Multiple wafer

IBM says that it has developed a three-dimensional silicon chip. The computer company said that its technology, which uses tiny metal wires to connect silicon chips tightly stacked on top of each other, will enable it to pack more functionality into its products. A device based on the concept will debut in power chips in some of IBM's wireless devices later this year, and then spread to more general application.

Stock-market goal

Russian drug company Pharmstandard is planning to float on the London and Moscow stock exchanges in June. The company sells generic drugs and is one of Russia's leading pharmaceutical companies. It has been valued by some analysts at around US$1.5 billion, and it will be the largest Russian drug company so far to float on international markets. Pharmstandard, which is part-owned by Roman Abramovich, the billionaire owner of Chelsea Football Club, has annual sales of about $320 million in the fast-growing Russian pharmaceutical market.

Reagent merger

Agilent Technologies, a manufacturer of scientific instruments based in Santa Clara, California, said that it would buy the biotechnology company Stratagene for around $246 million. Stratagene, which is based in La Jolla, California, develops clinical diagnostics and reagents and will be incorporated into Agilent's life-sciences unit if, as expected, shareholders approve the deal. The acquisition is set to boost Agilent's standing in the growing molecular-diagnostics market. Stratagene's stock rose $2.20 to $10.71 after the deal was announced on 6 April, and Agilent's stock went up 35 cents to $35.06.