The occurrence of mergers and acquisitions is not new in the United States. American companies have become accustomed since the late 1880's to such activities. Yet, nowadays, consolidations have become more important both in dollar vollume and number. Corporations are making use of mergers and acquisitions as a tool to be more competitive in our fast changing world where advanced technology and globalization are affecting everything. The US banking industry is a major constituent of the consolidations taking place and which resulted in the occurrence of important mutations in the sector over the ...