Udit Batra to head Merck's combined life science business

Merck, the Germany-based manufacturer of healthcare, life science and performance materials products, on April 13, 2015 announced the appointment of Udit Batra, currently CEO and President of Merck Millipore, to lead the combined life science business of Merck Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich once the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich has been successfully completed.
 
The planned $ 17 billion transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, which the company expects to have completed in mid-2015. Until then, Merck Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich will continue to operate as separate companies with Udit Batra and Rakesh Sachdev, president and CEO of Sigma-Aldrich, running both organisations independently. Rakesh Sachdev will serve in an advisory capacity, as needed, to ensure a smooth transition.
 
“Today’s appointment marks another important step in the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich as it provides stable and strong leadership and continued customer focus during the crucial months of integration planning and beyond,” said Karl-Ludwig Kley, Chairman of the Executive Board of Merck.
 
Merck, in September 2014, announced the planned acquisition of US life science company Sigma-Aldrich as part of its ‘Fit for 2018’ transformation and growth strategy aimed at building three strong platforms for sustainable, profitable growth. If approved, the acquisition will be the largest in Merck’s almost 350-year history and marks an inflection point for both companies as it will deliver significant customer benefits, including a broader, complementary range of products and capabilities, greater investment in breakthrough innovations, enhanced customer service and a leading ecommerce and distribution platform in the $130 billion global life science industry.
 
Merck has already secured antitrust clearance from the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and some other jurisdictions, and is working diligently with the respective authorities to complete the transaction as planned. In March, the company announced that it successfully placed $ 4 billion in bonds, following the placement of Euro 1.5 billion in hybrid bond in December to help finance the transaction.
 
Udit Batra, who joined Merck in 2011 to head the group’s consumer health business, has served as CEO and president of Merck’s life science business Merck Millipore since March 2014.