Merck KGaA to axe 1,100 jobs in Germany by end 2015

German chemicals and pharmaceutical group Merck KGaA said Tuesday it will cut 1,100 jobs from a total domestic workforce of 10,900 by the end of 2015.

"The positions will be reduced in a socially acceptable manner, mainly through voluntary resignation and early retirement programmes across all divisions and functions," said the group in a statement.