1.   Banks are combining at record pace, arguing that they must pair up to reduce costs or face acquisition by a rival.

2.   ITALIAN stocks are seen rising in the coming days amid speculation more banks will combine, strengthening the financial services industry.

3.   Symbols representing layoff notices, system switches and other milestones chart the integration of every major systems and business the banks are combining.

4.   The banks are combining at a time when the banking industry is going through a wave of mergers.

5.   The bank also is combining its wholesale and commercial banking operations, which serve large and mid-sized companies respectively.

6.   The bank has combined forces with others to participate in the mortgage business and the credit card business.

7.   A continuation of bank mergers will also drive branch closings, as banks combine and shut overlapping offices, Woosley said.

8.   With the long term outlook for revenue growth clouded by competition, banks are combining forces to get more customers and expand into new markets.