1.   As speculation centers on several in-house candidates, it is useful to remember that Welch himself succeeded a man once regarded as a legend.

2.   He succeeds a man known once known as the most important Western businessman in Hong Kong.

3.   The moves shed light on who might eventually succeed the three men who now run the firm.

4.   The moves shed light on who might eventually succeed the three men who now run the firm, a longtime partnership until it went public almost three years ago.

5.   Then, for another four years, he endeavored to succeed the man.

6.   Bush seeks to succeed the man who beat his father eight years ago.

7.   But as he faces another birthday, speculation is growing about who will succeed the man who has led his country for so long.