Roche note opens door to a higher Ventana bid

Roche is leaving no doubt about the ardor of its quest to acquire Ventana Medical Systems. After Ventana snubbed Roche's $3 billion hostile offer as inadequate yesterday, Roche CEO Franz Humer posted a note on the Web that said: "To the extent that you believe that Ventana has additional information that would support a valuation in excess of our offer, we would be willing to consider it in a negotiation with you." Analysts quickly translated it as a precursor to a higher bid as Roche aggressively pursues plans to stitch together a major diagnostics effort through buyouts.

- read Humer's note to Ventana
- check out the International Herald Tribune report

Related Articles:
Ventana spurns Roche's $3B hostile takeover bid. Report
Ventana shares soar on hostile $3B bid. Report
Roche shakes up R&D, eyes new buyouts. Report
Roche to boost R&D spend, reorganize research. Report