11.   The Germans did not want the E.U. to leave German companies vulnerable to hostile bids.

12.   The precipitous drop concentrated its biggest losses to small technology companies more vulnerable to a Nasdaq decline.

13.   The potential payout is less than many Archer Daniels investors had feared, since price-fixing cases leave companies vulnerable to tripled damages.

14.   Vulnerable companies include those in the chemical, basic materials and capital equipment industries.

15.   Vickers last week fell, leaving the company vulnerable to a bid, according to the Sunday Times.