Merck KGaA Completes Versum Materials Acquisition

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany announced the closing of the transaction to acquire Versum Materials, Inc. for approximately €5.8 billion.

The transaction closing followed the recent approval from China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), which represented the final regulatory clearance to be obtained for completing the acquisition.

As a result of the acquisition, the number of Merck KGaA employees will increase by approximately 2,300 to a total of around 56,000 in 66 countries. As of 2022, the third full year after the transaction closing, Merck KGaA expects annual synergies of € 75 million.

“By acquiring Versum, we will be optimally positioned to capitalize on long-term growth trends in the electronic materials industry. At the same time, we are broadening Performance Materials, balancing our portfolio with three strong business sectors and sharpening our strategic focus on innovation-driven technologies,” said Stefan Oschmann, chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck KGaA.

Since 2007, Merck KGaA has made acquisitions and divestments with a volume of around € 40 billion, thereby transforming itself into a leading science and technology company. As customary, the company will now focus on generating cash in order to quickly lower its post-acquisition debt.

“After the most recent acquisition of Intermolecular, this closing marks another major milestone on our Bright Future transformation journey to become a leading player in the electronic materials market,” said Kai Beckmann, member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA and CEO Performance Materials. “The expertise of our combined business will enable us to offer customers in the electronics industry cutting-edge technology innovations.”

The former Versum business will be integrated into the Semiconductor Solutions business unit – besides Display Solutions and Surface Solutions one of the three business units of the Performance Materials business sector of Merck KGaA.

Semiconductor Solutions will consist of two dedicated units: Semiconductor Materials as well as Delivery Systems & Services. Semiconductor Materials will be led by Anand Nambiar, who is currently responsible for the Semiconductor Solutions business unit at Merck KGaA and will continue to focus on the development and commercialization of material-based solutions for semiconductor manufacturers.

Delivery Systems & Services will be headed by Jeff White (formerly Versum), focusing on the development and deployment of equipment for semiconductor manufacturers. Additionally, this unit will also offer services to support the equipment installed and the safe handling of specialty materials that flow through it.

In addition to that, John Langan (formerly Versum) will serve as the chief technology officer of Performance Materials.