Stratasys (SSYS.O) for now prefers a merger with peer Desktop Metal (DM.N), but a sweetened bid from Nano Dimension (2N5By.F) complicates matters. A simpler two-dimensional financial analysis suggests a snubbed offer from 3D Systems (DDD.N) may wind up the best option. The company’s nominees favor the Desktop Metal deal, while Nano’s back the alternative transaction. On May 25, Stratasys agreed to combine with Desktop Metal in an all-stock deal valued at $1.8 billion. On the same day, 3D Systems offered to buy Stratasys for $7.50 a share in cash and 1.3223 3D Systems shares for each Stratasys share.

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Persons: Stratasys, Nano’s, Jeff Graves, Jeffrey Goldfarb, Sharon Lam Organizations: YORK, Reuters, Systems, Desktop, Twitter, Thomson