Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to Acquire Silence Therapeutics, Strengthening Rare Disease Pipeline with Innovative siRNA Asset
Key Highlights
- ➤Merck KGaA to acquire Silence Therapeutics for $20 per ADS in cash.
- ➤Transaction values Silence Therapeutics at $1.1 billion enterprise value.
- ➤$20-per-ADS offer represents an 82% premium to Silence’s 30-day VWAP.
- ➤Divesiran delivered an 88% Phase 2 responder rate versus 19% for placebo.
- ➤Deal expected to close in Q1 2027, subject to approvals and shareholder vote.
Expert Statements
Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
“The planned acquisition of Silence Therapeutics will strengthen our capabilities to serve patients with targeted specialty and rare diseases.”
Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
“Following the acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics last year, we continue to transform our pipeline toward areas of high specialization and unmet medical need, with an ongoing commitment to external innovation.”
Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
“The proposed transaction follows our strategic priority to address attractive end markets also through M&A, creating value over the mid- to long-term.”
Danny Bar-Zohar, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Healthcare at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
“The planned acquisition of Silence Therapeutics marks a significant step forward in our strategy to become a Global Specialty Innovator in Healthcare.”
Danny Bar-Zohar, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Healthcare at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
“Silence Therapeutics’ primary siRNA pipeline asset, Divesiran, is supported by promising Phase 2 efficacy data, a potentially best-in-class, once-every-three-month dosing schedule, and a safety profile that appears manageable, with the added advantage of targeting a well-defined, homogeneous patient population.”
Danny Bar-Zohar, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Healthcare at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
“The planned acquisition also provides an entry point into hematology through a biologically validated mechanism of action.”
Danny Bar-Zohar, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Healthcare at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
“With this transaction, we are advancing our efforts to build a differentiated, sustainable pipeline as we bring more medicines to more patients, faster.”
Iain Ross, Interim Principal Executive Officer and Chairman of the Silence Therapeutics Board
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which follows a competitive sale process and delivers significant, immediate and certain value to our shareholders.”
Iain Ross, Interim Principal Executive Officer and Chairman of the Silence Therapeutics Board
“This transaction follows potentially best-in-class Phase 2 polycythemia vera data for Divesiran and reflects the important progress we have made advancing our differentiated siRNA pipeline.”
Iain Ross, Interim Principal Executive Officer and Chairman of the Silence Therapeutics Board
“It also provides a new home for our innovative programs within Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, placing Divesiran with a company that has the scale, resources and commercial capabilities to accelerate its Phase 3 development and bring this potentially best-in-class siRNA therapy to patients in need.”
Iain Ross, Interim Principal Executive Officer and Chairman of the Silence Therapeutics Board
“We are incredibly grateful to our employees for their dedication and contributions in building Silence Therapeutics into the company it is today.”
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany to Acquire Silence Therapeutics, Strengthening Rare Disease Pipeline with Innovative siRNA Asset
* Purchase price of $20 per ADS in cash represents an enterprise value of $1.1 billion and an equity value of approximately $1.3 billion
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