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MERCK KGAA PLANS TO ISSUE EURO-BENCHMARK BOND

November 18, 2005

Merck KGaA said it intends to issue a euro-benchmark bond in the debt capital markets in the coming days to meet liquidity needs. Merck said the issue implements a significant part of the company's long-term financing strategy, one of the goals of which is to diversify Merck's refinancing sources. It said the bond will be used for general corporate purposes and will replace expiring bilateral credit lines provided to date by banks.

Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/finance/feeds/afx/2005/11/17/afx2343386.html)