11.   Time was that takeover fights could drag on interminably, racking up mind-numbing lists of white knights, counter bids and court rulings.

12.   But dealers said that news of the planned merger had not ruled out a counter bid for the US company.

13.   It, too, said Dresdner Bank was planning a counter bid.

14.   SARFU will make counter bids with an improved package of financial rewards drawn up by July, said Griffith.

15.   The company is believed to be looking for a so-called white knight counter bid.