41.   A person familiar with the matter says GE launched the probe of Torch.

42.   A person familiar with the negotiations between Strawberry and the Yankees said a contract is being delayed because Steinbrenner is seeking money from the Giants before reaching an agreement.

43.   A person familiar with the situation said Worldcom will increase its bid for MCI.

44.   Airbus Industrie is poised to win an order for a greater number of planes worth a similar dollar value, another person familiar with the negotiations said.

45.   Brooke Group and its bondholders failed to reach an agreement on waiving the sinking fund requirements of the bonds, said the person familiar with the talks.

46.   But a person familiar with the planned transaction said that a completed deal could by approved by all parties and announced as early as Monday morning.

47.   But a person familiar with the discussions expects a deal to be completed within a week or two.

48.   But a person familiar with the discussions said the city plans to announce the proposal soon, possibly next week.

49.   But a person familiar with the plan who insisted on anonymity provided important details.

50.   But one person familiar with the meeting said the length of the deliberations should not be taken as an indication that they were rancorous.