• Acquirer: Merck & Co., Inc.
• Target: Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.
• Deal Value: $9.2 billion
• Offer Price: $221.50 per share in cash
• Structure: Merck, through a subsidiary, will acquire all outstanding shares of Cidara under the merger agreement.
• Strategic Rationale: This acquisition will diversify Merck’s portfolio by adding Cidara’s late-phase antiviral agent, expanding its presence in the infectious disease and antiviral therapy sector.

This deal is a major move for Merck, enhancing its pipeline in antiviral therapeutics and strengthening its position in the infectious disease market.