1.   The move was the third major banking merger in five weeks.

2.   In France it seems mainly to have taken the form of rationalization during a major merger boom.

3.   The final policy was the encouragement of a major merger drive to promote rationalization.

4.   Analysts said they do not expect any major mergers among German banks this year.

5.   And he has challenged major mergers and alliances throughout Europe.

6.   And some businesses are using alliances as a pre-acquisition phase, to test out a relationship before they commit to a major merger.

7.   A Glaxo spokesman recalled that less than a month ago, company executives played down the likelihood of a major merger.

8.   But the SEC routinely reviews large option call contracts in major mergers, she said.

9.   Finance director Millard said the company would continue to seek growth through product acquisitions, although he stopped short of saying major mergers are on the horizon.

10.   For the second time in less than a week, heavy trading in call options preceded news of a major merger.