With the acquisition of Serono, Merck became one of the world’s leading biotech companies. The sale of the Generics division to Mylan Inc. of the United States for €4.9 billion was another milestone in the strategic realignment of Merck.
Adjusted for the divestment of Generics, total revenues in 2007 amounted to €7.1 billion. Profit after tax reached a record €3.5 billion. Shareholders are participating in this success through a higher dividend of €1.20 per share and a one-time bonus of €2.00 per share.
The new Merck Serono division achieved growth primarily with biopharmaceutical products: Sales of the multiple sclerosis therapy Rebif® increased by 9.6% on a currency-adjusted basis. The cancer drug Erbitux® continued on its strong growth course with sales increasing by 40%.
The Liquid Crystals division again generated a high return on sales of 53.1% – with a marked increase in free cash flow. Merck successfully maintained its market and technology leadership.
