21.   The MFS-UUnet merger comes on the heels of two other multibillion-dollar unions in communications and computer services since last Monday.

22.   The Mead merger comes at a time when local corporate support for the arts is declining, said James M. Clark, president and CEO of Culture Works.

23.   The merger came as a result of the two companies seeking to keep pace in the highly competitive world of personal computers.

24.   The merger comes amid a wave of consolidation in the banking and thrift industries, as companies seek to reach more customers at lower cost to boost profits.

25.   The merger comes amid pressure for European banks to cut costs as competition in credit services rises.

26.   The merger comes amid pressure for European banks to cut costs because of rising competition.

27.   The merger comes as drugmakers scramble to shave costs and increase market share.

28.   The merger comes as other major drug companies fight to maintain market share amid intensifying competition.

29.   The merger comes at a time when utilities are increasingly joining forces to cut costs and brace for competition.

30.   The merger comes with share-price conditions.