Analysts predict more M&A as capital shrinks

A shortage of new money is likely to drive more and more life sciences companies into mergers and acquisitions, say some of the industry's top analysts. Money raised from IPOs, venture capital companies and stock sales dropped to a meager $6.5 billion in the first half of this year, less than a third of the amount posted in the first half of last year. And they cited Invitrogen's acquisition of Applied Biosystems as a prime example of what lies ahead.

Two bright spots: Expanding markets in China and India will help the field as the U.S. economy softens and federal funding of the NIH will grow regardless of who is elected.

- check out the AP report

Related Articls:
Biotech M&A has yet to reach its peak
Should Pharma take the M&A cure?
Pharma goes mad for biotech deals
Burrill bullish on M&As
M&A activity heats up as biotech IPOs struggle