Merck KGaA
(
MKGAF
) recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire Berlin,
Germany-based Biochrom AG. Biochrom AG, which specializes in the
production and marketing of cell culture media and buffer
solutions, posted sales of approximately €13 million in 2011. The
company also reported a total workforce of approximately 60 in
2011.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Subject to
the necessary regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to
close in the fourth quarter of 2012.
The acquisition should support Merck Millipore's Process
Solutions business unit, which concentrates on simplifying the
complexities faced by pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical
manufacturers.
The innovative cell-culture media products at Biochrom AG
complements Merck Millipore's Process Solutions business unit by
adding liquid cell-culture media and buffers. These include
disposable packaging solutions and serum-free products.
Merck Millipore, a division of Merck KGaA, consists of three
units - Bioscience, Lab Solutions and Process Solutions. This
division was formed following the acquisition of Millipore Corp. in
July 2010.
We note that Merck KGaA was in the news recently due to a
collaboration agreement signed between
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.
(
RDY
) and Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, for the
co-development and commercialization of a portfolio of biosimilar
compounds in oncology, primarily focused on monoclonal antibodies
(MAbs).
As per the deal, Dr. Reddy's will be responsible for early
product development and will complete phase I studies. Depending on
the success of the phase I program, Merck Serono will take over
manufacturing of the compounds and initiate phase III development.
Research and development costs (R&D) will be shared by the
partners.
Merck Serono will commercialize compounds developed under the
agreement globally, outside the US and a few areas which are
co-exclusive or where Dr. Reddy's enjoys exclusive rights. In the
US, both companies will co-commercialize products on a
profit-sharing basis.
Our Recommendation
Merck KGaA currently retains a Zacks #4 Rank (short-term Sell
rating).
(MKGAF): ETF Research Reports
DOCTOR REDDYS (RDY): Free Stock Analysis Report
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