Not Much of a Choice, Anyway

With credit tight and investors skittish, a hostile takeover of Genentech by Roche might not be that big of a deal, says an article in the San Jose Mercury News. And in any case, it's possible Genentech employees won't have many options these days when it comes to finding other jobs. Amid all the talk is a concern that a buyout would result in a loss of Genentech's renowned culture of independence and creativity, and an exodus of employees. Derek Lowe thinks that it will probably end up being difficult at best. The atmosphere of the acquiring company is going to seep in no matter what, he says, and keeping things small is a definite plus when it comes to productivity in drug discovery. "Overall, it really does help to know that you really do have to deliver, that there's no net down there, no one waiting to cushion the blow. It doesn't make things fun, not necessarily, but it does make them more productive."