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Merck announced Dec. 12 it will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission a cash tender offer statement to purchase all outstanding shares of common stock of Imago BioSciences Inc. 

Rahway-based Merck previously announced Nov. 21 it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the California-based biopharmaceutical company for $36 per share, or approximately $1.35 billion. 

Following the share purchase in the tender offer, Imago will merge with M-Inspire Merger Sub Inc., a subsidiary of Merck, with Imago surviving the merger.

Imago will then become a subsidiary of Merck, according to the latest announcement. 

Merck also said that Imago will file with the SEC a solicitation/recommendation statement that includes Imago board’s recommendation that its stockholders accept the offer. 

Subject to certain conditions, the tender offer will expire at midnight ET Jan. 10, 2023, unless extended according to the merger agreement and by SEC rules and regulations.  

The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023. 

Imago focuses on developing treatments for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and other bone marrow diseases.