Pacific Biosciences sold select short‑read sequencing intellectual property and related assets to Illumina for approximately $48.1 million, a move PacBio said would sharpen its focus on high‑throughput long‑read platforms. PacBio will redirect proceeds toward development of next‑generation long‑read chemistry and to accelerate rollout of new Sprq‑Nx reagents. Illumina gains technology tied to short‑read clustering, reagents and detection and will integrate the assets into its portfolio. Market commentary framed the deal as further consolidation in sequencing: Illumina strengthens its short‑read moat while PacBio commits to differentiated long‑read offerings. PacBio said the transaction supports its “Seq All” long‑read strategy and improves near‑term financial flexibility.