His real competition, he says, consists of corporations seeking acquisitions.

Constance Hubbell, a bank spokeswoman, said the company would continue to seek other mergers or acquisitions.

Surgutneftegaz, which is regarded as a conservative oil company that does not seek acquisitions, did not answer several phone calls on Tuesday.

In addition, he said, the company would invest internally, pay off some of its debt and seek acquisitions.

As they seek European acquisitions, private equity companies are pursuing several targets in Spain.

The huge amount of money will probably put pressure on Providence to seek bigger acquisitions and perhaps cast its net a bit farther afield.

Fifty-nine percent said top managers devoted too much attention to seeking acquisitions and mergers.

He also said the company would not seek acquisitions.

Mr. Derr said the company might seek other acquisitions beyond oil and gas.

But some analysts think the small size of Carriage may give it a leg up when it seeks acquisitions.