Bio-Rad Laboratories
BIO
#2410
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$7.88 B
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Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is an American manufacturer of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets.

Bio-Rad Laboratories - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1999.

OR

__ 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 (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)

1000 Alfred Nobel Drive, Hercules, California 94547
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (510) 724-7000


Indicate by check 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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date--

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Outstanding
Title of each Class at October 31, 1999
<S> <C>
Class A Common Stock,
Par Value $1.00 per share 9,977,762

Class B Common Stock,
Par Value $1.00 per share 2,484,816

</TABLE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements



BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
1999 1998 1999 1998

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $113,527 $ 98,982 $355,059 $323,054

Cost of goods sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51,899 45,405 158,008 146,544

GROSS PROFIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61,628 53,577 197,051 176,510

Selling, general and administrative expense . 43,618 41,042 128,440 123,610

Product research and development expense . . 10,999 10,243 32,449 30,784

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . 7,011 2,292 36,162 22,116

Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (755) (941) (2,458) (2,817)

Investment income, net. . . . . . . . . . . . 516 1,955 939 7,585

Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (815) (577) (2,520) (1,722)

INCOME BEFORE TAXES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,957 2,729 32,123 25,162

Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . 1,704 791 9,187 7,297

NET INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,253 $ 1,938 $ 22,936 $ 17,865
======== ======== ======== ========

Basic earnings per share:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.35 $0.16 $1.89 $1.46
======== ======== ======== ========
Weighted average common shares . . . . . . 12,111 12,302 12,105 12,259
======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.35 $0.16 $1.89 $1.44
======== ======== ======== ========

Weighted average common shares . . . . . . 12,195 12,394 12,164 12,381
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

1
BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1999 1998
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 11,826 $ 10,081
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105,213 106,010
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96,385 92,411
Prepaid expenses, taxes and other current assets. . . . . 26,927 26,887
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240,351 235,389

Net property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 85,005 82,130
Marketable securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,539 6,174
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,236 43,606
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $376,131 $367,299
======== ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt. . $ 9,747 $ 9,393
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22,348 26,706
Accrued payroll and employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . 30,379 27,351
Sales, income and other taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . 2,059 6,396
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,541 27,398

Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92,074 97,244
Long-term debt, net of current maturities . . . . . . . . 35,367 42,339
Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,494 13,382

Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141,935 152,965
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 2,300,000 shares
authorized; none outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- --
Class A common stock, $1.00 par value, 15,000,000 shares
authorized; outstanding - 9,977,762 at September 30, 1999
and 9,973,679 at December 31, 1998 . . . . . . . . . . 9,978 9,974
Class B common stock, $1.00 par value, 6,000,000 shares
authorized; outstanding - 2,484,816 at September 30, 1999
and 2,452,899 at December 31, 1998 . . . . . . . . . . 2,485 2,453
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,779 18,523
Class A treasury stock, 348,080 shares at September 30, 1999
and 306,368 shares at December 31, 1998 at cost . . . . (7,670) (7,047)
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212,201 189,838
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,540) 92
Net unrealized holding gain (loss)on marketable
securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (37) 501

Total stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234,196 214,334
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity . . . . $376,131 $367,299
======== ========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

2
BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
1999 1998
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash received from customers . . . . . . . . . . . . $350,345 $323,661
Cash paid to suppliers and employees . . . . . . . . (311,890) (298,711)
Interest paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,508) (2,680)
Income tax payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (12,987) (6,580)
Miscellaneous receipts (payments). . . . . . . . . . (47) 170
Net cash provided by operating activities. . . . . . 22,913 15,860

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (17,809) (14,415)
Purchases of marketable securities and investments . (2,148) (17,922)
Sales of marketable securities and investments . . . 6,230 13,791
Foreign currency hedges, net . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,585 20
Net cash used in investing activities. . . . . . . . (12,142) (18,526)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under line-of-credit arrangements . . (143) (400)
Long-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94,225 108,910
Payments on long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . (103,032) (109,345)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock . . . . . . . 292 58
Treasury stock activity, net . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,196) 1,156

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities. (9,854) 379
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . 828 (221)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. . . 1,745 (2,508)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period. . . . . 10,081 10,843

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period. . . . . . . . $l1,826 $ 8,335
======= =======
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 22,936 $ 17,865
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization. . . . . . . . . . . 16,589 15,276
Foreign currency hedge transactions, net . . . . . (1,585) (20)
Gains on disposition of marketable securities. . . (870) (7,518)
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable . . . . (2,268) 1,622
Increase in inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4,800) (5,451)
Increase in other current assets . . . . . . . . . (733) (203)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other
current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,126 (6,978)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable. . . . (5,232) 1,054
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2,250) 213

Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . $ 22,913 $ 15,860
======= =======
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

3
BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements of Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. ("Bio-Rad" or the
"Company"), reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary to a fair statement of the results of the
interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal
recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to
consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's
Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1998 (the Company's
1998 Annual Report). Certain amounts in the financial statements
of the prior year have been reclassified to be consistent with
the 1999 presentation.

