MRK Merck and Co Inc

By Colin Kellaher

Merck & Co. on Wednesday said it agreed to buy the U.S. rights to Sentinel parasite-protection products for companion animals from Virbac S.A. for $400 million in cash.

The Kenilworth, N.J., drug maker said the addition of Sentinel Flavor Tabs and Sentinel Spectrum Chews complements its portfolio of animal-health vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

Merck said it expects to complete the transaction by mid-year.

Shares of French veterinary-medicines maker Virbac rose 9.8% to EUR183.40.

Write to Colin Kellaher at colin.kellaher@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 13, 2020 06:13 ET (10:13 GMT)

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