Merck has delivered a stronger-than-expected second quarter of 2026, raising its full-year guidance as growth in life science, rare diseases and semiconductor solutions boosted sales and profitability.
The science and technology group reported group net sales of €5.4 billion in the second quarter, up 4.1% organically from the same period last year. EBITDA pre rose 9.3% organically to €1.6 billion, lifting the EBITDA pre margin to 29.4%.
Merck said continued demand across Process Solutions, Rare Diseases and Semiconductor Solutions, combined with disciplined execution and easing currency pressures, supported the upgrade to its 2026 outlook.
“Our second-quarter performance confirms continued momentum from important growth drivers across all the industries we serve. Based on a robust underlying business, we continued to advance our mid- to long-term growth agenda as announced, including the proposed acquisition of Bio-Techne Corporation, USA.
"Following regulatory approvals and the fulfilment of closing conditions, this strategic acquisition will further strengthen our leadership in high-growth life science markets and support our ambition to provide integrated workflow solutions across the scientific value chain. Going forward, we remain focused on increasing speed, flexibility and scalability across the company while delivering profitable growth and sustainable value creation,” said Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck.
Bio-Techne deal targets next phase of Life Science growth
Merck’s planned acquisition of Bio-Techne Corporation in the United States is set to reshape its Life Science business, expanding its capabilities across research, bioprocessing and advanced therapeutics.
The acquisition, expected to close by late 2026 or early 2027 subject to approvals and closing conditions, is aimed at strengthening Merck’s position across the life science value chain and accelerating its strategy of delivering integrated workflow solutions.
Life Science drives momentum
Merck’s Life Science division delivered another strong quarter, with sales rising 6.4% to €2.4 billion and organic growth reaching 8.0%.
Process Solutions remained the key growth engine, with organic sales climbing 14.7% as demand increased for downstream processing and single-use technologies. Growth was broad-based across regions, including China, supported by customer capacity expansion and strong underlying demand.
Discovery Solutions recorded organic growth of 2.1%, while Advanced Solutions grew 4.4%, supported by demand for specialised products and services.
Merck also continued to increase investment in research and development, highlighting new innovations including Viresolve® Pro-S Solution, a virus filtration technology designed to improve sustainability and throughput for complex monoclonal antibodies.
The company also launched its first bio-based high-performance liquid chromatography solvents, which are produced from renewable feedstock and generate around 26% fewer CO2 equivalents on average without compromising performance.
Rare Diseases becomes a new Healthcare growth pillar
Healthcare sales reached €2.2 billion, supported by the acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics. Merck said its new Rare Diseases business is becoming a strategic pillar as it aims to strengthen its position as a global specialty innovator.
Rare Diseases generated €115 million in sales during the quarter, supported by Ogsiveo and Gomekli, treatments targeting desmoid tumors and neurofibromatosis type 1.
The company also reported early sales contributions from Pimicotinib, which generated low single-digit million-euro revenue in the quarter following approval in China for tenosynovial giant cell tumor treatment.
Merck highlighted continued innovation efforts, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Breakthrough Therapy designation for enpatoran for lupus with active cutaneous manifestations and the launch of a Phase 3 trial evaluating precemtabart tocentecan (Precem-TcT), an investigational antibody-drug conjugate for metastatic colorectal cancer.
Semiconductor growth
Merck’s Electronics business benefited from rising demand linked to artificial intelligence applications, as semiconductor manufacturers invest in increasingly advanced chips.
Semiconductor Solutions posted organic growth of 17.3% in the second quarter, driven by demand for high-performance specialty materials needed for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Overall Electronics sales were €871 million, impacted by portfolio changes and currency effects, but EBITDA pre surged organically by 87.5% to €244 million.
Merck said AI-driven demand is increasing the complexity of chip architectures and boosting demand for materials, equipment and process technologies that support advanced manufacturing.
The company expanded its semiconductor capabilities with the opening of a new €20 million site in Saint-Ismier, France, focused on Metrology & Inspection tools used in advanced packaging and chip integration.
Regional growth remains broad-based
Merck reported growth across all regions, with Asia-Pacific leading at 8.5% organic sales growth. The region accounted for 33.5% of group sales, followed by Europe at 30.6% and North America at 25.5%.
The company said its region-for-region approach, built around local expertise and customer relationships, continues to provide resilience despite geopolitical uncertainty and global conflicts.
With strong first-half performance, improving currency conditions and accelerating growth businesses, Merck enters the second half of 2026 with upgraded expectations and a sharper focus on expansion in high-growth markets.
