Merck has completed its merger with Schering-Plough Corp. and has outlined its new global strategy. The new Merck will operate as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, and according to the company, is a global health care leader “aimed at providing innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives, while satisfying customer needs and creating long-term shareholder value,” according to a statement from the new company.

Merck now has approximately 106,000 employees, and operations in more than 140 countries around the world. The company expects to generate more than 50% of its revenue outside the U.S.

Merck will now market more than 530 pharmaceutical, consumer and animal health products, employ approximately 1,800 people, and invest more than $121 million in R&D in Canada, as part of the company’s expanded global presence. Merck operations in Canada include research, manufacturing, and sales.

“This is an exciting time for our company as we advance our position as a strong, global health care leader that will make a substantial difference to patients around the world,” commented Carlos Dourado, president, Merck Canada. “Thanks to the talent and dedication of our scientists and employees, the company will offer an outstanding clinical development pipeline that will greatly increase our ability to deliver important new medicines to patients. We look forward to continuing to meet and exceed the needs of our customers and providing them with the high-quality products and service they have come to expect.”