2. INVENTORIES

The principal components of inventories are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

September 30, December 31,
1999 1998
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials $ 26,168 $ 26,038
Work in process 19,404 21,614
Finished goods 50,813 44,759

$ 96,385 $ 92,411
======== ========
</TABLE>

3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The principal components of property, plant and equipment are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
1999 1998
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Land and improvements $ 8,057 $ 8,057
Buildings and leasehold
improvements 58,078 56,280
Equipment 138,873 133,838
205,008 198,175
Accumulated depreciation (120,003) (116,045)

Net property, plant and equipment $ 85,005 $ 82,130
======== ========

</TABLE>



4
4.   LONG TERM DEBT

The Company entered into a $200 million credit facility
(consisting of a $100 million term loan and a $100 million
revolving credit line) on September 30, 1999, replacing the $100
million credit agreement previously in place. The new facility
provides for borrowings on a secured basis through September 30,
2004. Interest is based upon the Eurocurrency rate, the Federal
Funds Effective rate or Bank One's base rate.

The Company also entered into a $100 million Senior Subordinated
Credit Agreement on September 30, 1999. This agreement has a one
year term and provides for an automatic rollover for an
additional term expiring September 30, 2005. The agreement
requires warrants to be placed in escrow equal to 10% of the
Company's fully diluted stock. The lenders are entitled to
receive these warrants in 25% quarterly increments beginning
April 1, 2000. The warrants entitle the holder to purchase the
Company's stock at 10% over the September 30, 1999 closing stock
price. The warrants expire September 30, 2009. Interest is
based upon LIBOR plus 6.0% for the first 180 days of the
agreement. The incremental rate increases 0.5% every quarter
thereafter to a maximum of 18.0%.

The lenders have placed restrictions on the Company's ability to:
borrow further, service this and other debt, make expenditures
for capital improvements, pay dividends, repurchase the Company's
own stock and/or make strategic and tactical investments in
support of operating the business. The Company is also required
to comply with certain financial ratios.

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Weighted average shares used for diluted earnings per share
include the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options of
84,000 and 92,000 shares, for the quarters ended September 30,
1999 and 1998, respectively.

Weighted average shares used for diluted earnings per share
include the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options of
59,000 and 122,000 shares, for the year-to-date periods ended
September 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

Options to purchase 262,000 and 140,000 shares of common stock
were outstanding during 1999 and 1998, respectively, but were
excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share
because the exercise price of the options was greater than the
average market price of the common shares. The options were
still outstanding at September 30, 1999.


5
6.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of the Company's total comprehensive income were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
1999 1998 1999 1998
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income $ 4,253 $ 1,938 $22,936 $17,865
Currency translation adjustments 1,670 1,828 (1,632) 851
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) (404) (739) 82 696
Reclassification adjustments for
gains included in net income (367) (1,337) (620) (5,337)

Total comprehensive income $ 5,152 $ 1,690 $20,766 $14,075

</TABLE>

7. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Information regarding industry segments for the three months
ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 is as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Life Clinical Analytical
Science Diagnostics Instruments
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Segment net sales 1999 $53,416 $45,478 $15,002
1998 48,040 40,049 12,163

Segment profit (loss) 1999 $ 1,976 $ 5,091 $ 180
1998 1,124 3,988 (2,802)

</TABLE>

Information regarding industry segments for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 and 1998 is as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Life Clinical Analytical
Science Diagnostics Instruments
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Segment net sales 1999 $169,477 $138,111 $49,116
1998 151,821 126,228 48,121

Segment profit (loss) 1999 $ 13,708 $20,772 $ 942
1998 9,366 14,565 (3,424)

</TABLE>

Inter-segment sales are primarily between Life Science and Clinical
Diagnostics and are priced to give Life Science a representative gross
margin. The following reconciles total segment profit to consolidated
income before taxes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
1999 1998 1999 1998
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total segment profit $7,247 $2,313 $35,422 $20,507

