Edgar Filing: BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

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

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

94-1381833

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, California

94547

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(510) 724-7000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

No Change

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

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.

Yes x

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).

Yes x

No ¨

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

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

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

Yes ¨

No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Title of Class

Shares Outstanding at October 27, 2010

Class A Common Stock, Par Value $0.0001 per share

22,616,016

Class B Common Stock, Par Value $0.0001 per share

5,182,843


	BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
	FORM 10-Q SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
	TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows

Notes To Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

Item 3. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 4. Controls And Procedures

Part II – Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Item 2. Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities And Use Of Proceeds

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Item 5. Other Information

Item 6. Exhibits

Signatures


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30,		September 30,
	2010	2009	2010	2009

Net sales	$ 471,502	$ 461,055	$ 1,393,398	$ 1,289,171
Cost of goods sold	205,172	200,545	601,633	557,797
Gross profit	266,330	260,510	791,765	731,374
Selling, general and administrative expense	148,654	153,623	458,541	437,606
Research and development expense	42,874	39,516	126,999	119,075
Income from operations	74,802	67,371	206,225	174,693
Interest expense	14,400	14,487	43,169	32,661
Foreign exchange losses, net	2,749	1,472	3,546	3,249
Other (income) expense, net	(256)	192	(3,572)	(4,956)
Income before taxes	57,909	51,220	163,082	143,739
Provision for income taxes	(12,824)	(11,920)	(44,084)	(33,096)
Net income including noncontrolling interests	45,085	39,300	118,998	110,643
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(321)	(776)	(1,416)	(3,885)
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 44,764	$ 38,524	$ 117,582	$ 106,758

Basic earnings per share:
Net income per share basic attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 1.62	$ 1.40	$ 4.26	$ 3.90
Weighted average common shares - basic	27,697	27,431	27,616	27,375

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income per share diluted attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 1.59	$ 1.38	$ 4.18	$ 3.85
Weighted average common shares - diluted	28,103	27,875	28,110	27,749


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

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)


	September 30,	December 31,
	2010	2009
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 630,640	$ 649,938
Short-term investments	107,360	94,876
Accounts receivable, net	368,603	345,734
Inventories, net	402,883	351,206
Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets	142,223	120,920
Total current assets	1,651,709	1,562,674
Property, plant and equipment, net	321,507	302,417
Goodwill, net	351,860	327,626
Purchased intangibles, net	206,616	204,779
Other assets	150,512	138,357
Total assets	$ 2,682,204	$ 2,535,853

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Accounts payable	$ 99,120	$ 92,988
Accrued payroll and employee benefits	120,171	126,702
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt	9,161	5,132
Income and other taxes payable	52,176	42,322
Accrued royalties	24,877	46,692
Other current liabilities	105,189	106,136
Total current liabilities	410,694	419,972
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	733,574	737,919
Other long-term liabilities	109,804	98,749
Total liabilities	1,254,072	1,256,640

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Bio-Rad stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Class A common stock	2	2
Class B common stock	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	150,136	130,444
Retained earnings	1,113,779	996,197
Accumulated other comprehensive income	159,914	133,082
Total Bio-Rad stockholders’ equity	1,423,832	1,259,726
Noncontrolling interests	4,300	19,487
Total stockholders’ equity	1,428,132	1,279,213
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,682,204	$ 2,535,853


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


BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2010	2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash received from customers	$ 1,367,777	$ 1,291,054
Cash paid to suppliers and employees	(1,143,699)	(1,030,153)
Interest paid	(48,812)	(31,511)
Income tax payments	(50,254)	(27,746)
Miscellaneous receipts, net	3,193	8,088
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(2,684)	(380)
Net cash provided by operating activities	125,521	209,352

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net	(55,757)	(48,931)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash received, and long-term investments	(88,694)	(35,937)
Payments on purchases of intangible assets	(2,715)	(7,430)
Purchases of marketable securities and investments	(178,716)	(91,484)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities and investments	160,238	36,632
Proceeds from (payments for) foreign currency economic hedges, net	1,234	(6,211)
Net cash used in investing activities	(164,410)	(153,361)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net payments on line-of-credit arrangements and notes payable	(462)	(2,641)
Long-term borrowings	2,000	294,750
Payments on long-term borrowings	(5,441)	(5,253)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	9,017	7,668
Debt issuance costs on long-term borrowings	(575)	(2,641)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	2,684	380
Net cash provided by financing activities	7,223	292,263

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	12,368	1,401
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(19,298)	349,655
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	649,938	204,524
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 630,640	$ 554,179

Reconciliation of net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 118,998	$ 110,643
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash
provided by operating activities excluding the effects of acquisitions:
Depreciation and amortization	79,964	74,003
Share-based compensation	7,357	6,670
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(2,684)	(380)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(17,974)	3,485
(Increase) decrease in inventories	(21,645)	5,177
(Increase) decrease in other current assets	(3,561)	9,235
Decrease in accounts payable and other current liabilities	(29,122)	(12,973)
(Decrease) increase in income taxes payable	(1,287)	18,659
Other	(4,525)	(5,167)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 125,521	$ 209,352

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

BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)


1.	*BASIS OF PRESENTATION*

In this report, “Bio-Rad,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Bio-Rad have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the results of the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year. The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the best available information. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

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 before 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.


