"I always said if you want to be a global player, you must be represented in all markets, " Ghosn said.

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They want to be a global player from an economic perspective.

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Margin expansion will be necessary in expanding to a global player for many companies.

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Following in the footsteps of the bankruptcy and dismantling of Nortel Networks, the ongoing troubles at RIM have raised questions about whether Canada can be a player in the global technology business.

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"Together with Serono, Merck will be a world-class biotechnology company and a major player in the global pharmaceutical market, " he said.

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Europe appears to be a small player in these giant, long-term global trends.

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But Li's strategic foresight would be vindicated later, as the conglomerate not only allowed him to diversify but helped him become a global player.

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Within weeks, 49% of Gazprom stock will be privatized and available for trading in the west, marking the emergence of a mammoth player in the global energy market.

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