Gross profit on inter-segment sales (176) (671) (813) (1,575)
Net corporate operating, interest
and other expense not allocated
to segments (1,630) (868) (3,425) (1,355)
Investment income, net 516 1,955 939 7,585

Consolidated income before taxes $5,957 $2,729 $32,123 $25,162
====== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

6
8.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On October 1, 1999, Bio-Rad acquired Pasteur Sanofi Diagnostics S.A.,
a French corporation ("PSD"), from its shareholders, Sanofi-Synthelabo
S.A. and Institut Pasteur. Bio-Rad acquired 100% of the capital stock
of PSD (and certain ancillary assets and assumed liabilities related
to PSD) for a purchase price, subject to post-closing adjustments, not
to exceed $210 million. The cash purchase price was financed through
a $200 million credit facility and a $100 million Senior Subordinated
Credit Agreement (see Note 4).

The acquisition of PSD and the related financing were recorded as of
October 1, 1999, the effective date of the transaction.




7
ITEM 2.   Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition.

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the
information contained both in this report and in the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31,
1998. Pro-forma information regarding the acquisition of Pasteur
Sanofi Diagnostics S.A.("PSD") is included in the Company's Form
8-K dated October 1, 1999.

The following table shows operating income and expense items as a
percentage of net sales:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Year Ended
September 30, September 30, December 31,
1999 1998 1999 1998 1998
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Cost of goods sold 45.7 45.9 44.5 45.4 45.8
Gross profit 54.3 54.1 55.5 54.6 54.2

Selling, general and
administrative 38.4 41.5 36.2 38.3 37.8

Product research and
development 9.7 10.3 9.1 9.5 9.4

Income from operations 6.2 2.3 10.2 6.8 7.0
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Net Income 3.7 2.0 6.5 5.5 5.5
===== ===== ===== ===== =====

</TABLE>

Forward Looking Statements

Other than statements of historical fact, statements made in this
report include forward looking statements, such as statements
with respect to the Company's future financial performance,
operating results, plans and objectives. Actual results may
differ materially from those currently anticipated depending on a
variety of risk factors including the successful integration of
PSD, increased competition, technological development, access to
necessary intellectual property, the ability to achieve
management objectives, government regulation, the continued
performance of business partners (particularly in relation to the
Year 2000 issue), and the monetary policies of various countries.





8
Three Months Ended September 30, 1999 Compared to
Three Months Ended September 30, 1998


Corporate Results - Sales, Margins and Expenses

Net sales (sales) in the third quarter of 1999 reached $113.5
million compared to $99.0 million in the third quarter of 1998.
Sales increased 11.2% in Life Science, 13.6% in Clinical
Diagnostics, and 23.3% in Analytical Instruments when compared to
the third quarter of 1998. The growth in Life Science is
attributed to a broad line of core products, especially molecular
biology devices, imaging products and process chromatography.
Clinical Diagnostics experienced growth in its quality control
product lines and its diabetes line. The increase in Analytical
Instruments is attributed to the Company's semiconductor test and
manufacturing instruments, which were adversely impacted during
an industry slowdown for most of the second half of 1998.

Consolidated gross margins were 54.3% for the third quarter of
1999 compared to 54.1% for the third quarter of 1998 and 54.2%
for all of 1998. Gross margins were virtually unchanged in Life
Science, rose significantly in Analytical Instruments and
declined in Diagnostics. The improvements in Analytical
Instruments gross margin are attributed to increased sales volume
absorbing manufacturing overhead costs, and a stronger Japanese
currency improving the average US dollar sales price received.
Clinical Diagnostics margins were impacted by rising costs for
purchased equipment bought in a foreign currency and increases
in the placement of reagent rental equipment, as this segment's
"next generation" diabetes testing equipment replaces instruments
previously fully depreciated.

Selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A) decreased to
38.4% of sales in the third quarter of 1999 from 41.5% of sales
in the comparable period of 1998. Both Analytical Instruments
and Clinical Diagnostics had no increase in SG&A spending in the
third quarter of 1999 when compared to 1998. Life Science
increased SG&A spending but at a rate much slower than sales
growth. The long-term goal for management remains a consistent
gradual reduction in SG&A spending as a percent of sales.

Product research and development expense (R&D) increased 7.3% in
absolute dollars from the third quarter of 1998, but decreased
overall as a percentage of sales. Compared to the third quarter
of 1998, both Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics increased R&D
spending. Analytical Instruments reduced its R&D spending.


