21.   But at least six big companies signed complicated deals intended to enhance their results with financing and accounting ploys.

22.   But as of late Wednesday, neither company had signed the confidentiality agreement necessary to begin talking.

23.   But if his company signed a deal with MCA, he would retain a tie.

24.   But not all oil companies have signed onto the plan.

25.   But two years ago Thursday, three local biotech companies signed a merger agreement that was an extraordinary exception.

26.   Contacted by telephone, a spokesman for Surya Semesta said the company had not signed any agreements, and he rejected requests for interviews.

27.   Earlier this year, the Georgia company signed agreements with nine cable companies which are in the early stages of rolling out a digital cable network.

28.   Earlier this year the company signed a deal to provide service to Geotek Communications Inc., a New Jersey wireless and communications company that is developing such a network.

29.   Earlier this year, the company signed a similar agreement in which Rysher Entertainment will distribute five of its films, three of which already have been released.

30.   For example, the company has signed an exclusive deal with Capcom for its horror series Resident Evil.