Merck KGaA Acquires Sigma-Aldrich for $17 Billion
Merck KGaA has announced that it has agreed to buy Sigma-Aldrich for $140 per share in cash, or a total of $17 billion.
Merck KGaA has announced that it has agreed to buy Sigma-Aldrich for $140 per share in cash, or a total of $17 billion. The purchase will expand the reach of Merck’s EMD Millipore chemical and equipment division, “increasing the company’s presence in North America and adding exposure to fast-growing Asian markets,” according to a press release from EMD. Sigma-Aldrich is a life-sciences company that specializes in products used in scientific R&D in fields such as biotechnology, genomics, and pharmaceuticals.
Merck said the transaction will be immediately accretive to Merck KGaA, and Sigma-Aldrich will become part of Millipore. The acquisition is touted to be the largest in Merck’s history.
Merck Chairman of the Executive Board Karl-Ludwig Kley said in an interview that with this acquisition, Merck is doubling its business earnings for the academia and lab markets. “Currently we are under-represented in the US and with the strong presence of Sigma-Aldrich in the US market, we’ll have a size which really allows us to take products and service to the customer throughout this great country.”
The transaction is expected to close by mid-2015. Merck expects annual synergies of about €260 million (approximately $333 million), which should be fully achieved within three years after closing, pending regulatory approval.
Beyond the Prescription: Pharma's Role in Digital Health Conversations
April 1st 2025Join us for an insightful conversation with Jennifer Harakal, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Canopy Life Sciences, as we unpack the evolving intersection of social media and healthcare decisions. Discover how pharmaceutical companies can navigate regulatory challenges while meaningfully engaging with consumers in digital spaces. Jennifer shares expert strategies for responsible marketing, working with influencers, and creating educational content that bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers. A must-listen for pharma marketers looking to build trust and compliance in today's social media landscape.
Beyond the Prescription: The Role Pharma Plays in Digital Health Conversations
April 1st 2025As social media continues to influence healthcare communication, it presents both challenges and opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry. In this interview, Jennifer Harakal of Canopy Life Sciences discusses balancing compliance with effective digital engagement to build trust and facilitate meaningful healthcare conversations.
