Both of them happen to be aggressive acquirers of new accounts," he said.

"And she's a very dogmatic and aggressive acquirer."

"We would very likely be aggressive acquirers of thrifts and commercial banks in the years to come."

Wachovia, with assets of $411 billion, has been an aggressive acquirer in recent years and ranks as the country's fourth-largest bank by asset size.

His strategy is to become an aggressive acquirer.

An aggressive acquirer of companies, Cargill has made some of its biggest deals in recent years.

The company has been an aggressive acquirer and may be looking to increase its liquor brands after expanding its wine portfolio, analysts said.

Oracle has long been known as one of the most aggressive acquirers of technology companies.

"They certainly have been one of the most aggressive acquirers in the nation," Mr. Timmons said.

It now operates 190 hospitals, compared with more than 350 it had at its peak, and has not been an aggressive acquirer lately.