsidiaries.  It is guaranteed by all of our 
existing and future material domestic subsidiaries.  The Credit Agreement and the 8.0% Notes require Bio-Rad 
to comply with certain financial ratios and covenants, among other things.  These ratios and covenants include a 
leverage ratio test and an interest coverage test, as well as restrictions on our ability to declare or pay dividends, 
incur debt, guarantee debt, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge or consolidate, sell assets, make 
investments, create liens and prepay subordinated debt.  We were in compliance with all of these ratios and 
covenants as of December 31, 2010. 

Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2010 are as follows: 2011 - $233.1 million; 2012 - $0.4 million; 
2013 - $0.2 million; 2014 - $0.1 million; 2015 - $0.1 million; thereafter - $730.3 million. 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. 

INCOME TAXES 

The U.S. and international components of income before taxes are as follows (in millions): 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009  

2010  

2008  

U.S. 
International 
Income before taxes 

    $  79.5     $  87.2 
      140.8      
98.6 
    $ 220.3     $ 185.8 

    $  52.7
90.1
    $ 142.8

The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions): 

Current tax expense (benefit): 
  U.S. Federal 
  State 

International 

Current tax expense 
Deferred tax expense (benefit): 
  U.S. Federal 
  State 

International 

Deferred tax benefit 
Non-current tax expense 
Provision for income taxes 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009 

  2008 

2010 

   $ 

(5.1)
3.9 
35.2 
34.0 

   $  24.9  
4.4  
17.3  
46.6  

    $  28.3 
4.0 
      15.2 
      47.5 

5.9 
0.2 
(10.2)
(4.1)
3.4 
   $  33.3 

(2.5)       
(0.3)       
(8.9)       
(11.7)       

2.5  
0.1  
(5.9) 
(3.3) 
0.4  
    $  44.6 

1.8  
   $  36.7  

The reconciliation between our effective tax rate on income before taxes and the statutory tax rate is as 
follows: 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009  

2010  

2008  

U. S. statutory tax rate 
Impact of foreign operations 
Research and development tax credits 
Change in valuation allowance  
Examination settlements 
Repatriation of foreign earnings 
Goodwill impairment 
Other 
Provision for income taxes 

35% 
(6) 
(4) 
-- 
-- 
(10) 
-- 
-- 
15% 

35% 
(8) 
(7) 
1 
(1) 
-- 
-- 
-- 
20% 

35% 
(6) 
(9) 
3 
2 
-- 
7 
(1) 
31% 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
     
 
    
    
 
    
    
   
   
   
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the tax effects of losses, credits, and temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax 
purposes.  Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions): 

Deferred tax assets: 
  Bad debt, inventory and warranty accruals 
  Other reserves 
  Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards 
  Other 
  Valuation allowance 

Deferred tax liabilities: 
  Depreciation 
  Basis of capital assets and investments 

Net deferred taxes 

December 31, 

2010 

2009 

  $  25.5 
16.7 
35.7 
13.3 
(37.0)
54.2 

11.4 
46.5 
57.9 
(3.7)

  $ 

  $  28.0  
14.2  
34.1  
15.0  
(37.9) 
53.4  

10.0  
35.4  
45.4  
8.0  

  $ 

At December 31, 2010, Bio-Rad’s international subsidiaries had combined net operating loss carryforwards of 
$80.0 million.  These loss carryforwards have no expiration date.  We believe that it is more likely than not that 
the benefit from these net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized.  We have provided a valuation 
allowance of $24.1 million on the deferred tax assets relating to these net operating loss carryforwards.  If or 
when recognized, the tax benefits relating to any reversal of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets at 
December 31, 2010 will be recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. 

At December 31, 2010, Bio-Rad had U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards of $7.3 million as a result of 
acquisitions.  The utilization of these net operating loss carryforwards is subject to an annual limitation under 
Internal Revenue Code Section 382 but are expected to be fully realized.  The loss carryforwards will expire in 
the following years: 2018 - $6.2 million; and 2028 - $1.1 million. 

At December 31, 2010, Bio-Rad had a deferred tax asset of $9.1 million relating to California research and 
development tax credit carryforwards, which may be carried forward indefinitely.  Based on our judgment and 
consistent with prior years, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset. 

The following table summarizes at December 31, 2010 the tax years that are either currently under audit or 
remain open and subject to examination by tax authorities in the major jurisdictions that Bio-Rad operates: 

U.S. 
France 
Germany 
Italy 
Japan 
Switzerland 

2007-2010
2007-2010
2004-2010
2005-2009
2009-2010
2010 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for the year (in 
millions): 

Unrecognized tax benefits – January 1 
Additions to tax positions related to prior years 
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years 
Additions to tax positions related to the current year 
Settlements 
Lapse of statute of limitations 
Currency translation 
Unrecognized tax benefits – December 31 

2010 

2009 

2008 

   $  17.5 
4.1 
(0.1)
3.3 
(0.1)
(4.1)
-- 

  $  18.1  
2.1  
(4.3) 
3.3  
--  
(1.9) 
0.2  
   $  20.6      $  17.5  

  $  22.3  
1.9  
(0.7) 
2.4  
(4.3) 
(2.6) 
(0.9) 
  $  18.1  

Substantially all our unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 would affect the effective 
tax rate if recognized. 

Bio-Rad recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.  
Related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above, Bio-Rad has accrued interest of $2.8 million and 
$2.5 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. 

At December 31, 2010, we believe that it is reasonably possible that approximately $5.7 million of our 
unrecognized tax benefits may be recognized by the end of 2011 as a result of statute lapses.  These benefits are 
related to uncertainty regarding sustainability of certain deductions and credits for tax years that remain subject 
to examination by the relevant tax authorities. 

In general, it is our practice and intention to reinvest the earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries in their 
operations.  As of December 31, 2010, Bio-Rad had not made a provision for U.S. or additional foreign 
withholding taxes on approximately $393 million of the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax 
basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration.  Generally, such amounts 
become subject to U.S. taxation upon remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances.  If these 
earnings were repatriated to the U.S., the deferred tax liability associated with these temporary differences 
would be approximately $86 million. 

