EU Fines Sigma-Aldrich for Misleading Probe Into Merck KGaA's Takeover

By Mauro Orru

The European Union said Monday that it has fined Sigma-Aldrich 7.5 million euros ($9 million) for providing incorrect or misleading information during a probe into Merck KGaA's acquisition of the German life-sciences company.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, approved the takeover in June 2015 subject to the divestiture of certain Sigma-Aldrich assets, but a relevant project hadn't been disclosed.

"Not only was the project not disclosed and discussed in remedy submissions, but information about it was also withheld in replies to specific requests for information. Moreover, the Commission found indications that Sigma-Adrich's supply of incorrect or misleading information was intended to avoid the transfer of the relevant project to the purchaser of the divestment business," the commission said in a statement.

German pharmaceuticals-and-chemicals company Merck KGaA completed its $17 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich in November 2015.

Write to Mauro Orru at [e-mail]; @MauroOrru94

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

05-03-21 1009ET