Bayer to buy part of U.S. pharmaceutical companny Merck for USD 14.2 billion

(Photo: Ivana Vuksa)

Bayer Chief Executive Marijn Dekkers said Tuesday that the proposed agreement represented "a big landmark on the company's path to becoming a global leader in attracting the companies that produce over-the-counter drugs".

Bayer announced that this acquisition would make it a leader in North and South America when it comes to over-the-counter retail products.

This company already owns some main OTC brands such as painkillers Alev and Alka-Selcer and the vitamin One-a-day.