DARMSTADT, GERMANY—Pharma giant Merck KGaA is searching for an agency to provide global corporate PR support.

The Holmes Report understands that a number of networks pitched for the assignment last week in London.

It is thought that the mandate’s requirements are varied. Merck wants a PR firm to provide a global corporate hub function, after previously handling corporate PR on a more ad hoc basis.

In addition, the company wants to clear up confusion regarding its branding. While Merck KGaA is based in Germany, the rights to Merck’s name in the US and Canada are owned by Merck & Co, a separate company.

Accordingly, in North America, ‘German Merck’ operates as EMD Millipore. Meanwhile, Merck & Co is known as Merck Sharpe & Dome outside the US and Canada.

It is also understood that Merck wants to elevate its profile in Africa, after recently opening an office in Kenya.

Merck representatives did not respond to request for comment.