In recent years, a great many corporations have been reshaping - or at least attempting to reshape - themselves, with varying degrees of success. In North America, at least, the 1980s could easily end up being called the Decade of Downsizing. Reasons for this trend include deregulation, volatile OPEC prices, and intensifying international competition. In addition, the emergence of junk bonds fueled a wave of mergers and acquisitions. Each industry had its own challenges to face.