Bayer Healthcare China will complete its takeover of Schering AG China by the middle of this year.

"As a part  of  the reshuffle, some of our colleagues have been transferred to Bayer Healthcare's Beijing office. There are still a few uncertainties at the moment as some positions of our current staff will have to be redefined to avoid overlapping responsibilities," an official from Schering AG China said.

The official said the current product lines of Schering AG China would still remain the same. "Our female health care products and diagnostic imaging products will supplement Bayer HealthCare China's current lines. These two departments will remain comparatively independent.  But our oncology products will have to be integrated into Bayer HealthCare China's oncology department. I don't think there will be big changes in the whole structure of Bayer HealthCare China," the official said.

"Many of Schering AG China's employees are awaiting the company's final decisions regarding the change, while some have chosen to leave the company," the official said.

The official said Bayer HealthCare's acquisition will likely strengthen its growth in China's pharmaceutical market. Last year, its sales revenues grew by more than 30 percent, an amazing feat, despite the current negative policies implemented by the government. "However, about 6,000 people in Schering AG worldwide will be retrenched due to the takeover," the official said.

At present, there is about 500 staff employed by Schering AG China, which includes workers from the company's Guangzhou-based factory. The number of employees Schering AG China will lay off still remains unclear.

Source:未知