Merz Pharma Group has purchased Swiss dermatology company Neocutis SA for an undisclosed amount.

Lausanne, Switzerland-based Neocutis develops anti-aging, cleansing, and skin-brightening products.

Merz bought the group for its privately-held cosmetics, over-the-counter, and prescription skincare business. The company expects the acquisition to strengthen its market position in the aesthetics field.

Merz, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, and Greensboro, N.C., provides skin fillers Radiesse and Belotero Balance, the neurotoxin Xeomin, and the Mederma family of scar care products.

In April, Merz got into and lost a bidding war with Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. (NYSE: VRX) for Obagi Medical Products Inc., a skin care company, in one example of how therapeutic skin and beauty care products are attracting buyers.

For more on skin care, see “Re-entering the Fray for Beauty Products” and “Skin Deep: Cosmetics Go Medical.”