21.   But he had not shown the vision to put together the kind of deal the company so badly wanted to propel it into the top ranks of megabanks.

22.   But Ms. Flanigan has yet to join the top rank of singers in terms of visibility, recording opportunities and clout.

23.   But the takeover of Bankers Trust will not catapult Deutsche Bank into the top ranks of American investment banks, a goal Breuer has long had in his sights.

24.   But there is division in its top ranks.

25.   But, Ms. Jahan said, penetrating the top ranks is another matter.

26.   Corruption is hardly a new phenomenon within the top ranks of the military.

27.   Despite its top-yielding fund, Strong is not in the top ranks of money fund companies.

28.   Deng himself was ousted from the top ranks of the Chinese Communist leadership three times and each time bounced back until, finally, he alone held supreme power.

29.   Dr. DeBakey was reluctant to say that a hostile climate toward women had kept Dr. Swain and other able women from the top ranks.

30.   Each is run by, or includes in its top ranks, former Fidelity fund managers or analysts.