Reckitt Benckiser confirms Merck consumer unit talks

29th Apr 2014 09:46

Consumer products group Reckitt Benckiser confirmed late on Monday that it was in talks to acquire the consumer health arm of European healthcare giant Merck.The FTSE 100 group, which owns such 'superbrands' as Scholl, Nurofen, Cilit Bang, French's mustard and Dettol, said it understood it was "part of a competitive process" and there was "absolutely no certainty as to the outcome or timing of this process".Competition for the acquisition comes from Germany's Bayer.Merck is said to be looking to sell its consumer unit, owner of brands such as Coppertone and Claritin, for near $14bn, according to rumours reported by Reuters. Reckitt said it would put out a further announcement in due course if it became appropriate.Shares in the group were down 0.1% to 4836.50p by 09:45 on Tuesday morning.OH