51.   The purchase sparked hopes that more financial companies will combine to boost profits and cut costs.

52.   The statement sent the stock of both companies surging, suggesting investors believe the companies will combine.

53.   The two companies have combined their sports interests into a partnership in the FX cable channel.

54.   The two companies will combine their advertising teams now located in New York, London and Singapore.

55.   The two companies would combine only back-room operations like finance and human resources.

56.   The two companies already have combined their U.S. wireless operations.

57.   The two companies already have combined their wireless operations.

58.   The transaction would be a merger since mutual insurance companies combine their assets into one fund, rather than the larger company buying the second, analysts said.

59.   The two companies simply combine their expenses and revenues and go forward, with no impact on the bottom line.

60.   These companies are combining with the view that bigger is better, as they try to slash costs while moving into new markets.