planned merger between the publicly-listed Chips and the privately-held Staples was released later that day. The issue, which last traded February 24 at $6.50, was not active but five others traded resulting in a slight move upward in the index. Bank of Bermuda gained 12.5 cents to close at $20.25 on volume of 5,226 while Bermuda Home gained 12.5 cents to close at $6.75 on volume of 366. Argus closed unchanged at $10.50 on volume of 3,415. Bermuda Press Holdings closed unchanged at $8 on volume of 7,992 while Hemisphere Group preferred closed unchanged at $6 on volume of 300. The index gained 2.67 points or .25 percent to close at 1,087.82. Share volume for the day was 17,299 while share value was $209,857.