A new wave of takeover fever swept Wall Street yesterday.

Wall Street professionals contented themselves with what seemed to be a slow, steady return to takeover fever.

But takeover fever was much in evidence in the market for high-flying Nasdaq stocks as well.

The agencies have not been immune from takeover fever themselves.

Hilton shares fell $11.50, to $51.50, around where they were a year ago, when takeover fever started to build.

The deal hardly puts an end to takeover fever, however.

"Look for takeover fever to slow down in 1989," Mr. Chalasani said.

Mr. Seelert, however, was adamant in declaring that the breakup was not intended to cure anyone's case of takeover fever.

And takeover fever is sweeping the securities business.

Analysts attributed the momentum to takeover fever.