Merck KGaA is a science and technology company, which engages in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and chemical products. It operates through the following sectors: Healthcare, Life Science, Performance Materials and Corporate and Other. The Healthcare sector discovers, develops, and produces prescription medicines used to treat cancer, multiple sclerosis, and infertility. The Life Science sector provides scientists with laboratory materials, technologies, and services. The Performance Materials sector offers specialty chemicals and materials for demanding applications. The firm offers pharma and biopharma manufacturing, pharmaceutical research, pharma quality control, and government and academic research services. The company was founded by Friedrich Jacob Merck in 1668 and is headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany.