11.   And chief executives at Nationsbank, BankAmerica Corp. and Banc One Corp. are all intent on establishing the first coast-to-coast banking operation by acquiring smaller banks.

12.   And the study by the U.S. Public Interest Group showed the gap between fees charged by large banks and those charged by smaller banks is widening.

13.   And, while smaller banks may continue to benefit from takeovers, the prices at which these deals are struck might be disappointing.

14.   As for smaller local banks, Walde advised steering clear.

15.   As a practical matter smaller banks are reviewed on average about every three years.

16.   As U.S. banks accumulate enormous franchises through consolidation, smaller banks are under pressure to get bigger so they can remain independent or to seek a buyer.

17.   As the banking business becomes more competitive, Ackor argued, smaller banks will find it more difficult to keep boosting their earnings.

18.   As U.S. banks accumulate enormous franchises through consolidation, smaller banks are under pressure to get bigger so they can remain independent or seek a buyer.

19.   At the same time, hundreds of smaller banks are being forced to decide whether to stay in business or attract the highest price in a buyout.

20.   At the same time, hundreds of smaller banks are being forced to decide whether to stay in business or attract the highest price they can in a buyout.