Mergers and Acquisitions

Markets

Merck nears deal to acquire Acceleron Pharma

Merck & Co. is in advanced talks to acquire Acceleron Pharma Inc., according to people familiar with the matter, in a move that would bolster the pharmaceutical giant’s rare-disease business.

Markets

Acceleron in advanced talks for $11B sale

U.S. drugmaker Acceleron Pharma Inc is in advanced talks to be acquired by a large pharmaceutical company for more than $11 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Politics

US government to probe Zoom deal over China ties

A Justice Department-led panel is investigating Zoom Video Communications Inc.’s deal to buy an American customer-service software company, citing potential national-security risks posed by the U.S. videoconferencing giant’s China ties.

Politics

Kansas City Southern takeover vote delayed after bid gutted

A planned shareholder vote on Canadian National's $33.6 billion offer has been delayed after regulators rejected a key part of the plan, so now Kansas City Southern railroad can consider all of its options, including a competing $31 billion offer from Canadian Pacific Railway.

Sports

ESPN explores sports-betting deal worth at least $3 billion

Walt Disney Co. ’s ESPN is seeking to license its brand to major sports-betting companies for at least $3 billion over several years, according to people familiar with the matter, aiming to capitalize on the fast-growing online gambling industry.