Merck KGaA Revenues Up; Outlook Positive for 2010

German Merck KGaA's total group revenues in 2009 were up 2.1% to € 7,747 million. A strong performance in the company's Pharmaceuticals sector - 6.5% increase in revenues - served to offset a 9% decline in Chemicals. Merck recorded a 5.9% increase in total revenues to € 2,029 million in Q4 2009.

Chairman Dr. Karl-Ludwig Kley said he was satisfied with his company's results, considering the difficult economic climate in 2009. In a press release, Kley said it will be crucial that the positive recovery trend remains stable. Merck's outlook reflects this expectation - the company said it assumes that total group revenues should increase by 3% to 7% and that the operating result could grow by 20% to 30%."