1.   They often acquired smaller competitors.

2.   Big banks are becoming huge by acquiring midsize competitors, and small banks are, well, staying small.

3.   Each company has sought to expand in recent years by acquiring competitors.

4.   If it wins Wachovia, First Union would acquire a competitor at a low price.

5.   One source close to the deal said Murray moved to acquire his competitor before anyone else did.

6.   Search Capital Group Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive George Evans confirmed that the Dallas-based auto lender is in talks to acquire a competitor.

7.   The largest mortgage processors, like Chase, Norwest and Countrywide Credit Industries Inc., can profitably acquire smaller competitors by folding new accounts into their own processing systems.

8.   This Nashville-based company is acquiring numerous competitors in the residential heating and air conditioning market.

9.   To grow, French retail companies must acquire competitors.

10.   With companies ruthlessly acquiring their competitors and downsizing their workforces, many students feel justified in saying one thing and doing another.