2.	*ACQUISITION*

On January 6, 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. The purchase price allocation reflected $30.9 million of net tangible assets and $21.2 million of intangible assets based upon management’s estimate of relative fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. Further, goodwill of $12.8 million was recorded as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. The goodwill recorded will not be deductible for tax purposes. Integrating the acquired portion of Biotest's diagnostic businesses into Bio-Rad's product portfolio broadened our product offering in the area of immunohematology and provided Bio-Rad access to the U.S. markets with a range of products.


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
		for similar instruments)
•	Level 3	Significant unobservable inputs (including assumptions in determining
		the fair value of certain investments)

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 are classified in the hierarchy as follows (in millions):


	Level 1	Level 2	Total
Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value:
Cash equivalents (a):
Commercial paper	$ 0.0	$ 187.2	$ 187.2
Time deposits	116.9	0.0	116.9
Money market funds	31.6	0.0	31.6
Available-for-sale investments (b):
Corporate debt securities	0.0	37.2	37.2
U.S. government sponsored agencies	0.0	52.7	52.7
Municipal obligations	0.0	8.1	8.1
Marketable equity securities	70.1	0.0	70.1
Asset-backed securities:
Collateralized mortgage obligations	0.0	0.2	0.2
Other mortgage-backed securities	0.0	2.8	2.8
Other	0.0	0.3	0.3
Forward foreign exchange contracts (c)	0.0	0.4	0.4
Total Financial Assets Carried at Fair Value	$ 218.6	$ 288.9	$ 507.5

Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value:
Forward foreign exchange contracts (d)	$ 0.0	$ 3.1	$ 3.1

(a)

Cash equivalents are included in Cash and cash equivalents in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(b)

Available-for-sale investments of $107.4 million are included in Short-term investments and $64.0 million are included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(c)

Forward foreign exchange contracts in an asset position are included in Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(d)

Forward foreign exchange contracts in a liability position are included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2010, we did not have any investment securities in illiquid or inactive markets.

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 (gains) losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The cash flows related to these contracts are classified as Cash flows from investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. At September 30, 2010, we had contracts maturing in October through December 2010 to sell foreign currency with a notional value of $50.6 million and an unrealized loss of $0.2 million. Contracts to purchase foreign currency had a notional value of $345.0 million with an unrealized loss of $2.5 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):


	Level 1	Level 2	Total
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$ 301.4	$ 89.8	$ 391.2
Forward foreign exchange contracts	0.0	0.3	0.3
Available-for-sale investments:
Corporate debt securities	0.0	23.8	23.8
Municipal obligations	0.0	2.4	2.4
Asset-backed securities	0.0	5.5	5.5
U.S. government sponsored agencies	0.0	41.5	41.5
Foreign government obligations	0.0	17.9	17.9
Marketable equity securities	64.2	0.2	64.4

Total	$ 365.6	$ 181.4	$ 547.0

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we did not hold any financial assets that use Level 3 inputs to determine fair value.

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


	September 30, 2010
					Estimated
		Amortized	Unrealized	Unrealized	Fair
		Cost	Gains	Losses	Value

Short-term investments:
Corporate debt securities		$ 37.2	$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 37.2
Municipal obligations		8.1	0.0	0.0	8.1
Asset-backed securities		0.3	0.0	0.0	0.3
U.S. government sponsored agencies		52.7	0.0	0.0	52.7
Marketable equity securities		8.9	0.7	(0.5)	9.1
		107.2	0.7	(0.5)	107.4
Long-term investments:
Marketable equity securities		38.3	23.4	(0.4)	61.3
Asset-backed securities		2.8	0.1	(0.2)	2.7
		41.1	23.5	(0.6)	64.0

Total		$ 148.3	$ 24.2	$ (1.1)	$ 171.4


	December 31, 2009
					Estimated
		Amortized	Unrealized	Unrealized	Fair
		Cost	Gains	Losses	Value

Short-term investments:
Corporate debt securities		$ 23.8	$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 23.8
Municipal obligations		2.4	0.0	0.0	2.4
Asset-backed securities		0.9	0.0	0.0	0.9
U.S. government sponsored agencies		41.5	0.0	0.0	41.5
Foreign government obligations		17.9	0.0	0.0	17.9
Marketable equity securities		8.6	0.4	(0.6)	8.4
		95.1	0.4	(0.6)	94.9
Long-term investments:
Marketable equity securities		29.9	26.4	(0.3)	56.0
Asset-backed securities		5.0	0.2	(0.6)	4.6
		34.9	26.6	(0.9)	60.6

Total		$ 130.0	$ 27.0	$ (1.5)	$ 155.5

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we had investments with gross unrealized losses of $0.9 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 34 and 37 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

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 September 30, 2010.

