P&G signals its intent with Merck acquisition

Procter & Gamble (P&G) is set to acquire for €3.4 billion Merck KGaA’s Consumer Health business, in a move the consumer- goods giant claims will improve significantly its “geographic scale, brand portfolio and category footprint” in the world’s leading OTC markets. Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the fourth quarter.