Crucell inks $449M deal to create largest independent vaccine maker

Amsterdam-based Crucell said it has inked a deal to buy Switzerland's Berna Biotech and create one of the world's biggest drug development operations focused on vaccines. The merger is aimed at making the combined operation more competitive with the likes of GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis and Merck. The acquisition will add Berna's vaccines for hepatitis B, respiratory and travel ailments.

- read this article from the Financial Times for more information