RAHWAY, N.J., June 11, 2026
Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., has signed a definitive agreement to acquire TARGAN, a North Carolina-based animal AgTech innovator specializing in advanced biodevice technologies for the poultry industry. The strategic acquisition is expected to strengthen Merck Animal Health’s position in commercial poultry operations while expanding its portfolio of technology-driven animal health solutions. The transaction, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, is anticipated to be completed during the third quarter of 2026. The deal highlights the growing convergence of animal health, automation, artificial intelligence, and precision livestock management, reinforcing Merck’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that improve productivity, efficiency, and animal welfare across global poultry markets.
Expanding Poultry Innovation Through Advanced Biodevices
A key asset in the acquisition is WingScan™, TARGAN’s high-speed automated chick gender identification system. The technology utilizes advanced imaging systems and proprietary algorithms to identify and sort chicks by gender with exceptional speed and accuracy. Capable of processing up to 160,000 chicks per hour, WingScan captures high-resolution feather images and performs real-time analysis, enabling hatcheries to improve operational efficiency while supporting animal welfare initiatives.
The scalable platform can be integrated into hatcheries of varying sizes, providing poultry producers with a sophisticated automation solution designed to enhance flock management and production outcomes. By adding WingScan to its portfolio, Merck Animal Health gains access to one of the poultry industry’s most advanced biodevice technologies.
Strengthening Vaccine Delivery and Animal Health Capabilities
Advertisement
Beyond gender identification, the acquisition also provides Merck Animal Health with access to TARGAN’s innovative high-speed precision ocular spray technology. The system enables rapid administration of vaccines to day-old chicks, including vaccines targeting respiratory diseases and coccidiosis. The technology is designed to improve vaccination consistency and efficiency while supporting large-scale poultry operations. Industry experts view automated vaccine delivery as a critical advancement in commercial poultry production, where disease prevention remains essential for maintaining flock health and productivity.
By integrating TARGAN’s biodevice platform with its established portfolio of poultry vaccines and animal health products, Merck aims to deliver enhanced value to customers while creating opportunities for future innovation in livestock health management.
Strategic Acquisition Positions Merck for Future Growth
Merck Animal Health has maintained a long-standing relationship with TARGAN, serving as one of the company’s largest shareholders since 2017. According to company leadership, the acquisition aligns with Merck’s strategy of combining scientific expertise, biopharmaceutical innovation, and advanced technology platforms to address evolving customer needs. TARGAN Founder and CEO Ramin Karimpour noted that Merck’s support has been instrumental in the company’s development and that the transaction will provide access to the global resources and infrastructure necessary to accelerate commercialization of its technologies.
The acquisition is also expected to expand Merck’s device development capabilities beyond poultry, creating opportunities for future applications across multiple livestock species. As demand grows for data-driven, automated animal health solutions, the integration of TARGAN’s technologies may help shape the next generation of precision livestock management and veterinary innovation worldwide.
The proposed acquisition underscores the increasing importance of smart agricultural technologies in modern animal health and reinforces Merck Animal Health’s commitment to delivering innovative, scalable, and science-driven solutions for commercial poultry producers globally.
Source: Merck Animal Health, TARGAN press release
