DARMSTADT, Germany, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Merck KGaA today announced an organizational change in the Merck Generics Group (MGG), naming J. Melville ("Mel") Engle to the post of MGG Regional Director, North America. Mr. Engle will retain his current position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Napa, CA-based DEY, L.P., a Merck subsidiary.

Merck's Generics Group currently ranks among the top three global suppliers in the highly competitive generics market.

In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities at DEY, Mr. Engle will oversee Genpharm Inc., one of Canada's largest generic drug companies, as well as Genpharm L.P., MGG's new U.S. generics business. DEY is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription drug products for the treatment of respiratory diseases and respiratory-related allergies.

"Mel's hard-working, team-oriented and objectives-based approach to managing DEY will be of great benefit to our overall North American business," said Hank Klakurka, President and Chief Executive Officer, MGG. "His leadership will help enhance internal cooperation and communication among the three North American companies, strengthening our position in these important pharma markets."

Mr. Engle joined DEY in January 2002 and was elevated to President and CEO in October 2002. Prior to DEY, he served as Chairman, President and CEO of Anika Therapeutics, and President and CEO of US Medical Products.

Mr. Engle is currently the Vice Chair of the "Thunderbird Global Council" of the American Graduate School of International Management. He received a BS from the University of Colorado and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He currently serves on the boards of the Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Napa Valley and the Napa Valley College Foundation. He is an honorary board member of the Napa Volunteer Center. Mr. Engle, his wife and son reside in Napa.

About Merck KGaA

Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with sales of EUR 5.9 billion in 2004, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by 28,900 employees in 54 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds a 73% interest and free shareholders own the remaining 27%. The former U.S. subsidiary, Merck & Co., has been completely independent of the Merck Group since 1917.

About DEY, L.P.

DEY, L.P. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription drug products for the treatment of respiratory diseases and respiratory-related allergies. Since 1978, patients have benefited from DEY's commitment to innovative and affordable health care solutions.

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