41.   But one by one, those small companies have been acquired by larger providers, making Sonic the sole survivor, Jasper said.

42.   But several analysts said they expected Sara Lee to continue to move aggressively in acquiring smaller companies.

43.   But they may lack the ability or desire to draw the interest of investment bankers, who would help them grow by cutting deals to acquire new companies.

44.   By having his company acquired, FitzGerald thought he was getting rid of all his financial headaches, but it turns out not to be quite that simple.

45.   By taking over Roussel, Hoechst is acquiring a company that has seen its profits rise steadily over the last year.

46.   Cisco, whose fortunes rose and fell mercurially with the Internet bubble, is acquiring companies at a markedly slower pace.

47.   Cisco acquires companies with big revenue potential and then helps them meet that potential by integrating the new companies into their marketing and sales juggernaut.

48.   Citigroup says it has changed lending practices at Associates since it acquired the company.

49.   Cisco has thrived by acquiring companies with valuable technology and then turning that technology into products customers can buy.

50.   CMGI signed a deal to acquire the company earlier this year.