Merck & Co and Schering-Plough have announced that they are to merge in a deal worth US$41.1 B. It’s a deal that has been long speculated because of their existing marketing relationships over Zetia® and Vytorin® and the opportunity of potential cost savings. The combined company will generate sales of US$47 B. The deal will diversify Merck’s portfolio of drugs and double its late stage pipeline to 18 developments. Merck’s CEO, Richard Clark, will head the merged company with Merck shareholders owning a 68% stake. Schering-Plough generates 70% of its revenue outside of the US which will accelerate Merck’s international growth.