1.   Investors sold VW shares heavily after comments from GM over the weekend dashed hopes that the two sides might be nearing an out-of-court settlement.

2.   Since then both sides have neared a compromise, but once the season begins, Rice will have to deal with another difficult aspect.

3.   The two sides neared agreement on a day when a state judge issued two orders threatening the union with draconian fines if it went on strike.

4.   Two officials say the talks are intense, the proposed names changing constantly, but that the two sides are nearing an agreement.

5.   Unconfirmed reports surfaced last week that the two sides were nearing a deal.

6.   However the director said the two sides were nearing an agreement on frequencies.

7.   Earlier Russian negotiators had said the two sides were nearing an agreement.

8.   Talks between German metalworkers and employers were interrupted Wednesday amid signs that the two sides were nearing an agreement on a bitter wage dispute.