In like a lion . . .

Human Genome Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:HGSI) roared into biotech in the early 1990s with its genomics database. But it's going out like a lamb after GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) agreed to acquire the biotech last week for $2.9 billion - less than the total money Human Genome has raised over the last two decades and just $1.25 more per share than the pharma's original offer.

In April, GSK offered $13 per share, or $2.6 billion. The biotech balked at the price and decided to seek strategic alternatives. But no white knight appeared and HGS acquiesced last week after GSK bumped up the offer to $14.25 per share...