The consumer care business of Merck & Co., Inc. is among the world's largest suppliers of over-the-counter products.  (Photo courtesy of Bayer(

The consumer care business of Merck & Co Inc is among the world’s largest suppliers of over-the-counter products.
(Photo courtesy of Bayer)

The business news that everyone is buzzing about is, of course, Allerganโ€™s rejection of Valeantโ€™s unsolicited buy-out offer, but Bayerโ€™s acquisition of Merck & Coโ€™s consumer care business is also garnering some headlines.

Bayer has agreed to acquire Merck & Coโ€™s consumer care business for $14.2 billion, according to media reports. The acquisition will propel Bayer to the No 2 position in non-prescription products. Merckโ€™s consumer care business includes Claritin, Coppertone, and Dr Schollโ€™s. Pro forma sales of the combined businesses in 2013 amounted to $7.4 billion with Merckโ€™s business contributing approximately $2.2 billion.