51.   The mergers come as banks throughout Europe, particularly in countries with fragmented systems such as Italy and Germany, prepare for greater competition as financial barriers fall Europewide.

52.   The mergers come during a record year for such transactions, suggesting to investors stocks have room to rise.

53.   The planned merger comes during afrenzy of big food company combinations, in which food makers are trying to bolster their growth prospects through acquisitions and global power plays.

54.   The proposed merger comes amid stirrings of change.

55.   The proposed merger had come under intense scrutiny by the agency.

56.   The possible merger comes two months after passage of a sweeping telecommunications law designed to increase competition among phone and cable companies.

57.   The proposed merger comes at a time when profit margins have been shrinking in mortgage banking.

58.   The proposed merger comes less than a year after Rubin pulled Ryka from near bankruptcy after a proposed merger with L.A. Gear fell through.

59.   Nevertheless, the merger comes at a crucial time for Warner and EMI.

60.   Rumored since last month, the blockbuster merger comes amid a wave of consolidation in the industry.