Roche to continue integration with Genentech

Roche looks forward to continuing the “excellent momentum” of the integration with Genentech, it has asserted.

Since the recent completion of the acquisition, there have been a number of appointments and restructures between the two companies.

Effective May 1st, Arthur D Levinson, current chairman and chief executive officer of Genentech, will chair its new board of directors.

People serving with him will include external members and executives from Roche. It is intended that Mr Levinson will guide the integration of both firms on a strategic level.

At its next annual general meeting in 2010, a proposal will be put forward inviting him to sit on Roche’s board of directors.

Commenting on the progress of the incorporation of Genentech was Severin Schwan, chief executive officer of Roche.

“We are ? delighted that many outstanding individuals from both Genentech and Roche have committed themselves to driving forward the combined businesses,” he remarked.

Earlier this month, Roche launched a new LightCycler test to detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the European Union to help prevent the condition spreading in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.