41.   To strengthen its capital base, Fokker said it is negotiating a rescue package with Daimler Benz and the Dutch government.

42.   With a weak capital base, large international Japanese banks have been trimming their lending to meet capital requirements set by the Bank for International Settlements.

43.   Without the capital base of larger companies, small businesses also would find it harder to absorb the wage increase.

44.   With a weak capital base, Japanese banks must grant fewer loans both in Japan and overseas.

45.   A good way to work around this issue is to expand the capital base and bring in a partner to pick up the additional capital.

46.   Analysts said the company was trying to take advantage of rebounding interest to help shore up its capital base.

47.   But Shiokawa said the government cannot force banks to take in public money to shore up their capital base.

48.   But the two banks already have met their mid-year funding requirements and continue to accumulate funds to shore up their capital bases.

49.   Commercial banks are still trying to increase their capital base through mergers and by inviting new foreign and domestic investors.

50.   DC Finance is considering raising funds through a rights issue or a placement of new shares to increase its capital base and working capital.