61.   Daimler-Benz Chairman Juergen E. Schrempp and Chrysler Chairman Robert J. Eaton planned to discuss the merger at a press conference later Thursday in London.

62.   DnB invited Storebrand to discuss a merger last year in hopes of blocking a takeover by the Finnish banking and insurance group Sampo.

63.   Domestic news media said more banks were discussing mergers.

64.   Earlier this week the bookselling giant denied a report in The Wall Street Journal saying the two companies were discussing a merger.

65.   Earlier this year, Alekperov denied reports that Lukoil and Sidanko were discussing a merger.

66.   He and DirecTV chairman Eddy Hartenstein planned to meet Tuesday with House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Billy Tauzin, a Louisiana Republican, to discuss the merger.

67.   In a development that could reshape the auto industry, Chrysler Corp. and the German carmaker that makes the Mercedes-Benz confirmed Wednesday they are discussing a merger.

68.   Japan Airlines spokesman Geoffrey Tudor said Sunday he could not confirm whether the two companies were discussing a merger.

69.   Last September, Apple and IBM executives met twice in Chicago to discuss a merger.

70.   Major commercial banks are discussing more mergers as the government is offering tax benefits and debt write-offs as incentives.