Some of Europe's formerly nationally owned companies, like EDF, have benefited from favorable rules that made it harder for competitors. The actions of one big participant like this tend to serve as a catalyst.

The efficiencies are there with greater size. As the trend picks up then the rest of the companies and regulators will see the need for the rest of the industry to consolidate and share in the economies of scale.

The market for utilities is heating up. Either one of these potential buyers would have synergies.

Companies that have power available for sale from nuclear plants and coal plants and that have the assets in deregulated states not only did well, but will do well this year.

I have always dressed according to certain Basic Guy Fashion Rules,including:* Both of your socks should always be the same color,* Or they should at least both be fairly dark.

They're very entrepreneurial. They're not bound by the traditions or rules that maybe my generation worked under.