The company still seeks specialty niches like low rates for nonsmokers.

It did fill a specialty niche because it was lower in capital cost and in horsepower rating than piston engines.

At this time, the storage goods business was beginning to emerge as a specialty niche in the housewares business.

Another specialty niche that is thriving is the fight against chemical or biological weapons.

Working with "Golden Throats talent" became a specialty niche for Ralke.

The Korin Japanese Trading Company has carved out a specialty niche.

High-tech lobbying has become so profitable that some high-powered lobbyists are carving out specialty niches and crossing party lines to do it.

Mr. Gumbinger said this sort of financing has grown as the stock market has surged but has remained "a specialty niche."

He said Analog was "well-positioned because it does business in specialty niches, where the competition is not so fierce."