Merger Buzz in Glitter Gulch

LAS VEGAS - (12/09/05) -- Mergers were very much on the mindsof attendees at the CUES Directors conference here Wednesday. Uponsitting down shortly before a merger-related breakout sessionbegan, one person looked at the other seven at the table and said:"Are you guys buying or selling?" When the speakers asked how manyof the directors' credit unions had been approached regarding apossible merger, more than half the people in the room raised theirhands. Approximately 20% acknowledged they had an open merger offerto another CU. Gerald Benedetto, director for East Hartford,Conn.-based American Eagle FCU said later: "This is the first timeI've seen a breakout session on mergers and it was a full room.Obviously, it is a hot topic."