Agencies Probe Merck For Foreign Anti-Bribery Law Violations
Merck, the second biggest international drug maker, is being investigated by two U.S. federal agencies for potentially breaking anti-bribery laws in foreign countries, The Associated Press reports. The Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are both seeking information about Merck activities that may violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which, among other things, prohibits U.S.-based companies from bribing officials in other countries. Merck says it "has in place an FCPA compliance program, and our policy is to conduct our business in accordance with all applicable laws" (Johnson, 8/10).
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