Two all-equity firms are exploring a merger opportunity with the potential to create $360,000 of synergy. The acquirer has agreed to pay $42 in cash for each of the 40,000 shares outstanding of the target firm. However, the targets shares are currently trading for $35. Also, there are 50,000 publicly traded shares of the acquiring firm, and each share is currently worth $48. What should be the price per share of the acquirer following the combination if the offer is accepted?

a. $47.20 b. $52.60 c. $49.60 d. $48.80 e. $42.40