June 9 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers,

acquisitions and disposals were reported by 0930 GMT on

Wednesday:

** Merck ( MRK ) is nearing a $10 billion deal to buy lung

diseases focussed Verona Pharma, as the U.S. drugmaker

is eyeing deals to offset the upcoming patent expiry of its

blockbuster cancer drug, the Financial Times reported.

** Uniper said it would sell its 18.26% shareholding

stake in AS Latvijas Gaze to Energy Investments SIA, as the

German utility fulfills one of the conditions of a government

bailout it received in 2022.

** Italy's Leonardo has agreed to buy Sweden's

Axiomatics, a source told Reuters , marking a further step in

the company's efforts to expand its cybersecurity business.

** Tokio Marine Group's corporate member, Tokio Marine

Underwriting Limited (TMUL), has launched an offer to buy out

Names capacity on Syndicate 510, three senior market sources

told The Insurer.

** Parcel locker firm InPost has acquired Spanish

delivery company Sending to enhance its presence in the Iberian

Peninsula and integrate the 24-hour door-to-door delivery

service previously provided by Sending, it said.

** Meta Platforms ( META ) has acquired a nearly 3% stake in

eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica, a source told Reuters

on Tuesday, amid growing consumer interest in AI-powered

wearable devices.

(Compiled by Rajarshi Roy and Katha Kalia in Bengaluru)