Merck, which has been publicly exploring options for its consumer health business, has reportedly already received preliminary offers from suitors that could top $10 billion, according to Wall Street Journal sources.
News of a potential sale quiets the previous rumors that circulated in early January, regarding Merck being in talks with Novartis to trade its consumer health business for Novartis' animal-health and human vaccines businesses.
Merck's portfolio of consumer brands includes Coppertone, Claritin, Dr. Scholl's and MiraLAX.
WSJ sources report that Merck officials will begin meeting with possible buyers next week, and final bids will be due by late March.
Read the Wall Street Journal press release