The Merck Group is a German multinational chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences company headquartered in Darmstadt, with around 50,000 employees in around 70 countries. Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. It consists of around 250 companies in 180 countries. They work in a variety of areas - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions.