Published on November 13, 2014 by
Merck KGaA, Group Communications,
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Our cover photo
It’s not just a drop of water – it’s life science
A simple molecule with a large effect
The cover photo of our report on the third quarter depicts a drop of water.
Water is a very simple molecule, universally known as H2O. This combination of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom permits exceptional properties that make water the most important substance on earth, an essential component to the development of life. In 2010, the United Nations acknowledged clean drinking water as an integral component of the realization of all human rights.
However, our concept of clean water extends well beyond the availability of clean drinking water. Just as water constitutes the majority of our planet, it is also found in the vast majority of solutions used in most laboratory and research experiments. Ultrapure water is critical for ensuring accuracy, consistency and repeatability of lab results. Lab water from Merck is more than 99.99% pure, and is virtually ubiquitous in research and quality control laboratories around the world.
In 1969, the Millipore Corporation headquartered in Billerica near Boston, MA and acquired by Merck in 2010, was the world’s first company that combined microfiltration and other purification technologies for removing water contaminants to produce ultrapure water. Today, 45 years later, we are still the leading supplier of water filtration and purification products, services and solutions.
For customers in science and research, Merck Millipore is the partner of choice for water purification systems, water monitoring devices and ultrapure lab water. Apart from water filtration systems, Merck Millipore offers its customers a broad range of innovative performance products, services and business relationships that enable customer success in research, development and production of biotech and pharmaceutical drug therapies.
On September 22, 2014, Merck announced that it had entered into agreement to acquire Sigma-Aldrich for US$ 17.0 billion (€ 13.1 billion). Provided that shareholders and the relevant antitrust authorities approve the transaction, this move will establish one of the leading players in the global life science industry. Two companies that fit perfectly together in a global key industry would then join forces to offer a much broader product offering to our global customers in research, pharma and biopharma manufacturing, as well as diagnostic and testing labs.
The photo on the cover of this report is therefore much more than just a drop of water. It stands for our commitment to life science.