$45 billion for Genentech
Tuesday, 22 July, 2008
Swiss pharma giant Roche has offered to buy out the remaining 44 per cent of shares in US biotech Genentech for US$43.7 billion (A$45 billion).
Roche acquired a majority in Genentech in 1990 and currently owns 55.9 per cent of the San Francisco company, set up by biotech pioneer Herb Boyer in 1976. Genentech manufactures the blockbuster cancer drugs Herceptin and Avastin, among others.
Roche is offering US$89 per share in cash and is promising to respect Genentech's 'unique research culture' and headquarters.
Roche estimates that the combined entity will be the seventh largest US pharmaceuticals company in terms of market share and will generate more than US$15 billion in annual revenues.
Quitting smoking increases life expectancy even for seniors
Although the benefits of quitting smoking diminish with age, there are still substantial gains...
Stem cell transplants treat blindness in mini pigs
Scientists have successfully transplanted retinas made from stem cells into blind mini pigs,...
Sugary drinks raise cardiovascular disease risk, but occasional sweets don't
Although higher sugar intake raises your risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, consuming sweet...
