Core Viewpoint - Merck has appointed Kai Beckmann as the new CEO, set to officially take over from Belén Garijo on May 1, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition while Garijo continues in her role until the end of her term [1][4]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Belén Garijo has been with Merck for 15 years, leading the pharmaceutical and healthcare business for six years and serving as CEO since 2021. Her key achievements include navigating the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical challenges, as well as optimizing the business structure through strategic acquisitions and divestitures [4][5]. - Garijo will continue to focus on the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors after her tenure, emphasizing her commitment to meeting patient needs [4][5]. - Kai Beckmann has been a member of Merck's executive board since 2011 and has led the high-performance materials business, transforming it into a core enabler in the global semiconductor industry [5][6]. Group 2: Future Outlook - Johannes Bailou, Chairman of the Executive Board and Family Board, highlighted Garijo's leadership in restoring profitability and shaping Merck into a global technology leader. He expressed confidence in Beckmann's vision for technological transformation, which is expected to create significant value for patients, customers, and society [5][6]. - Beckmann's extensive experience in local and global markets is seen as crucial for opening a new chapter for the group, ensuring continuity and normal operations during the transition [5].

Core Viewpoint - Merck KGaA announced that Kai Beckmann will succeed Belén Garijo as the Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO starting May 1, 2026, ensuring a smooth leadership transition [1][4] Group 1: Leadership Transition - Belén Garijo has been with Merck for 15 years, serving as CEO of the Healthcare business for 6 years and as Chairman and CEO since 2021 [1][3] - Under Garijo's leadership, Merck maintained stable growth during the pandemic and geopolitical turmoil through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, such as the acquisition of SpringWorks [1][4] - Kai Beckmann has been with Merck since 1989 and has held various global management positions, including leading the high-performance materials business since 2017 [3] Group 2: Business Performance and Strategy - Merck operates in life sciences, healthcare, and electronics, employing over 62,000 people across 65 countries [4] - The company achieved sales of €21.2 billion in 2024, reflecting its strong market position [4] - The leadership change signifies Merck's commitment to leadership continuity and ongoing innovation in global technology and healthcare sectors [4]

Core Viewpoint - Merck has agreed to acquire SpringWorks Therapeutics for $3.9 billion in equity value to enhance its oncology drug business [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price is set at $47 per share, translating to an equity value of approximately $3.9 billion and an enterprise value of about $3.4 billion (30 million euros) after accounting for SpringWorks' cash [1] - The transaction will be funded through available cash and new debt, and is expected to increase Merck's adjusted earnings per share by 2027 [1] Group 2: Strategic Implications - This acquisition marks one of Merck's largest pharmaceutical deals in recent years, reinforcing its ongoing efforts to build a cancer treatment portfolio [2] - Analysts suggest that this deal could accelerate Merck's growth, especially as sales of its cancer drug Bavencio slow down and its multiple sclerosis treatment Mavenclad faces patent expiration [2]