United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 29 January, 2017–“Boehringer Ingelheim is pleased to announce that Merial is now part of the Boehringer Ingelheimorganization.  We have united the strengths of two leading players in animal health to form the new Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unit. Our combined business is the second largest animal health business in the world”, said Joachim Hasenmaier, Head of the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unite and Member of the company’s Board of Managing Directors.

“Our complementary portfolios make these two businesses a perfect fit. As one animal health business, Boehringer Ingelheim has the increased expertise and resources to offer more innovation and a broader range of animal health solutions across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region.We are passionate about animal health, and we share a common vision. We recognize the critical importance of serving animal health needs globally, with a focus on prevention.When animals are healthy, humans are healthier too, and we commit to making the industry even better at improving both human and animal health.”

The growth in the region will be led by Herbert Pohle, the newly appointed Head of Animal Health operations for META. Based in the United Arab Emirates, Pohle will oversee the integration, development and growth of Boehringer Ingelheim into a robust animal health business across the region with a clear mandate to drive market leadership in sales, innovation and customer service excellence.

A veteran of the Animal Health business, Pohle draws upon more than 30 years of solid knowledge with functional, operational and cultural experiences. He has gained his professional experience from living and working in Brazil, Turkey, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom in various senior leadership capacities.

Enrique Manzoni, Managing Director of Boehringer Ingelheim META noted, “Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to offer more innovation and a broader range of animal health solutions within the META region. With an aim to support animal husbandry and the industry overall, we recognize the critical importance of serving animal health needs unique to the region, while focusing on prevention. To achieve this, Herbert Pohle will lead our Animal Health business to help us move close to achieving our objectives.”

Pohle also said, “This is an exciting time for the Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health business and for the industry in the region. We have a dedicated and strong team throughout the META, and we will work towards improving human and animal health.”

“We will continue to invest in our leadership positions in equine and pets and to strengthen and build in cattle, poultry and other livestock. And we will continue our special focus on prevention as a leader in vaccines and anti-parasitics, while ensuring we address the spectrum of health treatment needs in the region”, added Hasenmaier.

“We want to support farmers to raise and care for animals in a healthy, sustainable, and financially viable way that builds confidence with consumers. We want to help pets live longer and better. And we commit to maintaining the excellent service our customers and partners expect throughout the region. As a family-owned business, we can take the long-term perspective to achieve this.”

“This is the one deal that benefits everyone. We are excited to celebrate our coming together today. We look forward to our future across the META and to serving our customers and partners as the new Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Business Unit.”

About Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world’s 20 leading pharmaceutical companies. Headquartered in Ingelheim, Germany, Boehringer Ingelheim operates presently with a total of some 50,000 employees worldwide.

The focus of the family-owned company, founded in 1885, is on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing new medications of high therapeutic value for human and veterinary medicine.

Social responsibility is an important element of the corporate culture at Boehringer Ingelheim. This includes worldwide involvement in social projects through, for example, the initiative “Making More Health” while also caring for employees. Respect, equal opportunity and reconciling career and family form the foundation of mutual cooperation. The company also focuses on environmental protection and sustainability in everything it does.

In 2015, Boehringer Ingelheim achieved net sales of about 14.8 billion euros. R&D expenditure corresponds to 20.3 per cent of net sales.

For more information please visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com