Merck Animal Health Inks $1.3 Billion Deal for Elanco’s Aqua Brand

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Merck Animal Health, also known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, has purchased Elanco Animal Health’s aqua business for $1.3 billion in cash. The deal—expected to close by mid-year 2024—features a portfolio of medicines and vaccines, supplements, and nutritionals intended for aquatic species; the acquisition also includes two aqua manufacturing facilities in Canada and Vietnam, along with a research facility in Chile.

More specifically, some of the products include IMVIXA, an anti-parasitic sea lice treatment and CLYNAV, a DNA-based vaccine that aims to protect Atlantic salmon from pancreas disease, and water treatment products used for warm water production.

“We are excited for the acquisition of Elanco’s aqua products, solutions as well as the capabilities and expertise the team brings to our business,” says Rick DeLuca, president of Merck Animal Health. “We believe this acquisition, coupled with our commercial and scientific prowess, will deliver enhanced benefits for our aqua customers. The addition of this innovative portfolio of cold water and warm water aqua products across vaccines, anti-parasitic treatments, water supplements and nutrition, will establish Merck Animal Health as a leader in aqua.”

The relationship between the two parties dates back to March 2019, when Merck Animal Health acquired Scan Aqua AS, a fish health and fish welfare company. A month later, Merck Animal Health officially completed its purchase of Antelliq Corporation; in December 2019, the company acquired Vaki, who specializes in aquaculture and wild fish conservation-monitoring tools.

“Following a robust process over the last year, Merck Animal Health emerged as the right strategic buyer for the aquaculture business. I am confident they will continue to deliver value to the aqua customers that rely on these products and create opportunities for our team to continue to grow,” notes Jeff Simmons, Elanco Animal Health’s president and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to our aqua organization’s dedication to delivering for our customers and to our bigger purpose of enriching lives with animal protein.”

Reference

Merck Animal Health to Acquire Elanco’s Aqua Business. Merck. News release. February 5, 2024. Access February 5, 2024. https://www.merck.com/news/merck-animal-health-to-acquire-elancos-aqua-business/