Merida is the second largest bike manufacturer in the world,They produce 350 an hour,half for there own brand,and the other half for other brands specialized being the one you've heard of.(which merida own a large share in)
They offer lifetime guarantee on All frames including carbon!The bikes are top notch and use all the latest technology in the frame's, internal cables,nano carbon,dual chamber,flax fibres etc...They will not use 7005 alloy because its not suitable for modern hydro forming methods(cube take note)They use shimano almost exclusively due to back up being reliable all around the world.The new reactor range is well worth a look if your into aero bikes,Scultura if you race,and the Ride range is more sportive orientated.