Merck KGaA's combined life science business to be headed by Udit Batra following acquisition

Germany’s Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) has appointed Udit Batra to head the combined life science business following the pending acquisition of US life science company Sigma-Aldrich.

Dr Batra is currently chief executive and president of Merck Millipore, and has been appointed to lead the combined life science business of Merck Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich once this acquisition has been successfully completed. The $17 billion transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, which the company expects to have completed in mid-2015. Until this point, Udit Batra will run Merck Millipore and Rakesh Sachdev will run Sigma-Aldrich, and Mr Sachdev will serve in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition.

Dr Batra has served as chief executive and president of Merck’s life science business Merck Millipore since March 2014, after joining the company in 2011 to head Merck’s group consumer health business.