The following is a summary of the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our debt securities at September 30, 2010 by contractual maturity date (in millions):


	Amortized	Fair
	Cost	Value

Mature in less than one year	$ 98.0	$ 98.0
Mature in one to five years	0.0	0.0
Mature in more than five years	3.1	3.0
Total	$ 101.1	$ 101.0

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):


	September 30, 2010		December 31, 2009
		Estimated		Estimated
	Carrying	Fair	Carrying	Fair
	Amount	Value	Amount	Value

Other assets	$ 115.6	$ 144.6	$ 101.8	$ 119.6
Total long-term debt, excluding leases	$ 720.5	$ 751.7	$ 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 September 30, 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.


4.	*INVENTORIES*

The principal components of inventories are as follows (in millions):


	September 30,	December 31,
	2010	2009

Raw materials	$ 77.6	$ 68.2
Work in process	117.3	97.5
Finished goods	208.0	185.5
Inventories, net	$ 402.9	$ 351.2


5.	*PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT*

The components of property, plant and equipment are as follows (in millions):


	September 30,	December 31,
	2010	2009

Land and improvements	$ 18.2	$ 16.8
Buildings and leasehold improvements	228.8	204.6
Equipment	537.1	506.7
	784.1	728.1
Accumulated depreciation	(462.6)	(425.7)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 321.5	$ 302.4

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are included in Capital expenditures, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


6.	*GOODWILL AND OTHER PURCHASED INTANGIBLE ASSETS*

Changes to goodwill by segment were as follows (in millions):


	Life	Clinical
	Science	Diagnostics	Total
Balances as of January 1, 2010:
Goodwill	$ 70.7	$ 284.1	$ 354.8
Accumulated impairment losses	(27.2)	0.0	(27.2)
Goodwill, net	43.5	284.1	327.6

Acquisitions	0.0	12.8	12.8
Currency fluctuations	0.0	11.5	11.5
	0.0	24.3	24.3
Balances as of September 30, 2010:
Goodwill	70.7	308.4	379.1
Accumulated impairment losses	(27.2)	0.0	(27.2)
Goodwill, net	$ 43.5	$ 308.4	$ 351.9

In conjunction with the acquisition of certain businesses of Biotest in January 2010 (see Note 2), we acquired $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.

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



	September 30, 2010
	Average	Gross		Net
	Remaining	Carrying	Accumulated	Carrying
	Life (years)	Amount	Amortization	Amount
Customer relationships/lists	1-13	99.4	(22.1)	77.3
Know how	1-7	88.1	(28.9)	59.2
Developed product technology	1-11	47.0	(17.4)	29.6
Licenses	1-10	35.4	(11.3)	24.1
Tradenames	2-12	28.6	(13.8)	14.8
Covenants not to compete	1-8	5.9	(4.3)	1.6
Patents	0	1.0	(1.0)	0.0
Other	1	0.1	(0.1)	0.0
		305.5	(98.9)	206.6



	December 31, 2009
	Average	Gross		Net
	Remaining	Carrying	Accumulated	Carrying
	Life (years)	Amount	Amortization	Amount
Customer relationships/lists	1-14	$ 90.3	$ (15.9)	$ 74.4
Know how	1-7	92.0	(28.5)	63.5
Developed product technology	1-12	40.5	(16.5)	24.0
Licenses	2-11	37.6	(12.2)	25.4
Tradenames	3-12	23.6	(8.8)	14.8
Covenants not to compete	2-9	6.0	(3.4)	2.6
Patents	1	1.0	(0.9)	0.1
Other	2	0.1	(0.1)	0.0
		$ 291.1	$ (86.3)	$ 204.8

Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $8.3 million and $8.2 million, respectively. Amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $25.1 million and $23.2 million, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense (based on existing intangible assets) for the years ending December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 is $32.8 million, $30.1 million, $25.9 million, $23.0 million and $20.6 million, respectively.


7.	*PRODUCT WARRANTY LIABILITY*

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):


		2010

January 1		$ 16.1
Provision for warranty		14.4
Actual warranty costs		(12.9)
September 30		$ 17.6


8.	*LONG-TERM DEBT*

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



	September 30,	December 31,
	2010	2009

7.5% Senior Subordinated Notes	$ 225.0	$ 225.0
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes	200.0	200.0
8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes	295.5	295.1
Capital leases and other debt	21.8	22.5
	742.3	742.6
Less current maturities	(8.7)	(4.7)
Long-term debt	$ 733.6	$ 737.9

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 balance under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 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 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 various declining redemption prices or at 100% of the principal amount plus the “applicable premium” (as defined by the indenture) along with accrued and unpaid interest and certain other charges depending on the date redeemed. Bio-Rad’s obligations under the 8.0% Notes are not secured, rank equal to other senior subordinated notes and rank junior to all of Bio-Rad’s existing and future senior debt.

