Merck to slash U.S. sales force by 1,200

Merck plans to reduce the size of its U.S. sales force by 1,200 positions.

Affected employees, who are located throughout the U.S., will be notified by the end of May; separations will be completed by the end of July, according to the Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based Merck.

“As Merck takes this difficult but necessary action, the company is committed to treating employees with fairness and respect. Eligible employees will receive benefits and other services to assist them,” according to a company statement.

The company said it does not anticipate any disruption in its service to customers as these changes occur.

“Merck is taking this step as part of our previously disclosed, continuing efforts to optimize our cost base and improve Merck's effectiveness and efficiency across all aspects of our business as part of our plan to win strategy,” said Kenneth Frazier, president of Merck’s global human health.

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