1.   Although some economists say mergers ultimately make companies more efficient, they frequently result in layoffs of employees.

2.   Analysts said that while Costello has taken positive steps since arriving at Grace in May, a merger might make a great deal of sense for shareholders.

3.   Analysts said the shares were caught in the early technology sell-off but that the mergers made sense.

4.   Analysts agreed that the merger made strategic sense.

5.   Analysts agreed that the merger makes strategic sense.

6.   And the standards board is hoping too that the change will aid investors who want to better evaluate whether a proposed merger makes sense.

7.   And then I basically talk to them about why the merger does make sense and how we are managing the integration to make sure we are successful.

8.   At the meeting, Maranghi said the merger made sense and reiterated its demise was due to difficulties in Italian financial markets.

9.   Bay State chairman and chief executive Roger A. Young said the merger will make the company more competitive in a deregulated market.

10.   Bell executives argued that their mergers will make them stronger competitors in the long-distance market and internationally, better at serving customers for local service.