1.   De Benedetti disclosed that Hewlett-Packard Co had also approached Olivetti for a possible alliance, but Declined to elaborate.

2.   Discussions took place between the two parties over a possible electoral alliance, but broke down in April.

3.   Arlington, Va.-based USAir stressed that its discussions were preliminary but that talks centered on possible alliances, as well as an outright acquisition.

4.   Ashland, the second-biggest Midwest refiner behind Amoco Corp., announced in December it was seeking possible alliances for its refining operations.

5.   Both big parties have been obliged to weigh possible alliances with the environmentalists, and both have recognized that they are on notice to display their environmental mettle.

6.   After a plan to merge with Dresdner Bank failed last year, Breuer started talks with Allianz, the giant insurer, about a possible alliance.

7.   Again, though, Walsh said he could not comment on any possible future alliance with Bird.

8.   But they again acknowledged that the two companies have been discussing possible alliances.

9.   He added that ING would probably look to France and Germany for possible alliances.