1.   Although individual companies have such a provision, no state has ever made it law, covering all publicly traded companies incorporated there.

2.   And that, say Japanese concerns from electronics makers to trading companies, gives companies in those countries a leg up.

3.   And, until last month, private businesses were totally forbidden from exporting their products, but had to sell them to government trading companies for export.

4.   Another bill passed this week would make it harder for investors and stockholders to bring fraud suits against stockbrokers and publicly traded companies.

5.   Apprehension heightened after a major Japanese food trading company, Toshoku Ltd., filed last week for court protection from its creditors.

6.   As politicians scramble to return contributions from Enron, the failing energy trading company, the advocates of limiting money in politics say their cause has been reinvigorated.

7.   At the advice of some securities trading companies, the exchange is putting in more video-conferencing capability, so that trading companies and clients can meet electronically.

8.   Blethen said the estate tax benefits publicly traded companies at the expense of family-owned businesses.

9.   Both companies are traded on Nasdaq.

10.   Both rating agencies have come under criticism for not being quick enough to identify problems at Enron, the bankrupt energy trading company.