In December 2004, Bio-Rad sold $200.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 (6.125% Notes). The notes pay a fixed rate of interest of 6.125% per year. We have the option to redeem any or all of the 6.125% Notes at various declining redemption prices or at 100% of the principal amount plus the “applicable

premium” (as defined by the indenture) along with accrued and unpaid interest and certain other charges depending on the date redeemed. Bio-Rad’s obligations under the 6.125% Notes are not secured, rank equal to other senior subordinated notes and rank junior to all of Bio-Rad’s existing and future senior debt.

In August 2003, Bio-Rad sold $225.0 million principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (7.5% Notes). The notes pay a fixed rate of interest of 7.5% per year. We have the option to redeem any or all of the 7.5% Notes at various declining redemption prices or at 100% of the principal amount plus the “applicable premium” (as defined by the indenture) along with accrued and unpaid interest and certain other charges depending on the date redeemed. Bio-Rad’s obligations under the 7.5% Notes are not secured, rank equal to other senior subordinated notes and rank junior to all of Bio-Rad’s existing and future senior debt.

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 foreign subsidiaries. It is guaranteed by all of our existing and future material domestic subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement, the 6.125% Notes, the 7.5% Notes and the 8.0% Notes require Bio-Rad to comply with certain financial ratios and covenants, among other things. The covenants include a leverage ratio test and an interest coverage test. There are also 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 covenants as of September 30, 2010.


9.	*NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS*

Activity in noncontrolling interests is as follows (in millions):


January 1, 2010		$ 19.5
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		1.4
Purchase of noncontrolling interests		(16.7)
Currency fluctuations and other		0.1
September 30, 2010		$ 4.3

In February 2010, we acquired the remaining 45 shares of DiaMed Holding AG, which were held by multiple noncontrolling shareholders. We paid 1.5 million Swiss Francs, or approximately $1.4 million to these shareholders under the terms of the original purchase agreement dated October 1, 2007. As this acquisition was accounted for as an equity transaction, Bio-Rad’s additional paid-in capital was reduced by $0.7 million.

In September 2010, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of DiaMed France SA. We paid 10.2 million Euros, or approximately $12.9 million, in cash. Approximately 1.5 million Euros, or approximately $1.9 million, will be due in 2011 as additional contingent consideration and is included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed 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.


*10.*	*EARNINGS PER SHARE*

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 of including such securities would be anti-dilutive.

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):


	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010	2009	2010	2009

Basic weighted average shares outstanding	27,697	27,431	27,616	27,375
Effect of potentially dilutive stock options
and restricted stock awards	406	444	494	374
Diluted weighted average common shares	28,103	27,875	28,110	27,749
Anti-dilutive shares	132	208	117	284


*11.*	*SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION*

Included in our share-based compensation expense is the cost related to stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock unit grants, and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) stock purchases.

For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, we recognized pre-tax share-based compensation expense of $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, we recognized pre-tax share-based compensation expense of $7.3 million and $6.7 million, respectively.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes our stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2010:



		Weighted Average
	Shares	Exercise Price

Outstanding, January 1, 2010	1,206,374	$ 50.78
Granted	58,500	$ 84.57
Exercised	(168,387)	$ 22.05
Forfeited/Expired	(5,055)	$ 61.58
Outstanding, September 30, 2010	1,091,432	$ 56.97
Vested and expected to vest September 30, 2010	1,072,987	$ 56.57
Exercisable, September 30, 2010	874,630	$ 52.04

Cash received from stock options exercised during the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised was $2.7 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Cash received from stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 was $3.7 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from stock options exercised was $4.5 million and $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $6.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options granted under our stock options plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3 years.

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2010:


	Restricted	Weighted Average
	Stock	Grant-Date
	Shares	Fair Value

Nonvested shares, January 1, 2010	101,247	$ 82.86
Granted	0	0
Vested	(28,518)	$ 81.94
Cancelled/Forfeited	(965)	$ 84.52
Nonvested shares, September 30, 2010	71,764	$ 83.21

As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $4.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock granted under the 2007 Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2 years.

