Benzinga's M&A Chatter for Monday February 11, 2013

The following are the M&A deals, rumors and chatter circulating on Wall Street for Monday February 11, 2013: Hearing Interest Waning in Gardner Denver as Takeover Target The Rumor:
Shares of Gardner Denver GDI tumbled on a report from Deal Reporter that interest in the company from potential bidders is weakening. In December, there were reports of a possible $4 billion bid from SPX SPW, but those reportedly ended without a deal. A spokesperson for Gardner Denver declined comment on the report. Gardner Denver closed at $68.68 Monday, a loss of 2% on 3.5 times average volume. Report Carlyle Group Approached Nasdaq in Bid to Take Private The Rumor:
Shares of Nasdaq OMX NDAQ spiked higher on reports it was approached by Carlye Group CG to take it private. Reuters reports the two sides spoke, but the talks fell apart. A spokesperson for the Nasdaq declined comment on the rumor. A Carlyle Group spokesperson was not available for comment. Nasdaq OMX Group closed at $30.38 Monday, a gain of 3% on 5 times average volume. Rexnord Hires Goldman Sachs to Help Explore Strategic Alternatives The Strategic Review:
Rexnord Corporation RXN announced Monday that its Board of Directors has initiated a review of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value and has engaged Goldman, Sachs and Co. to serve as its financial adviser in that process. The alternatives considered could include the possible sale of the Company, the possible sale of one or both of its business platforms or the maintenance of the current structure and execution of the existing business strategy. Rexnord Corporation closed at $20.21 Monday, a loss of $0.08 on average volume. Hearing Renewed Takeover Chatter in First Solar The Strategic Review:
Share of First Solar FSLR rose Monday on renewed takeover chatter. GE GE, frequently mentioned as a potential suitor, is rumored to be bidding $40 per share. Siemens SI is also frequently mentioned as a possible buyer. All the parties have denied the rumors in the past. First Solar closed at $32.36 Monday, a gain of 6.5% on average volume. VMware to Acquire Virsto The Strategic Review:
VMware VMW announced Monday it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Virsto Software, a Sunnyvale, Calif.-based provider of software that optimizes storage performance and utilization in virtual environments. The acquisition is scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2013. VMware closed at $77.04 Monday, a loss of 2.71% on 1.5 times average volume.