7. 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Bio-Rad’s issued and outstanding stock consists of Class A Common Stock (Class A) and Class B Common 
Stock (Class B).  Each share of Class A and Class B participates equally in the earnings of Bio-Rad, and is 
identical in most respects except that Class A has limited voting rights.  Each share of Class A is entitled to one-
tenth of a vote on most matters, and each share of Class B is entitled to one vote.  Additionally, Class A 
stockholders are entitled to elect 25% of the Board of Directors and Class B stockholders are entitled to elect the 
balance of the directors.  Cash dividends may be paid on Class A shares without paying a cash dividend on 
Class B shares but no cash dividend may be paid on Class B shares unless at least an equal cash dividend is 

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
paid on Class A shares.  Class B shares are convertible at any time into Class A shares on a one-for-one basis at 
the option of the stockholder.  The Schwartz family collectively holds a majority of Bio-Rad’s voting stock.  As 
a result, the Schwartz family is able to exercise significant influence over Bio-Rad. 

8. 

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION/STOCK OPTION AND PURCHASE PLANS 

Description of Share-Based Compensation Plans 

Stock Option and Award Plans 
We have three stock option plans for officers and certain other employees: the Amended 1994 Stock Option 
Plan (1994 Plan); the 2003 Stock Option Plan (2003 Plan); and the 2007 Incentive Award Plan (2007 Plan).  
The 1994 Plan and 2003 Plan authorized the grant of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options to 
employees.  The 2007 Plan authorizes the grant of stock options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation 
rights and other types of equity awards to employees.  We no longer make stock option grants under the 1994 
Plan or 2003 Plan.  A total of 1,650,360 shares have been reserved for issuance of equity awards and may be of 
either Class A or Class B common stock.  At December 31, 2010, there were 983,227 shares available to be 
granted in the future. 

Under these plans, Class A and Class B options are granted at prices not less than fair market value of the 
underlying common stock on the date of grant.  Generally, options granted have a term of 10 years and vest in 
increments of 20% per year over a five-year period on the yearly anniversary date of the grant.  Stock awards 
issued under the 2007 Plan generally vest in increments of 20% per year over a five-year period on the yearly 
anniversary date of the grant. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) 
We have an employee stock purchase plan which provides that eligible employees may contribute up to 10% of 
their compensation up to $25,000 annually toward the quarterly purchase of our Class A common stock.  The 
employees’ purchase price is 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the stock on the first business day or 
the last business day of each calendar quarter.  We have authorized the sale of 2,390,000 shares of common 
stock under the ESPP. 

Share-Based Compensation Expense 

Included in our share-based compensation expense is the cost related to stock option grants, ESPP stock 
purchases, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards.  Share-based compensation expense is allocated to 
Cost of goods sold, Research and development expense, and Selling, general and administrative expense in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 

For 2010, 2009 and 2008, we recognized pre-tax share-based compensation expense of $10.2 million, 
$9.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively.  We did not capitalize any share-based compensation expense. 

For options and awards, we amortize the fair value on a straight-line basis.  All stock compensation awards are 
amortized over the requisite service periods of the awards, which are generally the vesting periods. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options 
The following table summarizes stock option activity. 

Outstanding, January 1, 2008 
  Granted 
  Exercised 

Forfeited/expired 

Outstanding, December 31, 2008 
  Granted 
  Exercised 

Forfeited/expired 

Outstanding, December 31, 2009 
  Granted 
  Exercised 

Forfeited/expired 

Outstanding, December 31, 2010 
Vested and expected to vest, 
  December 31, 2010 

  Weighted- 
Average 

Shares 

  Exercise Price

  1,488,275 
59,000 
(269,731)
(23,417)

  1,254,127 
58,500 
(90,542)
(15,711)

  1,206,374 
58,500 
(200,125)
(6,930)

    $ 
    $ 
    $ 
    $ 

    $ 
    $ 
    $ 
    $ 

    $ 
    $ 
    $ 
    $ 

43.06 
88.35 
25.09 
53.99 

48.84 
75.07 
38.20 
59.15 

50.78 
84.57 
26.81 
61.08 

1,057,819     $ 

57.12 

1,041,954     $ 

56.75 

Exercisable, December 31, 2010 

842,617     $ 

52.04 

  Weighted- 
Average 
Remaining 
  Contractual 
  Term (in years)

  Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
(in millions) 

4.40 

4.34 

3.59 

$  49.4 

$  49.1 

$  43.7 

The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010: 

Options Outstanding 

Options Exercisable 

Range of 
Exercise Prices 
$ 28.61 - $ 53.50 
$ 53.75 - $ 57.49 
$ 62.47 - $ 75.00 
$ 75.32 - $ 88.48 

Number 
Outstanding 
321,677 
283,006 
277,736 
175,400 

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(in years) 
1.95 
3.65 
5.51 
8.35 

Weighted -
Average 
Exercise 
Price 
$ 37.12 
$ 55.86 
$ 65.33 
$ 82.80 

Number 
Exercisable 
321,677 
283,006 
196,634 
41,300 

Weighted - 
Average 
Exercise Price 
$ 37.12 
$ 55.86 
$ 64.48 
$ 82.78 

Intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the grant 
price. The total intrinsic value on the date of exercise of stock options exercised during 2010, 2009 and 2008 
was approximately $13 million, $4 million and $17 million, respectively. 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash received from stock options exercised during 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $5.4 million, $3.5 million and $6.8 
million, respectively.  The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised totaled 
$5.0 million, $2.0 million and $6.3 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2010, there was $5.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost from stock options. 
The cost is expected to be recognized in the future over a weighted-average period of approximately 3 years. 

