Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a science and technology company, and SpringWorks Therapeutics Inc., a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on severe rare diseases and cancer, have entered into a definitive agreement for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, to acquire SpringWorks.

“The agreed acquisition of SpringWorks is a major step in our active portfolio strategy to position our company as a globally diversified, innovation and technology powerhouse. For our Healthcare sector, it sharpens the focus on rare tumors, accelerates growth, and strengthens our presence in the U.S.,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “Beyond this planned transaction, we will continue to explore M&A opportunities across our three complementary business sectors, always with a firm focus on strategic fit, financial robustness, and long-term value creation.”

SpringWorks’ portfolio targeting rare tumors includes a marketed first-in-class therapy for adults with desmoid tumors and the sole approved treatment for both adults and children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) exhibiting symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas (PN) unsuitable for complete resection. This will drive immediate and sustainable revenue growth for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Additionally, SpringWorks’ offerings enhance Merck KGaA’s developments in rare tumors, as the company recently opted for worldwide commercialization rights to pimicotinib, an investigational therapy from Abbisko Therapeutics Co., Ltd. designed for patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT).

“We have the unique opportunity with SpringWorks to establish a leadership position in rare tumors and build a strong foundation for further investments in this area, where a large unmet medical need exists,” said Peter Guenter, member of the Executive Board and CEO of Healthcare at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

The agreed acquisition provides SpringWorks with an opportunity to expand its reach into markets beyond the U.S. and leverage the breadth of resources of the global Healthcare organization of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

“From the outset, our focus at SpringWorks has been to create transformative solutions for patients suffering from serious diseases,” said Saqib Islam, CEO of SpringWorks Therapeutics. “We believe that by joining forces with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are not only creating significant, immediate value for our stakeholders, but we will also be able to leverage their resources and expertise to build a brighter future for the patient communities we seek to serve while also creating new opportunities for SpringWorks employees as part of a global organization.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approval of SpringWorks’ shareholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals.

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