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Today’s headlines
Spending rebates won't be too taxing
The government hopes the $300 check you'll get makes a difference, but many are underwhelmed.

Business today
MEDICAL DEVICES FIELD NARROWS: Two multibillion dollar acquisitions are the latest in a wave of consolidation in the medical device industry. Medtronic Inc. of Minneapolis, the world's largest medical device manufacturer, said it will buy MiniMed Inc. and Medical Research Group Inc. for $3.7-billion to gain presence in the fast-growing diabetes market. ConTyco International Ltd., a Trenton, N.J., maker of electronics, security systems and medical products, will buy health-care products manufacturer C.R. Bard of Murray Hill, N.J., for about $3.2-billion. The deal will give Tyco a range of products including a new hernia repair treatment and products to treat prostate cancer.

Industry murkiness envelops Tech Data
The Clearwater company beats an earnings estimate, but its sales slump is expected to continue.