Merck launches strategic venture fund

Merck KGaA has launched Merck Serono Ventures, a strategic venture capital fund that will invest in biotech start-up companies focused on Merck's core therapeutic areas. Areas of interest include in particular, neurodegenerative diseases, oncology and auto-immune & inflammatory diseases.

Merck Serono Ventures has an initial commitment to invest up to EU^R40m during the next five years. The fund will be included in the company's portfolio development function and closely linked to the research & development organisation.

Headquartered in Darmstadt, Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of EU^R7.6bn in 2008, and 32,800 employees in 59 countries. The Merck family holds an approximate 70% interest and free shareholders own the remainder. In 1917, the US subsidiary Merck & Co was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.

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