31.   The deal marked a renewal of ties by the nation with U.S. companies after years of near isolation.

32.   The deal marked the largest inflow of foreign capital since a financial crisis late last year began forcing South Korean companies to unload assets to ease their cash shortages.

33.   The deal marked the revival of reconciliation efforts that offer the best hope yet for peace after a half-century of conflict.

34.   The deal marked the widely expected exit of Tajudin Ramli, chairman of aviation company Naluri Bhd., from Malaysian Airlines System.

35.   The deal marks a break from traditional sports broadcasting deals, under which networks place bids for the rights to show games.

36.   The deal marks the first time so many major labels have agreed to license music for mass online distribution, the companies said.

37.   The deal marks the latest effort by Japanese banks, which have seen their credit ratings drop because of massive bad loan problems, to boost their profile overseas.

38.   The deal marks the second purchase for Cisco in less than a month after a long drought that coincided with a steep downturn in the communications industry.

39.   The Network Access deal marks the first major initiative to satisfy those conditions.

40.   Toshiba said the deal marks its third overseas color TV tube manufacturing operation, following the creation of units in the U.S. and Thailand.