U.S. President George W. Bush AP PHOTO

Abe expressed dismay over the question, telling Bush, "This is a measure which the United States strongly requested."

Under the technique, which has been allowed since May 1, a subsidiary in Japan of a foreign firm can take over a Japanese company by swapping new shares issued by the parent for all or a sizable portion of the target's shares without using any cash to fund the acquisition.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 19, 2007
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