Date:	--/--/-- --:--:--
Event Id:	E5DG53ADR
Action Type:	ACQUISITION
Action Status:	ANNOUNCED
Acquirer Symbol:
Target Symbol:	VRNA
Updated:	--/--/-- --:--:--
Purchase Price Per Share:	107
Price Per Share Currency:	USD
News References:	https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250708346048/en/

Action Notes

Merck , and Verona Pharma plc today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Merck, through a subsidiary, will acquire Verona Pharma for $107 per American Depository Share (ADS), each of which represents eight Verona Pharma ordinary shares, for a total transaction value of approximately $10 billion. The transaction was unanimously approved by both the Merck and Verona Pharma Boards of Directors and is intended to be effected by way of a scheme of arrangement under UK law. Closing of the proposed acquisition is subject to approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, approval of Verona Pharma shareholders, sanction by the High Court of Justice of England and Wales and other customary conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will result in the capitalization of most of the purchase price as an intangible asset for Ohtuvayre (which will be amortized as a GAAP-only charge over the life of the product).