11.  That means weaker companies that survive in incubators may crash and burn when they go out on their own and struggle against established players.

12.  The primary goal for the majority of businesses confronting deflation would be to gain market share, whether by wresting it away from competitors or by acquiring weaker companies.

13.  The tankan survey revealed an economy split between thriving major manufacturers and weaker small companies and non-manufacturers.

14.  These are two of the companies Thai officials are counting on to lead the consolidation of the finance industry by organizing mergers of weaker companies.

15.  These weaker companies hope to ride the momentum generated by the strong IPOs, but their uncertain products and untested management make them much riskier bets.

16.  Weaker companies could face difficulties keeping up with debt payments, especially if the economy slows.

17.  Yamaichi is also considering steps to help troubled brokerage affiliates prepare for deregulation, such as merging weaker companies and providing new working capital, media reports have said.

18.  For instance, currently some of the anchor finance companies are offering lower rates than those of the weaker companies they had absorbed.

19.  Japanese officials publicly deny that bid-rigging is widespread, but privately they defend the practice as necessary to keep thousands of weaker companies from going bankrupt.

20.  Japanese officials publicly deny that bid-rigging is widespread, but privately defend the practice as needed to keep thousands of weaker companies from going bankrupt.