91.   Both companies used the embattled accounting firm Arthur Andersen as auditor and consultant.

92.   But Andersen may be helped by the fact that there are now only five major accounting firms, a number reduced from eight by mergers in recent years.

93.   But because of the sudden consulting boon, never have the accounting firms been so involved in the day-to-day operations of some of their audit clients.

94.   But even those law firms are small compared with the five largest accounting firms.

95.   But lawyers not involved in this case say it is clear that documents should be preserved after an accounting firm learns of an official investigation.

96.   But many large trading organizations are built with inadequate resources to protect themselves against the damage some traders can do, accounting firms say.

97.   But not all recruitment consultants interviewed were critical of the way the accounting firm handled the large-scale cutbacks.

98.   But others are also working hard to make sure that they are in line to receive money from the accounting firm.

99.   But the accounting firms have argued that they can provide certain strategic advice and still remain objective.

100.   But the accounting firms will not say which companies made that request, although it is clearly important to shareholders.