Microsoft Signs Agreement with Merck to Acquire Assets of Rosetta Biosoftware

Microsoft has signed an agreement with Merck & Co to acquire certain assets of Rosetta Biosoftware, a business unit of Rosetta Inpharmatics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck.

The deal allows the former to incorporate genetic, genomic, metabolomic and proteomics data management software into its Amalga Life Sciences platform for enhanced translational research capabilities. In addition, the former will establish a strategic relationship with Merck to enhance the platform to meet emerging pharmaceutical research needs.

Under the terms of the agreement, the latter will become a customer of the platform and also will provide strategic input to the former on the direction and evolution of new solutions incorporating Rosetta Biosoftware technologies.

The deal is expected to close at the end of June 2009, and the platform incorporating Rosetta Biosoftware technologies is slated to be available in early 2010.