11.   But executives close to the companies said that the FTC staff was focusing on the role of TCI and its powerful chief executive, John C. Malone.

12.   But executives close to the company, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Sheinberg could remain as president under a new owner.

13.   But executives close to the Qwest-Enron deal, one of the largest recorded, said the swap had other objectives.

14.   But executives close to the companies acknowledged that the deal might have a tougher time passing muster with the FCC.

15.   But executives close to Vodafone said the British company was still willing to negotiate with Mannesmann.

16.   But executives close to the talks said that both companies are seeking a corporate governance structure that would allow Corning to operate independently of Nortel.

17.   But network executives close to Gumbel said a deal has been concluded.

18.   But Liberty would receive a premium price of eight-tenths of a share of Time Warner for its Turner shares, executives close to the talks said.

19.   But several executives close to Sony denied that finding a partner or hiring a new manager were imminent moves.

20.   But the executives close to QVC and CBS said that the companies had not had any discussions with Eisner.