Our approach based on both evolutionary and statistical methods gives a galactic merging rate of 1.7 10−5 yr−1, in the range of previous estimates 10−6 - 10−4 yr−1. The local rate which includes the contribution of elliptical galaxies is two times higher, in the order of 3.4 10−5 yr−1. We predict one detection every 148 and 125 years with initial VIRGO and LIGO, and up to 6 events per year with their advanced configuration. Our recent detection rate estimates from investigations on VIRGO future improvements are quoted.