About EMD

Merck KGaA is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 7.6 billion in 2008, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by 32,700 employees in 60 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%.

In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since. Accordingly, Merck & Co. operates outside North America under the name Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD Sharp & Dohme, while the companies of Merck KGaA operate in North America under the umbrella brand EMD, formed from the initials of Emanuel Merck, Darmstadt.