9
Corporate Results - Non-Operating Items

Interest expense has declined consistent with lower average
borrowings when compared to the third quarter of 1998.
Borrowings will increase due to the purchase of PSD.
Accordingly, interest expense will also increase significantly.
Investment income in both years includes gains on sales of
marketable securities. The third quarter of 1999 includes an
additional reduction in the Company's marketable securities
portfolio to reduce debt further prior to entering into the new
credit facilities necessitated by the acquisition of PSD. Net
other income and expense in both years includes net goodwill
amortization and non-operating legal costs.

The Company's effective tax rate was 29% for the third quarter of
both 1999 and 1998. The tax rate for both years reflects the
utilization of loss carryforwards, foreign sales corporation
benefits and foreign tax credits. These benefits are not
expected to continue indefinitely and, subject to completion of
the PSD acquisition, will change. A determination of the impact
to the Company's effective tax rate from the pending acquisition
has not been completed; however, the rate may rise as limitations
may be imposed on the deductibility of some level of interest
expense and the amortization of certain intangibles.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 Compared to
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998

Corporate Results - Sales Margins and Expenses

Sales for the nine month period ended September 30, 1999 were
$355.1 million compared to $323.1 million in the comparable
period of 1998, an increase of 9.9%. For the first nine months
of 1999, the effect from a slightly weakened U.S. dollar added
$1.7 million to sales, accounting for only 0.5% of the sales
growth when compared to sales based upon the 1998 exchange rates.
Sales have increased 11.6% for Life Science, 9.4% for Clinical
Diagnostics, and 2.1% for Analytical Instruments. Life Science
sales increased across a broad line of core products, especially
its imaging products. Clinical Diagnostics sales continue to
grow for its quality control and diabetes product lines. The
Company's Analytical Instruments segment remains flat with the
prior year as the first half of 1999 saw a decline that was
offset by third quarter increases.

Consolidated gross margins were 55.5% for the first nine months
of 1999 compared to 54.6% for the first nine months of 1998 and
54.2% for all of 1998. Life Science margins improved slightly on
better than planned sales. Clinical Diagnostics margins
increased 1% due to a change in the product mix towards higher
margin products. Analytical Instruments margins improved on
higher sales and continued manufacturing overhead reductions.

SG&A decreased to 36.2% of sales in the first nine months of 1999
from 38.3% of sales in the comparable period of 1998. To improve

10
overall profitability, one of the long-term objectives of
management is to control SG&A growth at a fraction of sales
growth. The Life Science segment grew SG&A expenditures at only
66% of sales growth. Clinical Diagnostics expenditures remain
virtually unchanged and Analytical Instruments expenditures
declined for the first nine months of 1999.

Consolidated R&D increased 5.4% for the first nine months of 1999
compared to the same period in 1998. Life Science and Clinical
Diagnostics each increased R&D investments as planned.
Analytical Instruments R&D expenditures declined across most
product lines due to the slowdown in the markets served and the
decision to adjust R&D expenditures to economic and market
conditions.

Corporate Results - Non-operating Items

Interest expense was $2.5 million, a slight decline from the
prior year, as a result of lower average borrowings. Borrowings
will increase due to the purchase of PSD. Accordingly, interest
expense will also increase significantly. Investment income
includes gains on sales of marketable securities and interest
income from short term investments. Investment income in both
years includes gains on sales of marketable securities. The
Company's portfolio was further reduced to lower total borrowings
in preparation of the refinancing necessary to conclude the
acquisition of PSD. Net other income and expense for the nine
months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 includes goodwill
amortization and non-operating legal costs.

The Company's effective tax rate is unchanged at 29% for the year
ended September 30, 1999. The tax rate for both years reflects
the utilization of loss carryforwards, foreign sales corporation
benefits and foreign tax credits. No determination of the impact
to the Company's effective tax rate from the acquisition of PSD
has been completed; however, the rate may rise as limitations may
be imposed on the deductibility of some level of interest expense
and the amortization of certain intangibles.

Financial Condition

On July 3, 1999, the Company reached agreement to purchase PSD
and all its holdings including some ancillary assets from Sanofi-
Synthelabo S.A. and Institut Pasteur (see Note 8). The
acquisition was completed on October 1, 1999.

