MERCK: Quién compra...yo vendo

Merck & Co.'s new chief executive said the company is evaluating options for its consumer-health products unit, including deciding whether it's best to keep the division under the company's control.

"We will look at all the options," Kenneth Frazier, who became CEO on Jan. 1, told investors at a Goldman Sachs conference in New York Thursday.

"We have to look at it to see what role it can play longer term," he added. "Is there a plan for organic growth or a value-creating opportunity, either to build on it or to do something else to maximize shareholder value?"

Merck inherited the bulk of its consumer business with the 2009 acquisition of Schering-Plough for $49.6 billion. Merck's consumer-care unit, which sells Coppertone sunscreen and Dr. Scholl's foot powder, generates about 3% of total Merck sales.

Frazier said the consumer unit isn't "global enough" and requires investment to grow. He said he hasn't given himself a deadline for deciding on the division's future. He declined to say specifically whether the company was considering a spinoff, sale or some other transaction.

Other large drug makers with sizeable consumer-health divisions include Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline PLC.
Merck's former CEO, Richard Clark, who remains chairman, previously said in 2009 Merck might consider finding a partner company to run the Schering consumer operations. (Ver)