The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing 
model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009 

2008 

2010 

Expected volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected life (in years) 
Expected dividend 
Weighted-average fair value of options granted 

35% 
2.40% 
8.7 
-- 
      $ 38.19 

34% 
3.69% 
8.4 
--  
    $  35.56 

34% 
3.92% 
8.5 
-- 
    $  42.21 

Volatility is based on the historical volatilities of our common stock for a period equal to the stock option’s 
expected life.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the 
grant.  The expected life represents the number of years that we estimate, based primarily on historical 
experience, that the options will be outstanding prior to exercise.  We do not anticipate paying any cash 
dividends in the future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero. 

Restricted Stock 
Under the 2007 Plan, restricted stock was last granted in 2008 and there will be no further grants.  The fair value 
of each share of restricted stock is the market value as determined by the closing price of the stock on the day of 
grant. 

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity: 

2010 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009 

2008 

Restricted 
Stock 
Shares 

Weighted- 
Average 
Grant-Date
Fair Value 

Restricted 
Stock 
Shares 

Weighted- 
Average 
Grant-Date
Fair Value 

Restricted 

Weighted- 
Average 

Stock  Grant-Date 
Fair Value 
Shares 

--    

101,247      $ 82.86 
--  
(28,518)      $ 81.94 
(3,836)      $ 83.47 

  135,914    $  82.64   
--   
--     
(29,572)   $  81.94   
(5,095)   $  82.45   

75,720 
78,485 
(14,625) 
(3,666) 

  $  75.33 
  $  88.09 
  $  75.33 
  $  77.24 

68,893 

    $ 83.21    101,247 

  $  82.86    135,914  

  $  82.64 

Nonvested shares, at 
  beginning of year 
Granted 
Vested 
Cancelled/forfeited 
Nonvested shares, at  
  end of year 

As of December 31, 2010, there was approximately $4.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related 
to restricted stock granted under the 2007 Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining 
weighted-average period of approximately 2 years. 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted Stock Units 
Restricted stock units, which are rights to receive shares of company stock, were granted from 2007 through 
2010 under the 2007 Plan.  The fair value of each restricted stock unit is the market value as determined by the 
closing price of the stock on the day of grant. 

The following table summarizes restricted stock unit activity: 

  Restricted
Stock 
  Units 

Weighted-  Weighted-Average 
Average 
Grant-Date 
Fair Value 

Remaining 
Contractual Term 
(in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
as of 
  December 31, 2010 
(in millions) 

Outstanding, January 1, 2008 
  Granted 
  Vested 

Forfeited 

Outstanding, December 31, 2008 
  Granted 
  Vested 

Forfeited 

Outstanding, December 31, 2009 
  Granted 
  Vested 

Forfeited 

26,750 
37,445 
(2,593)
(953)

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

  $ 
60,649 
   120,685 
  $ 
   (11,885)   $ 
(6,251)   $ 

  $ 
   163,198 
   126,330 
  $ 
   (33,825)   $ 
   (13,481)   $ 

75.32 
88.00 
75.32 
79.58 

83.08 
74.40 
79.77 
80.20 

77.01 
84.57 
78.41 
79.71 

Outstanding, December 31, 2010 

   242,222 

  $ 

80.61 

2.24 

$  25.2 

As of December 31, 2010, there was approximately $14.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost 
related to restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a 
remaining weighted-average period of approximately 4 years. 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
The fair value of the employees’ purchase rights was estimated using a Black-Scholes model with the following 
weighted-average assumptions: 

Expected volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected life (in years) 
Expected dividend 
Weighted-average fair value 
  of purchase rights 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009 

2010 

2008 

23% 
.15% 
.25 

--   

35% 
.14% 
.25 

--   

37% 
1.87% 
.25   
--   

  $  18.27 

  $  16.71 

  $  20.79 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The major assumptions are primarily based on historical data.  Volatility is based on the historical volatilities of 
our common stock for a period equal to the expected life of the purchase rights.  The risk-free interest rate is 
based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.  We do not anticipate paying any cash 
dividends in the future and therefore use an expected dividend yield of zero. 

We sold 96,586 shares for $7.4 million, 109,025 shares for $6.8 million and 88,533 shares for $6.1 million 
under the ESPP to employees in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  At December 31, 2010, 132,018 shares 
remain authorized under the ESPP. 

We currently issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises, restricted stock issuances and ESPP stock 
purchases. 

9. 

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE, NET 

Other (income) expense, net includes the following components (in millions): 

Interest and investment income 
Net realized (gains) losses on investments 
Other-than-temporary impairment of investments 
Foreign non-income tax relief 
Miscellaneous other items 
Other (income) expense, net 

2010 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009 
    $  (5.7)
-- 
3.5 
(4.6)
(0.1)
    $  (6.9)

2008 
  $  (10.6) 
0.7  
10.9  
-- 
(0.6) 
0.4  

    $  (5.2) 
(0.6) 
0.2  
-- 
1.7  
    $  (3.9) 

  $ 

Other-than-temporary impairments of investments were recorded in 2010, 2009 and 2008 on certain of our 
available-for-sale investments in light of the continuing declines in their market prices at that time.  We did not 
believe these particular investments would recover their carrying value. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
   
     
     
   
   
     
   
     
     
   
 
10. 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

The reconciliation of net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities is as 
follows (in millions): 

Net income including noncontrolling interests  
Adjustments to reconcile net income including 

noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by 
operating activities (net of effects of acquisitions): 

  Depreciation 
  Amortization 
  Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 
  Share-based compensation 
  Foreign currency economic hedge transactions, net 
  Losses (gains) on dispositions of securities 
  Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net 
  Decrease (increase) in inventories, net 
  Decrease (increase) in other current assets 
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable  

and other current liabilities 

  Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable 
  Decrease in deferred income taxes 
  Goodwill and purchased intangible asset impairments 
  Other 
Net cash provided by operating activities 

Year Ended December 31, 

2010 

2009 

2008 

  $  186.9 

  $  149.2  

    $  98.3  

74.5 
34.4 
(2.9)
10.2 
(3.2)
(0.5)
(37.0)
(15.9)
(9.3)

69.5  
32.2  
(0.7) 
9.1  
2.5  
3.5  
4.3  
35.8  
11.8  

66.3  
30.8  
(5.1) 
7.3  
5.4  
10.6  
11.1  
(51.9) 
(0.6) 

9.1 
(19.3)
(6.5)
-- 
5.4 
  $  225.9 

6.1  
8.7  
(11.6) 
3.8  
0.9  
  $  325.1  

(3.6) 
(1.6) 
(3.2) 
28.8  
(1.2) 
    $  191.4  

11. 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 

Rents and Leases 

Net rental expense under operating leases was $38.3 million in 2010, $37.0 million in 2009 and $38.8 million in 
2008.  Leases are principally for facilities and automobiles. 

