31.   The AOL and Time Warner merger took nearly everyone by surprise, including Atlanta-based MindSpring Enterprises.

32.   The bank merger took effect in September.

33.   The charge reflects the extreme overvaluation of Internet stocks at the turn of the millennium when the AOL Time Warner merger took place.

34.   The business leaders also moved quickly to cover their losses in case the merger takes place.

35.   The Federal Reserve Board is trying to ensure that if a merger takes place, there will be fair competition in the marketplace, Danielson said .

36.   The First Union-Wachovia merger would take a giant step forward if shareholders approve it.

37.   The merger may take a while to be completed.

38.   The merger will take place in April.

39.   The merger will take place when the American Tower Systems spinoff occurs.

40.   The merger itself will take place in April of next year.