Merida has been ridden to many UCI world cup victories by none other than Gunn Rita Dahle, Sabine Spitz and Irena Kalentyava.
Gunn Rita also won this years TranAlp ultra marathon on her Merida with Irena in tow.
The Hardtails are really awesome magnesium alloy frames. And super light!!
Yes Merida manufactures Specialized bikes and owns a large share in the company. They also produce many many other brands of which Fuji is one i believe.
In mens XC racing they're used by Jose Hermida and he is no slouch, but is continually upstaged by Julien Absalon.
Great bikes and I'd add them to the top ofmy list.
PS: The Specialized Brain technology is actually a Merida Patent applied to a Specialized Hosrt link 4 bar suspension.
Have a look at their LRS (low ratio system)