Merck joins FTSE4Good Index

Merck has been selected to join the FTSE4Good Index, which it describes as the leading global responsible investment index.

The company states it was one of 25 companies from around the globe – and the only one from Germany – to be selected to enter it this year.

Merck states membership of the index is indicative to both investors and members of the general public that the firm is committed to ethical and responsible business practices.

It explains the inclusion criteria include a number of corporate responsibility themes, such as climate change, human and labour rights, countering bribery, environmental sustainability and supply chain labour standards.

“As a member of the FTSE4Good index, Merck has demonstrated that it has policies and management systems in place to help address relevant corporate responsibility risks,” the company concludes.

In other news, the company announced earlier this month that it has extended its existing strategic alliance with nanotechnology co-development firm Nano-Terra through to 2011.

The new agreement will focus on specific application development for Merck customers, the firm stated.

The original agreement was announced in February 2007.