Amgen buys DeCode Genetics for $415M
Biotech giant Amgen is buying Icelandic genetics research firm DeCode Genetics for $415 million, the Thousand Oaks company said Dec. 10. The all-cash deal is expected to close before the end of the year and will give Amgen, the largest biotechnology firm in the world, opportunities to develop new medicines that target defective DNA. “DeCode Read More →
Utilities chief touts renewables over nuclear
In order for California to meet its ambitious goals for carbon emissions reductions, environmental reviews might need to be loosened slightly for renewable energy projects, according to the state’s top utilities regulator. Michael Peevey, the president of the California Public Utilities Commission, gave a wide ranging talk at the Hank Lacayo Institute at CSU Channel Read More →
Vitesse to raise $16.1M in stock offering
Camarillo-based Vitesse Semiconductor plans to raise $16.1 million in a public offering of stock. The deal, announced Dec. 6, will offer 10 million shares at $1.75 each, netting $16.1 million after costs. It’s expected to close Dec. 12. Needham & Company is acting as the sole book-running manager of the offering, and Craig-Hallum Capital Group Read More →
DeLorenzo leaves Dole for Itochu
Dole Food Co. President and CEO David DeLorenzo is leaving the company to lead Itochu Corp., the Japanese firm that’s in the process of buying Dole’s packaged foods unit for $1.7 billion. In another step toward closing the Itochu deal by the end of the year, shareholders of the Westlake Village-based food company approved it Read More →
ValueClick names new CEO
Two and a half years after James Zarley took the helm of ValueClick, the digital marketing company said he’s being replaced by new president and CEO John Giuliani. Giuliani, who’s been the Westlake Village-based firm’s chief operating officer since April, will step into his new role immediately. He succeeds Zarley, who has been the marketing Read More →
Shopatron closes $4M financing
San Luis Obispo-based e-commerce firm Shopatron has closed a $4 million credit facility with Multiplier Capital, a venture debt fund. Founded in 2001, Shopatron makes an e-commerce system that lets branded manufacturers sell products directly from their websites and fulfill the order through a dealer near the customer via delivery or in-store pickup. While large Read More →
Savor nears break-even with record ticket sales
The third annual Savor the Central Coast posted record numbers for attendance and revenue. The food and wine event is presented by the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau and Sunset magazine. It hosted nearly 10,000 guests at the Santa Margarita Ranch over the four days between Sept. 27 and Sept. 30, reflecting Read More →
