Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the U.S. and Canada) announced July 1 that it has executed an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Vallée S.A., a leading, privately held producer of animal health products in Brazil.

Vallée has an extensive portfolio of more than 100 products spanning parasiticides, anti-infectives and vaccines. The company’s portfolio includes products for livestock, horses and companion animals. Vallée was founded with the mission of producing a foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine for Brazil and has expanded significantly, with distribution centers in Brazil and operations in Paraguay, Venezuela, Mexico and Bolivia.

“Merck Animal Health has a broad portfolio of products to protect against some of the most important pathogens affecting livestock,” said Rick DeLuca, president of Merck Animal Health. “We are pleased to complement our portfolio with products from Vallée, which will further strengthen our presence in Latin America and help us respond even more quickly and effectively to the region’s needs.”

The agriculture industry is an important driver of the economy in Latin America, Merck said. This region contributes 11% of the value of the world food production, and a significant number of the cattle in the region are vaccinated with Vallée's vaccines.

“As one of the largest producers of protein in the world, Brazil is an important market for us,” Ralph Cabezas, vice president, Latin America region, Merck Animal Health, explained. “Vallée has been a trusted manufacturing partner in this region for a number of years, and we are pleased to offer their products to our customers to help protect animals from diseases.”

Under terms of the agreement, Merck Animal Health, through a subsidiary, will acquire approximately 93% of the shares of Vallée S.A. at closing, in exchange for a payment of $400 million, based on current exchange rates. This agreement is subject to regulatory review and certain closing conditions.

For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck Animal Health, the global animal health business unit of Merck, offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services.