Just Another Merger Monday (ESV, PFE, AOL, CTAS, BEC, WSC, BRK-B)

Merger Monday's like today are what propel the equity markets higher. The flurry of action we've seen today show that corporate deal making is alive and well, despite most of us having a hangover from our Super Bowl parties last night. Precisely at 12:01 a.m. this morning, AOL AOL announced it was buying The Huffington Post for $315 million, $300 million of which is in cash. Arianna Huffington, who is the editor-in chief of The Huffington Post, will oversee all AOL editorial content going forward. “The acquisition of The Huffington Post will create a next-generation American media company with global reach that combines content, community, and social experiences for consumers,” said Tim Armstrong, Chairman and CEO of AOL. “Together, our companies will embrace the digital future and become a digital destination that delivers unmatched experiences for both consumers and advertisers.” Armstrong continued, “Arianna is a singularly passionate and dedicated champion of innovative journalistic engagement, and a master of the art of using new media to illuminate, entertain and enhance the national conversation. Arianna is a remarkable person and she will continue to create remarkable outcomes for the combined company.” Ensco ESV announced it would be buying Pride International PDE, to create an oil services giant to compete with the likes of Halliburton HAL, Schlumberger Limited. SLB, and others. The deal values Pride at $41.60 per share, a 21% premium to Friday's close. Ensco plc's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dan Rabun, stated, "The combination is an ideal strategic fit, as our rig types, markets, customers and expertise complement each other with minimal overlap. Pride has gained valuable expertise building and operating ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles and drillships and has strong relationships with leading customers in Brazil and West Africa, two of the fastest-growing deepwater markets in the world. Ensco is a leading provider of premium jackups and ultra-deepwater semisubmersible rigs with a major presence in the North Sea, Southeast Asia, North America and the Middle East. Together, we will form an even stronger company that is ideally positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities within our industry." Beckman Coulter, Inc. BEC is being acquired by Danaher DHR for $83.50 per share in cash. This comes after the company put itself up for sale back in December. Legendary investor Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway BRK purchased the rest of Wesco WSC it didn't already own. This amounted to 19.9% of the company. Berkshire, which is a conglomerate of different businesses, first purchased a majority stake in the company in 1983. With all this deal activity going, on the Bangles song should be renamed. Maybe not, but it would be catchy if it were.