More mergers and acquisitions to watch

Friday’s U.S. employment reading seemed to put to rest any notions that the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates in September. Not that we’re exactly hearing a growing demand for a rate hike anytime soon, but a handful of FOMC chairmen said they were ready to make a move. But the 151,000 job gain in August was considered too weak to factor in such factors; the expectation was 175,000.

In more M&A action this morning, technology major Danaher DHR is paying $4 billion for diagnostics company Cepheid CPHD. That means $53 per share in cash and some debt obligations. Danaher expects the acquisition to be 5 cents more per share a year after the deal closes, which is expected to happen before the end of the year.

General Electric GE is buying two 3D printing companies in Europe: Arcam AB of Sweden and SLM Solutions AG of Germany. Both companies print metal parts for things like aircraft turbines. GE will spend $1.4 billion to acquire both companies.

German pharmaceutical giant Bayer AG BAYRY is continuing its pursuit of agribusiness major Monsanto MON, raising its offer to $127.50 a share from the previous $125. Bayer has been trying for the past four months to acquire the seeds and pesticides giant, which would be Bayer’s largest acquisition ever.

Finally, a little later this morning we will see the ISM Services data report, which should get a little more attention after last week’s disappointing ISM Manufacturing reading, which fell below 50, indicating a recession. Will services follow suit? Zacks Executive Vice President Steve Reitmeister goes into further detail this morning here: Set your timer for 10 a.m. ET today

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