Paris, 17 February 2025 - Kurma Partners announces the acquisition of its portfolio company Stilla Technologies, a leading developer of cutting-edge digital PCR (dPCR) solutions, by Bio-Rad for $225m as well as potential future contingent milestone payments for a maximum amount of up to $50m. The transaction is expected to close by late Q3 2025.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIO.B) is a global leader in life science research and clinical diagnostics. Based in California, the company has 7,700 employees and achieved $2.6 billion in revenues in 2024. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Stilla and reinforces its position as a pioneer in the rapidly evolving digital PCR market.

Stilla Technologies supplies digital PCR instruments and tests, innovative solutions capable of extracting precise genomic information from complex biological samples, in a wide range of pharmaceutical, clinical and research applications. The strategic partnership with Bio-Rad provides Stilla with the opportunity to accelerate its mission to bring innovative dPCR solutions to a global audience. Stilla’s flagship Nio® System, known for its ease of use and high multiplexing capabilities, has already gained recognition for its transformative impact on life sciences research, clinical diagnostics, and biopharma applications.

Stilla has its European headquarters in Paris, operates in North America via a sales subsidiary, and has strategic distribution and business partnerships in China, Japan and throughout the EMEA region.

Rémi Dangla, CEO and Co-Founder of Stilla Technologies, commented: “Joining forces with Bio-Rad is a transformative step for Stilla. With Bio-Rad’s global reach and expertise, we can scale our digital PCR innovative technologies to empower more scientists and clinicians around the world. We are deeply grateful for the support of our investors, particularly Kurma Partners, who believed in our vision and helped drive our success.”

Norman Schwartz, CEO of Bio-Rad Laboratories, commented: "Stilla’s next-generation digital PCR solutions would make a compelling and complementary addition to Bio-Rad’s best-in-class digital PCR portfolio. Once closed, the acquisition will support our strategy to further expand our business into applied research and clinical diagnostics where customers expect a higher degree of automation, and throughput capabilities.”


Kurma Partners: Driving Innovation and Recognizing Leadership

Kurma Partners, an early investor in Stilla Technologies, played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and development, structuring the company's Series A in 2018 for €16 million. Kurma subsequently participated in Series B in 2020 (€20 million) and Series C in 2023 (€26.5 million). As a leading European venture capital firm specializing in life sciences, Kurma Partners provided critical support and strategic guidance that enabled Stilla to expand its capabilities and reach new milestones.

Philippe Peltier, Managing Partner at Kurma Partners, stated: “We are proud to have been part of Stilla Technologies’ remarkable journey. The resilience and visionary leadership of Rémi Dangla have been instrumental in driving Stilla from its inception to becoming a leading innovator with its Nio™ System. His relentless dedication and strategic foresight have been the driving forces behind the company’s success. This acquisition by Bio-Rad validates the immense potential of Stilla’s technology, team, and vision.”


Expanding the Frontiers of Digital PCR

Digital PCR has emerged as a transformative technology, offering unparalleled sensitivity and precision for applications ranging from liquid biopsy and infectious disease detection to cancer research and drug development. With the support of Bio-Rad, Stilla is poised to advance the field further and deliver more impactful solutions to its customers.


A New Chapter in Stilla’s Growth

This acquisition underscores Stilla’s commitment to innovation and customer-focused solutions. The company will continue to operate as a center of excellence within Bio-Rad, leveraging its expertise to drive further advancements in digital PCR technology.


Transaction Details

The acquisition was completed for $225 million as well as potential future contingent milestone payments for a maximum amount of up to $50m, allowing Stilla to benefit from Bio-Rad’s extensive global network, resources, and market leadership.