(Reuters). Germany’s Merck KGaA is expecting earnings growth up to 9% in 2019 as it gains from new biotechnology research by drugmakers.

According to the statement issued Thursday by the Diversified Group, growth was predicted at 5% to 9.9% (excluding currency swings or acquisitions) for adjusted earnings after interest, tax and depreciation. The Life Science division is the key growth driver.

The adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter was 7.8% higher at 1.63 billion Euros ($1.71 million), which is consistent with analyst predictions.

($1 = 0.9508 euros)