Novartis, Bayer, Procter & Gamble Eye Merck Consumer Health

Feb. 20, 2014

Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Merck had already received preliminary offers from suitors for its consumer health business, to the tune of $10 billion.

Now, Reuters is exclusively reporting that, according to sources familiar with the matter, Bayer AG, Novartis, Procter & Gamble Co. and Reckitt Benckiser Group are all currently exploring a deal for Merck's consumer healthcare business.

The potential sale price is now estimated to be between $10-12 billion. Merck is reportedly interested in selling the unit in its entirety, not in parts.

Read the Reuters exclusive press release