Wall Street's M&A Chatter From December 21

The following are the M&A deals, rumors and chatter circulating on Wall Street for Wednesday December 21, 2016.

Actelion Johnson & Johnson Confirm Exclusive Discussion

The Confirmation:

Johnson & Johnson JNJ confirmed it has entered into exclusive negotiations with Actelion Ltd. ALIOF regarding a potential transaction. The companies confirmed on December 13 that discussions had ended.

JNJ closed at $115.31 on Wednesday, down $0.35.

Source Tells Benzinga 8x8 Board Initiated Process to Find a Buyer

The Rumor:

Shares of 8x8, Inc. EGHT spiked as high as $15.45 on Wednesday, as Benzinga reported that the company's Board of Directors has started a process to find a buyer, according to a source. However, the source said that no buyers have come forward.

8x8 closed Wednesday at $14.25, down 3.39 percent.

Linde, Praxair Confirm Intention to Merge

The Merger Confirmation:

Linde AG LNEGY and Praxair, Inc. PX confirmed the companies will combine in a merger of equals in an all-stock transaction. Linde shareholders will receive 1.540 shares in a new holding company for each Linde share exchanged and Praxair shareholders will receive one share in the new holding company for each Praxair share they own.

Shareholders of each company wil own approximately 50 percent of the combined company.

Praxair closed Wednesday at $118.00, down 3.75 percent.

RPM to Acquire Dutch Coatings Company SPS Group

The Deal:

RPM International Inc. RPM announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Dutch Coatings Company SPS Group. Terms were not disclosed.

RPM closed Wednesday at $54.01, down $0.12.