71.   A merger would be the biggest in Swiss banking history and would come amid a consolidation in the global banking industry.

72.   A new law prevents companies from claiming some pre-merger losses on their franchise taxes after a merger is complete.

73.   A North West-Norweb merger would be the first British combination utility, although there is speculation that a counterbid may emerge, perhaps from a U.S. company.

74.   A merger is the latest idea put forward by Blanc to restore the finances of the two companies.

75.   A merger with Seagram is the most likely eventual partnership, the people said.

76.   A merger would be a big first step toward reducing overcapacity in the Swiss banking industry.

77.   A merger would be the biggest in Swiss banking history and comes amid a consolidation throughout the global banking industry.

78.   A settlement prevents the court from ruling on whether such a merger was legal under the antitrust laws.

79.   A UniChem-Lloyds merger would be slightly larger than a Gehe-Lloyds combination.

80.   A year and a half into the new era, it is clear that the mergers have been hugely profitable for investors.