Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) could reach an agreement to acquire Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) in a potential cash-and-stock deal as early as this week. Read more here.

The combination of two large rail companies would create the first coast-to-coast network, but the deal could reduce competition.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are confirming they're in merger talks that would create North America’s largest railroad, stretching service from East to West Coasts.