Merck KGaA Agrees To Acquire Silence Therapeutics For $20 Per ADS In Cash

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today 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.