Merck to relign pigments division

Published: 1-Apr-2006


Global chemicals company Merck KGaA has combined its Pigments and Life Science & Analytics (LSA) divisions into a single unity in a realignment of its Chemicals Business Sector. The new division will be called Performance & Life Science Chemicals. Liquid Crystals will remain a separate division within the sector. Merck hopes that the move will allow it to offer customers a broader range of products and services with “one-stop shopping” without neglecting application oriented expertise.

The change became effective on

1 April 2006.

Walter Zywottek, Merck executive board member, who assumed responsibility for the Chemicals Business Sector on 1 January commented: “In order to address the changes in the competitive environment of specialty chemicals and to strengthen our chemicals business, we are realigning the strategy of this business sector. However the Merck Group’s long-term strategy of focused diversification, with the aim of creating a world class chemicals and pharmaceuticals company, remains firmly in place.”

Meanwhile, Merck has made

a €14.6bn offer to acquire rival German drug manufacturer Schering AG. The company, which has offered Schering shareholders €77 per share, is hoping to combine the two firms to create a pharmaceutical business that is more competitive on a global scale. According to Merck, combined sales would total approximately €11.2bn. If approved, the sale would move Merck up to the second biggest drug maker in Germany, behind Bayer AG.

Michael Roemer, chairman of the executive board of Merck commented: “This is an ideal combination for both companies. It provides both companies with the unique opportunity to take a quantum leap and become more competitive and continue to thrive in the consolidating global pharmaceuticals industry.”

Schering, however, has dismissed the offer saying that it undervalued the company.

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