Merck (MRK) Said to Be Unidentified Suitor for Acceleron Pharma (XLRN), Not Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) - Report

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) is nearing a deal to acquire Acceleron Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: XLRN), in an agreement that could be completed as soon as this week, The Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the matter.

The agreement, which will bolster Merck & Co’s rare-disease business, would be one of its biggest deals, should it come together.

Shares of Acceleron Pharma rose 6.7% intra-day Monday after a Bloomberg report after the close Friday that the company was for sale to a large unidentified pharmaceutical company.

Before the Journal story, Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), which already owns a large stake in the company, was thought to be that suitor. It is unclear if both companies are involved in bidding for Acceleron.

You May Also Be Interested In

• Midday movers: Goldman Sachs and Meta Platforms rise; Apple and Tesla fall
• Resideo Technologies (REZI) to Acquire Snap One (SNPO) for $10.75/sh Cash or $1.4B
• Microchip Technology (MCHP) Acquires Neuronix AI Labs