8 Arbitrage Events To Watch Today

• U.S. futures were trading higher early Monday morning, implying U.S. equities will open higher.
• Investors and traders are focusing on M&A and large cross-border deal activities on Monday.
• The most notable deal consists of a $12.2 billion merger within the hotel and resorts group.

U.S. futures were trading slightly higher early Monday morning as investors and traders found a large amount of M&A and cross-border deals encouraging.

Here is a roundup of eight arbitrage stories investors should be aware of ahead of Monday's opening bell.

1. Ericsson (ADR) ERIC's CEO Hans Vestberg stated that while his company has been involved in a strategic partnership with Cisco Systems, Inc. CSCO, the conversation has never focused on a potential merger or acquisition.

2. Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (USA) CP's CEO Hunter Harrison met with Norfolk Southern Corp. NSC's CEO James Squires on Friday and discussed a number of scenarios, including a merger.

3. IAMGOLD Corp IAG confirmed the opening of its simplified public tender offer to acquire all the shares of EURO Ressources S.A. following the regulatory approval to do so by the French Market Authority.

4. Syngenta AG (ADR) SYT's shareholders are urging the company to initiate takeover talks with ChemChina. Last week, Syngenta turned down a proposed $42 billion takeover offer from ChemChina.

5. General Electric Company GE is in talks with the leasing arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Shinsei Bank to sell its $5 billion Japanese commercial lending business.

6. Goldman Sachs Group Inc GS and Thomas Lee Partners will have an equal participation in a consortium that will acquire GCA Services Group, a provider of janitors to U.S. public schools, for around $1 billion from Blackstone Group LP BX.

7. Altice, Cablevision's new owner (following a $17.7 billion takeover that is expected to close next year), is planning on expanding Cablevision's fiber-optic footprint to New York City.

8. Finally, and most notably, Marriott International Inc MAR has agreed to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc HOT in a $12.2 billion deal that values shares at $72.08.