The Company became substantially leveraged as it entered into new
credit facilities. The Company entered into a $200 million
credit facility (consisting of a $100 million term loan and a
$100 million revolving credit line) on September 30, 1999,
replacing the $100 million credit agreement previously in place.
The new facility provides for borrowings on a secured basis

11
through September 30, 2004.  Interest is based upon the
Eurocurrency rate, the Federal Funds Effective rate or Bank One's
base rate.

The Company also entered into a $100 million Senior Subordinated
Credit Agreement on September 30, 1999. This agreement has a one
year term and provides for an automatic rollover for an
additional term expiring September 30, 2005. The agreement
requires warrants to be placed in escrow equal to 10% of the
Company's fully diluted stock. The lenders are entitled to
receive these warrants in 25% quarterly increments beginning
April 1, 2000. The warrants entitle the holder to purchase the
Company's stock at 10% over the September 30, 1999 closing stock
price. The warrants expire September 30, 2009. Interest is
based upon LIBOR plus 6.0% for the first 180 days of the
agreement. The incremental rate increases 0.5% every quarter
thereafter to a maximum of 18.0%.

The lenders have placed restrictions on the Company's ability to:
borrow further, service this and other debt, make expenditures
for capital improvements, pay dividends, repurchase the Company's
own stock and/or make strategic and tactical investments in
support of operating the business. The Company is also required
to comply with certain financial ratios. The amount of debt
undertaken in connection with this acquisition could materially
impact the financial condition of the Company should management's
plan for operating the new entity not be successful.

The Company as of October 1, 1999 had available approximately $50
million under its principal revolving credit agreement and cash
and cash equivalents of approximately $12 million. Marketable
securities have now been liquidated to a level the Company no
longer considers material to its working capital needs.

At September 30, 1999, consolidated accounts receivable decreased
by $0.8 million from December 31, 1998. The decrease represents
the net impact of a strengthened U.S. dollar lowering foreign
denominated receivables and a seasonal slowdown in remittances
attributed in part to summer holiday scheduling.

At September 30, 1999, consolidated net inventories were $4.0
million higher than at December 31, 1998. As planned, inventory
increased in the Clinical Diagnostics segment. Inventory for the
Clinical Diagnostics controls business, a growth area for the
Company, is characterized by long lead times and large infrequent
batch production which is necessary to meet customers
requirements.

Net capital expenditures totaled $17.9 million for the first nine
months of 1999 compared to $14.4 million for the same period of
1998. Capital expenditures include additions of reagent rental
equipment placed with Clinical Diagnostic customers who then

12
commit to purchasing the Company's diagnostic reagents for
use.

The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase
up to $18 million of common stock over an indefinite period of
time. From July 1996 through September 1999, the Company has
repurchased 567,786 shares of Class A common stock and 30,000
shares of Class B common stock for a total of $14.1 million. The
new credit facilities restrict the Company's ability to
repurchase its own stock to an amount not to exceed $5 million in
the aggregate in a fiscal year. Share repurchases made during
the current fiscal year amount to $2.2 million.

Euro - A New European Currency

On January 1, 1999, certain member countries of the European
Union began to fix the conversion rates between their national
currencies and a common currency, the "Euro." Over the period
January 1, 1999 through January 1, 2002 participating countries
will gradually transition from their national currencies to the
Euro.

This transition will have business implications including the
need to adjust internal systems to accommodate the Euro and
cross-border price transparency. A group of Corporate and
European managers have been assigned the task of preparing and
accommodating the changes required to continue to do business in
the European Union. The Company does not presently expect that
the efforts involved will have a material impact on operations,
financial position or liquidity. There will be increased
competitive pressures, and marketing strategies will need to be
continuously evaluated until the transition is complete. As a
result of competitive forces and emerging government regulations,
the Company cannot guarantee that all problems will be foreseen
and remediated, and that no material disruption will occur.

Year 2000

The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being
written using two rather than four digits to define the date.
Failure to recognize "00" as the year 2000 could result in a
temporary inability to conduct normal business activities.

Bio-Rad currently operates in a decentralized processing
environment. The Company, with the assistance of outside
consultants and contractors, is well underway with phased
identification, remediation, replacement, validation and
notification processes to minimize the potential disruption to
business from information technology and non-information
technology systems. The project start-up, inventory and
assessment phases are complete. Remediations or scheduled
replacements will be completed for each location prior to the

13
Year 2000 deadline where significant.  The Company is reviewing
in detail all aspects of the Year 2000 issue for the acquired
operations of PSD. Currently, risks appear to be equivalent to
those faced by Bio-Rad prior to the acquisition. No materially
significant amounts need to be spent on the Year 2000 issue prior
to December 31, 1999 as a result of the acquisition.

