31.   The decision to consider buying a broker-dealer was made well before the defections occurred, people familiar with the situation said.

32.   The Special Forces training sessions have typically lasted a month, people familiar with them said.

33.   Though chief executives of both companies have met this year to discuss a settlement, both sides have long been far apart, people familiar with the talks said.

34.   Though chief executives of both companies have met twice to discuss a settlement, both sides are still far apart, people familiar with the talks said.

35.   Thus far, people familiar with the Army investigation said, no paper trail has surfaced.

36.   U.S. State Department approvals are needed for the deal made in Beijing, but people familiar with the arrangements said that approval was expected.

37.   Wells Fargo executives have not been in contact with First Interstate since the offer was announced, people familiar with Wells Fargo said.

38.   Andersen regards SEC clearance in the event of a guilty plea as vital, the people familiar with the contacts said.

39.   The deal is expected to be announced tomorrow, The Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site today, citing people familiar with the situation.

40.   The inspector general concluded two FBI supervisors should be disciplined for their role in the mishap, the people familiar with the findings said.