Merck KGgA: We have had our most successful year ever

Merck KGgA’s chairman of the executive board, Dr Michael Roemer, has described the 2005 business year as the company’s most successful in history.

At a shareholders meeting, a dividend of 0.85 euros (59 pence) per share was approved, amounting to 43.6 euros in total.

Merck KGgA explained in a statement that its attempted purchase of Schering AG was evidence that it could set the course for its own future.

Dr Roemer told the shareholders that a previous phrase used to describe the company should be emphasised, namely: “We think in generations.” He added that the employees and family of owners helped to guarantee long-term independence and stability.

He said: “Measured by operating profit and profit after tax, Merck concluded the most successful year in its history. And the first quarter of this year was no less successful.”

“In order to face changes and meet challenges, we must have the courage to make decisions and to pursue different paths than in the past whether it’s in pharmaceutical research, where we need to achieve a critical mass, or in the quest for new technologies in chemistry.”

“We must focus on the next decade now. Farsighted entrepreneurship, long-term planning and the ability to anticipate market trends are among the ingredients of Merck’s recipe for success,” he concluded.

Last month, Merck became involved in Bayer’s takeover of Schering AG. In buying more than 20 per cent of Schering’s stock before agreeing to sell it to Bayer, Merck gained approximately 400 million euros from the transaction.

However, Dr Roemer said at the time that short-term gain was never the intention behind the Schering share purchases.

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