Merck Completes Sale of Surface Solutions Business to GNMI for €665 Million

Merck has officially completed the sale of its global Surface Solutions business to Global New Material International Holdings Limited (GNMI) in a transaction valued at €665 million. The deal has received all necessary regulatory approvals and met all customary closing conditions. Merck intends to use the net proceeds from this divestment to reinforce its strategic focus on core technology-driven areas.

Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck, stated that this divestment will sharpen the company’s business portfolio and further align with its innovation-led strategic roadmap. She noted that the move complements recent acquisitions, including SpringWorks Therapeutics, HUB Organoids, Unity-SC, and Mirus Bio, and reflects Merck’s broader merger and acquisition strategy centered on long-term growth through innovation.

Kai Beckmann, Member of the Executive Board and CEO of the Electronics business sector, also endorsed the transaction, noting that the sale will allow Merck’s Electronics unit to strengthen its position as a dedicated semiconductor solutions provider. He expressed optimism that GNMI will unlock new growth opportunities for the Surface Solutions business and emphasized that both employees and customers will benefit from the expanded platform. Beckmann also thanked the team for their past dedication and contributions and wished them success in the next chapter of their careers.

GNMI Chairman and CEO Su Lutian warmly welcomed the new team members, highlighting the strong synergies in products, expertise, and global footprint. He emphasized that the integration of this business will place GNMI in an excellent position to drive growth in a dynamic and fast-evolving market segment.

The transaction covers Merck’s global Surface Solutions business, which is projected to generate over €400 million in sales in 2024. The business will now operate under the new brand name "Susonity." Approximately 1,100 employees, including over 600 based in Germany, have transitioned to GNMI. As part of the agreement, GNMI has committed to maintaining operations in Gernsheim and safeguarding local employment through at least 2032. In addition to the Gernsheim site, manufacturing facilities in Savannah, USA, and Onahama, Japan, will continue to serve as key production hubs for Susonity. To ensure a seamless transition, Merck and GNMI have entered into multiple supply and service agreements.

Notably, the land on which the Gernsheim plant is located remains owned by Merck. The facilities used by Surface Solutions will be leased to GNMI under a long-term agreement. The adjacent Fluxum Green Tech Park in Gernsheim is not part of the transaction and will remain under Merck's independent management and development.