But the message in this latest potential merger is not about a clash of media megalomaniacs, nor about a conspiracy driven by "special interests."

The firms hope that the latest mergers will allow them to seek growth in overseas markets, as well as to rationalize their costs enough to preserve profits.

But antitrust concerns could derail both the latest merger as well as the planned Price Waterhouse and Coopers combination.

The sale is the latest multibillion-dollar merger of drug companies.

Shearson's junior managers, in particular, are taking the latest merger hard.

Again, the latest mergers and acquisitions have tended to benefit headquarters functions located outside New Jersey.

After this latest merger, there will be only two major rail carriers west of the Mississippi.

Wall Street analysts were divided on the benefits of this latest merger in an industry that is in great flux.

But others see the latest merger as a part of a process that poses no immediate threat.

This latest merger has swelled the NH State Police to approximately 380 troopers.