The Largest M&A Spreads On The Market

The largest spread in the market today is the 180 percent spread in the price of Williams Companies Inc WMB, which had agreed to a buyout at $43.50 by Energy Transfer Equity LP ETE that was expected to close by the end of June 2016. Clearly the massive spread indicates that the market has its doubts about the deal.
 

Related Link: Alibaba-Groupon Merger 'Likely,' Says Report
 

The nearest potential closing date on the list is the acquisition of Vivint Solar Inc VSLR by Sunedison Inc SUNE for $15.25, a deal that was expected to close by the end of March. With Sunedison’s stock now trading below $1.50 and Vivin't spread 163.3 percent, the market doesn’t seem to have much faith in this deal as well.
 

In addition to the two deals mentioned above, Staples, Inc. SPLS’s potential buyout of Office Depot Inc ODP, Brookfield Infrastructure’s potential deal for Niska Gas Storage Partners LLC NKA and Halliburton Company HAL's potential acquisition of Baker Hughes Incorporated BHI round out the top five largest M&A spreads.
 

Disclosure: the author is long Halliburton.