Exclusive: Thermo bids for Life Tech; PE firms finalizing offer - sources

By Greg Roumeliotis and Soyoung Kim

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc made a binding offer for Life Technologies Corp on Tuesday as private equity firms raced to finalize a consortium to take the genetic testing equipment maker private, several people familiar with the matter said.

Life Tech, with a current market value of more than $11 billion, has become an attractive target due to its strength in advanced diagnostics and gene sequencing and if Thermo Fisher were to prevail, the deal would make it a major player in the genetic sequencing market.

It would be also be by far its biggest deal since the $12.8 billion merger in 2006 of Thermo Electron and Fisher Scientific International that created the world's largest maker of scientific equipment and laboratory instruments.

Thermo Fisher met a bid deadline on Tuesday but private equity firms working on a joint bid missed it and were working late into the evening to secure the equity required to support an offer, the people said.

Blackstone Group LP, Carlyle Group LP and Singapore's state investor Temasek Holdings were in talks with KKR & Co LP about securing the required equity and finalizing a buyout consortium, the people said.

Life Technologies would likely accept an offer past the bid deadline to keep the process competitive, the people added.

Thermo Fisher is bidding more than $65 per each Life Tech share, two of the people said. While the exact price could not be learned, Thermo had been considering a bid of $65 to $70 per share, sources said last week.

The private equity group would likely bid close to $65 per share, two separate people said.

All the people asked not to be named because details of the auction are not public. Life Technologies, Thermo Fisher, KKR, Blackstone and Carlyle declined to comment while Temasek did not respond to a request for comment.

Shares of Life Tech ended up 1.3 percent at $66.19 on Tuesday, giving it a market value of $11.3 billion. They are up 33 percent so far this year on expectations of a possible deal, outperforming a 9.6 percent rise in the S&P 500 index.

At this level, Life Tech trades at 14.6 times forward 12-month earnings compared to an average 13.6 times for its peer group, according to Thomson Reuters data.

DANAHER, ROCHE

Carlsbad, California-based Life Tech, which has hired advisers to explore a sale, had also attracted interest from industrial and healthcare conglomerate Danaher Corp and drugmaker Roche Holding AG, people familiar with the matter told Reuters previously.

While their position could not be confirmed, one of the people said that neither of these two companies had carried out the procedural work necessary ahead of the bid deadline that would have allowed them to make offers. Danaher and Roche did not respond to requests for comment.

Roche, which has its own diagnostics business, made a hostile run at genetic sequencing company Illumina Inc last year but walked away from the $6.8 billion offer, refusing demands to raise the bid.

Life Tech is itself the product of the combination of two companies -- Invitrogen, a maker of cultures used in the manufacture of biotech medicines, and Applied Biosystems, a genetic testing company.

If Thermo Fisher wins the auction, it would also boost its presence in scientific research, genetic analysis and applied sciences, creating a healthcare technology giant with annual revenues of over $16 billion and some 50,000 employees.

At a range of $65 to $70 per share for Life Tech, Thermo Fisher believes the deal would add to its earnings, people familiar with the matter have previously told Reuters.

(Additional reporting by Bill Berkrot in New York; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/exclusive-thermo-bids-life-tech-pe-firms-finalizing-001722464--sector.html

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Snow's melting: Time to find budget hiking boots

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

The Merrell Moab Ventilator is a low-cut hiking shoe, an increasingly popular and affordable alternative to higher-cut boots.

April showers and spring snowmelt signal that it?s time to trade in ski boots and snowshoes for hiking boots. Of course, those harbingers of warm weather also turn hiking trails to muck. Opt for a cut-rate pair of boots, and you could easily wind up with wet, blistered feet and a muddy rump. You could also wind up with a high-quality hiking shoe or even a reliable mid-cut boot for under $100.

Cheapism.com has highlighted four top picks, all of which come in men?s and women?s versions.

