1.   Both federal and state authorities have been scrutinizing similar transactions to see if they violate antitrust laws by thwarting competition in specific regions.

2.   A third energy company, Reliant Resources, has said it engaged in similar transactions with CMS.

3.   Credit Suisse First Boston managed similar transactions for a few other clients in the energy and utility sectors, said people close to the firm.

4.   Cornerstone plans similar transactions with others who own downtown offices, he said.

5.   Four months ago, Merrill conducted a similar transaction in New York City.

6.   It also said that Home Depot had suspected the cashier of similar transactions so the company was watching the employee closely.

7.   Just a few weeks ago, in a similar transaction, the Bankers Trust New York Corp., agreed to acquire Alex.

8.   News of the purchase comes amid a slew of similar transactions among life insurers, who are vying for shares of the retirement saving market.

9.   No one is looking for other similar consolidations, Scotton and analysts said, although that would change quickly in the face of another similar transaction.

10.   Of course this takeover is merely one of many similar transactions transforming Wall Street, so the buyer has the usual excuse that everyone else is doing it.