The Eaton Corporation, a maker of auto parts and aerospace systems based in Cleveland, illustrates the trend.

Ltd are a company of confectionary makers based in Sheffield, England.

Rexene, a maker of plastic film and resins based in Dallas, said it and its shareholders would fare better if the company remained independent.

Roper, a maker of fluid handling and industrial control products based in Bogart, Ga., had 1995 revenue of $175.4 million.

Oxo, a kitchen-tool maker based in New York, is a success of the gadget age.

Neoax, a custom-vehicles maker based in Stamford, Conn.

The maker of household appliances, based in Towson, Md., made a surprise $56-a-share bid on Jan. 27.

Sun, a maker of computer work stations, based in Mountain View, Calif., said a return to profitability in the current quarter "cannot be assured."

And among the many sock makers based in and around the town is Moretz Sports, which is in constant need of human guinea pigs.

The makers of the Junxion Box, based in Seattle, seem eager to head off any battle by forming partnerships with the wireless companies.