Merck pharmaceuticals and health products

Merck is one of the oldest and most prominent names in the global pharmaceutical and chemical industry. It is important to distinguish between the two separate entities today: Merck KGaA, headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany (which holds the global rights to the name except in North America), and MSD (Merck & Co.), which operates independently in North America.

Originally founded in 1668 by Friedrich Jacob Merck, the company has grown from a single pharmacy into a global science and technology powerhouse. Manufacturing takes place across a vast network of facilities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas to ensure supply chain stability for life-saving medicines and high-tech materials.

Ownership of the German Merck KGaA remains largely with the Merck family through the E. Merck KG holding company, which owns approximately 70% of the capital. This unique structure ensures long-term stability and a focus on scientific innovation across its healthcare, life science, and electronics business sectors.