Pfizer and Wyeth Talk Merger

The potential Pfizer - Wyeth merger resulted, at the same time, in a hit to the stock of Crucell. Wyeth had been in planning to buy Dutch vaccine maker Crucell. However, a source indicated that Crucell talks would continue in any case.

According to the WSJ, the Pfizer - Wyeth talks have been underway for months and are extermely fragile, meaning a collapse of the merger deal would not be unforeseen.

Both Pfizer and Wyeth are under pressure because many of their patents have looming expiration dates. A merger between the two would create a giant which would have increased efficiency (also translating into layoffs, however).

However, since the Pfizer - Wyeth merger would create a giant, and would likely be closely reviewed by regulators.

Pfizer is the world's largest drug maker by revenue. Wyeth has a market capitalization of about $52 billion.