Merck announced Monday it will acquire U.S. biotech company SpringWorks Therapeutics for $47 per share in cash, valuing the deal at approximately $3.9 billion, according to Reuters. The agreement is one of Merck’s largest in years but came at a 22% lower price than analysts had expected following earlier reports of advanced talks. The offer reflects a 26% premium over SpringWorks' 20-day average price before market speculation surfaced. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending shareholder and regulatory approval. Analysts note that Merck's lower-than-expected offer could invite rival bids.
