Bio-Rad Announces Private Offering of $250 Million of Senior Subordinated Notes

HERCULES, CA, May 19 (MARKET WIRE) --
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO) and (NYSE: BIO.B), a multinational
manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical
diagnostics products, announced today that it intends to commence an
offering, subject to market and other conditions, of $250 million
aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes in a private
offering. The Company intends to use the proceeds for working capital and
general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions.

The new senior subordinated notes have not been registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or applicable state securities laws,
and will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on
Rule 144A and in offshore transactions pursuant to Regulation S under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Unless so registered, the new senior
subordinated notes may not be offered or sold in the United States except
pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any
sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or
sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the
securities laws of any such state.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 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. For further
information regarding the Company's risks and uncertainties, please refer
to the "Risk Factors" in the Company's public reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, as updated by
subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form
8-K. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only
as of the date hereof. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., disclaims any
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information contact:
Christine Tsingos, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, or
Ron Hutton, Treasurer
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
Phone: 510-724-7000
Email: Email Contact

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