31.   But town officials had plenty of complaints for the water company.

32.   But water companies - and many of their customers - are questioning whether the cleanup is worth it.

33.   By contrast, most other water companies generally rely on retailers to store and stock their products.

34.   Earlier, Suez acquired Calgon Corp., a Pittsburgh water company.

35.   ENGLISH-FRENCH WATER MERGER A French water company is buying a big British counterpart for the first time.

36.   Finally, two years ago, Hercules successfully bid for BetzDearborn, a huge water treatment company.

37.   Exton believes companies such as Mannesmann Mobilfunk, Deutsche Telekom and French water company Compagnie Generale des Eaux are interested in the U.K. telecommunications market.

38.   For local water companies, the delay at the environmental agency has meant a shortage of guidance when they need it most.

39.   French utility Generale des Eaux already owns Folkestone and District, a Kent water company based on the English south coast.

40.   Gainers were led by retail banks and SmithKline Beecham Plc, while water companies pulled the index down.