11.   But those calls were not returned, and First Interstate shortly announced its deal with First Bank system, the people familiar with the negotiations said.

12.   California Federal has scouted for acquisition candidates among finance companies specializing in loans to consumers with prior credit problems, people familiar with the thrift have said.

13.   Digital Equipment Corp. could agree to sell its computer-network equipment business to Cabletron Systems Inc. as soon as Monday, people familiar with the situation said.

14.   EBay, on the other hand, is more tempting, people familiar with USA said.

15.   Earlier this month, people familiar with the discussions said that Continental and Delta Air Lines were discussing a possible merger.

16.   FBR would underwrite the stock offering itself, the people familiar said.

17.   In addition, Lippo anticipates a drop in the revenue it generates from trading and underwriting as Jakarta stocks slide, the people familiar with the company said.

18.   In those talks, Rainwater took a leading role, the people familiar with the situation said.

19.   Now, people familiar with the talks said, such a merger is on a back burner while the company attempts to deal with the federal investigation.

20.   Pacific Telesis, by contrast, hopes to have several hundred thousand subscribers within a couple of years, according to people familiar with the company.