Merck explores sale of animal health, consumer care divisions

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck on Monday reported on its intent to explore strategic options for its animal health and consumer care businesses. The company expects to complete the process and take action, if any, in 2014. 

Exploring strategic options for its animal health and consumer care businesses to determine the most value-creating option for each and could reach different decisions about the two businesses, Merck stated. 

Over the last four months of 2013, the company announced plans to close or sell manufacturing operations at Swords, Ireland; La Vallée, France; Arecibo and Barceloneta, Puerto Rico; and completed the sale of its active pharmaceutical ingredient operations at Oss, the Netherlands; and announced closure of the Summit, N.J. site.