Germany's Merck to acquire Sigma-Aldrich for $17 billion.

German firm Merck has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the US-based Sigma-Aldrich for $17 billion (Euro 13.1 billion), thus establishing itself as one of the leading players in the $130 billion global life science industry. Sigma-Aldrich is a leading life science and high technology company whose biochemical, organic chemical products, kits and services are used in scientific research, including genomic and proteomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of disease and as key components in pharmaceutical, diagnostics and high technology manufacturing.

'This transaction marks a milestone on our transformation journey aimed at turning our three businesses into sustainable growth platforms', said Karl-Ludwig Kley, Chairman of Merck's Executive Board.

BS