Blue Heron Biotechnology Inc., a Bothell gene synthesis firm, has named John Fess as its new chief executive officer. Fess will take over for the company’s founder, John Mulligan. Mulligan will remain as the company’s chairman and chief scientific officer. As the chief operating officer at Blue Heron, Fess oversaw its sales and marketing, manufacturing and other key tasks.

Mill Creek’s Zipfizz offers new product

Zipfizz, the Mill Creek-based maker of a powdered energy drink, has introduced a new liquid product. Zipfizz’s Liquid Shot comes in ready-to-drink form in a four-ounce bottle. As with the company’s powdered mix, it contains a large dose of vitamin B12 and electrolytes to provide a boost. It has no added sugar. Zipfizz also recently introduced Immune Fizz, an Airborne-like product that’s designed to boost the body’s immune system.

Advisory company opposes ICOS deal

Institutional Shareholder Services, a proxy advisory firm, recommended Tuesday that ICOS shareholders vote against the proposed $2.1 billion buyout of the Bothell biotechnology company. ISS asserts that the acquisition price of $32 a share offered by Eli Lilly &Co. is too low. HealthCor Management, a hedge fund that owns a 5 percent stake in ICOS, has indicated it will vote against the buyout, as have a number of smaller investors. However, most other shareholders appear to support the deal. The shareholders’ vote is Dec. 19.

MySpace tries to block sex offenders

The popular online hangout MySpace said Tuesday it will develop technologies to help block convicted sex offenders, the site’s latest attempt to address complaints about sexual predators and other dangers to teens. MySpace is partnering with Sentinel Tech Holding Corp. to build and deploy within 30 days a database that will contain the names and physical descriptions of convicted sex offenders in the United States.

Chrysler executive goes to Mercedes

Joe Eberhardt, Chrysler’s top sales executive, will leave the company to run his own Mercedes-Benz dealership, DaimlerChrysler AG said Tuesday. Eberhardt, the Chrysler Group’s executive vice president of global sales, marketing and service, made the decision to leave the company and is negotiating for his own dealership, Chrysler spokesman Jason Vines said

FCC official ready to review AT&T deal

FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell expressed confidence Tuesday that he could get up to speed quickly if he is called upon to join the agency’s deadlocked review of AT&T Inc.’s proposed purchase of BellSouth Corp. He offered few clues, however, to his views on the $82.8 billion buyout or the impasse among his fellow members at the Federal Communications Commission.

From Herald staff and news services