Management at Pfizer and Warner-Lambert Export's Irish subsidiaries refused to comment yesterday on how their $90 billion merger would affect their operations in the Republic.
Pfizer and Warner-Lambert employ more than 1,000 people in the Republic and have announced further expansions. The Pfizer plant at Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, employs 395 people and produces a wide range of products, including a key ingredient of Viagra. The plant is currently undergoing an expansion programme which should see more than 60 jobs created this year.
In addition, Pfizer has a sales and marketing operation in Dublin and Pfizer International Banks Europe in the International Financial Services Centre. The company contributes close to £100 million to the Irish economy.
Warner-Lambert Export has invested £485 million in the past two years at its office and manufacturing facilities in Dublin and Cork and has announced plans to increase employment in the Republic from about 700 to more than 1000 by the end of 2000.
