Bayer is set to purchase the consumer care unit of Merck and Co., Inc. in a transaction valued at $14.2 billion, acquiring popular products in the cold, allergy, sinus & flu, dermatology (including sun care), foot health and gastrointestinal categories. Bayer's acquisition of Merck's OTC products places it in a number two position in non-prescription products worldwide and will enhance Bayer's business across therapeutic categories and geographies, the company says. Bayer now is the business care leader of Claritin™, Dr. Scholl's™, and Coppertone™.

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, agriculture and high-tech polymer materials.

CEO of Bayer, Marijn Dekkers said, “This acquisition marks a major milestone on our path towards global leadership in the attractive non-prescription medicines business."

Go to: www.bayer.com for more information.