1.   Blackstone said the agreement with Biogen strengthens its early foothold in designing systems that help biotech companies handle the crush of data.

2.   Both companies said the agreement would strengthen their ability to offer products that consumers want and to provide nationwide coverage for big employers.

3.   He said the agreement would strengthen development of emerging economies by increasing their access to capital, and reinforce the world trading system.

4.   He said the agreement would strengthen the development of emerging economies by boosting their access to capital, and reinforce the world trading system.

5.   If successful, an agreement would strengthen links between News Corp. and TCI in Europe.

6.   Meanwhile, Nynex officials hope this agreement will strengthen their argument with the Justice Department and Congress that the company should be allowed to enter the long-distance market.

7.   The free-trade agreement has strengthened the Quebec economy, and Quebecers are strong NAFTA supporters.

8.   Both sides said the agreement will strengthen peace in the Black Sea region, which both countries border, ITAR-Tass said.

9.   They worry that the agreement may strengthen any Croatian attempts to annex the southwestern part of Bosnia-Herzegovina, where Croats are numerous.

10.   Two other agreements strengthened cooperation in curbing narcotics traffic and improved shipping.