Merck Today
Merck is pursuing a business model aimed at creating value for shareholders and owners. Following the acquisition of Millipore, we have a portfolio with a balanced distribution of risk. This portfolio is based on core competences in three businesses with synergetic potential: pharmaceuticals, chemicals and life science.
Merck runs its operating business in four divisions: Merck Serono, Consumer Health Care, Merck Millipore and Performance Materials.
Merck is developing targeted cancer
therapies such as the molecule cilengitide
(in green) shown here at its molecular target.
The Merck Serono division markets prescription medicines. It discovers, develops and manufactures both chemical and biological molecules. Merck holds strong positions in neurodegenerative diseases and oncology. In addition, the division markets fertility treatments, a field in which we are the world market leader, and growth hormones as well as a broad portfolio of classic products, especially for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
The Consumer Health Care division offers over-the-counter products for preventive health care and the self-treatment of minor ailments.
Merck is the global leader in the liquid crystals market. Besides the display materials business, the Performance Materials division focuses on lighting materials for energy-saving LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and OLEDs (organic LEDs). Pigments for the plastics, printing and coatings industries as well as for cosmetic applications are also an important part of the Performance Materials portfolio. Moreover, the division is the market leader for pearl luster effect pigments – a highly specialized niche within the pigment market. In 2010, Merck acquired the U.S. life science company Millipore. Founded in 1954 by Jack Bush, the focus at that time was on filtration technology for water treatment and laboratories. This enabled Millipore to achieve a breakthrough worldwide. Later on, further businesses such as bioprocessing and bioanalytical services for the pharmaceutical industry were added, transforming Millipore into a leading global life science company. With the acquisition of Millipore, Merck is now a leading life science company. The Merck Millipore division offers products for life science research such as assays, biomarkers and target solutions, as well as bioprocessing, lab water purification and filtration. Additionally, the division supplies specialty chemicals mainly to regulated markets, for example the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. Analytical and scientific laboratories use our reagents and test kits. In total, the Merck Millipore portfolio comprises more than 40,000 products and processes.
The Future
Merck will continue to focus on specialty products in its pharmaceutical, chemical and life science businesses while creating synergies. We will also further invest significantly in research and development while pursuing growth both organically and through acquisitions. We will adhere to our very solid finance policy.
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