1.  As sales fall, weaker companies are failing or selling out and bigger, better-financed companies are buying the pieces.

2.  As for the weaker companies in each area, it will decide whether to merge them into the stronger ones, sell them, or close them.

3.  Chrysler bondholders will have a weaker company owing them money if Kirk Kerkorian has his way.

4.  Employees of the weaker company are like the new dog in the pack.

5.  Meanwhile, weaker companies are failing.

6.  Raymond was still saying Exxon had no need to resort to the mergers and partnerships that weaker companies were trying.

7.  Some biotechnology industry executives, however, say the elimination of weaker companies will be healthy, freeing money for more deserving projects.

8.  Some analysts even predict investors will see consolidation within the Internet industry, with weaker companies being snapped up by cash-flush firms at bargain prices.

9.  Some weaker companies are at a greater risk of defaulting in an environment of higher interest rates.

10.  That is why activity in the industry has mostly consisted of weaker companies being acquired by stronger concerns.