The merger, through an exchange of stock, is another example of a worldwide consolidation in the airline industry in which airlines are combining to create global route systems while losing some of their national identity.

Consolidation in Drugs A worldwide consolidation has also been under way for several years in the drug industry.

Nonetheless, Mr. Kasper believes worldwide consolidation of carriers is inevitable, especially when airlines such as American and United, which have been through the wringer of deregulation, are expanding in Europe in a big way.

The globalization of Hollywood is part of the broader worldwide consolidation of the media and entertainment industries.

The networks are making political hay by citing the increasing foreign control of Hollywood while the current regulations keep the networks from owning studios or participating in worldwide consolidation of the entertainment industry.

Dr. Vagelos, who also predicts a worldwide consolidation in the industry, said Merck had considered creating a drug managed-care unit from scratch.

If successful, it would be the latest deal in a wave of worldwide consolidation in the gold industry in recent years.

The divestiture by Merck comes amid worldwide consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry as companies merge and focus on particular segments of the business.

The industry faces a future of continuing worldwide consolidation until a point of sustainability can be reached.

Analysts and executives say the trend is part of a worldwide consolidation in winemaking and marketing.