Protestors across Europe expressed displeasure with their governments for bailing out banks while slashing pensions and raising taxes. U. S. markets opened lower with the Dow slipping 8 points to 10,849 while Nasdaq lost 11 points to 2368.
On the upside
Danaher (NYSE: DHR) will acquire Keithley Instruments (NYSE: KEI) in an all cash deal valued at approximately $300 million.
Newpark Resources (NYSE: NR) will offer up to $150 million in convertible senior notes.
Family Dollar Store (NYSE: FDO) reported higher fourth quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates as revenue rose and the discount retailer forecast 2011 results ahead of expectations.
On the downside
The Securities and Exchange Commission launched an inquiry into Green Mountain Coffee Roasters' (Nasdaq: GMCR) revenue accounting practices.
Apricus Biosciences (Nasdaq: APRI) priced its offering of more than 1.7 million units at $5.40 per unit.
The Madras High Court ordered Sterlite Industries (NYSE: SLT) to close its copper smelting plant in Tuticorin.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of 9 to 7 on the NYSE and by nearly 9 to 7 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks eased a point to 673.
