<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted
from Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 1999 and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to such financial statements.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1999
<CASH> 13,071
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 193,662
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 139,325
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 384,028
<PP&E> 251,075
<DEPRECIATION> 125,085
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 665,037
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 191,233
<BONDS> 242,935
<COMMON> 12,479
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 209,863
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 665,037
<SALES> 368,773
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 368,773
<CGS> 173,913
<TOTAL-COSTS> 173,913
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 16,568
<INCOME-PRETAX> 11,808
<INCOME-TAX> 3,779
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 8,029
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 8,029
<EPS-BASIC> 0.66
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.65
</TABLE>