Merck to Acquire Silence Therapeutics for $1.3 Billion, Expanding Rare Disease Portfolio with siRNA Innovation

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  "company": {
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    "url": "https://biopharmaapac.com/news/43/8589/merck-to-acquire-silence-therapeutics-for-1-3-billion-expanding-rare-disease-portfolio-with-sirna-innovation.html",
    "title": "Merck to Acquire Silence Therapeutics for $1.3 Billion, Expanding Rare Disease Portfolio with siRNA Innovation - BioPharma APAC",
    "excerpt": "Merck, a leading science and technology company, announced its entry into a definitive agreement to acquire Silence Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: SLN), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in London, UK, focused on pioneering the design and development of siRNA (short interfering RNA) therapies in areas of high unmet need. The purchase price of $20 per ADS in cash, with each ADS representing three ordinary shares of Silence Therapeutics (or $6.6667 per ordinary share), represents an enterprise value of $1.1 billion and an equity value of approximately $1.3 billion. The consideration represents an 82% premium to Silence Therapeutics’ 30-day volume-weighted average price of $10.99, as of the close of trading on October 16, 2026, the last trading day prior to the transaction announcement. The transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. “The planned acquisition of Silence Therapeutics will strengthen our capabilities to serve patients with targeted specialty and rare diseases,” said Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck. “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. The proposed transaction follows Merck’s strategic priority to address...",
    "summary": "Merck entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Silence Therapeutics for approximately $1.3 billion in equity value.",
    "location": "London, United Kingdom",
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    "image_url": "https://biopharmaapac.com/uploads/articles/images_5-8589.jpg",
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    "published_at": "2026-10-26T07:56:47Z",
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        "state": "England",
        "region": "Northern Europe",
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    "related_company_name": "Silence Therapeutics",
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