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Merck & Co., Inc. operates in the Healthcare sector, classified under the Biotechnology industry, and was founded in the United States in 1891 as the American subsidiary of the German company Merck KGaA.
The company became independent after World War I, when its assets were seized by the U.S. government and reorganized into a domestic corporation.
The U.S. government played a decisive role in separating the American division from the original German parent company amid wartime political and commercial tensions.
The main motivation behind the split was to secure the domestic supply of essential pharmaceutical products under the control of an American company, without ties to Germany.
Today, Merck & Co., Inc. maintains a diversified portfolio of innovative pharmaceuticals spanning oncology, immunology, vaccines, animal health, and infectious diseases.
Among its best-known products are Keytruda (an immunotherapy used in cancer treatment), Gardasil (an HPV vaccine), and Januvia (for diabetes management).
In addition to pharmaceuticals, Merck also offers digital health solutions and clinical support services designed to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency across healthcare systems.
With a global footprint in over 140 countries, Merck serves key markets across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Its commercial strategy integrates partnerships with governments, healthcare institutions, and hospital networks, as well as direct sales to retail pharmacies and drug distributors.
The company employs approximately 74,000 people worldwide and operates an extensive network of research and development centers, manufacturing facilities, sales offices, and distribution hubs, ensuring strong logistical efficiency and global market access.
Merck & Co., Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker MRK.
History and Founding – Merck & Co., Inc.
Founded in 1891 in New Jersey, United States, Merck & Co., Inc. originated as the American subsidiary of the German pharmaceutical firm Merck KGaA, one of the world’s oldest and most established pharmaceutical companies.
In 1917, following the U.S. entry into World War I, the American government confiscated and reorganized Merck’s local assets, establishing it as an independent U.S.-based entity with no affiliation to its German parent company.
In the years following this reorganization, Merck concentrated on developing essential pharmaceutical products, becoming a strategic drug supplier to the U.S. healthcare market.
Its ability to innovate and adapt quickly enabled the company to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its market position.
From the 1950s onward, Merck accelerated its investment in scientific research, driving the creation of groundbreaking therapies and solidifying its reputation as a global leader in applied medical science.
The company’s initial public offering (IPO) took place in the early 20th century, enabling broader access to capital to fund research and expansion.
Among Merck’s historical milestones are the introduction of one of the first combination vaccines in 1963 and pioneering advances in cardiovascular medicine.
Its global expansion followed with the establishment of subsidiaries in strategic international markets, ensuring a strong direct presence worldwide.
Between 2020 and 2024, Merck & Co., Inc. further strengthened its biotechnology portfolio, invested in artificial intelligence to enhance clinical research efficiency, and expanded collaborations with universities and research institutions, reaffirming its position as one of the most innovative and scientifically driven pharmaceutical companies in the world.
Additional Information
The Company Merck & Co. Inc. (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market value of $ 265.91 Billions, having an equity of $ -.
With a total of 74.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Health Care and categorized in industry of Biotechnology.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 64.24 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 19.03 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 13.97, a P/BV ratio of 0.00 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of MRK was at 3.04%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker MRK.
