Although the two office-supplies companies could realize meaningful cost synergies, the combined firm would still face enormous competitive pressures, says Morningstar's Liang Feng.
Five stats from the market and the stories behind them. This week: Berkshire's stake in a $28 billion deal, Avon's not-so-pretty 1% sales growth, and more.
Growing corporate cash balances and slowing organic-growth opportunities could lead to increased deal volume this year even if economic uncertainty throttles some activity, says Morningstar's Bridget Freas.
The Securities and Exchange Commission may move ahead with "harmonization" of broker and investment-adviser rules before deciding whether to propse a rule that would raise investment-advice standards for brokers. That is creating concern in the adviser community.
Good morning and welcome to the Alexion Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results Conference Call. Today's call is being recorded.