Merck, known as MSD outside the United
States and Canada, has completed its
acquisition of Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical
company focused on developing and commercializing ophthalmic products, for
$5.00 per share in cash.

 

“We are excited to complete this compelling and highly
complementary acquisition of Inspire,” said Beverly Lybrand, senior vice
president and general manager, neuroscience and ophthalmology, Merck. “The
successful completion of this transaction strengthens our ophthalmology
business and positions us for future growth with an expanded portfolio and a
best in class commercialization organization.”

 

Effective today, Monarch Transaction Corp. a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merck, has merged with and into Inspire, with Inspire surviving
as a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck. As a result of the merger, Inspire shares
have ceased trading on the NASDAQ Global Market and Inspire will no longer have
reporting obligations under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.