Merck completes acquisition of Schering-Plough

WASHINGTON — US pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. finalized its acquisition of rival Schering-Plough on Tuesday, a 41-billion-dollar deal creating the number two firm in the sector.

The completion follows clearance from regulatory authorities in various countries, allowing the two companies to begin combined operations on Wednesday.

The combined firm will have annual revenues of 47 billion dollars, behind US rival Pfizer, which following its acquisition of Wyeth has annual sales of around 75 billion dollars.

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