Bayer AG is to acquire all the shares of Schering held by Merck. In the course of joint talks, Bayer and Merck have agreed on the need to end the uncertainty regarding the Berlin company's future. Merck has therefore decided to sell its 21.8 per cent (according to SEC) stake to Bayer, clearing the way for Bayer's acquisition of Schering. The purchase price is EUR 89 per share.

All other Schering stockholders who have tendered their shares under the public takeover offer, or who decide to do so before the acceptance period expired at midnight CEST on Wednesday, will benefit from this price, which is EUR 3 above the original offer.

"We're very pleased about Merck's decision, because a lengthy competitive bidding process would have greatly affected Schering's future," said Bayer Management Board Chairman Werner Wenning. "All three companies concerned will benefit from this step. We are very optimistic that we can now secure at least the three-quarters of Schering's capital stock that we were aiming for, enabling us to quickly begin the integration process. Today we have taken a major step toward creating a world-class German pharmaceutical company."

The future company "Bayer Schering Pharma" will strengthen Germany's role as a pharmaceutical industry location. This is in the interests of the entire sector. Bayer and Merck therefore agreed during their talks to look into further possible opportunities for cooperation between the two companies.

Bayer will withdraw the suit filed against Merck in New York on Tuesday.