Merck KGaA and Millipore announce transaction

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Millipore Corporation, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Merck KGaA will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of Millipore. Combined sales are estimated at EUR 2.1 billion. With acquisition Merck puts further emphasis on high-margin, specialty products with an attractive growth profile. Currently the Chemicals business sector generates around 25% of Merck’s total revenues. Following the transaction, the chemicals business will contribute 35% of total Group revenues of EUR 8.9 billion (pro forma), driven by its strong Liquid Crystals business and the new world-class life science business.