71.   Executives close to the company said Redstone was frustrated that Biondi did not tighten control over the studio, despite several requests by Redstone to do so.

72.   Executives close to the deal said that Malone could give Teligent more financial flexibility that it had enjoyed with Associated.

73.   Executives close to the deal said that Royal Bank of Scotland had retained Merrill Lynch and Goldman, Sachs to draw up a plan for a counteroffer.

74.   Executives close to the deal said the two companies began talking for the first time two weeks ago and signed the agreement on Sunday night.

75.   Executives close to the deal said they had already held talks with Shell about dismantling the joint venture.

76.   Executives close to the discussions between Lucent and Cisco said the talks broke off three or four months ago.

77.   Executives close to the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity said that it would take considerable time to negotiate any deal.

78.   Executives close to the process said SBC considered acquiring Vanguard a few years ago and passed.

79.   Executives close to the Royal Bank of Scotland said it was still mulling a competing bid.

80.   Executives close to the show said ABC had made clear to the writers that they did not want a show that explored only gay story lines.