Easing crude oil prices lifted the markets to a higher open with the Dow climbing 71 points to 12,161. Nasdaq gained 16 points to 2762.

On the upside

China Security & Surveillance Technology (NYSE: CSR) received a $6.50 per share cash offer from former chairman and chief executive Guoshen Tu to take the company private.

Bloomberg reported that Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) may purchase Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile business by giving Deutsche a stake in Sprint.

Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) reported higher fourth quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates as margins increased and the sporting goods retailer forecast 2011 results ahead of expectations.

On the downside