1.   Down the block the neighborhood dead-ended in abandoned farmland that Mami read in the local paper the developers were negotiating to buy.

2.   Although Mercantile never identified its suitor, it was an open secret in retailing circles since early August that May Department Stores Co. was negotiating to buy the company.

3.   And a branch of the federal government is negotiating to buy several of the vans, Coughlin said.

4.   And Continental, which recently negotiated to buy back most of a controlling stake held by Northwest, wants to stay independent.

5.   APARTMENT INVESTMENT AND MANAGEMENT CO., Denver, said it was negotiating to buy all the shares of the rival Ambassador Apartments Inc., Chicago, for undisclosed terms.

6.   At the auction a statement was read saying that the National Gallery in London had been privately negotiating to buy the painting but that no agreement had been reached.

7.   Bill Laurie, a St. Louis billionaire, for example, has been negotiating to buy the Vancouver Grizzlies basketball team.

8.   Bertelsmann Chief Executive Mark Woessner declined to name any prospects, although some reports in Germany indicated the company is negotiating to buy HarperCollins.

9.   Bowater Inc., an American newsprint manufacturer, is already negotiating to buy a significant stake in Halla Pulp and Paper.

10.   A local restaurateur is reportedly negotiating to buy it.