THE WHAT? Merck is said to have bought in Goldman Sachs to advise on the sale of its pigments unit, according to a report published by Reuters. The division has been put up for sale previously but the deal fell through as a result of the pandemic.  

THE DETAILS Austria’s Heubach has expressed interest in buying out Surface Solutions, as the unit is named, claims Reuters, quoting an anonymous source.

THE WHY? The sale would reduce Merck’s debt leaving it free to pursuea larger takeover in 2023, Reuters speculates. All parties declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. The acquisition of Merck’s pigments unit would consolidate Heubach is a global leader in the pigments industry, having acquired Clariant’s pigments business last year.