German pharmaceutical company Bayer AG (BAYN.XE) Wednesday said its HealthCare unit has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with U.S. drug development services company Covance Inc. (CVD).

MAIN FACTS:

-Bayer and Covance will work on clinical drug development, including research and development related to Phase II-IV clinical studies and central laboratory services.

-Bayer said it wants to leverage Covance's experience and services in R&D to improve its operational delivery, efficiency and quality.

-Frankfurt Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; 49-69-29725-500