Merck KGaA aiming big as spotlight looms, says senior exec

This year marks the 350th anniversary of German science and technology group Merck KGaA (MRK: DE), a milestone that will remind the industry and wider world that it is the oldest operating pharma company in existence anywhere.

At the same time, Merck will be challenged to prove its enduring relevance, especially with the Healthcare business that accounts for the vast majority of its research and development (R&D) spend.

"Where we introduce the most powerful innovations, it’s a value proposition that people are not going to ignore, even in cash-strapped markets"