1.   Since the Asian problems intensified in October, merger filings with the government have steadily increased each month, Ms. Robinson said.

2.   The department has already asked MCI WorldCom and Sprint for additional information after their initial merger filing in October.

3.   Within moments of the Justice Department suit, WorldCom withdrew its merger filing with the European Commission.

4.   The two railroads argued that regulators lack authority to refuse to accept new merger filings and should stay their decision pending court review.