Roche to complete acquisition of Ventana

As of the expiration of the subsequent offering period, Rocket Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roche, had purchased a total of approximately 34.54 million shares of Ventana common stock, representing approximately 93.7% of Ventana’s outstanding shares. All shares validly tendered in the offer have been accepted for payment, and the consideration for all such shares either has been paid or will promptly be paid.

Roche expects to complete the acquisition of Ventana through a short-form merger, without a vote or meeting of Ventana’s shareholders. In the merger, all of the shares of Ventana not owned by Roche and its subsidiaries (other than shares as to which appraisal rights are validly exercised) will be converted into the right to receive the same cash consideration that was paid in the tender offer.

Franz Humer, chairman and CEO of Roche, said: “Ventana broadens Roche’s diagnostic offerings and complements Roche’s strong existing position in in- vitro diagnostic systems.”