71.   General Motors Corp. wants to spin off its giant Electronic Data Systems Corp. computer services unit as an independent company.

72.   GM said last week it will turn its parts unit into an independent company by next year.

73.   George said he expects Docks to do everything it can to remain an independent company.

74.   Government officials also believe that al-Qaida used seemingly independent companies as financial fronts.

75.   He announced plans for new independent companies to develop natural gas and petrochemicals.

76.   He is certain that the top fiction prize will elude his independent publishing company and Charles Frazier, a first-time novelist.

77.   He said Fila and Hugo Boss will continue operating as independent companies.

78.   HFS plans to transform Avis Rent a Car into an independent company in the third quarter of this year.

79.   His plan is to split Computer Associates into four divisions, which might eventually be spun off as independent companies.

80.   Hoechst said its Behring Diagnostics unit will merge with U.S.-based Dade International Inc. to form an independent company.