1.   But talks did not get serious until about two weeks ago, he added.

2.   But the talks did not turn serious until last winter, and his decision was kept secret from his staff.

3.   Company executives close to the deal said Schrempp approached Lagadere informally in April but negotiations did not become serious until June.

4.   He said the talks did not grow serious until Monday.

5.   Quigley and Whitacre held a brief conversation about a merger in October, but the talks did not get serious until last month.