Merck KGaA agreed to acquire UK-based biotech Silence Therapeutics in an all-cash deal valued at $1.3 billion, offering $20 per share—a 130% premium. The deal adds targeted siRNA gene-silencing technology and experimental treatments for rare diseases to Merck's pipeline, including divesiran for polycythemia vera. Marking Merck's third major buyout in two years following SpringWorks and Bio-Techne, the transaction is expected to close in Q1 2027.
Terms and timeline of the acquisition
- ▪Merck KGaA agreed to acquire U.UK-based Silence Therapeutics in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.3 billion
- ▪Merck KGaA offered $20 in cash per American depositary share for Silence Therapeutics, representing a 130% premium to its closing price on October 16, 2026
Silence Therapeutics pipeline and therapeutic candidates
- ▪Silence Therapeutics is developing zerlasiran for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease caused by high levels of lipoprotein(a)
- ▪Silence Therapeutics is developing early-stage therapeutic candidates targeting high cholesterol, obesity, and immune response disorders
- ▪In August 2026, Silence Therapeutics reported mid-stage trial data showing divesiran significantly reduced necessary blood-removal procedures and controlled blood thickness in polycythemia vera patients
- ▪Silence Therapeutics develops siRNA medicines that silence targeted genes to prevent the production of harmful disease-related proteins
Strategic fit and recent Merck acquisitions
- ▪Merck KGaA's acquisition of Silence Therapeutics follows Merck KGaA's pending $11.3 billion takeover of life-sciences tools maker Bio-Techne
- ▪Merck KGaA's acquisition of Silence Therapeutics expands Merck KGaA's pipeline of targeted medicines and targeted gene-silencing capabilities
- ▪The purchase of Silence Therapeutics marks Merck KGaA's third major takeover in less than two years, following its $3.9 billion purchase of SpringWorks Therapeutics in 2025
Story comments
Loading comments…