Merck is close to closing a deal to acquire Acceleron Pharma

$Acceleron Pharma (XLRN.US)$ $MERCK KGAA SPON ADR EACH REPR 0.2 ORD SHS (MKKGY.US)$ According to people familiar with the matter, Merck & Co. Inc., MRK is in in-depth negotiations on the acquisition of Acceleron Pharma Inc., a move that will boost the rare disease business of the pharmaceutical giant.

People familiar with the matter said that if the negotiations do not break down, the acquisition of Acceleron may be announced this week. The market value of Acceleron is approximately $11 billion.

If the two parties reach a deal, it will be one of Merck's largest transactions and represents a bet on Acceleron's expertise in the treatment of respiratory and blood diseases.

Merck's market value is approximately $185 billion