Merck Animal Health to acquire Brazilian company Vallée

Merck Animal Health, a unit of US pharma giant Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK), has executed an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Vallée, a leading privately-held producer of animal health products in Brazil.

Under terms of the agreement, Merck Animal Health, through a subsidiary, will acquire around 93% of the shares of Vallée, at closing, in exchange for a payment of $400 million, based on current exchange rates. This agreement is subject to regulatory review and certain closing conditions.

Vallée has an extensive portfolio of more than 100 products spanning parasiticides, anti-infectives and vaccines. The company’s portfolio includes products for livestock, horses, and companion animals. Vallée was founded with the mission of producing a foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine for Brazil and has expanded significantly, with distribution centers in Brazil and operations in Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico and Bolivia.