Merck & Co. Inc., (operating in the United Kingdom as MSD) and Avecia
Investments Limited today announced that they have entered into a
definitive agreement by which Merck will acquire the biologics business
of the Avecia group through a Merck affiliate (Merck Sharp & Dohme
(Holdings) Limited or "MSD"). Avecia Biologics is a contract
manufacturing organization with specific expertise in microbial-derived
biologics. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
"At Merck we continue to execute on our strategy of expanding our
biopharmaceutical expertise and manufacturing capacity," said John T.
McCubbins, senior vice president, Biologics and Therapeutic Protein
Operations, Merck Manufacturing Division. "This transaction follows an
initial strategic development and supply relationship with Avecia
Biologics and will provide us with an operational facility staffed by an
experienced workforce that is highly skilled in a broad portfolio of
bioprocess systems."