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.
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.
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.