1.   And more firings and branch closings could be coming, a bank spokesman said.

2.   Banc One Corp. said it might charge second-quarter earnings to pay for branch closings and other changes in how it sells financial products.

3.   A First Union-Wachovia deal would reduce competition and lead to substantial layoffs and branch closings in the state.

4.   A Nationsbank spokesman said the company had yet to decide about branch closings.

5.   Additionally, the strides banks are making to cut costs through mergers and branch closings will help drive earnings higher.

6.   California also stands out in branch closings, according to economist Gary Zimmerman in a newsletter from the Twelfth Federal Reserve District.

7.   Cleghorn skated around the question of whether there would be layoffs or branch closings.

8.   Despite the branch closings and the inevitable layoffs, Ahmanson is trying to promote the deal as a boon to southern California.

9.   Each will retain its name and no branch closings or layoffs are planned, executives said Wednesday.

10.   He expressed concern about branch closings, job losses and a tightening of credit for small businesses if the mergers took place.