71.   The merger comes amid a wave of large bank deals.

72.   The two banks expect the merger to come into effect in the coming months.

73.   They expect the merger to come into effect in the second quarter.

74.   The merger comes in the wake of sweeping reforms in telecommunications legislation, approved by President Clinton in February.

75.   The merger came as shipping firms worldwide battle pressure to reduce costs and boost efficiency in a soft marine market.

76.   The merger comes at a time of increasing consolidation in the US banking industry.

77.   The merger comes with the government under attack for its economic policies amid a recession and could destabilise the coalition.

78.   The merger came six months after the collapse of talks for an alliance between BT and Cable and Wireless.