51.   Major oil companies signed an agreement with the government of Azerbaijan on Tuesday, obtaining the right to develop some of the most coveted oilfields in the world.

52.   Mountain View, California-based Sun Microsystems and Encore Computer said the companies have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding, the first step toward the acquisition.

53.   Mountain View, California-based Sun Microsystems said both companies have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding, the first step toward the acquisition.

54.   Nor is Microsoft giving up much by easing the terms of nondisclosure contracts companies must sign to get a peek at new technology.

55.   Now the companies are busily signing partnerships to integrate e-commerce into the event planning process.

56.   No companies have signed contracts yet.

57.   Over the last few months, the company has been signing deals with an eclectic assortment of personalities to develop its Internet programming.

58.   Parker says the company recently signed an agreement with Medical Management of Portland, Ore., a veterinarian services company, to work toward expanding clinics further.

59.   People close to Dreamworks said the company could sign a lucrative production and distribution deal with MCA -- as long as Sheinberg is treated fairly by Bronfman.

60.   Previously, when an equipment company signed a contract with a phone company, it built the equipment.