Weird Science? Big Pharma's Top Three M&A Deals in 2009 Nears $160 Billion

SUGAR LAND--January 11, 2010--Reported by Annette Kreuger, Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Three deals dominated the drug industry this year: Each of the companies were seeking science, or more specifically, the profitable results of that science. Pfizer Incorporated (NYSE:PFE) (New York, New York) closed its $68 billion deal to purchase Wyeth. Roche Holding Limited (OTC:RHHBY) (Basel, Switzerland) finalized its nearly $47 billion move to acquire the remainder of biotech giant Genentech and Merck & Company Incorporated (NYSE:MRK) snapped up Schering-Plough for $41 billion. The dollar numbers involved are staggering, especially in the face of the global recession. But then again, this is an industry known for its deep pockets, no matter the economic weather.