That has often meant the sale of companies to friendly suitors.

The remarks are particularly significant because they come at a time when Irving is trying to find a new friendly suitor, possibly another foreign bank.

By offering it for sale to a friendly suitor, a company cannot say it does not want to be sold.

Meanwhile, reports that Ford might arrive as a friendly suitor were denied by a spokesman for the company.

Industry executives said there were many potential friendly suitors willing to come to Home's aid and acquire it.

He added that his board was now reviewing its options, which are believed to include a poison pill and possible friendly suitors.

Such a friendly suitor remains a possibility for Boase.

G.E. was a friendly suitor that would not have pursued the company if spurned.

The Milan-based bank, which has been a friendly suitor, had said it would not sweeten its offer before the board meeting.

He nevertheless felt that a friendly suitor could emerge before long.