Merck KGaA to Acquire London Nucleic Acid Drug Company Silence Therapeutics for Cash

Germany's Merck KGaA announced on October 19 that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Silence Therapeutics, a London-based nucleic acid drug company, for cash consideration of $20 per American Depositary Share (approximately $6.6667 per ordinary share). Merck sees rare diseases as a high-value growth area in its healthcare business strategy of becoming a global specialty innovator.