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes our restricted stock unit activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2010:


		Weighted Average
		Grant-Date
	Units	Fair Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2010	163,198	$ 77.01
Granted	126,330	$ 84.57
Vested	(33,825)	$ 78.41
Forfeited	(4,570)	$ 78.23
Outstanding, September 30, 2010	251,133	$ 80.60

As of September 30, 2010, there was approximately $15.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units granted under the 2007 Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 4 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We sold 28,140 shares for $2.0 million and 27,725 shares for $1.8 million under our employee stock purchase plan for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We sold 70,749 shares for $5.4 million and 85,178 shares for $5.0 million under our employee stock purchase plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. At September 30, 2010, there were 157,855 authorized shares remaining in the employee stock purchase plan.


*12.*	*OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET*

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


	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010	2009	2010	2009

Interest and investment income	$ (0.7)	$ (0.8)	$ (4.3)	$ (4.6)
Net realized gains on investments	(0.1)	(0.1)	(0.4)	(0.1)
Other-than-temporary impairment of investments	0.0	0.4	0.0	2.9
Miscellaneous other (income) expense items	0.5	0.7	1.1	(3.2)
Other (income) expense, net	$ (0.3)	$ 0.2	$ (3.6)	$ (5.0)

Other-than-temporary impairments were recorded in 2009 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.


*13.*	*INCOME TAXES*

Our effective tax rate was 22% and 23% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Our effective tax rate was 27% and 23% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rates for all periods presented were lower than the statutory rate due to tax benefits for nontaxable dividend income, research and development tax credits, and differences between U.S. and foreign taxes. The higher effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was primarily due to a decline in the percentage of total earnings earned in lower tax jurisdictions, the expiration of the research and development tax credit in the U.S. and an increase in the liability for uncertain tax positions.

As of September 30, 2010, we believe it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by up to $5.7 million in the next 12 months due to audit settlements with various tax authorities. With respect to these unrecognized tax benefits, we are currently unable to make a reasonable estimate as to the period of final settlement, if any, with the respective tax authorities.

We record liabilities related to uncertain tax positions. We do not believe any uncertain tax positions currently pending will have a material adverse effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, although an adverse resolution of one or more of these uncertain tax positions in any period could have a material impact on the results of operations for that period.


*14.*	*COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)*

The components of our total comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in millions):


	Three Months		Nine Months
	Ended September 30,		Ended September 30,
	2010	2009	2010	2009

Net income including noncontrolling interests	$ 45.1	$ 39.3	$ 119.0	$ 110.6
Currency translation adjustments	85.1	38.7	28.8	37.7
Post-employment benefits, net of tax	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-
for-sale investments net of tax effects of
($1.0) million and $1.0 million for the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2010,
respectively. There was no tax effect for the three
or nine months ended September 30, 2009.	1.7	15.6	(1.7)	19.7
Reclassification adjustments for gains (losses)
included in net income including noncontrolling
interests, net of tax effects of ($0.1) million for the
three months and ($0.2) million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2010. There was no tax
effect for the three or nine months ended
September 30, 2009.	0.0	0.3	0.2	2.8
Total comprehensive income (loss)	131.9	93.9	146.3	170.9
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to
noncontrolling interests	2.6	1.6	1.9	4.0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bio-Rad	$ 129.3	$ 92.3	$ 144.4	$ 166.9

Reclassification adjustments are calculated using the specific identification method.


*15.*	*SEGMENT INFORMATION*

Information regarding industry segments for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in millions):


		Life		Clinical		Other
		Science		Diagnostics		Operations

Segment net sales	2010	$	153.2	$	314.9	$	3.4
	2009	$	150.4	$	307.5	$	3.2

Segment profit	2010	$	11.4	$	49.6	$	0.3
	2009	$	9.6	$	44.3	$	0.0

Information regarding industry segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in millions):


		Life		Clinical			Other
		Science		Diagnostics			Operations

Segment net sales	2010	$	455.3	$	928.8	$	9.3
	2009	$	440.5	$	839.4	$	9.3

Segment profit	2010	$	30.5	$	134.6	$	0.5
	2009	$	25.0	$	119.0	$	0.3

Segment results are presented in the same manner as we present our operations internally to make operating decisions and assess performance. Net corporate operating expense consists of receipts and expenditures that are not the primary responsibility of segment operating management. Interest expense is charged to segments based on the carrying amount of inventory and receivables employed by that segment. The following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated income before taxes (in millions):


	Three Months		Nine Months
	Ended September 30,		Ended September 30,
	2010	2009	2010	2009

Total segment profit	$ 61.3	$ 53.9	$ 165.6	$ 144.3
Foreign exchange losses	(2.7)	(1.5)	(3.5)	(3.2)
Net corporate operating, interest and other
expense not allocated to segments	(1.0)	(1.0)	(2.6)	(2.4)
Other income, net	0.3	(0.2)	3.6	5.0
Consolidated income before taxes	$ 57.9	$ 51.2	$ 163.1	$ 143.7


*16.*	*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). 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 is 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. The imposition of any of these sanctions or remedial measures could have a material adverse effect on our business. 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.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the information contained in both our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 and this report for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Other than statements of historical fact, statements made in this 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 scientists 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, 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 require standardization for their experiments and test results, much of our revenues are recurring. Approximately 32% of our year-to-date 2010 consolidated net sales are from the United States and approximately 68% are from international locations. The international sales are largely denominated in local currencies such as the Euro, Swiss Franc, Japanese Yen and British Sterling. As a result, our consolidated net sales expressed in dollars benefit when the U.S. dollar weakens and suffer when the 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.

