Indian health care biz to be part of global deal: Merck

Merck Ltd on Tuesday said its consumer health business in India will also be involved in plans by its parent Merck KGaA to sell or enter into partnerships regarding the consumer health business globally. The ultimate holding company of the firm, Merck KGaA, has announced that it is preparing for strategic options for its consumer health business globally, including full or partial sales of the business as well as strategic partnerships, Merck Ltd said. “This strategic initiative would involve the company’ s consumer health business in India as well ,” it said. In India, under its consumer health business, the company sells abroad range of OTC (over-the-counter) products for the treatment of minor ailments. These include muscle, joint and back pain relief products and remedies for cold and headache besides pro-biotic food supplements, vitamin C and products with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, specially for women and children.