Annual future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2010 under operating leases are as follows: 2011 - 
$33.1 million; 2012 - $27.2 million; 2013 - $18.8 million; 2014 - $14.7 million and subsequent to 2015 - $38.9 
million. 

Deferred Profit Sharing Retirement Plan 

We have a profit sharing plan covering substantially all U.S. employees.  Contributions are made at the 
discretion of the Board of Directors.  Bio-Rad has no liability other than for the current year’s contribution.  
Contribution expense was $12.2 million, $11.5 million and $10.5 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
 
 
   
     
   
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Post-Employment Benefits 

In several foreign locations we are statutorily required to provide a lump sum severance or termination 
indemnity to our employees.  Under these plans, the vested benefit obligation at December 31, 2010 and 2009 
was $28.8 million and $22.4 million, respectively, and has been included in Other current liabilities and Other 
long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  These plans are not required to be funded, and as such, 
there is no trust or other device used to accumulate assets to settle these obligations. 

Purchase Obligations 

As of December 31, 2010, we had purchase obligations of $59.2 million, which include agreements to purchase 
goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding to Bio-Rad and that specify all significant terms and 
exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty. 

Letters of Credit 

In the ordinary course of business, we are at times required to post letters of credit.  The letters of credit are 
issued by our banks to guarantee our obligations to various parties including insurance companies. We were 
contingently liable for $13.9 million of standby letters of credit with banks as of December 31, 2010. 

12. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  

Based on an internal review, we have identified conduct in certain of our overseas operations that may have 
violated the anti-bribery provisions of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and is likely to 
have violated the FCPA’s books and records and internal controls provisions and our own internal policies.  In 
May 2010, we voluntarily disclosed these matters to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC), which each commenced an investigation.  The Audit Committee of our 
Board of Directors (Audit Committee) has assumed direct responsibility for reviewing these matters and has 
hired experienced independent counsel to conduct an investigation and provide legal advice.  We have provided, 
and intend to continue to provide, additional information to the DOJ and the SEC as the Audit Committee’s 
investigation progresses. 

The Audit Committee’s investigation and the DOJ and SEC investigations are continuing and we are presently 
unable to predict the duration, scope or results of the Audit Committee’s investigation, of any investigations by 
the DOJ or the SEC or whether either agency will commence any legal actions.  The DOJ and the SEC have a 
broad range of civil and criminal sanctions under the FCPA and other laws and regulations including, but not 
limited to, injunctive relief, disgorgement, fines, penalties, modifications to business practices including the 
termination or modification of existing business relationships, the imposition of compliance programs and the 
retention of a monitor to oversee compliance with the FCPA.  We are unable to estimate the outcome of this 
matter, however, the imposition of any of these sanctions or remedial measures could have a material adverse 
effect on our business or financial condition.  We have not to date assessed whether any of the activities in 
question violated the laws of the foreign jurisdictions in which they took place. 

In addition, we are party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of 
business.  We do not believe, at this time, that any ultimate liability resulting from any of these other matters 
will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity.  However, we 
cannot give any assurance regarding the ultimate outcome of these other matters and their resolution could be 
material to our operating results for any particular period, depending on the level of income for the period. 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13. 

SEGMENT INFORMATION 

Bio-Rad is a multinational manufacturer and worldwide distributor of its own life science research products and 
clinical diagnostics products.  We have two reportable segments:  Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics.  These 
reportable segments are strategic business lines that offer different products and services and require different 
marketing strategies. 

The Life Science segment develops, manufactures, sells and services reagents, apparatus and instruments used 
for biological research.  These products are sold to university and medical school laboratories, pharmaceutical 
and biotechnology companies, food testing laboratories and government and industrial research facilities. 

The Clinical Diagnostics segment develops, manufactures, sells and services automated test systems, informatics 
systems, test kits and specialized quality controls for the healthcare market.  These products are sold to reference 
laboratories, hospital laboratories, state newborn screening facilities, physicians’ office laboratories, transfusion 
laboratories and insurance and forensic testing laboratories. 

Other Operations include the remainder of our former Analytical Instruments segment. 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Significant Accounting Policies (see 
Note 1).  Segment profit or loss used for corporate management purposes includes an allocation of corporate 
expense based upon sales and an allocation of interest expense based upon accounts receivable and 
inventories.  Segments are expected to manage only assets completely under their control.  Accordingly, 
segment assets include primarily accounts receivable, inventories and gross machinery and equipment.  
Goodwill balances have been included in corporate for segment reporting purposes. 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Information regarding industry segments at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 and for the years then ended is 
as follows (in millions): 

Segment net sales 

Allocated interest expense 

Depreciation and amortization 

Segment profit  

Segment assets 

Capital expenditures 

Life 
Science 

Clinical 

  Diagnostics

Other 
  Operations 

    $  648.1 
631.5 
643.5 

  $  1,265.3 
1,139.9 
1,106.4 

    $  13.7 
12.8 
14.5 

    $ 

    $ 

    $ 

17.1 
13.9 
10.5 

15.0 
16.5 
17.5 

51.1 
38.6 
13.3 

    $  332.0 
311.1 

    $ 

10.6 
10.4 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

(1)   
(2)   

  $ 

  $ 

46.4 
32.8 
21.4 

84.9 
78.2 
74.9 

171.4 
145.7 
139.8 

807.0 
711.4 

62.3 
49.8 

  $  0.2 
0.3 
0.2 

  $  0.2 
0.3 
0.1 

  $  1.4 
0.9 
0.6 

  $  6.1 
5.8 

  $  0.1 
-- 

2010 
2009 
2008 

2010 
2009 
2008 

2010 
2009 
2008 

2010 
2009 
2008 

2010 
2009 

2010 
2009 

(1)  The Life Science segment profit for 2009 included $3.8 million of intangibles 

impairment expense (see Note 4). 

