Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. (SYNO) (NAUH) (NSPR) (PT) Get New Coverage

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYNO), National American University Holdings (NASDAQ: NAUH), INSpire Insurance (NASDAQ: NSPR) and Portugal Telecom, SGPS (NYSE: PT) getting new coverage.

Wunderlich initiated coverage on National American University Holdings (NAUH). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $13.00 on the company.

Benchmark Co. initiated coverage on INSpire Insurance (NSPR). They placed a “Buy” rating and a price target of $4.00 on the company.

Credit Suisse initiated coverage on Portugal Telecom, SGPS (PT). They placed a “Neutral” rating on the company.

Stifel Nicolaus initiated coverage on Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. (SYNO). They placed a “Hold” rating on the company.

Merck (MRK) Acquiring Inspire for $430 Million

Merck (NYSE:MRK) announced it is acquiring Inspire Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ISPH) for approximately $430 million, citing the goal of expanding its product portfolio with treatments related to eye conditions.

The major product offered by Inspire is its pinkeye treatment Azasite.

Merck's offer is for $5 a share, a 26 percent premium over Monday's closing price.

The board of directors of Inspire has recommended shareholders in the company approve the deal.

Inspire was trading at $4.96, gaining $0.98, or 24.50 percent, as of 11:32 AM EDT. Merck was trading at $33.07, dropping $0.20, or 0.60 percent.