21.   It was unclear how many, if any, jobs might be eliminated following a merger, although typically consolidation occurs at the company being acquired.

22.   Jill Grossman, a spokeswoman, said Burgess had been blocked from selling shares following the merger.

23.   Lockheed Martin, for instance, will have leading positions in everything from missiles to air traffic control following its merger with Loral.

24.   Others said the intense battles of the years immediately following the merger have dissipated, largely because the most dissatisfied employees have moved on.

25.   Other investors said the change only increases the difficulties facing Terra Lycos following the merger.

26.   Poor service was the leading reason cited by a third of customers who defected following a merger.

27.   Santander became the largest shareholder in First Union following its merger in June with First Fidelity Bancorporation.

28.   That could all change following the merger.

29.   That followed the merger of the old ValuJet and Orlando-based AirTran Airways, and the formation of a new holding company, AirTran Holdings Inc.

30.   The antitrust laws are supposed to protect consumers from price hikes that could follow corporate mergers.