Merck KGaA Consumer Health business could draw interest of GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, J&J, Bayer
Potential buyers of Merck KGaA's (MRK:DE) Consumer Health business include GlaxoSmithKline (LON:GSK), Sanofi (EPA:SAN), and Johnson&Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), Euro am Sonntag reported, without citing sources. The German weekly said German Bayer (ETR:BAYN) is another possible buyer but is thought to have other priorities with the ongoing takeover of Monsanto (NYSE:MON). Merck last week announced it is preparing strategic options for its Consumer Health business, including a potential full or partial sale of the business as well as strategic partnerships, the report stated.
Swiss bank Credit Suisse valued the unit at around EUR 3bn, the report stated.