Merck & Co announced plans to close eight research sites and eight manufacturing sites as it restructures in the wake of its merger with rival drugmaker Schering-Plough Corp. Merck's research network will include 16 major research and development facilities in the U.S., Belgium, England, France, Switzerland, Singapore and Japan. Merck will cut its manufacturing network from 91 facilities at the close of the deal in November to 77 facilities.