Dive Brief:
- Bayer has completed the $14.2 billion acquisition of Merck’s consumer care division, effective October 1.
- Pro-forma sales for 2013 for Bayer’s over-the-counter (OTC) division are $7.4 billion.
- Bayer is now #2 in the healthcare OTC arena. The #1 spot is held by the combination of Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline as the two companies merge their OTC divisions in 2015, while J&J was the previously industry king.
Dive Insight:
Johnson & Johnson has been toppled from its spot as the #1 healthcare OTC company as Bayer completes its acquisition.
Based on the acquisition, Bayer's consumer care, non-prescription business has grown significantly and expanded its offerings. With respect to therapeutic area, the acquisition brings a significant increase in cold, allergy, sinus and flu medications, as well as dermatology, foot health and gastrointestinal products.
Examples of specific products that are now part of Bayer OTC include Claritin, Coppertone, MiraLAX, Afrin and Dr. Scholl’s. The merger and acquisition trend continues unabated.