Squawk Pod 5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 1/9/26
Jan 9, 2026
Today’s market highlights include Merck’s ambitious plan to acquire cancer drugmaker Revolution Medicines for up to $32 billion. Saks is reportedly on the brink of securing over $1 billion in bankruptcy financing. Meanwhile, fitness tracking app Strava is set to confidentially file for an IPO. In entertainment, Paramount Skydance is looking to partner strategically with MTV. Lastly, NASA is bringing a crew home early from the ISS due to a serious medical condition onboard.
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Major Pharma Deal And ISS Medical Evacuation
- Merck reportedly in talks to acquire Revolution Medicines for $28–$32 billion, a major pharma move that could close in weeks.
- NASA will return a crew early after a serious medical condition aboard the ISS, details still unclear.
Deal Would Be Biggest Pharma Acquisition Recently
- Financial Times reports a Merck-Revolution Medicines deal would be the largest pharma acquisition in nearly three years if completed.
- AbbVie denied separate talks, highlighting competitive interest in RevMed.
Strava IPO And Saks Financing Moves
- Strava is confidentially preparing an IPO filing according to sources, signaling renewed appetite for consumer fitness tech listings.
- Saks may be nearing a bankruptcy financing package exceeding $1 billion as owners seek restructuring options.