1.   And it has spent the last two years on an acquisitions trail, seeking sectors that kept on growing and targeting the consumer.

2.   Ashanti has also been on the acquisition trail in recent months.

3.   Bankers Trust, which itself has been on the acquisition trail, buying James D. Wolfensohn Inc., an advisory firm, last year and then Alex.

4.   Both BofA and NationsBank have been on the acquisition trail before this.

5.   But for future growth, Ryan says, Prudential will eventually need to go on the acquisition trail, particularly in the money management field.

6.   During the same period, Dial, whose name stems from its well-known soaps, has also been on the acquisition trail.

7.   Even smaller, debt-heavy companies are sniffing at the acquisition trail, encouraged by investment bankers offering to finance their buys.

8.   Given the tension and publicity surrounding the Premier purchase, Farnell may curb its aggression on the acquisition trail.

9.   Given the tension and publicity surrounding the Premier purchase, Farnell may curb its aggression on the acquisition trail in future.

10.   He, too, is on an acquisition trail, having recently purchased Phoenix International Raceway.