1.   New York-based Maidenform is one of four major U.S. lingerie makers.

2.   Raemdonck, whose bank will help manage the sale, likened the lingerie maker to Neuhaus SA, a chocolate maker that went public in March.

3.   The most immediate beneficiaries are foreign textile and apparel manufacturers with plants here, such as Nike and the lingerie maker Triumph.

4.   Van de Velde Gebroeders, the lingerie maker, will raise money to fund its international expansion.

5.   Another lingerie maker who likes to promote her styles for home entertaining or even wearing out, is Josie Natori of New York.