April 5, 2011
Merck to acquire Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing ophthalmic products.
On April 5, it was announced that Willkie client Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Merck entered into a definitive agreement under which Merck will acquire Inspire for approximately $430 million in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck, through a subsidiary, will commence a tender offer for all outstanding common stock of Inspire at a price of $5.00 per share in cash. Based in Raleigh, NC, Inspire is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing ophthalmic products. Operating in more than 140 countries, Merck is a global healthcare leader specializing in the areas of prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products. The deal was handled by partners Jack Nusbaum, Adam Turteltaub, Russell Leaf, Christopher Peters, William Hiller and Thomas Meloro, and associates Leah Shams, Tej Prakesh and Jordan Messinger.
