23andMe Bankruptcy Bid Deadline Extended as DNA Privacy Woes Linger

A 23andMe Ancestry + Traits Service DNA kit.

Photographer: Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg
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The sale of the bankrupt DNA data bank 23andMe is facing delays as the company tries to find a lead bidder that can quickly clear regulatory hurdles and guarantee customer privacy rules will be honored.

The former Silicon Valley startup co-founded by Anne Wojcicki has been negotiating with potential buyers trying to land a binding, opening offer that would be used as a floor for a court-supervised auction. The deadline has been extended twice so far. The new date for the company to name an opening bidder is now Wednesday, according to court papers.