Merck KGaA definitive agreement to acquire Silence Therapeutics plc for $1.2 billion.

Merck KGaA (MRK: DE) agreed to acquire Silence Therapeutics (SLN), a clinical-stage biotech company focused on siRNA therapies. Silence's shares surged over 125% to $19.58 on the news, according to the report.

Silence Therapeutics (SLN) agreed to be acquired by Merck KGaA for $1.3B in cash, a 130% premium to Friday's closing price. SLN stock surged 126% on high trading volume. The deal, expected to close in early 2027, gives Merck access to Silence's siRNA technology and experimental drug divesiran, which targets a rare blood cancer.

Merck KGaA will acquire Silence Therapeutics for $1.3bn, adding divesiran, an investigational siRNA therapy for rare blood cancer, to its pipeline. The deal, approved by Silence's board, is expected to close in Q1 2027. Divesiran showed an 88% responder rate in Phase II trials, compared to 19% for placebo. The acquisition supports Merck's strategy in precision medicine and rare diseases.

Silence Therapeutics (SLN) shares surged 125% after Merck KGaA (MKGAY) agreed to acquire it for $20 per ADS, totaling $1.3B. The deal, at an 82% premium to the 30-day average, is expected to close in Q1 2027. Silence's chairman called it 'significant, immediate, and certain value' for shareholders.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, agreed to acquire Silence Therapeutics for $1.3B. The deal values Silence at $1.1B enterprise value and includes its siRNA therapy divesiran. Merck plans to fund the acquisition with new debt and expects to close the deal in Q1 2027. Silence shareholders will receive $20 per ADS, an 82% premium.

Silence Therapeutics (SLN) agreed to a $1.3 billion all-cash acquisition by Merck KGaA at $20 per ADS, a 130% premium. The deal, pending approvals, is expected to close in Q1 2027. SLN's Phase 2 progress for Divesiran, an investigational siRNA treatment, was a key factor. Shareholders with 14% voting power support the transaction, which requires shareholder, court, and regulatory approvals.