Mergers and Acquisitions

A potential takeover of Food Network owner Scripps Networks by Discovery Communications could kick off a flurry of deals in the cable world. 

Dow Chemical is weighing strategic options for its commodity chemicals businesses, as the company forges ahead with plans to shed $3 billion to $4 billion worth of assets.

British engineering firm Amec is reportedly considering an $8 billion takeover of Swiss-based Foster Wheeler. 

The $2.1 billion acquisition of Apria's Coram is aimed at bolstering CVS Caremark's specialty pharmacy business. 

Privately held cable operator Cox Communications is reportedly the latest company to explore a potential offer for Time Warner Cable.

Men’s Wearhouse turned the tables with a $1.5 billion offer for rival retailer Jos. A. Bank, whose own bid was rejected last month.

DuPont reached a $543 million deal to sell its glass laminating and vinyls unit to chemicals company Kuraray.

Devon Energy announced a deal to buy GeoSouthern Energy’s Eagle Ford assets for $6 billion in cash, boosting exposure to the shale oil boom.

Devon Energy is reportedly close to a deal to buy closely held GeoSouthern Energy, a Texas-based exploration company, for about $6 billion.

Jos. A. Bank dropped its $2.3 billion proposal to acquire rival Men’s Wearhouse, while an activist hedge fund continued to put pressure on the latter to consider a deal.

Bain Capital is reportedly in advanced discussions with TI Automotive to acquire the auto parts maker in a deal approaching $2 billion.

As it searches for a permanent home, Office Depot is said to be waiting on a bill to provide tax relief in Illinois, where OfficeMax is located.

European drug maker Shire reached a $4.2 billion deal on Monday to acquire U.S. rare disease drug maker ViroPharma.

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers said it’s willing to consider raising its $2.3 billion offer for Men’s Wearhouse if given a chance to conduct due diligence, and the company gave its takeover target two weeks to decide.

The deal gives Mosaic control of four Florida phosphate facilities that produce about 1.8 million tons of the fertilizer a year. 

Safeway is reportedly garnering interest from a handful of buyout firms, setting the stage for what could become one of the largest leveraged buyouts since the financial crisis.

After rejecting a takeover bid from Jos. A. Bank, Men’s Wearhouse adopted a poison pill to keep new investors from amassing a large share stake.

Nestle reportedly spoke to a small group of potential buyers to sell the diet business, as it looks to divest underperforming units.

German drug distributor Celesio is reportedly in advanced talks about being acquired by U.S. rival McKesson for $5.08 billion.

Apollo Tires’ $2.5B buyout of Cooper Tire & Rubber looks to be on a bumpy road to completion, with the two companies locked in debate over the price.