The Swiss group, ROCHE, has launched a friendly take over bid of its compatriot DISETRONIC (turnover of CHF 335 million for the 2001/2002 tax year), currently world number two in insulin syringes used in the treatment of diabetes. This operation, supported by the DISETRONIC board of directors, will be done in part exchange for shares for cash and represents an investment of CHF 1.6 billion for ROCHE. ROCHE will become sector world leader if the deal goes through.