(2)  The Life Science segment profit for 2008 included $28.8 million of goodwill and 

intangibles impairment expense (see Note 4). 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The difference between total segment allocated interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and capital 
expenditures and the corresponding consolidated amounts is attributable to our corporate headquarters.  The 
following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated income before taxes (in millions): 

Total segment profit 
Other income (expense), net 
Foreign exchange losses 
Net corporate operating, interest and other  
  income (expense), net not allocated 
  to segments 
Consolidated income before taxes 

Year Ended December 31, 
2009 

2008 

2010 

  $  223.9  
3.9  
(3.9) 

  $  185.2  
6.9  
(5.0) 

    $  153.7  
(0.4) 
(7.6) 

(3.6) 
  $  220.3  

(1.3) 
  $  185.8  

(2.9) 
    $  142.8  

The following reconciles total segment assets to consolidated total assets (in millions): 

Total segment assets 
Cash and other current assets 
Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding 
  segment specific gross machinery and equipment 
Goodwill, net 
Other long-term assets 
Total assets 

December 31, 

2010 

2009 

  $  1,145.1 
    1,197.2 

  $  1,028.3 
873.9 

(20.3)
364.0 
376.8 
  $  3,062.8 

(23.9)
327.6 
330.0 
  $  2,535.9 

The following presents net sales to external customers by geographic area based primarily on the location of the 
use of the product or service (in millions): 

Year Ended December 31, 

2010 

2009 

2008 

Europe  
Pacific Rim  
United States  
Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) 
Total net sales 

    $  842.6 
347.8 
600.5 
136.2 
    $  1,927.1 

    $  814.4 
291.5 
565.8 
112.5 
    $  1,784.2 

    $ 

872.1 
253.3 
525.3 
113.7 
    $  1,764.4 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
     
 
   
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
The following presents Other assets and Property, plant and equipment, net by geographic area based upon the 
location of the asset (in millions). 

December 31, 

2010 

2009 

Europe 
Pacific Rim 
United States   
Other (primarily Canada and Latin America) 
Total Other assets and Property, plant and equipment, net 

    $ 

    $ 

181.8     $  163.9 
17.2 
23.1      
233.7 
287.8      
13.9      
12.7 
506.6     $  427.5 

14. 

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) 

Summarized quarterly financial data for 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in millions, except per share data): 

First 
Quarter 

Second 
Quarter 

Third 
Quarter 

Fourth 
Quarter 

2010 
Net sales 
Gross profit 
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 
Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

2009 
Net sales 
Gross profit 
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad 
Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

    $ 

    $ 
    $ 

    $ 

    $ 
    $ 

454.2 
257.1 
34.9 
1.27 
1.24 

    $  467.7 
268.3 
38.0 
1.37 
1.35 

    $ 
    $ 

    $  471.5 
266.3 
44.8 
1.62 
1.59 

    $ 
    $ 

    $ 

    $ 
    $ 

533.7 
299.7 
67.9 
2.44 
2.41 

400.9 
228.9 
30.3 
1.11 
1.10 

    $  427.2 
242.0 
38.0 
1.39 
1.37 

    $ 
    $ 

    $  461.1 
260.5 
38.5 
1.40 
1.38 

    $ 
    $ 

    $  495.1  
268.5  
37.9  
1.38  
1.35  

    $ 
    $ 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
ITEM 9.  CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND 
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 

None. 

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES   

(a) 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with 
the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the 
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, 
our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, although our disclosure controls 
and procedures were generally effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us and our 
consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), they were not effective as disclosed below. 

The conclusion that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective relates in part to the results to date 
of our Audit Committee’s investigation with the assistance of independent special counsel of our compliance 
with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).  Based on that investigation, we have determined 
that our previous lack of a comprehensive FCPA compliance policy and training program and other inadequate 
entity-level controls, as discussed below, led us to fail to identify FCPA compliance issues that were presented.   

We have commenced the initial implementation of changes in our disclosure controls and procedures to provide 
greater assurance of future compliance with the requirements of the FCPA and to ensure that potential FCPA 
issues are appropriately identified, reported and evaluated in the future.  These initial remediation efforts 
include: 

(cid:404) 

  Our initiation of company-wide, comprehensive training of our personnel in the 
requirements of the FCPA, including training with respect to those areas of our 
operations that are most likely to raise FCPA compliance concerns; 

(cid:404) 

  With the assistance of special counsel to the Audit Committee, which has 

extensive experience in the area of FCPA compliance, our adoption of interim 
FCPA compliance protocols and guidelines, which are expected to be followed by 
the adoption of a comprehensive FCPA compliance policy that is appropriate for 
us in light of our worldwide operations, particularly in geographical areas that 
present challenges to regulatory compliance because of less mature legal 
frameworks; and 

(cid:404) 

  Our determination that, in the future, FCPA compliance will be a point of 

emphasis to be evaluated quarterly by our internal legal group and our internal 
audit group, and that a report on our FCPA compliance will be provided regularly 
to the Audit Committee. 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Annual Report on, and Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial 
reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.  Our internal control system is 
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the preparation and fair presentation of our financial 
statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  An internal control system 
over financial reporting has inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Therefore, even 
those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial 
statement preparation and presentation. 

Our management has used the framework set forth in the report entitled “Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework” published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission to 
evaluate the effectiveness of Bio-Rad’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.   

Based on that evaluation and assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial 
reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2010 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of 
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, to the extent and for the reasons set 
forth below.  Our management reviewed the results of its evaluation and assessment with our Audit Committee. 

