71.   Chinese officials say they are considering a bid, likely for Beijing but other cities have been touted.

72.   He also reiterated his insistence that he would not run for president, despite his widespread popularity and reports that he is considering a bid.

73.   Siemens sought an order in the High Court on Thursday blocking the Swedish deal until all contending bids had been considered.

74.   Some parties considering a bid after the exclusivity period said any extension would be a bad idea.

75.   The board of Unicredito Italiano reportedly was also meeting Sunday to consider a bid for Banca Commerciale Italiana.

76.   The commission will consider bids and recommend to the two governments which joint ventures should be awarded licenses.

77.   The British Athletic Federation is considering a bid for the first championships of the new century.

78.   The Financial Times said Tesco was considering a bid for Docks in order to expand its European operations.

79.   The government also is considering bids from Germany, Spain, Canada, Britain and Italy.

80.   The league was considering bids from the four cities plus Houston and Oklahoma City.