Bayer aims to crush consumer health rivals with $14B Merck unit buyout

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And the winner is Bayer. After months of speculation–and reported bids from the likes of Sanofi, Novartis and Reckitt Benckiser–the German drugmaker has snagged Merck's consumer health unit in a $14.2 billion deal. The consumer buyout solidifies Bayer's position at the top of the global OTC game and provides Merck with a cardio collaboration–along with a hefty chunk of change.