Tag - Evvv

Virtual Radiologic Corp. (Nasdaq:VRAD), Heartland Financial USA Inc. (Nasdaq:HTLF) and Meritage Homes Corp. (Nasdaq:MTH) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Destination Maternity Corp. (Nasdaq:DEST), Parexel International Corporation (Nasdaq:PRXL), Hexcel Corp. (Nasdaq:HXL), ev3 Inc. (Nasdaq:EVVV), Quaker Chemical Corp. (Nasdaq:KWR) and Intevac Inc. (Nasdaq:IVAC).

Center Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:CNBC), Retalix Ltd. (Nasdaq:RTLX) and DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Ceradyne Inc. (Nasdaq:CRDN), TeleCommunication Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:TSYS), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), Ariba Inc. (Nasdaq:ARBA), Axsys Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:AXYS) and ev3 Inc. (Nasdaq:EVVV).

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) have added to their morning gains. At 1:55 p.m. ET the small-cap index was up 3.19 points, or 0.38%, to 839.63. The Dow had climbed 100.31 points, or 0.72%, to 13,951.39.

The strength is generally stemming from merger news.

Limerick, Pa.-based Teleflex Inc. (NYSE: TFX), which makes surgical instruments and vehicle parts, has agreed to buy medical devices maker Arrow International Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRO) for $2 billion in cash, or $45.50 a share.