31.   The one month extension was taken to give the interested companies more time to study the tender and submit their bids, the official said on condition of anonymity.

32.   Trade Secretary Cesar Bautista declined to identify the two interested companies.

33.   The spokesman said talks were under way with other interested companies, but refused to give names.

34.   They said separate negotiations on other Ferranti activities would continue with other interested companies.

35.   When they gather here next week, the parties will discuss a recent offer by an association of Japanese electronics firms to organize a round table for interested companies.

36.   Other interested companies, he said, should apply via the Department of Petroleum Resources website or visit www.nigeriaoilandgas.com to do the same.

37.   Sony officials declined to comment on the report, saying only that negotiations with several interested companies were continuing.