Germany's Merck buys British biotech firm in $1.1 billion deal

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.

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.

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.