51.   The paper said the companies began discussing the merger during the spring, citing people familiar with the talks.

52.   The two companies have been discussing a merger for about three weeks, the executives said.

53.   The two had discussed a merger in the past, but nothing had come of it.

54.   TSB Chairman Sir Nicholas Goodison said the bank has received no approaches from other banks or financial institutions since it began discussing a merger with Lloyds Bank.

55.   Two other drug stocks, Warner Lambert and Schering Plough, also gained after word they were discussing a merger.

56.   While neither exchange would comment on whether they were going to discuss a merger, members of both exchanges say a presentation is likely.

57.   Also on Monday, Telecom Italia board of directors was due to meet to discuss the merger.

58.   Bank officers disclosed Monday that they had been discussing the merger for two years.

59.   CONSOLIDATION of the financial services sector is gaining momentum, with insurance bosses said to have met recently to discuss mergers.

60.   Coca Cola Beverages PLC acknowledged the merger was being discussed, but neither company would comment further.