Has the acquisition of biotechs been negative for the pharmaceutical sector? Fintan Walton, CEO of PharmaVentures, believes not. First, it can only be seen to be a mark of success. Second, as the biotech sector matures, we expect to see a consolidation of the industry. Third, an acquisition does not necessarily mean that the acquired company disappears. Fourth, although post acquisition the company may shed its senior staff, these individuals often go off to found other biotechs, or join maturing biotechs. So are there any negatives in biotech companies being acquired? Well, yes, if the organisations are closed down completely in the local area, but on balance it can only be a good thing for the industry.