41.   A strong franc makes exports more expensive and makes it tougher for Swiss companies to compete internationally.

42.   Alatorre also said that the government is considering another plan that would allow private companies to compete with Pemex in the distribution of natural gas.

43.   All along, he said, the company has competed, grown and delivered big returns for shareholders.

44.   Both companies have been competing to sign up media companies to use their technology.

45.   Both companies will be competing with regional units of state-controlled Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras SA.

46.   Bush has proposed allowing private insurance companies to compete for Medicare clients, while Gore has proposed adding a subsidy for prescription drug coverage to the current Medicare plan.

47.   But a new law intended to let companies compete better with lower-wage nations is also increasing anxiety about job security.

48.   But as use of the Internet increases and telecommunications companies compete with a range of services, BellSouth must have a serious offering to be competitive, she said.

49.   But both companies compete fiercely in the market for desktop, notebook and handheld computers, and each has built strong brand names.

50.   But Hartley said that with the business model Dickinson is developing, he thinks the company can compete very effectively.