• The Merrell Moab Ventilator (starting at $72) has been labeled an excellent value in side-by-side comparisons by outdoor gear experts. This is a supportive hiking shoe that grips the trail with deep 5-millimeter lugs, or treads, yet it?s lightweight and very comfortable, according to online reviews. While the Ventilator is not waterproof (pricier Moab models are), it has a highly breathable mesh upper that allows it to dry out quickly in warm weather. The namesake ventilation further helps prevent blisters by airing out hot, sweaty feet. (Where to buy)
• The Keen Alamosa WP (starting at $72) caters to hikers who prefer a waterproof shoe. In this price range the term is often used loosely, but reviewers verify that the waterproof membrane that lines this shoe prevents water from leaking through. They also note the sturdy yet extremely lightweight construction, including durable, suede-like nubuck leather and a rubber bumper on the toe. (Where to buy)
• The mid-cut L.L. Bean Waterproof Trail Model Hikers (starting at $90) are classic hiking boots that come up higher on the ankle to provide additional support and protection. The mid-cut design alone is often enough to price a shoe over $100 and this budget pair is waterproof to boot (no pun intended). Again, numerous reviewers vouch for the effectiveness of the waterproof lining. (Where to buy)
• The Salomon Synapse (starting at $60) is uniquely designed for trail running, or for covering a lot of ground quickly. The midsole is tilted downward, toward the toe, to propel the wearer forward. A record holder who completed the fastest end-to-end hike of the Appalachian Trail wore these inexpensive shoes to accomplish her feat. Novices, too, have found them durable and supremely comfortable. (Where to buy)

Light hiking shoes dominate the low end of the market and have become a popular alternative to heavy-duty backpacking boots. A multi-day trip with a heavy pack over rough, uneven terrain calls for a burly boot with a higher price tag. But for day hikes that don?t venture off the trail, many hikers prefer nimbler footwear. While that often means a low-cut shoe, a few mid-cut boots, such as L.L. Bean?s Trail Model Hikers, offer similarly light weight and low cost.

Another hallmark of this type of shoe is a sole that?s supportive without being too stiff. All four pairs listed above manage to walk that line, reviewers say. They feature foot beds made from cushy EVA, or ethylene vinyl acetate. However, nothing will make a boot comfortable if it doesn?t fit correctly. Outside magazine explains exactly how to find the right one for you.

Related from Cheapism:
Cheap hiking boots buying guide
Cheap tent recommendations
The best cheap binoculars
Sleeping bag reviews and recommendations

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Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/653351/s/2a8fda3c/l/0Llifeinc0Btoday0N0C0Inews0C20A130C0A40C10A0C176174590Esnows0Emelting0Etime0Eto0Efind0Ebudget0Ehiking0Eboots0Dlite/story01.htm

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Exactly the leftists you imagine will protest dedication of new Bush library at SMU

On April 25, the gleaming, new George W. Bush Presidential Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University will be officially dedicated.

The center will honor and preserve the legacy of the 43rd U.S. president in the same basic way that such an edifice has similarly honored every president since Herbert Hoover.

Naturally, protesters calling themselves The People?s Response will seek to rain on Bush?s parade because they are still hopping mad about the Iraq War.

?As the elite gather to celebrate the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and cast a veneer of legitimacy on the Bush administration and its policies, join us in Dallas and let your voice be heard!? urges the group?s website.

?It?s quite disturbing,? protestor-on-the-street Hadi Jawad told KHOU. ?It?s quite disheartening to see this monument, this edifice here in Dallas, Texas.?

Jawad also told the Houston CBS affiliate that he has ?skin in the game? because he is ?of Iraqi descent.?

He said he is still mad incensed about the war, calling it ?the unnecessary and unjustifiable, the immoral and illegal war that Bush and Cheney took us into.?

An official for the Bush Center told KHOU that the center ?supports folks? rights to protest peacefully and express their views.?

Local officials have told protest organizers that demonstrations won?t be allowed near the Bush Center. However, protesters will be able to object to the dedication of the Bush Center to their hearts? content from a spot across a busy interstate.

So far, according to The People?s Response?s Facebook page, 368 people have indicated that they plan to show up. Pledged attendees include a number of students as well as a smattering of professional activists and, of course, journalist and former Lyndon Johnson aide Bill Moyers.

