Roche has extended its cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Illumina at $44.50 per share to 6 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on March 23, 2012.

The tender offer was previously scheduled to expire at midnight on Feb. 24. At that time, approximately 102,165 shares had been tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the offer. The terms and conditions of the extended offer remain unchanged.

In response, Illumina said, “The extension by Roche was expected. An extremely low number of shares have been tendered, consistent with our view—and that of our stockholders—that Roche’s offer does not reflect Illumina’s unique leadership position, business performance and future prospects.”