21.  Approval was expected in May.

22.  Approval was expected, and ratifies the terms of a settlement between the companies and the FTC staff that was announced in July.

23.  As for the Air Force, it had expected approval of all its plans to build new fighter jets, given the successful air campaign in Kosovo.

24.  As the year closed, only the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was considering the deal, and its approval was expected.

25.  At this point, both sides expect approval next week.

26.  Avista filed its application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission last February and expects approval by early next year.

27.  Board chairman Tom Allen, the former auditor of Utah, said he expected unanimous approval.

28.  Both banks expect regulatory approval for their merger later this year, with a deal formally sealed in the fourth quarter.

29.  Both Bristol-Meyers and Sanofi expect regulatory approvals around the world next year with European approval likely coming mid-year.

30.  After tests this summer, Dow said, he expects complete approval of his product by fall.