MERGERS

Takeovers Headed for Second-Biggest Year: U.S. corporate takeovers are headed for their second-highest annual level, based on the strength of mergers in telecommunications, media and medicine. The value of announced mergers and acquisitions in the first 10 months of 1994 totaled $284.4 billion, according to Securities Data Co., which tracks financial markets. The year’s totals will probably surpass the $292.9 billion mark set in 1989, Securities Data said. A record of $335.8 billion was set in 1988. This year’s 10-month results reflect a 40% jump from $203 billion recorded in the same period in 1993.