Bayer closes deal for Merck Sharp and Dohme’s consumer business

Bayer has announced the completion of its acquisition of the consumer care business of Merck Sharp and Dohme, after obtaining the relevant regulatory approvals.

The company paid $14.2 billion (8.83 billion pounds) for the business unit, integration of which has already commenced. The division will be headed by Erica Mann, the member of the Bayer HealthCare executive committee responsible for consumer care.

Approximately 2,000 employees from Merck Sharp and Dohme will join 8,800 from Bayer within the new-look consumer care business. The combined sales of the two organisations came to $7.4 billion in 2013.

With this takeover, Bayer has become the leading over-the-counter healthcare company in North and Latin America, particularly in the fields of dermatology and gastrointestinal treatments.

Bayer chief executive officer Dr Marijn Dekkers said: "This acquisition is a milestone for Bayer and we intend to continue the expansion of our attractive over-the-counter business both through organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions."

The deal was agreed in May 2014 and comes as part of a wider Bayer strategy to become a global leader in the non-prescription medicines market.