Udit Batra to lead Merck Millipore/Sigma-Aldrich life science business

Pharmaceutical company Merck has announced that Udit Batra, the current CEO and president of Merck Millipore, will lead the combined life science business of Merck Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich once the acquisition of the latter has been successfully completed.

Batra has served as CEO and president of Merck’s life science business Merck Millipore since March 2014. He joined Merck in 2011 to head the group’s Consumer Health business and previously worked at Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, where he served in a range of executive management positions.

“Today’s appointment marks another important step in the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich as it provides stable and strong leadership and continued customer focus during the crucial months of integration planning and beyond,” said Merck Chairman Karl-Ludwig Kley. “Udit is a proven leader who has demonstrated his ability to work successfully with his leadership team to guide large organisations, drive performance and deliver to our customers.”

Merck announced its intention to buy Sigma-Aldrich in September 2014 for US$17 billion, making it the largest acquisition in Merck’s almost 350-year history. In March the company said it had successfully placed $4 billion in bonds, following the placement of €1.5 billion in hybrid bonds in December to help finance the transaction.

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, which Merck expects to have completed in mid-2015. Until then, Merck Millipore and Sigma-Aldrich will continue to operate as separate companies under separate CEOs.

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