Abstract

Merck is one of the leaders in the global pharmaceutical industry. The company is well known for its high cholesterol, hypertension, and heart-failure drugs. The company’’s famous drugs include Cozaar and Hyzaar (blood pressure), Zetia and Zocor (cholesterol), Vioxx (pain killer), Propecia (male pattern baldness treatment) and Singulair (asthma). Merck has put in place various measures to ensure high standards of corporate governance. A system of committees helps the Board in discharging its responsibilities. This case deals with Merck’’s corporate governance practices.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

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Keywords

Merck, Corporate governance,, Governance, Pharmaceutical industry, Board structures, Board committees, Director compensation, Board members, Vioxx, Cozaar, Audit committee, Compensation and benefits committee, Executive committee, Finance committee, Social responsibility