LONDON, March 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck, the global pharmaceutical and chemical company, announced it is to acquire all outstanding shares of Millipore, the US life sciences company, for US$ 107 per share in cash, or a total transaction value, including net debt, of approximately EUR 5.3 billion (US$ 7.2 billion), creating a world-class partner for the life science sector.

In a video interview on broadcaster http://www.cantos.com, Dr Karl-Ludwig Klay, Merck Chief Executive, said the transaction was truly transformational for Merck's Chemicals business.

We believe that the acquisition is very compelling and fully in line with our strategy.

The interview and transcript are available now on http://www.cantos.com/company/merck.

Cantos.com, the online financial broadcaster, features in-depth interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you would like to contact us, please email amanda.alexander@cantos.com or phone +44-207-936-1352.

SOURCE: Merck KGaA

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