11.   The fund created Banco Popular y de los Andes earlier this year when it merged two banks - Banco Popular and Banco de los Andes.

12.   The Japanese government has promised to close or merge banks that have been weakened by bad loans, but few large banks have actually shut their doors.

13.   The LDP suggested the bank be merged with Export-Import Bank of Japan.

14.   Thousands of middle-class people have lost their jobs in downsizings by blue-chip companies and merged banks.

15.   Also in the forefront are closing, recapitalizing or merging weak banks and implementing new laws to create a sounder banking system.

16.   Another ruling-party official suggested merging the bank with the government-affiliated Japan Development Bank.

17.   Bank of Boston and Corestates failed Saturday to come up with a plan to merge their banks.

18.   Malaysian shares close higher, boosted by a plan to merge Malaysian banks.

19.   President Kim Dae-jung has promised to merge banks to make them more efficient.

20.   Talks are now being held to merge the bank and accept a minority position.