21.   Such a merger could face several hurdles.

22.   The Energy East-RGS merger may face intense scrutiny from regulators concerned about the effect on customers already smarting from energy price increases.

23.   The merger faced opposition from labor unions and some shareholders groups, who said the deal favored Billiton.

24.   The merger may face intense scrutiny from regulators, who are concerned about the impact on customers already smarting from energy price increases.

25.   The merger still faces a tough shareholder vote.

26.   The merger also faces opposition from some consumer groups and the Communications Workers of America.

27.   The merger still faces a tough shareholder vote, with Hewlett and Packard family interests opposing it.

28.   The merger faces some regulatory hurdles, some of which Redstone and Karmazin criticized.

29.   The proposed merger faces no other regulatory hurdles.