[Excerpt] Mergers and acquisitions activity increased in 2004 over 2003 and 2005 looks to be an even bigger year for m&a. This report provides a listing of the largest mergers (announced value of at least two billion U.S. Dollars) or acquisitions during 2005 through November 18, 2005. Completion dates for the mergers or acquisitions are included and merger or acquisition failures noted. These data have been drawn from publicly available sources and have not been otherwise verified by CRS. This report will be updated monthly.