Crossword Genius

Touching on a merger with indifferent result (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apathetic

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'merger with indifferent result' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'touching on a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'touching' could be 'pathetic' (I've seen this before) and 'pathetic' is found within the answer.
'a' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apathetic that I've seen before include "Uncaring, uninterested" , "Having little interest, indifferent" , "Indifferent - without emotion" , "Showing no emotion or interest" , "Not interested" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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