Corporate

Merz Pharma Invests with Venture Capital for Innovations in the Aesthetics Market

Frankfurt am Main,June 9, 2015

Up to €25 million in Corporate Venture Capital / Investment targets are early-stage projects in the Aesthetics Market / The focus is on innovative technologies and projects

Merz Pharma is planning to invest up to €25 million corporate venture capital in the Aesthetics market. Funding will be focused on early-stage start-up companies as well as research projects, specifically in the areas of anti-aging, skin rejuvenation and body-shaping. These specific investments complement Merz’s own research and development in which the company has recently invested close to 15 percent of its fiscal year 2013/14 €994 million sales revenue. Merz has significantly expanded within the Aesthetics sector in recent years through the acquisitions of Ulthera, Neocutis, Anteis and BioForm Medical and is aiming for further enhancements in this attractive market segment.

“The global Aesthetics market is showing dynamic development and provides a highly promising environment for differentiating concepts and innovative technologies”, says Hans-Jörg Bergler, member of the executive board and responsible for Corporate Development. He adds: “With our investments we want to primarily foster early-stage Aesthetic concepts that will be launched within five to ten years, providing clear benefits for physicians and patients.”

The aim of the investment is to help foster innovative companies – for example in the U.S., Europe and Israel – in the early stages of product development and, if the development is successful, to become a long-term investor and partner. Additionally, Merz is open to provide support for the companies through its expertise within the Aesthetics field, its research experience and its international presence. The company has research centers in Europe and the U.S., as well as a global network that includes 22 subsidiaries, its products are sold in over 100 countries around the world.

The allocation of venture capital is part of the long-term innovation and growth strategy of Merz within the Aesthetics field. Through the takeover of Neocutis, Anteis and BioForm Medical, Merz has significantly expanded its Aesthetics business in recent years. The acquisition of Ulthera and its innovative ultrasound-technology have strengthened Merz’ power of innovation. “We have a strong platform in the Aesthetics field and want to make sustainable investments in our innovation and development”, says Bergler. “Furthermore, with the venture capital we want to foster new innovative products and technologies, as there is still a need for new concepts in aesthetic dermatology, for example in the areas of cellulitis, loss of hair and age marks.” For more information about Merz’s venture capital investments, click here: http://ventures.www.merz.com

About Merz Pharma Group

Merz is a privately held pharmaceutical company based in Frankfurt, Germany, with subsidiaries in European countries, North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The company is active in research, development and distribution of innovative products in the areas of Aesthetic medicine and neurologically induced movement disorders. In the Aesthetics segment Merz offers a balanced portfolio of products for minimally invasive treatments. With the dermal fillers Radiesse®, Belotero®, Glytone® and the Botulinum Neurotoxin Bocouture® as well as the Neocutis line of anti-aging, the company is a major player in the global Aesthetics market. Our offerings were supplemented by ultrasound-technology after the acquisition of Ulthera in mid 2014. For the treatment of neurologically induced movement disorders, Merz developed Xeomin®, the first botulinum toxin that is free of complex proteins. With its tetesept® and Merz Spezial® brands, Merz Consumer Care is the leading provider of OTC medication, dietary supplements and skincare products in the German-speaking countries. The Merz Pharma Group employs 2,738 people worldwide (previous year: 2,443). The Company generated revenue of EUR 994 million in fiscal year 2013/14 (previous year: EUR 980.2 million).