The market for reagents and apparatus remains positive while growth rates have slowed due to both public and private grant funding being more measured and governmental focus on healthcare costs, especially in countries which have largely national healthcare systems. The market for large capital equipment has slowed, as many pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers delayed or reduced spending or consolidated. We are generally less impacted by trends in capital spending as lower priced reagents and apparatus comprise more than 70% of product sales.

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

The following shows gross profit and expense items as a percentage of net sales:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009

Net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of goods sold	43.5		43.5		43.2		43.3
Gross profit	56.5		56.5		56.8		56.7
Selling, general and administrative expense	31.5		33.3		32.9		33.9
Research and development expense	9.1		8.6		9.1		9.2
Net income attributable to Bio-Rad	9.5		8.4		8.4		8.3

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, we have identified accounting for income taxes, valuation of goodwill and long-lived assets, valuation of inventories, warranty reserves, valuation of investments, allowance for doubtful accounts and litigation accruals as the accounting policies and estimates critical to the operations of Bio-Rad.

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur could materially impact the financial statements. Management believes that there have been no significant changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. For a full discussion of these policies, please refer to our Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2009.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to

Three Months Ended September 30, 2009

Corporate Results -- Sales, Margins and Expenses

Net sales (sales) in the third quarter of 2010 increased 2.3% to $471.5 million from $461.1 million in the third quarter of 2009, with the Biotest acquisition contributing approximately $13.6 million to the growth in sales. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, third quarter 2010 sales increased by approximately 5.4% compared to the same period in 2009. Excluding Biotest, third quarter sales were down 0.7%, or up 2.2% on a currency neutral basis, compared to the same period last year. Excluding Biotest, currency neutral sales growth was achieved in all regions except Europe. European sales declined as governments cut back purchases in efforts to reduce deficits and balance national budgets.

The Life Science segment sales for the third quarter of 2010 were $153.2 million, an increase of 1.9% compared to the same period last year. On a currency neutral basis, sales increased 3.5% compared to the third quarter of 2009. The Life Science segment showed growth in our gene expression, electrophoresis and cell analysis lines, especially with the CFX96™ real-time PCR detection system and the TC10™ automated cell counter. We have seen strengthening in the North American and Asia Pacific markets, partially offset by continued declines in Europe.

The Clinical Diagnostics segment reported sales for the third quarter of 2010 of $314.9 million, an increase of 2.4% compared to the same period last year, with Biotest contributing approximately 4.4% to the sales growth. On a currency neutral basis, sales increased 6.3% including Biotest compared to the third quarter of 2009. Excluding Biotest, net sales were up 1.5% on a currency neutral basis compared to the same period last year. Clinical Diagnostics product lines showing growth were quality controls and reagent products. The most significant sales growth was in the Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets regions.

Consolidated gross margins were 56.5% for both the third quarter periods of 2010 and 2009. Life Science segment gross margins for the third quarter of 2010 improved from the same period last year by approximately 1.4%. The increase was primarily due to improved manufacturing overhead absorption and a reduction in costs. Clinical Diagnostics segment gross margins for the third quarter of 2010 decreased from the same period last year by approximately 0.7%. Clinical Diagnostics gross margins were negatively affected primarily due to the inclusion of Biotest products, which have lower gross margins.

Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) represented 31.5% of sales for the third quarter of 2010 compared to 33.3% of sales for the third quarter of 2009. Absolute SG&A decreases from the third quarter of 2009 were primarily driven by lower employee related costs and third party commissions.

Research and development expense increased to $42.9 million in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $39.5 million in the third quarter of 2009. Both the Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics segments research and development expense increased from the prior year quarter. Life Science segment efforts concentrated on genomics, proteomics and process chromatography applications. Clinical Diagnostics segment research and development expense increased primarily due to Biotest, as well as increased investment in blood virus, clinical systems and clinical microbiology tests.

Corporate Results – Other Items

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2010 was relatively unchanged compared to the third quarter of 2009, as most borrowings are fixed rate and U.S. dollar denominated.

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. Foreign currency exchange losses, net for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 when compared to 2009 were primarily 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.

Other income, net for the third quarter of 2010 was $0.3 million compared to a net expense of $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2009. The variance of $0.5 million was primarily due to an other-than-temporary impairment of investments during the third quarter of 2009.