In connection with our Audit Committee’s investigation of our compliance with the FCPA discussed above, our 
management identified three significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2010 that, when considered and taken together, constitute a material weakness in our internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.  A significant deficiency is defined as a deficiency, or 
a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material 
weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of our financial reporting.  
A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over 
financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or 
interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. 

Our conclusion that we have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 
31, 2010 is not based on quantified misstatements in our historical financial statements or our financial 
statements as of and for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, but instead on the risk that we may be unable 
to prevent or detect on a timely basis potential material errors in our future financial statements. We do not 
presently anticipate that the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 
31, 2010 will have any material effect on our previously reported financial results or our financial results for our 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. 

The three significant deficiencies that we identified in our internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2010 are as follows: 

Inadequate Entity-Level Controls.  As of December 31, 2010, we identified a number of entity-level control 
deficiencies that, when considered and taken together, constitute a significant deficiency in our internal control 
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.  These entity-level control deficiencies relate both to the 
design and to the operation of our internal controls and include: 

(cid:404) 

(cid:404) 

  Our lack of a comprehensive FCPA policy and training program; 

  Our lack of a formal, effective disclosure committee to facilitate our compliance 

with Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(cid:404) 

(cid:404) 

(cid:404) 

(cid:404) 

Inadequate policies regarding enterprise-wide risk assessment and management 
related to doing business in high-risk, emerging markets; 

  Our failure to perform background checks on certain parties prior to entering into 

material contracts with such parties; 

  Our lack of compliance with our existing Code of Business Ethics and Conduct in 

certain countries; and 

Ineffective disclosure of significant exceptions to compliance with company 
policies through our quarterly management sub-certification process. 

Inadequate Expenditure Processes at Certain of Our International Subsidiaries.  As of December 31, 2010, we 
identified a number of control deficiencies relating to our expenditure processes at certain of our international 
subsidiaries that, when considered and taken together, constitute a significant deficiency in our internal control 
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.  These control deficiencies relate both to the design and to the 
operation of our internal controls and include our lack of compliance with our existing management guidelines 
for contract and expenditure authorization and with our Code of Business Ethics and Conduct and our inability 
to produce documentary evidence to support certain contractual obligations. 

Inadequate Revenue and Accounts Receivable Processes at Certain of Our International Subsidiaries.  As of 
December 31, 2010, we identified a number of control deficiencies relating to our revenue and accounts 
receivable process at certain of our international subsidiaries that, when considered and taken together, 
constitute a significant deficiency in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010.  
These control deficiencies relate both to the design and to the operation of our internal controls and include our 
inability, in certain instances, to produce documentary evidence of effective operation of internal controls 
relating to contract management; our lack of evidence regarding credit note authorizations; inadequate control 
over changes to master customer files; and our lack of compliance with reagent rental contracts and sales cut-
off. 

In addition to our FCPA-related remediation efforts described above under “Disclosure Controls and 
Procedures,” we have commenced the initiation of a number of actions to attempt to remediate the foregoing 
significant deficiencies and the resulting material weakness, including:  

(cid:404) 

(cid:404) 

(cid:404) 

  Our institution of a formal FCPA policy and training program; 

  Our formation of a disclosure committee to facilitate our compliance with Section 

302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;  

  Our implementation of new procedures regarding the performance of background 
checks on certain parties prior to entering into material contracts with such parties; 
and 

(cid:404) 

  Our termination of certain employees. 

We are also in the process of evaluating and expect to initiate additional actions to attempt to remediate these 
significant deficiencies and the resulting material weakness, including developing and implementing additional 
policies, further strengthening our disclosure processes, and potentially increasing the resources that we devote 
to our internal compliance and audit functions. 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We cannot assure you that we will be able to remediate these significant deficiencies and the resulting material 
weakness or that additional significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal control over financial 
reporting will not be identified in the future.  Any failure to maintain or implement new or improved internal 
controls, or any difficulties that we may encounter in their maintenance or implementation, could result in 
additional significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, result in material misstatements in our financial 
statements and cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, which in turn could cause the trading price of 
our common stock to decline. 

Other than the changes discussed above, we identified no changes in our internal control over financial reporting 
that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or that are 
reasonably likely materially to affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated financial 
statements of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 and has issued an 
adverse attestation report on the effectiveness of Bio-Rad’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2010, as stated in their report. 

(b) 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 

We have audited Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria).  Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.’s management is 
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the 
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s 
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.  

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit 
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a 
material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based 
on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We 
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance 
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes 
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial 
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable 
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;  (2) provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) 
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 
misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, 
such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim 
financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has 
been identified and included in management’s assessment.  Management has identified three significant 
deficiencies related to entity level controls and the expenditure and revenue processes at certain of the 
Company’s international subsidiaries that, when considered and taken together, represent a material weakness in 
internal control over financial reporting. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 
2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and comprehensive 
income, and cash flows for the years then ended. This material weakness was considered in determining the 
nature, timing and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2010 consolidated financial statements and this 
report does not affect our report dated February 28, 2011, which expressed an unqualified opinion on those 
financial statements.  

In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described above on the achievement of the 
objectives of the control criteria, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. has not maintained effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.  

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP  

Palo Alto, California 
February 28, 2011 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION 

None. 

PART III.   

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

Part of the information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from portions 
of Bio-Rad’s definitive proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders in connection with our 2011 annual 
meeting of stockholders (the “2011 Proxy Statement”) under “Election of Directors,” “Committees of the Board 
of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.” 

Bio-Rad’s Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Louis Drapeau is the “audit committee financial expert,” 
as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.  Mr. Drapeau is also an “independent” director, as determined 
in accordance with the independence standards set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended, and Section 303A.02 of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Listed Company Manual. 

We have adopted a code of business ethics and conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal 
financial officer, controller and all other employees and is available through our Corporate/Investor Relations 
website (www.bio-rad.com).  We will also provide a copy of the code of ethics to any person, without charge, 
upon request, by writing to us at “Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Investor Relations, 1000 Alfred Nobel Drive, 
Hercules, CA  94547.” 