Bio-Rad's manufactured products have also been undergoing
assessment for Year 2000 readiness. Certain products Bio-Rad
manufactured in the past are not Year 2000 compliant. We have
instituted a program to replace relevant products.

The Company has identified significant suppliers and is
requesting information from them regarding the Year 2000
readiness of their products or services. The Company has not yet
received enough responses and now expects certain suppliers not
to confirm compliance or to respond timely. A material adverse
impact may not be avoided. It is not possible at this time to
value the amount of business that might be lost as a result of
Bio-Rad's business partners' failure to deliver products and
services after December 31, 1999. Additionally, global
infrastructure comprised of banking, transportation,
communication, power generation and ordinary and necessary
governmental activities are critical to the Company's operations.
Should any of these suppliers not be fully functional after 1999
the negative impact to the Company would be significant and
material.

The expenditures required in 1998 and 1999 to replace and
remediate Year 2000 non-compliant Bio-Rad information technology
systems, including equipment, is estimated at $8 million and
primarily deals with distribution system capabilities worldwide.
Over 95% of these costs have been incurred to date. Hardware and
software purchased and installed in connection with these
projects will provide both Year 2000 readiness and significant
additional functionality. Manufacturing systems have been
remediated at a cost that is not material to Bio-Rad overall;
these costs were included in operating results in 1997 and 1998.
While some systems enhancements or modifications have been
delayed to allow for the more significant Year 2000 remediation
to be completed, weighing both cost and benefit, Bio-Rad
management believes its response is prudent.

The Company as of this date has not identified the "most likely
worst case Year 2000 scenario." That scenario will be largely
dependent on the Company's significant worldwide suppliers and
its assessment of preparedness of the global infrastructure,
including multiple national governments. During the remainder of
1999 the Company will formulate and review additional contingency
plans based on the aforementioned significant supplier responses
and global infrastructure preparedness. The Company has
organized a group solely to respond rapidly to Bio-Rad technical

14
information processing and communication exceptions.  The Group
is expected to implement a reporting mechanism to quickly inform
management about those issues that might cause a deterioration in
Bio-Rad's operations or our ability to compete effectively.

New Financial Accounting Standards

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities" effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15,
1999. The FASB has now delayed implementation to fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2000. This statement proposes to
establish accounting and reporting standards requiring companies
to record all derivatives on the balance sheet as either assets
or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. The
manner in which companies are to record gains or losses resulting
from changes in the values of those derivatives depends on the
use of the derivative and whether it qualifies for hedge
accounting. The impact of SFAS No. 133 on the Company's
financial statements will depend on a variety of factors,
including future interpretive guidance from the FASB, the future
level of forecasted and actual foreign currency transactions, the
extent of the Company's hedging activities, the types of hedging
instruments used and the effectiveness of such instruments. The
Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 133 to have a
material effect on its financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk

During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 1999,
there have been no material changes from the disclosures about
market risk provided in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1998. As a result of the new
credit facilities, Bio-Rad has become increasingly exposed to
increases in interest rates. The Company will be undertaking a
review of its options to fix a portion of its variable interest
rate long-term debt during the next several quarters.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a) Exhibits

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

Exhibit No.

4.1 Credit Agreement dated as of September 30, 1999 among
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., the lenders named therein,

15
Banc One, N.A., as Administrative Agent, ABN AMRO Bank
N.V. as Syndication Agent, and Union Bank of
California, N.A. as Documentation Agent. Incorporated
by reference from the Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's
Form 8-K, dated October 1, 1999.

4.2 Senior Subordinated Credit Agreement dated as of
September 30, 1999 among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.,
the lenders named therein and Banc One Capital
Markets, Inc., as Agent. Incorporated by reference
from Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 8-K, dated
October 1, 1999.

4.3 Warrant Agreement among Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. and
Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. dated as of
September 30, 1999.

27.1 Financial Data Schedule.


(b) Reports on Form 8-K

Bio-Rad filed Form 8-K dated July 5, 1999, announcing that Bio-
Rad Sanofi-Synthelabo S.A. (Sanofi) and Institut Pasteur (IP)
have executed an agreement pursuant to which Bio-Rad shall
acquire Pasteur Sanofi Diagnostics S.A. from Sanofi and IP for an
aggregate purchase price not to exceed $210.00 million in cash.