Merck stock starts 2026 higher as Cidara tender-offer deadline hits next week
Merck shares rose 1.2% to $106.45 Friday after Nasdaq set Jan. 6 as the expiration for its $9.2 billion cash tender offer for Cidara Therapeutics. Cidara shares will be halted after Jan. 6 and suspended Jan. 8 if the merger closes as planned. Merck’s move snapped a three-day losing streak, leaving the stock just below its 52-week high. About 10 million shares traded, below the 50-day average.