Pacific Biosciences sold select short‑read sequencing assets and related IP to Illumina, positioning PacBio to concentrate on high‑value long‑read platforms and accelerate Sprq‑Nx chemistry rollout. PacBio said proceeds will support development of a high‑throughput long‑read system; the transaction transferred Apton/Omniome‑derived technologies and reduced PacBio’s short‑read footprint. Illumina’s acquisition integrates short‑read clustering, reagent, and detection technologies and supports its competitive position across sequencing modalities. The deal follows strategic pauses and prior layoffs at PacBio tied to short‑read work, and it reinforces consolidation in sequencing where scale and platform breadth matter for service providers and large pharma customers. Long‑read sequencing resolves structural variants and repetitive regions; by selling short‑read assets, PacBio is sharpening its product focus but cedes territory to Illumina in high‑throughput short‑read markets. Customers and investors will monitor product roadmaps, technology transfer timelines, and market impact on pricing and service offerings. Key actors: Pacific Biosciences, Illumina, customers and investors; reporting via company SEC filings and market coverage.