Group net sales increased to € 5.4 billion (Q2 2025: € 5.3 billion), representing organic growth of 4.1% compared with the year-earlier quarter. Bio-Techne acquisition to strengthen Life Science leadership During the second quarter, Merck announced an agreement to acquire Bio-Techne Corporation, USA (“Bio-Techne”). Second-quarter results In the second quarter of 2026, Merck generated Group net sales of € 5.4 billion (Q2 2025: € 5.3 billion), representing organic sales growth of 4.1%. EBITDA pre increased to € 1.6 billion (Q2 2025: € 1.5 billion), with organic growth of 9.3% amid foreign exchange effects of –‍0.5%. The company now expects net sales between € 21.0 billion and € 21.8 billion and EBITDA pre between € 5.9 billion and € 6.3 billion.