merck sanofi last weekHealth care giants Merck & Co. and Sanofi-Aventis said Tuesday thatthey will combine their animal-health divisions in a 50-50 joint venturethat will create the world's biggest seller of veterinary drugs.
The venture creates "one of the broadest portfolios of animal-healthproducts and services in pharmaceuticals and biologics for millions ofcustomers who include farmers, veterinarians and pet owners," said MerckChairman and CEO Richard Clark.
The two companies said the worldwide animal health market reached $19billion in 2008, with about 40% of total sales linked to pets and 60% tolivestock and poultry. The market is expected to grow by around 5% ayear over the next five years, they added.
Christopher Viehbacher, CEO of Sanofi-Aventis told analysts on aconference call that as standards of living and salaries rise worldwideconsumers will continue to "upgrade" their diets to include moreprotein, which will drive growth in the livestock side of the business.
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/merck-and-sanofi-aventis-agree-animal-health-deal-2010-03-09
1- this is will be a huge competitor or a buyer
2- growth in livestock forecasting and i will add a declining of water supply should make the vaccine mandatory.