Our effective tax rate was 22% and 23% for the third quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rates for the third quarter of 2010 and 2009 both reflected tax benefits for nontaxable dividend income, research and development tax credits, and differences between U.S. and foreign rates.

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.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009

Corporate Results – Sales, Margins and Expenses

Net sales (sales) in the first nine months of 2010 increased 8.1% to $1.39 billion from $1.29 billion in the first nine months of 2009, with Biotest contributing approximately $40.8 million to the growth in sales. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, sales for the first nine months of 2010 increased by approximately 7.3% compared to the same period in 2009. Excluding the additional sales from the Biotest acquisition, year-to-date sales grew by 4.1% 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 and emerging markets.

The Life Science segment sales for the first nine months of 2010 were $455.3 million, an increase of 3.4%, or 2.2% on a currency neutral basis, compared to the same period last year. Sales growth was primarily attributed to real-time PCR products, offset by general market weakness, especially in Europe. Currency neutral sales growth in the Life Science segment was primarily in Asia Pacific and North America, while European sales declined.

The Clinical Diagnostics segment reported sales for the first nine months of 2010 of $928.8 million, an increase of 10.6% compared to the same period last year, with Biotest contributing approximately 4.9% to the sales growth. On a currency neutral basis, sales increased 10.1% including Biotest compared to the first nine months of 2009. Clinical Diagnostics product lines generating growth were immunohematology (before the inclusion of Biotest), quality controls and reagent products. Sales growth was primarily in Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets, as well as North America.

Consolidated gross margins were 56.8% for the first nine months of 2010 compared to 56.7% for the first nine months of 2009. Life Science segment gross margins for the first nine months of 2010 improved from the same period last year by approximately 1.6%. The increase was primarily due to improved manufacturing overhead absorption and a reduction in costs. Clinical Diagnostics segment gross margins for the first nine months of 2010 decreased by approximately 0.7% from the same period last year. The Biotest acquisition had a negative impact on Clinical Diagnostics gross margins due to purchase accounting and overall lower margins than historical Clinical Diagnostics segment gross margins. Partially offsetting this decrease in gross margins was a favorable settlement of intellectual property disputes.

SG&A represented 32.9% of sales for the first nine months of 2010 compared to 33.9% of sales for the first nine months of 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.

Research and development expense increased to $127.0 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to $119.1 million in the first nine months of 2009. Both the Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics segments research and development expense increased from the prior year period. Life Science segment efforts concentrated on genomics, proteomics and process chromatography applications. The majority of the Clinical Diagnostics segment increase was related to an additional emphasis in clinical systems, clinical microbiology and blood virus diagnostic tests.

Corporate Results – Other Items

Interest expense for the first nine months of 2010 increased by $10.5 million compared to the first nine months of 2009. An additional $300 million of 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2016 were issued in May 2009, which increased our interest expense compared to the prior year period. Our other principal debt obligations are the 2003 and 2004 Senior Subordinated Notes totaling $425.0 million, which carry fixed rates of interest of 7.5% and 6.125%, respectively.

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 the nine months ended September 30, 2010, when compared to 2009, were primarily 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.

Other income, net for the first nine months of 2010 was $3.6 million compared to $5.0 million for the first nine months of 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 $2.9 million of other-than-temporary impairment of investments.

Our effective tax rate was 27% and 23% for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rates for the nine months of 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 higher effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2010 was primarily due to a decline in the percentage of total earnings earned in lower tax jurisdictions, the expiration of the research and development tax credit in the U.S. and an increase in the liability for uncertain tax positions.

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 expenditure 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 was 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 balance under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2010. The Credit Agreement expires on June 21, 2014.

At September 30, 2010, we had available $738.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Under domestic and international lines of credit, we had $251.4 million available for borrowing as of September 30, 2010, of which $13.5 million is reserved for standby letters of credit issued by our banks to guarantee our own 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, and information technology systems.

Cash Flows from Operations

Net cash provided by operations was $125.5 million and $209.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The net decrease of $83.8 million primarily represents an increase in cash paid to suppliers, including higher royalty payments and settlement payments of intellectual property disputes, higher payments on income taxes and higher interest payments from the $300 million bond offering in May 2009. Only partially offsetting

this decrease was an increase in cash received from customers compared to the prior year period. 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.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net capital expenditures totaled $55.8 million and $48.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, 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 are investments in business systems and data communication upgrades and enhancements. We anticipate accelerating expenditures in future periods to expand our e-commerce platform internationally and for implementation of a global ERP system. These projects have not had the anticipated cash outflow to date as we have performed more due diligence in the selection of implementation partners. All periods included reagent rental equipment placed with Clinical Diagnostics 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. This acquisition is included in our Clinical Diagnostics segment. In September 2010, we acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of DiaMed France SA. We paid 10.2 million Euros, or approximately $12.9 million, in cash. We continue to review possible acquisitions to expand both our Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics segments. We routinely meet with the principals or brokers of the subject companies. It is not certain that any of these transactions will advance beyond the preliminary stages to completion at this time.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $7.2 million and $292.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Cash provided in 2010 was primarily due to net proceeds from common stock, partially offset by repayments of long-term debt, including capital leases. Cash provided in 2009 was primarily due to the $300 million 8.0% Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2016 that was issued in May 2009. We have outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes due in 2013, 2014 and 2016 of $225.0 million, $200.0 million and $300.0 million, respectively.

