21.   There is also the possibility of companies shedding assets as well as buying them.

22.   This year, Times Mirror has shed assets to focus on its newspapers, which include the Baltimore Sun and Newsday on Long Island, N.Y.

23.   Viacom Inc., seeking to shed redundant assets and reduce debt, is looking for a buyer for its majority stake in Spelling Entertainment Group Inc.

24.   And the trend was set to continue, with another strong year forecast for the Australian merger and acquisition sector as businesses shed non-strategic assets.

25.   Larger firms can shed assets and close unprofitable business units during bad times.

26.   Still, the company may not have to shed any assets if the FCC relaxes that rule within the next two years.

27.   Other assets are being shed to reimburse creditors.

28.   The analyst added most property firms were scrambling to shed assets to raise cash, but that some may not be able to raise enough money in time.