WALL STREET JOURNAL - Latest News - Merck to Acquire Sirna for $1.1 Billion

WALL STREET JOURNAL - Latest News - Merck to Acquire Sirna for $1.1 Billion

Merck agreed to pay $1.1 billion for Sirna, a biotech company focused on products that aim to disrupt disease-causing genes.

U.S. Personal Income Up 0.5%
U.S. personal income grew 0.5% in September, picking up steam, while personal spending slowed and a key inflation indicator eased slightly.

Ford Plans More Production Cuts
Ford plans to cut North American output by up to 12% in the first half of 2007. Meanwhile, Dura became the latest auto-parts supplier to file for Chapter 11.

APC Deal Reflects Demand for Data Protection
France's Schneider agreed to buy APC for $6.1 billion, betting on growing corporate demand for protection from power outages.

Republicans See Edge From Early Voting
Republicans say that early-voting statistics suggest their voter-turnout machine is providing an edge. But Democrats contend Republicans are exaggerating their successes by highlighting a few races, while ignoring wider problems.

Goodyear to Close Texas Plant
Goodyear said it is closing a unionized Texas tire factory and hiring temporary workers at its other striking locations.