Merck to boost R&D investment

German drug and chemical maker Merck KGaA is stepping up its investment in China and looking at more acquisitions to shore up growth even as it expects to cash in on the nation's medical reform plan, according to senior company officials.

"Encouraged by the impressive economic growth in China amid the global financial crisis, the company confirms the strategy and decision to be more aggressive in China and turn it into one of the pivots of our business," said Karl-Ludwig Kley, chairman of the Board, Merck KGaA.

The company will focus its investment in three major areas viz. research and development, acquisitions and stepping up production, Kley said.