Merck announces withdrawal and refiling under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act and extension of tender offer to acquire Acceleron Pharma Inc.

As previously announced on October 12, 2021, Merck commenced, through a subsidiary, Astros Merger Sub, Inc., a cash tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of common stock of Acceleron, for $180 in cash, without interest and less any required tax withholding. Merck has elected to withdraw its Premerger Notification and Report Form, which was initially filed on October 14, 2021, to provide the Federal Trade Commission with additional time for review, and expects to refile such form on or about November 1, 2021. Following the refiling, the waiting period applicable to the pending acquisition will expire at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on or about November 16, 2021. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.