Merck KGaA eyes options for splitting-out divisions

German life sciences group Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) has said that it plans to that “purposefully develop” its structures at the Darmstadt site further. The aim is to be able to benefit in the best possible way from the global growth opportunities of the three business sectors over the long term.

“Darmstadt is a strong site with strong prospects. Our Group headquarters are and will remain in Darmstadt. We manufacture here for all three business sectors. Important research activities are based in Darmstadt and we meanwhile have more than 10,000 employees at the site,” said Stefan Oschmann, chairman of the executive board and chief executive of Merck. “Now, in a situation in which Merck is doing very well, we want to strategically prepare the site for further growth in the three business sectors. To do so, we must link it better with other parts of the advancing Merck world,” said Dr Oschmann.

The announcement could be a prelude to a possible change of ownership or separate stock market listing, according to some commentators, although Merck has denied this to be its intentions/