Report on Expected Developments

After having already provided a first indication of the current business year in March, the Executive Board is now further refining its forecast for 2012. In general, the guidance for the Group reflects the modest recovery rate of the global economy.

XLS

Merck Guidance for 2012

 

 

 

 

Merck Divsions

Sales Growth

*

Includes € 50 million in savings from the efficiency program.

Merck Serono

+ ~ 2%

Consumer Health

+0% – 2%

Performance Materials

+2% – 3%

Merck Millipore

+4% – 6%

 

 

Merck Group

 

Total Revenues

~ € 10.5 bn

EBITDA pre one-time items*

€ 2.8 bn – € 2.9 bn

Division Profitability Expectations

  • Merck Serono: Modest increase before efficiency savings
  • Consumer Health: Slight improvement in a moderate market environment
  • Performance Materials: Close to 2011 level
  • Merck Millipore: Improving in line with sales growth

The net financial debt of the Merck Group resulting from the 2010 acquisition of Millipore continues to decrease at an excellent pace.