Merck & Co, Inc outlined its global plans following the completion of Merck's merger with Schering-Plough Corporation. The new Merck is a global health care leader aimed at providing innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives, while satisfying customer needs and creating long term shareholder value.

“With our merger now complete, we are ready to deliver on the promise of a new Merck built on a foundation of scientific innovation and dedication to the well-being of patients around the world,” said Richard T Clark, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck. “On 'Day One' for the new Merck, we are stronger and better equipped to make a difference in the lives of people globally through our broadened, diversified portfolio of innovative medicines and vaccines, and products for consumer and animal health.”

"Our integration teams prepared us well for a strong start, with thorough plans designed to ensure a seamless transition for our customers and employees," added Clark. "The combination of the considerable talents of Schering-Plough and Merck employees across the globe positions Merck to move through this dynamic time for our industry with a clear vision for the future."

From the outset, Merck is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal and consumer health products. This portfolio is complemented by a robust pipeline with more than 15 promising late-stage candidates spanning critical therapeutic categories. Merck now has approximately 106,000 employees and operates in more than 140 countries around the world, including emerging markets. The company expects to generate more than 50 percent of its revenue outside the United States.

"The people of the new Merck share a passion for the good our medicines and vaccines can do for patients and a commitment to pursuing high-quality results with our customers and partners," Clark said. "Thanks to the talent and dedication of scientists at both companies, the combined company offers an outstanding clinical development pipeline that will greatly increase our ability to deliver important new medicines to patients.”

The company's corporate headquarters will be in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, as previously indicated. In addition, the company's US organization for the Global Human Health division and Merck Research Laboratories will be headquartered in Upper Gwynedd, PA. The former Schering-Plough headquarters in Kenilworth, New Jersey and Merck's operations in Rahway, New Jersey, will continue to be important sites, with large and diverse operations encompassing marketing, manufacturing and research. At this time, all other sites will continue to operate as they did before the merger.