Merck KGaA to acquire Silence Therapeutics in all‑cash deal valued at $1.3 billion
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany announced an agreement to buy UK‑based Silence Therapeutics for cash. The transaction values Silence at $20 per American Depositary Share, representing a 130% premium to the Friday close and an 82% premium to the 30‑day volume‑weighted average price. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to shareholder, court and regulatory approvals, and will be financed through new debt issuance. Approximately 14% of Silence’s voting power has pledged support for the merger.
Why it matters
Silence shareholders will receive a cash payment of $20 per ADS, providing immediate value (the company’s statement). Merck expects the acquisition to strengthen its rare‑disease pipeline, particularly the siRNA candidate Divesiran, and will fund the purchase with debt, impacting its balance sheet.
Key facts
- 1Merck will pay $20 per American Depositary Share to Silence shareholders. investing.com
- 2The equity value of the transaction is approximately $1.3 billion. marketscreener.com
- 3The offer represents a 130% premium to the Friday closing price. stocktitan.net
- 4The offer represents an 82% premium to the 30‑day volume‑weighted average price as of October 16, 2026. marketscreener.com
- 5The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to customary approvals. finance.yahoo.com
- 6Merck will finance the acquisition through new debt issuance. finance.yahoo.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 20 of 25 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.