Merck : Darmstadt, Germany, Divests Allergopharma to Dermapharm Holding SE

Darmstadt, Germany, February 19, 2020 - Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today signed an agreement to sell its allergy business Allergopharma to Dermapharm Holding SE ('Dermapharm'). The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of the second quarter 2020, is subject to regulatory approval and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Since 2007, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has made acquisitions and divestments with a volume of around € 40 billion, thereby resolutely transforming itself into a leading science and technology company. By divesting Allergopharma, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is further successfully implementing its company strategy, with an even stronger focus of its Healthcare business sector on the development of innovative medicines for the unmet medical needs of patients with difficult-to-treat diseases. The divestment to Dermapharm will sustainably strengthen the business of Allergopharma.

Allergopharma is a leader in allergen-specific immunotherapy of type 1 allergies such as hay fever or allergic asthma. It is the ambition of the business to support patients with high-quality products as a reliable partner in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. Allergopharma products are available in 18 countries worldwide. In 2018, Allergopharma generated sales of € 88 million.

The transaction encompasses the Allergopharma business in Europe and Asia, including the therapeutic and diagnostic product portfolio as well as the production site in Reinbek near Hamburg (Germany). Allergopharma's adrenaline autoinjector development project for the treatment of anaphylactic reactions is not part of the transaction and will remain with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Dermapharm is a leading manufacturer of off-patent branded medicines for selected markets in Germany. Founded in 1991, the company is headquartered in Grünwald near Munich. Its main production site is in Brehna near Leipzig. Dermapharm has more than 900 marketing authorizations for around 250 active ingredients that are commercialized either as medicines, food supplements or supplemental balanced diets.