The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $18.0 million of Bio-Rad's common stock over an indefinite period of time of which $3.3 million is remaining. Our credit agreements restrict our ability to repurchase our stock. There were no share repurchases made in the first nine months of 2010 or during 2009.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, there have been no material changes from the disclosures about market risk provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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, 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 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 remediation efforts include:

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;

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 suitable 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

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.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In connection with our Audit Committee’s investigation of our compliance with the FCPA discussed above and internal control assessment by management and our internal audit group during our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010, we identified three significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010 that, when considered and taken together, constitute a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 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 September 30, 2010 is not based on quantified misstatements in our historical financial statements or our financial statements as of and for our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2010 will have any material effect on our previously reported financial results or our financial results for our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2010.

The three significant deficiencies that we identified in our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010 are as follows:

Inadequate Entity-Level Controls. As of September 30, 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 September 30, 2010. These entity-level control deficiencies relate both to the design and to the operation of our internal controls and include:

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.

Inadequate Expenditure Processes at Certain of Our International Subsidiaries. As of September 30, 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 September 30, 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 Process at Certain of Our International Subsidiaries. As of September 30, 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 September 30, 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 are in the process of evaluating a number of actions to remediate the foregoing significant deficiencies and the resulting material weakness. We intend to initiate a number of actions to attempt to remediate these significant deficiencies and the resulting material weakness, including developing and implementing additional policies, strengthening our disclosure processes, and potentially increasing the resources that we devote to our internal compliance and audit functions.

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 September 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely materially to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 16, “Legal Proceedings” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Part 1, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

During 2010 we added risk factors related to a possible violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and in regard to significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. All other risk factors are the same as those included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

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.

Our independent registered public accounting firm and we have identified three significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2010 that, when considered and taken together, constitute a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 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.

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 intend to initiate to attempt to remediate these three significant deficiencies and the resulting material weakness, please see Item 4 (“Controls and Procedures”) in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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 during 2009. 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 during 2009. 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:


·	assimilate the operations and personnel of acquired companies;
·	retain acquired business customers;
·	minimize potential disruption to our ongoing business;
·	retain key technical and management personnel;
·	integrate acquired companies into our strategic and financial plans;
·	accurately assess the value of target companies, products and technologies;
·	comply with new regulatory requirements;
·	harmonize standards, controls, procedures and policies;
·	minimize the impact to our relationships with our employees and customers; and
·	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 68% of our net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 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 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 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.

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 16, 2010, 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, flooding, 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 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 September 30, 2010 we and our subsidiaries have approximately $742.7 million of outstanding indebtedness. In addition, the indenture governing our notes permits us 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.


The following chart shows certain important credit statistics.
	At September 30, 2010
	(in millions)
Total debt		$	742.7
Bio-Rad’s stockholders’ equity		$	1,423.8
Debt to equity ratio			0.5

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


·	make it more difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including those relating to the 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 the 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 which we operate;
·	place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with some of our competitors that have less debt; 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.

The indenture governing our notes and the terms of other debt instruments, including without limitation our credit facilities and other 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;
·	acquire other businesses or assets through merger or purchase;
·	create liens;
·	make investments;
·	enter into transactions with affiliates;
·	sell assets;
·	in the case of some of our subsidiaries, guarantee debt; and
·	declare or pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions to shareholders.

Our existing credit facility also requires that we meet certain financial tests and maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum consolidated leverage ratio test and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio 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 foreign subsidiaries. In addition, acceleration of our other indebtedness may cause us to be unable to make interest payments on our notes and repay the principal amount of the notes or may cause the future subsidiary guarantors, if any, to be unable to make payments under the guarantees.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.



Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits


Exhibit No.

31.1				Chief Executive Officer Section 302 Certification

31.2				Chief Financial Officer Section 302 Certification

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

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

101				The following materials from this report, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting
				Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed
				Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,
				and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereto duly authorized.



BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
(Registrant)

Date:	November 9, 2010	/s/ Norman Schwartz
		Norman Schwartz, President,
		Chief Executive Officer

Date:	November 9, 2010	/s/ Christine A. Tsingos
		Christine A. Tsingos, Vice President,
		Chief Financial Officer