Bayer AG (BAYN) is proposing a deal for Merck & Co. (MRK)’s consumer business that could include some of the German company’s pharmaceutical assets, as it tries to beat an all-cash bid by Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc (RB/), people with knowledge of the matter said. In addition to paying cash, Bayer may swap assets from its pharmaceuticals, oncology, and animal-health businesses or create a joint-venture with Merck that includes these, two of the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private information. Merck has identified its veterinary unit as one that isn’t big enough on its own, meaning it needs either to sell it or bulk it up.
LONDON, April 30 (Reuters) - Reckitt Benckiser Group is no longer in active talks with Merck & Co about buying its consumer health business, the company said on Wednesday. "We are a highly disciplined acquirer with strict return metrics, which we will not break," said Reckitt Benckiser Chief Executive Rakesh Kapoor in an emailed statement. "The consumer health market remains highly fragmented and we will continue to evaluate opportunities that fit both our strategic and financial criteria."
