Mergers and acquisitions lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow rising 28 points to 11,852. Nasdaq edged up a point to 2688.
On the upside
Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR) will acquire Massey Energy (NYSE: MEE) in a cash and stock deal valued at approximately $7.1 billion.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Depomed's (Nasdaq: DEPO) once daily treatment for shingles Gralise.
