61.   Earlier Wednesday, French Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann said the government was concerned about the potential merger discussions, noting that Murdoch is strongly against government regulation.

62.   EON will also make an announcement on the merger discussions with Abrar Finance Bhd, Chempaka Finance Bhd, Kewangan Bersatu Bhd and Kewangan Industries Bhd.

63.   However, II-VI added, Laser Power has again elected not to pursue serious merger discussions.

64.   Kirch has said there have been no merger discussions with Murdoch.

65.   NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is monitoring merger discussions between the financially troubled International Hockey League and the American Hockey League.

66.   Public Bank president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow last week denied that its finance company was in any merger discussion.

67.   Spokesman for Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner had no comment on their reported merger discussions.

68.   The companies confirmed their merger discussions in a press release yesterday evening, but would not comment on details of the talks.

69.   The announcement came after previous merger discussions between the two firms collapsed two years ago.

70.   The companies confirmed their merger discussions in a press release Thursday evening, but would not comment on details of the talks.