Invitrogen said that purchasers of the notes will have an option to purchase up to an additional $50 million to cover over-allotments.
The company said it will use some of the net proceeds of the offering to repay around $124 million borrowed a revolving line of credit with Bank of America.
Invitrogen said it intends to use the balance of the net proceeds for "potential acquisitions and for general corporate purposes, including the potential repayment or redemption of other outstanding debt."