Pharma BD Deal Intelligence

Merck KGaA / SpringWorks Therapeutics

2025 · Acquisition/Merger · $3.4B · Complete

An all-cash acquisition that let Merck KGaA build a rare-tumor franchise around two FDA-approved products—Ogsiveo for desmoid tumors and Gomekli for NF1 plexiform neurofibromas—for $3.4 billion enterprise value. The deal, Merck KGaA's largest healthcare acquisition in nearly two decades, was expected to be immediately revenue-accretive and EPS-accretive by 2027.

CALLED IT — OFF BY 18
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The coverage arc

Apr 25, 2025 Endpoints News Bullish

Merck KGaA closes in on SpringWorks deal at $3.5B price point. The Endpoints article reported on the late-stage M&A negotiations between the German pharma and…

Apr 28, 2025 STAT News Bullish

Germany's Merck KGaA said Monday it would buy SpringWorks Therapeutics for $47 a share in cash, a deal with an equity value of nearly $4 billion. The…

Apr 24, 2026 PharmExec Bullish

Merck KGaA completes $3.4B SpringWorks acquisition gaining two first-in-class rare oncology drugs; largest healthcare deal by the company in nearly 20 years

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Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany acquired SpringWorks Therapeutics (Nasdaq: SWTX) in an all-cash transaction at $47.00 per share, for an equity value of approximately $3.9 billion and an enterprise value of about $3.4 billion (~EUR 3.0 billion) net of SpringWorks' cash. Announced April 28, 2025 and completed July 1, 2025 following regulatory clearances, it is Merck KGaA's largest Healthcare-sector acquisition in nearly two decades. The deal builds a rare-tumor franchise around two FDA-approved commercial products: Ogsiveo (nirogacestat), the first-in-disease systemic therapy for adults with progressing desmoid tumors, and Gomekli (mirdametinib), the first and only FDA-approved therapy for adult and pediatric NF1 patients with symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas not amenable to complete resection. The acquisition is expected to contribute to revenue immediately and to be accretive to EPS pre by 2027. Both assets advanced in the EU around closing: CHMP adopted positive opinions for mirdametinib (May 2025) and nirogacestat (June 2025).

Key facts

Disease & market context

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)

100K US cases/yr · $800M US NF1 Rx Market

Disease Overview

NF1 is a genetic disorder causing tumors on nerve tissue. Plexiform neurofibromas affect ~30-50% of NF1 patients and can cause significant disfigurement and functional impairment. Gomekli is the only FDA-approved treatment for symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas.

Competitive Landscape

Gomekli (mirdametinib) is the only approved MEK inhibitor for NF1 plexiform neurofibromas. Selumetinib (Koselugo, AstraZeneca) is approved for pediatric NF1 but Gomekli serves the broader age range including adults.

Desmoid Tumors

2K US cases/yr · $500M US Desmoid Tumor Rx

Disease Overview

Desmoid tumors are rare, locally aggressive connective tissue tumors that can cause significant morbidity. Prior to nirogacestat, no systemic therapy was specifically approved, and treatment relied on surgery, NSAIDs, and off-label chemotherapy.

Competitive Landscape

Ogsiveo (nirogacestat) is the first and only FDA-approved therapy specifically for desmoid tumors. Gamma-secretase inhibitor mechanism with strong clinical data from DeFi trial. Limited direct competition in this niche indication.

Deal timeline

Related deals — scored

DealYearValueOutcome
Merck KGaA / SpringWorks Therapeutics (this deal)2025$3.4B72
Merck KGaA / Millipore Corporation2010$7.2B88
Merck KGaA / Sigma-Aldrich Corporation2014$17.0B80
Merck KGaA / Versum Materials2019$5.8B80
Merck KGaA / Serono SA2006$13.2B74
Merck KGaA / Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc.2012$550M
Merck KGaA / Debiopharm2021$1.1B

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