- Unsurprisingly, Alere (ALR +0.7%) stockholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of a merger with Abbott (ABT -1.1%) in a special meeting. Over 98% of the votes cast (representing 77% of the company's outstanding shares) backed the $56/share transaction. Yesterday's close was $44.10.
- The companies announced the deal in January but it became a bit wobbly when a rash of problems arose at Alere including dodgy billing practices, inappropriate revenue recognition and a government inquiry into its marketing and billing practices. The firms have agreed to engage a mediator to settle their differences.
- Read now: Merger Arbitrage - Alere And Abbott