31.   Under prevailing antitrust doctrine, the burden of proof that a merger would result in higher prices rests with Washington.

32.   Pakhoed and Van Ommeren said they expect the merger to result in cost-cutting economies of scale.

33.   Already, the merger has resulted in Dell Computer Corp looking for global service providers to replace Digital.

34.   But consumer advocates warned that the merger could result in less competition and ultimately boost bank fees and inconvenience customers whose branches end up being closed.

35.   Defense officials told Newsday that the Lockheed Martin merger will result in lower costs in the long term.

36.   GE spokesman Gary Sheffer confirmed that the merger would result in layoffs, as the company has said in the past.

37.   If the European Commission finds a merger results in an unfair advantage it may disallow the merger or order changes in the venture.

38.   It was not clear if the merger would result in any job losses.

39.   The executives also declined to say whether the merger will result in layoffs.

40.   The companies said in a statement that the merger would result in better growth opportunities, improved efficiency and development of energy exploration and production.