Merck Completes Cash Acquisition of Cidara
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 07 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MRK?
Merck (MRK) announced the successful completion of the cash tender offer, through a subsidiary, for all the outstanding shares of common stock of Cidara Therapeutics (CDTX). Merck intends to complete the acquisition through a merger of Merck's wholly owned subsidiary with and into Cidara, with Cidara being the surviving corporation, in which all shares of common stock not tendered into the offer will be cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash equal to the $221.50 offer price per common share, without interest and subject to deduction for any required tax withholding. After the completion of the merger, Cidara will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck and the common stock of Cidara will no longer be listed or traded on the Nasdaq Global Market. The acquisition is expected to be accounted for as an asset acquisition, resulting in a charge that will increase 2026 research and development expenses by approximately $9B or approximately $3.65 per share, included in GAAP and non-GAAP results. Additionally, GAAP and non-GAAP EPS are expected to be negatively impacted by approximately 30c per share in the first 12 months, representing costs associated with advancing CD388 and costs of financing.
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Analyst Views on MRK
Wall Street analysts forecast MRK stock price to fall
16 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 121.860
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
Current: 121.860
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
About MRK
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global health care company that delivers health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. Its Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. The Company sells its human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers. It sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all livestock and companion animal species. Its products include KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection, for intravenous use; WELIREG (belzutifan) tablets, for oral use; Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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