Merck KGaA
The CEO of Merck Millipore is set to lead the combined business formed when Merck KGaA completes its acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich.
Udit Batra will head up Merck Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich’s combine life sciences unit when the acquisition is completed in mid-2015.
Merck has described the planned $17bn (€13.2bn) deal as “not just a milestone but a quantum leap,” with the acquisition increasing Merck KGaA’s presence in the US market. Sigma-Aldrich’s CEO and President Rakesh Sachdev is continuing in his role until the purchase is completed.
Karl-Ludwig Kley, Merck Chairman, said the announcement of Udit’s future role “provides stable and strong leadership and continue customer focus.”
If approved, the acquisition will be the largest in Merck’s history.