14. What happens to my benefits?
a. Benefits are expected to continue unaffected during the pre-closing period. We will conduct our
normal open enrollment process in February and you will receive additional information regarding open enrollment shortly.
b. Employees who
continue with Merck following the closing of the acquisition will be eligible to participate in Mercks health and welfare benefit programs, the details of which will be communicated separately, subject to satisfying applicable eligibility
criteria.
c. Employees whose employment terminates in connection with the transaction will be eligible to continue medical, dental, and
vision coverage through a program commonly known as COBRA.
15. When will we have additional updates?
a. We will provide substantive updates once we have them and will communicate routinely as permitted. Please reach out to a member of the SLT
with any further questions.
16. Can we still execute collaboration agreements, MSAs, MTAs, and SOWs?
a. Before proceeding with any contractual arrangements, please discuss and clear them with SLT so that we remain in compliance with the
acquisition agreement. Our Chief Legal Officer, Jim Bucher, is your primary contact.
17. Until we close, will Merck have to approve everything we do?
a. Until the closing of the acquisition, the two companies remain standalone companies. However, certain activities would require the
prior approval of Merck under the acquisition agreement. If you have questions on activities in the future, please get in touch with a member of the SLT.
18. If we are in the process of hiring, what does this transaction change? Will Harpoon be implementing a hiring freeze until the closing?
a. Until the closing of the acquisition, managers should work with HR and their managers to evaluate open positions and should discuss any
proposed hires with the SLT so that we remain in compliance with the acquisition agreement.
20. Will Harpoon shareholders vote on this transaction?
a. Closing of the acquisition is subject to approval of the transaction by holders of Harpoon common stock.
21. How is the transaction going to affect contractors?
a. Until the closing of the acquisition, it is business as usual for current contractors. Use of contractors after the closing of the
acquisition will be evaluated and determined by Merck.
22. Where do I go with questions?
a. Your manager is always a resource as well as the SLT. If you have HR specific questions, you can contact HR directly. If you have
contract-related questions, please contact Jim Bucher or Lauren Bittner.