Roche already has the broadest set of molecular diagnostic technologies in the industry, and the pharma hopes acquiring Illumina Inc. will give it access to the biggest potential growth area in the MDx space: whole genome sequencing as routine clinical practice.

That is why Roche offered $5.7 billion in a hostile bid for Illumina, although the final price will certainly be higher. Indeed, the biotech ended the week with a $6.3 billion market cap in shareholder anticipation of a white knight or an increased bid from Roche.