Illumina, Inc. (ILMN, Financial) is a leading provider of genetic analysis tools, including DNA sequencing instruments and consumables. Its shares increased in December 2012 on press reports that Roche Holdings AG, a large Swiss pharmaceutical and diagnostic company, was in discussions to purchase Illumina. In early January, Illumina's shares fell after Roche's CEO was quoted in the press stating that the companies could not reach an agreement on price, and Roche was abandoning its efforts to acquire Illumina. Our investment in Illumina was not predicated on its being acquired, and we remain confident in the company's long-term prospects in the large, fast-growing market for DNA sequencing and genetic analysis.
From Baron Funds’ first quarter 2013 letter.
From Baron Funds’ first quarter 2013 letter.
