Merck sale of consumer health unit see Nestle SA as lead bidder: Bloomberg

After other suitors dropped out, Nestle SA has emerged as the lead bidder to buy Merck KGaA’s consumer-health business for as much as $5 billion, Bloomberg said. Perrigo Co, Bain Capital and Cinven have dropped out of the process, the story said. Merck is expected to announce the winner during first quarter. Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc and Mylan NV are still vying for the Merck business, Bloomberg said.