21.   Analysts thought that the Brazilian government would let regional electricity companies compete to sell energy over a nationwide grid that would remain under state control, Binder said.

22.   As a result, reinsurance companies must compete for a relatively limited amount of profit, analysts said.

23.   As in the commercial airline market, though, when the companies have competed recently for defense work, McDonnell has suffered.

24.   As the economy roars and companies compete for ever-more-expensive advertising spots on TV, radio, and billboards, many have begun looking for alternatives.

25.   As the walls around the world disappear, companies can increasingly compete everywhere.

26.   Ballmer said Microsoft will continue investing in cable companies, an alternative provider of high-speed Internet access, even though those companies compete with Verizon.

27.   Because the companies do not compete for the same customers, the merger is not expected to encounter antitrust problems.

28.   Because regional and local companies compete for a relatively smaller pool of potential customers, they pay more attention to keeping the customers that they have happy.

29.   Beyond the basic functions, companies are competing by developing new games, gimmicks and features.

30.   Both Brock and Ocean Energy Chief Executive James Flores said the improved financial standing makes it easier for the company to compete against larger oil companies.