Merck to re-file antitrust papers in Schering-Plough Deal
A recent report in the Wall Street Journal said that drugmaker Merck & Co. ( Whitehouse Station , N.J. ), claimed it has withdrawn its initial filing for U.S. antitrust clearance for its proposed $41 billion purchase of Schering-Plough Corp., but plans to re-file with additional information soon. Merck still expects to close the acquisition by end of the year, spokesman David Caouette said. He declined to specify the additional information Merck will provide or what led to the withdrawal of the initial filing.
In April, Merck filed information about its proposed acquisition with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, which is designed to give the government time to review deals and ensure they aren’t anticompetitive. Sometimes the FTC requires asset divestitures if two companies have overlapping businesses.
Cowen & Co. analyst Steve Scala said in a note that “one of the potential areas of overlap is Merck and Schering’s animal-health businesses.” Merck has an animal-health joint venture with Sanofi-Aventis SA.
At a Deutsche Bank conference in Boston, Merck Chief Financial Officer Peter Kellogg confirmed that the antitrust review will focus on the animal-health business because it is a “highly overlapping area” for the companies, the Wall Street Journal reported. He referred to the re-filing as part of the “normal process of working with the FTC and sorting through what information will be most helpful for their first review.”

IMCO names Duggan as director, specialty markets
Daytona Beach, Fla.-based IMCO named Cindy Duggan as director of specialty markets. She will lead IMCO’s expansion in veterinary, chiropractic, physical therapy, industrial and dental markets. Duggan previously was marketing manager and distributor manager for ASO LLC’s medical division.

Midmark acquires Progeny
Versailles, Ohio-based Midmark Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire Lincolnshire, Ill.-based Progeny™, Inc., a manufacturer of radiographic imaging products in the dental market. The acquisition will align Progeny’s imaging expertise with Midmark’s vision to provide innovative products to its customers in the dental, medical and veterinary markets.
“Midmark is a global leader in the markets we serve,” said Anne Eiting Klamar, president and CEO of Midmark. “Together, Progeny and Midmark create a company with genuine global market presence known for innovation and world-class customer support. Progeny’s top quality equipment will allow us to expand our line of products that are critical to the delivery of efficient patient care.”
Ed McDonough, Progeny’s founder and president, will join Midmark as vice president and general manager of its newly created imaging division and will continue to lead the Lincolnshire, Ill.-based team.
“I am thrilled to join forces with Midmark and to have the opportunity to lead Midmark’s important, new strategic platform based on imaging products,” said McDonough.

Gardner appointed Midmark chief administrative officer
Midmark Corp. also recently announced the promotion of Sharyl Gardner to chief administrative officer (CAO). In her new role, Gardner will continue to support Midmark’s human resources and guest services departments with the added responsibility of the marketing communications team and corporate strategy. This realignment will place all administrative shared service departments together to better meet the needs of internal and external customers.
“Sharyl has been a tremendous asset and invaluable member of the Midmark team,” stated Anne Eiting Klamar, president and CEO of Midmark. “I look forward to working with her on the continued development and overall corporate strategy of Midmark as we grow globally.”
In addition, Sharyl has been appointed to secretary of the Midmark board of directors. She will also work on board governance and development, including new director on boarding.
Gardner joined Midmark in January of 2007 as vice president, human resources. In her tenure as VP, Gardner was responsible for developing organization-wide learning plans, and led the effort to create and champion Midmark’s culture of innovation, which she will continue to oversee in her new role.

Merial trains volunteers for rabies awareness and prevention
Continuing its commitment to the welfare of animals and raising public awareness about rabies, Duluth, Ga.-based Merial Pet Vaccines has partnered with Noah’s Wish, an international, nonprofit pet disaster relief organization, to provide rabies awareness and prevention training to its volunteers. As part of this effort, Merial technical service veterinarians are traveling to nine training sessions in the United States and Canada to educate approximately 1,000 volunteers.
“Thanks to Merial’s support, we are able to educate our volunteers about the signs and symptoms of rabies and the importance of rabies prevention when caring for animals affected by natural disasters,” said JoEllen Cimmino, director of Animal Health Services and Education, Noah’s Wish. “Our volunteers need to know this information, not only for the animals’ sake, but also for their own health and safety. We’re glad that Merial has joined our efforts in this program.”

Leadership expert expands training
Atlanta, Ga.-based Mx Marketing, Management Solutions is expanding its training programs and keynote speeches to include content suited for Gen X and Millennials in the workforce, said author Mike Muetzel.
“Our clients have asked us to expand our training and Keynotes to include marketing to Gen X and Millennials,” Muetzel said. “It seemed a natural fit and the research was amazing. Even in the brutal first quarter of 2009, online marketing has increased 70 percent, and even the most traditional distribution channels are now at 35 percent of their activity via online vehicles.”
Author Mike Muetzel and Mx Marketing, Management Solutions are
nationally recognized experts on the changing characteristics of the next
generations. Muetzel offers answers to issues dealing with the Next Generations, Gen X and Millennials.