21.   The shift comes after criticism that the privately held firm missed some gains in recent years by avoiding large-company stocks.

22.   They later relented on the interview but held firm on refusing a photograph.

23.   They were sentenced to one year in prison and three years of probation, and each was barred from becoming an officer or director of any publicly held firm.

24.   Though profitable, the closely held firm has struggled to keep up with other global powerhouses in the lucrative business of advising top executives on financial and merger strategy.

25.   West, a closely held firm based in Eagan, Minnesota, is best known for its Westlaw legal research service and primary law database.

26.   While the privately held firm has had discussions about joining the merger trend, the partners have chosen to remain independent.

27.   After Ireland scored, the Dutch attacks on goal became even more desperate, but the Irish defense, led by captain Roy Keane, held firm.

28.   But Clinton and other allied leaders, British Prime Minister Tony Blair in particular, held firm in their insistence Milosevic must not benefit from the reconstruction program.

29.   Cosell held firm and emerged as an even more celebrated figure.

30.   In five frantic minutes after halftime, the French blasted four shots on goal but Tony Sylva, rated the best goalkeeper on the African continent, held firm.