The group?s festivities are scheduled to last the week of April 22 to 26 and will include speakers, workshops, teach-ins, art and music.

Monday starts ? after brunch ? with something called Creative Action. The left-wing activist group CODEPINK will be involved.

Tuesday?s highlight will be a press conference, at which members of The People?s Response will preen and likely spout anti-war rhetoric against a president who hasn?t been in office for four years.

?Come out and be part of the photo-op!? the group?s website says. ?Signs provided. Please wear black.?

Wednesday includes several anti-war speakers including Debra Sweet, the Director of World Can?t Wait, which was founded in 2005 to ?drive out the Bush regime? ? and heroically succeeded just three years later.

Thursday ? the big dedication day ? will bring a rally against the Bush Center.

?We will be dressed in black as the March of the Dead, along with veterans, will lead a slow, respectful procession toward the Bush Center in remembrance of those tortured or killed,? declares the The People?s Response. ?Signs and banners will be provided. If you bring your own, please keep them on-message and coordinated with the dramatic black and white visual.?

A highly anticipated ?dance party for peace? is scheduled for Thursday night.

Friday will mark the end of the week of anti-Bush protests. There will be a motivational breakfast and debriefing at the Holiday Inn Market Center.

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/exactly-leftists-imagine-protest-dedication-bush-library-smu-150222118.html

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Facebook Phone Review: ?HTC First? Decorates Home With Extra Alerts But A Shabby Camera

After years of rumors, the Facebook Phone aka the HTC First finally launches April 12th for $99 on AT&T. It's light and supple, plus comes with a suped-up version of Facebook Home pre-installed that pipes in non-Facebook notifications, but the 5MP Camera is a let down. If you're highly social, want a mid-range handset, crave email alerts, and aren't a photo buff, the First could be a great fit.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/MSILhEzPHJc/

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Luke Bryan pulls off huge upset at ACM Awards

By Anna Chan, TODAY

Luke Bryan pulled off a shocking win on Sunday night when he beat out heavyweights Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift to win the Academy of Country Music Award's biggest prize of the evening: entertainer of the year. The winner is chosen by fan votes.

Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Luke Bryan accepts the entertainer of the year award during the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 7.

The musician, who co-hosted the show with Shelton, was stunned after his name was announced, and appeared to cry as he slowly walked out from backstage to accept the award from Shania Twain, who was making her first appearance at the ACMs in 10 years. Even with his trophy in hand, Bryan stood in silent shock at the microphone for a long while.

"This is ... I don't know what to say, you guys," he finally started. "Thank you guys so much, fans, for doing this to me, thank you so much for making my life what it is. What I always wanted to be was just a country singer that got to ride on a tour bus and show up on a new stage and play music every night. ? I just started headlining! ? Every time I step on stage, it is a blessing to me to play for fans. ... This is the defining moment of my life!"

Bryan, 36, been on the scene since his debut album was released in 2007, but wasn't a headlining act until his single "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" exploded after he started delivering booty-shaking performances of the catchy tune at awards shows in 2011.

Al Powers / AP

The other big winner of the night was Shelton's wife, Miranda Lambert. She took home three of the four trophies she was nominated for: song and single record of the year for "Over You," and female vocalist for the fourth year in a row. Lambert shared the song of the year victory with her husband, who co-wrote the tune.

"Last time this happened, you didn't get a chance to talk, and you're not going to get a chance either this time," he joked as he and his wife accepted their trophies. "I'll?tell you all something: I?ve learned so much from this human being standing next to me ? she blows me away, but as far as standing here right now, I used to think I was a decent songwriter until I started hanging out with her."

