Sanofi announced that Merial, its animal-health company, is acquiring Merck & Co.’s manufacturing facility in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. The proposed transaction requires approval from the US Federal Trade Commission. If approved, the acquisition will allow Merial to expand its global manufacturing operations and make use of the site's expertise in chewables' manufacturing technology. As part of the agreement, Merial will retain the approximately 200 Merck Barceloneta employees currently employed at this formulation and packaging site.

The formulation and packaging operations of the site were put up for sale by Merck. The Barceloneta production facility has been involved in and will maintain responsibility for manufacturing and packaging Merial's Heartgard and Heartgard Plus products. Heartgard and Heartgard Plus are products used to help prevent heartworm disease in dogs and cats.

Source: Sanofi