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from portions of the 
2011 Proxy Statement under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table,” 
“Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock 
Vested Table,” “Pension Benefits,” “Nonqualified Defined Contribution and Other Nonqualified Deferred 
Compensation Plans,” “Potential Payments on Termination or Change in Control,” “Director Compensation” 
and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”  In addition, the information from a 
portion of the 2011 Proxy Statement under “Compensation Committee Report” is incorporated herein by 
reference and furnished on this Form 10-K and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the 
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the 
Securities Act of 1933. 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT 
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS  

Part of the information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from a portion 
of the 2011 Proxy Statement under “Principal and Management Stockholders.” 

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of December 31, 2010 

Number of 
securities 
to be issued  
upon exercise of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 
(a) 

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 

Number of securities 
remaining available 
for future issuance 
under equity 
compensation plans 
(excluding securities 
reflected in column 
(a)) 

(b) 

(c) 

1,300,041 

  $  46.47 

1,115,245 

(2) 

-- 

-- 

-- 

1,300,041 

  $  46.47 

1,115,245 

Plan category 

Equity compensation 
  plans approved by  
  security holders (1) 
Equity compensation plans 
  not approved by 
  security holders 

Total 

(1) 

(2) 

  Consists of the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan, the 2003 Stock Option Plan of 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 2007 Incentive Award Plan and the Bio-
Rad Laboratories, Inc. Amended and Restated 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 

  Consists of 983,227 shares available under the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 2007 Incentive Award 

Plan and 132,018 shares available for issuance under the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Amended and 
Restated 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR 

INDEPENDENCE  

The information required to be furnished pursuant to this item is incorporated by reference from portions of the 
2011 Proxy Statement under “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Committees of the Board of Directors.” 

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES  

The information required to be furnished by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the 2011 
Proxy Statement under “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.” 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV.   

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES  

(a) 1. 

Index to Financial Statements – See Item 8 “Financial Statements and  
   Supplementary Data”on page 30 for a list of financial statements. 

2. 

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

All other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or the required information 
is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto. 

3. 

Index to Exhibits 

The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits on pages 76 through 79 of this report are filed or  
incorporated by reference as part of this report. 

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. 
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008  
(in thousands) 

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable  

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

23,100 
19,567 
21,410 

Additions 
Charged to Costs 
and Expenses 
7,984 
7,783 
7,602 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

2010 
2009 
2008 

Deductions 
  $  (6,032) 
  $  (4,250) 
  $  (9,472) 

Other (A) 
-- 
  $ 
-- 
  $ 
27 
  $ 

Balance at 
End of Year 
  $  25,052 
  $  23,100 
  $  19,567 

 (A)  Due to acquisitions. 

Valuation allowance for current and long-term deferred tax assets 

Balance at 
Beginning 
of Year 

Additions Charged 
(Credited) to Income 
Tax Expense 

2010 
2009 
2008 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

37,926 
40,663 
31,119 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

(2,631) 
6,602 
10,570 

Deductions 
  $ 
-- 
  $    (9,339) 
  $    (1,026) 

Other (B) 
  $ 1,720 
-- 
  $ 
-- 
  $ 

Balance at  
End of Year  
  $  37,015 
  $  37,926 
  $  40,663 

 (B)  Due to acquisitions. 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has 
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. 

By: 

/s/ Sanford S. Wadler 
Sanford S. Wadler 
Secretary 

Date:  February 28, 2011   

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Principal Executive Officer: 
  /s/ Norman Schwartz  
  (Norman Schwartz) 

Principal Financial Officer  
  /s/ Christine A. Tsingos 
  (Christine A. Tsingos) 

Principal Accounting Officer 
  /s/ James R. Stark 
  (James R. Stark) 

Other Directors: 
  /s/ James J. Bennett 
  (James J. Bennett) 

  /s/ Louis Drapeau 
(Louis Drapeau) 

  /s/ Albert J. Hillman 
  (Albert J. Hillman) 

  /s/ Dr. Ted W. Love  
(Dr. Ted. W. Love) 

  /s/ Alice N. Schwartz 
  (Alice N. Schwartz) 

  /s/ David Schwartz 
  (David Schwartz)   

President and Director 

February 28, 2011 

Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer 

February 28, 2011 

Corporate Controller 

February 28, 2011 

Director 

February 28, 2011 

Director 

February 28, 2011 

Director 

February 28, 2011 

Director 

February 28, 2011 

Director 

February 28, 2011 

Director 

February 28, 2011 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS ITEM 15(a)3 

Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are furnished herewith and should not be deemed to be “filed under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.” 

Exhibit 
No. 

2.1 

Share Purchase Agreement as of May 14, 2007 by and among Bio-Rad Laboratories,  
Inc. and certain selling shareholders regarding the purchase of 77.6765% of the equity 
of DiaMed Holding AG. (1) 

3.1 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 

3.1.1 

Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 

3.2 

4.1 

4.2 

4.3 

4.4 

4.5 

10.1 

10.2 

10.3 

Bylaws of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 

Indenture dated as of August 11, 2003 for 7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 
among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as  
Trustee. (2) 

Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 11, 2003 for 
7.50% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013. (2)  

Indenture dated as of May 26, 2009 for 8.00% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016  
Among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., as Issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as 
Trustee. (3) 

Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 26, 2009 for 
8.00% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016. (3) 

Indenture dated as of December 9, 2010 for 4.875% Senior Notes due 2020 among 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., as Issuer, and Wilmington Trust FSB, as Trustee.  (4) 

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2010, by and 
among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., the lenders referred to therein, JPMorgan Chase  
Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, Union Bank of California N.A., and Wells Fargo  
Bank, N.A., as co-syndication agents, and Bank of America, N.A. and HSBC Bank  
USA, National Association, as co-documentation agents. (5) 

Second Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2010,  
between Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 
as administrative agent. (5) 

Second Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2010, between  
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative  
agent. (5) 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.4 

1994 Stock Option Plan. (6) 

10.4.1 

10.4.2 

10.4.3 

10.4.4 

10.4.5 

Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan 
dated April 28, 1998. (7) 

Second Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan 
dated December 6, 1999. (7) 

