Law Firm Announces Investigation of Merck 401k Retirement Plans

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT, October 1, 2004 -- The law firm of Johnson & Perkinson is investigating potential claims against Merck & Co., Inc. ("Merck") (NYSE: MRK) by current or former employees who purchased Merck shares through a Merck 401k retirement plan between May 21, 1999 and the present and who may be eligible to seek remedies. The claims under investigation include whether Merck 401k retirement plans prudently invested in Merck stock. If you bought Merck stock through a Merck 401k plan and you have information, or if you are interested in discussing the investigation or the claims, please contact James F. Conway, III, at Johnson & Perkinson, 1690 Williston Road, P.O. Box 2305, South Burlington, VT 05403, toll free at 888.459.7855 or via e-mail at email@jpclasslaw.com.

Johnson & Perkinson is a litigation boutique dedicated to maximizing returns for shareholders and employees invested in company stock. Please access the Johnson & Perkinson website at www.jpclasslaw.com for more information about the firm.

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