Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio (NASDAQ:VIVO) today announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with the Performance & Life Science Chemicals Division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and its American company EMD. This strategic partnership is focused on the development of new assays for the clinical market, which Meridian will sell through its established, best-in-class sales force and distribution partners.