Mergers and Acquisitions

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.

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.

Barry Diller’s IAC in talks to buy magazine publisher Meredith

IAC/InterActiveCorp. is in advanced talks to acquire magazine publisher Meredith Corp., owner of brands including People and Better Homes & Gardens, according to people familiar with the situation, in an effort to build more scale in online publishing.

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.

Kansas City Southern in talks on Canadian Pacific’s $31B bid

Kansas City Southern is in talks with Canadian Pacific to determine whether its $31 billion bid for the railroad is the best offer on the table after regulators rejected a key part of Canadian National’s $33.6 billion bid last week.

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.

FTC to target oil and gas mergers

The Federal Trade Commission has set its sights on the oil and gas industry as the Biden administration seeks to battle rising fuel prices.

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.