A host of takeover defenses have been devised in recent years.

TO the list of takeover defenses, add the "asbestos bomb."

Delta has engineered a takeover defense based on an employee stock ownership plan.

"I am concerned about the procedural mechanism for majority voting, since it may work against shareholders as an effective takeover defense," he said.

But the chemical manufacturer also said on Monday that it had strengthened its takeover defenses.

Professor Crystal calls these devices a "highly reprehensible" takeover defense.

Lockheed set up the stock plan last year largely as a takeover defense.

Currently, the most common type of takeover defense is a shareholder rights plan.

Texaco, meanwhile, said it would ease some of its takeover defenses.

DeSoto found what may well be one of the most unusual takeover defenses.