McDonald's sells most of its China business; Fiat Chrysler invests big in US; VCA shares are howling on Mars deal

Here are some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today.

McDonald’s (MCD) is selling 20-year rights for 80% of its business in China and Hong Kong to investors led by state-owned Chinese conglomerate CITIC and The Carlyle Group. The deal is valued at about $2.1 billion. McDonald’s has more than 2,400 restaurants in China and about 240 in Hong Kong. The new partnership plans to add 1,500 stores over the next five years.

Surgical Affiliates (SCAI) shares were sharply higher in early trading. UnitedHealth (UNH) is buying the outpatient surgery chain for $2.3 billion in cash and stock. The deal will help United Health expand its footprint by growing its roster of clinics and doctors.

Merrimack Pharmaceuticals (MACK) shares surged this morning. The pharma company is selling some of its key cancer drugs to French drugmaker Ipsen for up to $1 billion. The deal will give Merrimack the resources to fund the development of other cancer treatments. Separately, the company said it would slash about 80% of its workforce, or about 320 jobs.

VCA (WOOF) shares are howling this morning. Privately-held Mars is buying the pet health care company in a deal valued at around $7.7 billion, or $93 a share. That’s a 31% premium for the company based on Friday’s closing price of $70.77. The deal will help Mars expand its pet care business, which includes Banfield Pet Hospital and brands such as Iams and Natura.

Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) announced it will invest $1 billion to upgrade plants in Ohio and Michigan, creating 2,000 new jobs. The news comes after Ford (F) scrapped plans to build a plant in Mexico and said it will invest $700 million in a factory in Michigan instead. All this, as the auto industry deals with criticism from Donald Trump—and his threats of slapping tariffs on cars made in Mexico.