Nestlé S.A. (SWX:NESN) is emerging as the lead bidder to acquire Consumer-Health Business of Merck Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien (DB:MRK) for as much as $5 billion after some of the other potential suitors dropped out, according to people familiar with the matter. Nestle has submitted the highest offer and the German company is likely to select a winner during the first quarter, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are confidential.