61.   The move comes amid a wave of consolidation as banks buy other banks to cut costs and offer a broader range of services to customers.

62.   The stock price of Fleet Financial Group shot up briefly Friday on speculation the Boston-based bank would be bought by a larger bank.

63.   The stock has benefited in recent weeks from speculation that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya of Spain may buy the bank.

64.   Their stock prices have run up during the bull market, making it possible for them to buy banks for stock without diluting the earnings of existing shareholders.

65.   They bought a bank.

66.   Three Chilean banks have also announced plans to buy Argentine banks.

67.   Three of the Mexican entrepreneurs who bought banks from the state are facing criminal charges for huge frauds.

68.   Trade in IHD, which is negotiating to buy the bank from its parent, was suspended.

69.   Traders are banking on its global growth potential, as it buys banks in Latin America to add to its operations in Europe, Asia and the U.S.

70.   U.S. funds and domestic institutions were buying banks today, traders said.