Roche launches tender offer for DNA co Ilumina Jan 24 11:49 PM US/Eastern Swiss drugmaker Roche is offering shareholders $5.7 billion for DNA diagnostics company Ilumina. Roche Holding AG said in a statement early Wednesday that the deal will accelerate the routine clinical use of DNA testing. The company also said buying San Diego-based Ilumina will strengthen Roche's position in the diagnostics market because the companies' technologies are complementary. Roche's tender offer of $44.50 for each Ilumina share represents an 18 percent premium over Tuesday's closing price of $37.69. Roche noted that the bid also is more than 60 percent above the last closing price before speculation surfaced Dec. 21 that Roche was considering acquiring Ilumina. Roche said it has tried to negotiate a deal, but Ilumina has declined to participate. The offer depends on a majority of shareholders tendering their stock.