Core Viewpoint - Illumina announced the acquisition of SomaLogic for $350 million in cash, with potential performance-based milestones and royalties totaling up to $75 million, aimed at strengthening its position in the growing proteomics market and enhancing its multi-omics strategy [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes SomaLogic's aptamer-based affinity proteomics platform, which will enhance Illumina's presence in the high-growth proteomics sector [2]. - Illumina expects the business to achieve profitability based on non-GAAP operating income by 2027, with non-GAAP operating margins aligning with Illumina by 2028 [2]. - The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, with completion anticipated in the first half of 2026 [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - Illumina's CEO emphasized that the acquisition will enhance the value of the NovaSeq X product and unlock greater capabilities in the future [1]. - The collaboration between Illumina and SomaLogic has been ongoing for over three years, improving service capabilities and accelerating the technological roadmap for advanced biomarker detection and disease analysis [1]. - The integration of SomaLogic's technology is expected to apply the scalability of NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) to proteomics, maintaining an open and empowering NGS platform [1]. Group 3: Company Background - SomaLogic employs approximately 250 staff globally, with operations in Boulder, Colorado, including CLIA and CAP certified laboratories [2]. - Prior to the acquisition, Illumina and SomaLogic had a joint development agreement established in December 2021 to implement SomaScan proteomics detection on Illumina's NGS platform [3].