Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche today raised its hostile bid for US gene mapper Illumina to $51 a share, up 15% from its previous offer price of $44.50
"Based on our discussions with Illumina shareholders we have seen interest to accelerate the takeover process, " said Roche chief executive Severin Schwan.
Roche launched its bid - previously estimated at $5.7 billion - for Illumina on January 25.
But the US firm had opposed the hostile move saying Roche's offer price was too low.
It said it "does not reflect Illumina's unique leadership position, business performance and future prospects.
Illumina is a provider of integrated systems for DNA sequencing.
