What's Fueling the Urge to Merge THE EURO A common currency will boost competition across Europe since products will be priced in the same currency. Companies with high costs will get squeezed. BIGGER IS BETTER By selling to a huge pool of customers, financial-services providers can generate economies of scale and muscle in on smaller rivals. PRIVATE PENSIONS As Europeans save more for retirement, banks and insurers are joining forces to peddle products from life insurance to mutual funds. STAYING INDEPENDENT Uncompetitive companies will see their stock prices fall. That will make them more vulnerable to hostile takeovers. DATA: BUSINESS WEEK Return to main story

Updated Oct. 16, 1997 by bwwebmaster
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