In This Issue: •Merger Mania: Drivers & Destinations: Standard & Poor's says it's not over yet. •Financials at Center of M&A Party: Low interest rates make the capital markets accessible. •Tech Firms Ripe for the Picking: S&P believes the technology sector has distinct potential for M&A deals, particularly in the software arena. •Active in the Oil Patch: The energy sector is likely to see a flurry of M&A activity in 2007. •Material M&A: Standard & Poor's believes the steel industry should benefit from a consolidation trend. •M&A Likely for Managed Care, Facilities: A variety of factors have combined to fuel activity in the sector. •STARS Status: Changes in S&P analysts' STARS rankings for November 20 through November 22. •Top Ten Portfolio: This focused list, launched December 31, 2001, has had a total return of 32.1% from inception through October vs. a gain of 30.7% for the S&P 500. Some of the Companies Featured: AES
Big Lots
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Carlisle
Donaldson
Equity Office Properties Trust
Euronet Worldwide
Lloyds TSB
Medtronic
Mentor
MGM Mirage
Patterson
Steel Dynamics
United Natural Foods
Vodafone | 
