11.   Aztar was the subject of takeover speculation earlier this year, but that has faded with the increased competition among casino operators in Atlantic City.

12.   BankBoston declined to comment on takeover speculation Wednesday.

13.   Banks rose amid takeover speculation.

14.   Banks, such as Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., gained amid takeover speculation and falling bond yields.

15.   Because of its thin financial cushion, the company had been the subject of takeover speculation for years.

16.   Bank shares could advance, boosted by renewed takeover speculation.

17.   Banks got an additional boost from takeover speculation.

18.   Before the latest takeover speculation began, the stock had been performing poorly compared with rivals.

19.   BELGIAN stocks rose as takeover speculation boosted Banque Bruxelles Lambert SA, while a stronger dollar supported dollar-earners such as Delhaize-Le Lion SA.

20.   Besecker and other analysts said they discount any takeover speculation.