Notable moments from the show included Garth Brooks and George Strait's performance together; Reba McIntire's announcement that the ACM was "renaming its most prestigious honor to the ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award"; and Stevie Wonder closing the show with "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

The complete list of winners:

• Entertainer of the year: Luke Bryan
• Male vocalist: Jason Aldean
• Female vocalist: Miranda Lambert
• Vocal duo: Thompson Square
• Vocal group: Little Big Town
• New artist: Florida Georgia Line
• Album: Eric Church, "Chief"
• Single record of the year: Miranda Lambert, "Over You"
• Song: Miranda Lambert, "Over You"
• Video: Little Big Town, "Tornado"
• Vocal event: "The ?Only Way I Know," Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church
• New male vocalist: Brantley Gilbert
• New female vocalist: Jana Kramer
• New vocal duo or group: Florida Georgia Line

The 48th Annual ACM Awards was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

More in Entertainment:

Source: http://todayentertainment.today.com/_news/2013/04/07/17646647-luke-bryan-pulls-off-huge-upset-at-acm-awards?lite

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Kerri Walsh Jennings Welcomes a Baby Girl!

The Olympic champion welcomes her daughter into the world! Plus, see more stars who welcomed new bundles of joy.

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/celebrity-babies-2013/1-b-16266?dst=iv%3AiVillage%3Acelebrity-babies-2013-16266

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iTunes is out of date and out of touch ? so what's next?

Wilson Rothman , NBC News ? ? ? 19 hrs.

I was at a Starbucks last weekend, and I grabbed one of those "Pick of the Week" cards, one for Jeremy Piven's new show. I felt a momentary flutter of excitement ? sweet, free TV episode! In HD! But then I realized that I would have to download some huge file, and even then, I could only watch the show on the device I downloaded it to.

The concept suddenly seemed awkward ... antiquated, even.

And if I liked what I saw? I could pay Apple $2.99 per episode for the privilege of downloading more huge files. As a paying subscriber of Netflix and Amazon Prime ? not to mention cable TV ? my final reaction was, "No thanks."

(If you want my free download, the code is YY3FTKPH3W4F ? it'll only work once, so first come, first served. If you missed that chance, you can also watch the first episode on your iPhone or iPad for free ... on the PBS app.)

The iTunes situation only gets worse with music. In a world where Pandora streaming radio is free and Spotify's $9.99-per-month anywhere music-on-demand service is a crazy good deal, why would anybody buy an album?

Take it from a music and movie lover who has probably spent far more money than you on iTunes: It's over! There are few reasons to pay for specific music and video files ? and still fewer reasons to download them to your hard drive and sit on them like some gigabyte-greedy dragon.

Apple will be able to milk online music sales for a while, but Netflix, Amazon and other streaming video services are already taking customers away from iTunes and its rent-or-buy download model. If Apple doesn't announce a plan at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference, it risks getting shoved aside in the digital media realm like it's being shoved aside in the smartphone business.

There is hope for Apple fans: CNet is reporting that the company is "close to striking a streaming deal with two of the major music labels" for a service that resembles Pandora. It might have extra features, like the ability to jump back to the beginning of a song, or buy the track you are listening to. This won't bring back those who have already gone to Spotify, but it's a step in the direction Apple needs to go, music-wise.

As for video, what Apple should do is revisit its abandoned streaming TV approach, and allow people who purchased movies to stream them from any registered iDevice. (At the moment, if I want to watch "The Return of the King" ? which I "own" on iTunes ? I have to commit to a 4.1GB download. Ugh.)

I say this is what Apple should do. What Apple probably will do (which is fine with me but not as great for Apple) is open Apple TV to more apps like Spotify and Amazon Video on Demand. They're already available on iPad, iPhone and, of course, Macs, so it only makes sense. If Apple doesn't mind me spending money on other services, provided I use them on Apple hardware, I'm OK with that. But sooner or later, all of those services will work equally well on an HTC phone or a Samsung tablet, and then what?

Don't give away your store, Apple. It's time to evolve.

Wilson Rothman is the Technology & Science editor at NBC News Digital. Catch up with him on Twitter at @wjrothman, and join our conversation on Facebook.

Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/653377/s/2a6d8421/l/0L0Snbcnews0N0Ctechnology0Ctechnolog0Citunes0Eout0Edate0Eout0Etouch0Eso0Ewhats0Enext0E1B9232131/story01.htm

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