1.   Hopes that political stability will encourage a bout of takeover activity, directed attention at all the old bid chestnuts.

2.   Analysts said they expected further takeover activity and consolidation.

3.   Arbitragers also expect the IBM bid to unleash more takeover activity, further lifting the stock prices of software companies.

4.   CANADIAN stocks rose, sent higher by Bank of Nova Scotia as takeover activity in the financial industry prompted expectations of higher corporate profits.

5.   Drug company shares have had a run in recent months, largely because of takeover activity in the industry.

6.   French stocks rose, fueled by optimism takeover activity in the retail industry will boost earnings at Promodes SA and Carrefour SA.

7.   Moreover, while the Citicorp-Travelers deal signals that virtually any sort of financial services business is fair game, some sectors may see less takeover activity.

8.   Never before has takeover activity been so high among small companies, he said.

9.   Other firms that have been active in takeover activity include Penn West Petroleum Ltd. which recently raised the stakes in a bidding war for Northern Reef Exploration Ltd.

10.   Still, investors are finding buying opportunities in the financial services group amid a spate of takeover activity.