Third Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan 
dated September 19, 2000. (7) 

Fourth Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan 
dated April 25, 2001. (7) 

Amendment to the 1994 Stock Option Plan of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., dated  
February 18, 2009. (8) 

10.5 

Amended and Restated 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (9) 

10.5.1 

Amendment to the Amended 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (10) 

10.5.2 

Amendment to the Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Amended and Restated 1988 Employee 
Stock Purchase Plan (11) 

10.6 

Employees’ Deferred Profit Sharing Retirement Plan (Amended and Restated 
effective January 1, 1997). (12) 

10.7 

2003 Stock Option Plan. (13) 

10.7.1 

Amendment to the 2003 Stock Option Plan of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (14) 

10.8 

2007 Incentive Award Plan. (15) 

10.8.1 

Restricted Stock Unit Award Grant Notice and Restricted Stock Unit Award 
Agreement under the 2007 Incentive Award Plan. (16) 

21.1 

Listing of Subsidiaries. 

23.1 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

23.2 

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP,  Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

31.1 

31.2 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)  
(17CFR 240.13a-14(a)). 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a)  
(17CFR 240.13a-14(a)). 

77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.1 

32.2 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 
2002. 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Bio-Rad’s June 30, 2007 Form 10-Q  
filing, dated August 8, 2007. 

Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form S-4 filing, dated 
September 19, 2003. 

Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 8-K filing, dated 
May 28, 2009. 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Bio-Rad’s Form 8-K filing, dated  
December 9, 2010. 

Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s 8-K filing, dated  
December 22, 2004. 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Bio-Rad’s Form S-8 filing, dated 
April 29, 1994. 

Incorporated by reference to the Exhibits to Bio-Rad’s Form 10-K filing for  
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, dated March 28, 2001 (File No. 001-7928; 
Film No. 1582270). 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4.5 to Bio-Rad’s June 30, 2009  
Form 10-Q filing, dated August 5, 2009. 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Bio-Rad’s September 30, 1998  
Form 10-Q filing, dated November 12, 1998 (File No. 001-7928;  
Film No. 98743709). 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.1 to Bio-Rad’s Form 10-K filing for  
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, dated March 15, 2004 (File No. 001-7928;  
Film No. 04669434). 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.2 to Bio-Rad’s Form 10-K filing for the 
fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, dated February 26, 2010.  

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Bio-Rad’s September 30, 1997  
Form 10-Q filing, dated November 13, 1997 (File No. 001-7928;  Film No. 9771652). 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Bio-Rad’s March 31, 2003 Form 10-Q 
filing, dated May 13, 2003 (File No. 001-7928; Film No. 03696450). 

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14) 

(15) 

(16) 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.1 to Bio-Rad’s March 31, 2007 Form 10-Q 
filing, dated May 4, 2007 (File No. 001-7928; Film No. 07819469). 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Bio-Rad’s Form S-8 filing, dated  
July 30, 2007. 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit to 10.8.1 Bio-Rad’s September 30, 2009  
Form 10-Q filing, dated November 4, 2009. 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

D iRec toR s

David schwartz
Chairman of the Board

Louis Drapeau
Director 

Albert J. Hillman
Director

ted W. Love, M.D.
Director

Alice N. schwartz
Director

Norman schwartz
Director

of fic eRs

David schwartz
Chairman of the Board

Norman schwartz
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

Brad crutchfield
Vice President and  
Group Manager,  
Life Science

John Goetz
Vice President and  
Group Manager,  
Clinical Diagnostics

Giovanni Magni
Vice President and  
International Sales Manager

christine A. tsingos
Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer

sanford s. Wadler
Vice President,  
General Counsel  
and Secretary

Ronald W. Hutton
Treasurer

Michael Jackson
Manager, Clinical Systems

James R. stark
Corporate Controller

otHeR  executives

Noel Alberola
Manager, Europe Sales,  
Life Science 

steve Binder
Director,  
Technology Development, 
Clinical Diagnostics

shannon Hall
Manager,  
Laboratory Separations

chang Hong
Regional Manager,  
Asia Pacific

Michael Barcellos
Manager, BioPlex® 2200

scott Jenest
Group Operations Manager,
Life Sciences

Patrick Bugeon
Group Operations Manager,  
Europe Clinical Diagnostics

Leo Kaabi
Manager, Quality Systems

John Bussell
Manager,  
Immunohematology

Patrick carroll
Manager,  
North America Sales,  
Life Science

colleen corey
Director, Corporate  
Human Resources

Michael crowley
Manager,  
North America Sales,  
Clinical Diagnostics

Ann Madden
Manager,  
Clinical Microbiology

Daniel Merle
Manager,
Business Development,
Clinical Diagnostics

Jean-Marc chermette
Regional Manager,  
Emerging Markets

sadashi suzuki
Regional Manager, Japan

ted tisch
Manager, Protein Function

Diane Dahowski
Group Operations Manager,  
U.S. Clinical Diagnostics

Annette tumolo
Manager, Gene Expression

Patrice Deletoille
Manager, Blood Virus

H. Jeff Garner
Manager,  
Manufacturing Operations

octavio Zendejas
Regional Manager,  
Latin America

ANNuAL MeetiNG

The Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders will be held 
on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 
at 4 PM, Pacific Time, at 
the Corporate Offices of 
the Company in Hercules, 
California.

Bio-Rad will provide without 
charge to each stockholder, 
upon written request to 
the Secretary, a copy of its 
2010 Annual Report filed 
with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission on 
Form 10-K.

tRANsfeR AGeNt

computershare 
250 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021

Tel: 800-962-4284
Fax: 312-601-2312
www.computershare.com

AuDitoRs

ernst & Young LLP
Palo Alto, California

coMMoN stocK

Traded on the New York 
Stock Exchange

Class A Common Stock
Symbol Bio

Class B Common Stock
Symbol Biob

bio-rad laboratoriesCorporate informationBio-Rad Laboratories

1000 Alfred Nobel Drive
Hercules, CA 94547
510-724-7000
www.bio-rad.com