Mergers and Acquisitions - Merck is funding its acquisition of Verona through the sale of investment-grade corporate bonds [1] Financial Activities - Merck is issuing investment-grade corporate bonds [1] Industry - The pharmaceutical industry sees Merck acquiring fellow drugmaker Verona [1]

Investment-Grade Bond Offerings - 14 firms, including CVS and a unit of Chevron, are offering US investment-grade bonds [1]

Market Dynamics - US pipeline operator Oneok and BMW are leading six companies selling investment-grade bonds [1] - Issuers are squeezing in more sales before the typical summer slowdown likely brings issuance to a halt later this month [1]