Geneva

GENEVA, December 14, 2011 - In order to protect its ability to use its brands and key trade marks on the packaging of tobacco products sold in Australia, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has initiated a legal challenge against the Commonwealth of Australia today.

GENEVA, December 13, 2011 - Number of donated tablets doubled to around 50 millionper year Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today announced its intention to further boost its efforts in the fight against the tropical disease schistosomiasis and to continue until the disease has been officially eliminated in Africa.

GENEVA, December 8, 2011 - Choice of Paris follows lengthy selection process involving cities in Asia, Europe and the Middle East 800-1000 global thought leaders, mayors, leading CEOs and representative of civil society to participate Paris Mayor Bertrand Delano: "On behalf of Paris, I'm pleased to welcome this important summit which will enable all stakeholders involved in urbanization to examine the future of the world's cities." The New Cities Foundation (www.newcitiesfoundation.org) has selected Paris to host the inaugural New Cities Summit from May 14th- 16th2012.

GENEVA, November 30, 2011 - Winning idea highlights need for innovative solutions for people living with multiple sclerosis Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, today announced Brian Light of Toronto, Canada as the overall winner of the "Real MS: Your Innovation" campaign, a global design competition that challenged the multiple sclerosis (MS) community to submit unique and innovative ideas to help people overcome the daily challenges of life with MS.

GENEVA, November 30, 2011 - 2011 was the year of black swans - those highly improbable occurrences that turn the world economy on its head.