11.   Other drugmakers also rose on what analysts said was optimism they too could join the merger trend in the drug industry, thereby cutting costs and boosting earnings.

12.   Several large employers said the merger trend had not paid off in better care.

13.   While the privately held firm has had discussions about joining the merger trend, the partners have chosen to remain independent.

14.   With the merger trend beginning to go willy-nilly, however, many of these combinations will prove to be senseless.

15.   Ltd. Local telecommunications companies will inevitably submit themselves to merger trends, just like in other countries, according to stock and securities analysts.

16.   Despite concerns about increasing consolidation, the rapidly changing global marketplace and technology improvements are making it difficult to assess the impact of the merger trend, Blair said.

17.   The merger trend is extending beyond the blue-collar fields, with the National Education Association recently voting to resume talks with the rival American Federation of Teachers.