The policy has been criticised for being anti-competitive by ensuring that the four major banks are immune from takeover by the most likely suitors.

That would be beyond the capabilities of many likely suitors.

It is also conceivable that the bank could once again become a takeover target, although no American bank seems to be a likely suitor.

Pennzoil, which is regarded as Chevron's most likely suitor, also advanced, adding 1 1/2, to 80 3/8.

British banks, after a recent wave of consolidation, may be more likely suitors.

Canada's Eldorado Gold Corp is considered one of the most likely suitors.

By late last week, speculation centered on Cahners Publishing as a likely suitor.

There's a likely suitor waiting to dance about two miles south by west.

Ames was viewed as the most likely suitor for the chain.

Japanese banks are the most likely suitors of Union Bank, California's fifth-largest bank, industry analysts said.