Silence Therapeutics Soars 125% on All-Cash $1.3 Billion Merck KGaA Buyout: “Immediate and Certain”

Merck KGaA agreed to acquire Silence Therapeutics plc for $1.2 billion. The deal, approved by both companies' boards, is subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder votes, with an expected completion in Q1 2026. Legal and financial advisors were appointed by both parties.

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.

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.

Silence Therapeutics (SLN) surged 59% to $6.11 after agreeing to a $1.3B takeover by Merck KGaA. Merck will pay $20 per ADS, a 130% premium. The deal values Silence's equity at $1.3B and is expected to close in Q1 2027, pending approvals. Silence's drug development programs, including divesiran for polycythaemia vera, will benefit from Merck's resources.