earn champion products approves stock split champion products inc board directors approved two for stock split common shares for shareholders record april company board voted recommend shareholders annual meeting april increase authorized capital stock mln mln shares reuter acq computer terminal systems cpml completes sale computer terminal systems inc completed sale shares common stock and warrants acquire additional mln shares sedio lugano switzerland for dlrs company warrants exercisable for years purchase price dlrs per share computer terminal sedio buy additional shares and increase total holdings pct computer terminal outstanding common stock circumstances involving change control company company conditions occur warrants exercisable price equal pct common stock market price time not exceed dlrs per share computer terminal sold technolgy rights dot matrix impact technology including future improvements woodco inc houston tex for dlrs continue exclusive worldwide licensee technology for woodco company moves part reorganization plan and pay current operation costs and ensure product delivery computer terminal makes computer generated labels forms tags and ticket printers and terminals reuter earn cobanco inc cbco year net shr cts dlrs net assets mln mln deposits mln mln loans mln mln note qtr not year includes extraordinary gain tax carry forward dlrs cts per shr reuter earn international inc qtr jan oper shr loss two cts profit cts oper shr profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln six mths oper shr profit nil profit cts oper net profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note per shr calculated payment preferred dividends results exclude credits cts and cts for qtr and six mths six cts and cts for prior periods operating loss carryforwards reuter earn brown forman inc bfd qtr net shr dlr cts net mln mln revs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion mln reuter earn dean foods sees strong qtr earnings dean foods expects earnings for fourth quarter ending exceed year ago period chairman kenneth douglas told analysts fiscal fourth quarter food processor reported earnings cts share douglas year sales exceed billion dlrs billion dlrs prior year repeated earlier projection that quarter earnings will slightly last year cts share falling range cts cts share douglas early project whether anticipated fourth quarter performance for exceed prior year earnings dlrs share douglas dean experience pct improvement bottom line effects tax reform act alone president howard dean fiscal company will derive benefits dairy and frozen vegetable acquisitions ryan milk larsen dean company will benefit acquisition late december elgin blenders inc west chicago company major shareholder foods united kingdom blender and licensing arrangements australia canada brazil and japan ann entry mcdonalds corp mcd for years douglas told analysts reuter earn brown forman bfdb sets stock split ups payout brown forman inc board approved for two stock split and pct increase company cash dividend company cited improved earnings outlook and continued strong cash flow reasons for raising dividend brown forman split class and class common shares effective march company directors declared quarterly cash dividend each share classes cts payable april holders record march prior split company had paid cts quarterly brown forman today reported pct increase quarter profits mln dlrs dlr share pct increase sales record mln dlrs brown forman month profits declined bit mln dlrs dlrs share mln dlrs dlrs share year earlier due second quarter charge cts share for restructuring beverage operations company lower corporate tax rates and restructuring expected substantially improve brown forman earnings and cash flow fiscal reuter earn esquire radio and electronics inc qtr shr profit cts profit cts annual div cts cts prior net profit profit revs mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln note annual dividend payable april stockholders record march reuter earn united presidential corp upco qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln note results include adjustment dlrs cts shr for year and periods improvement results universal life business estimated reuter earn owens and minor inc obod raises qtly dividend qtly div eights cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn computer language research clri qtr shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln qtly div cts cts prior year shr profit two cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln note dividend payable april shareholders record march reuter earn cinram qtr net shr cts cts net mln sales mln mln avg shrs year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn standard trustco sees year standard trustco expects earnings increase pct dlrs dlrs per share recorded stable interest rates and growing economy expected provide favorable conditions for growth president brian malley told shareholders annual meeting standard trustco previously reported assets billion dlrs billion dlrs return common shareholders equity pct last year pct reuter earn handy and harman hnh qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss rev mln mln months shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit rev mln mln note net loss for qtr includes charge for restructuring mln dlrs tax cts share net loss includes tax special charge mln dlrs cts share reuter acq chemlawn chem rises hopes for higher bids chemlawn corp chem attract higher bid dlrs per share offered waste management inc wnx wall street arbitrageurs shares chemlawn shot counter trading mln company mln shares changing hands late afternoon this company for times cash flow dlrs dollars depending whether competing bidder arbitrageur waste management tender offer announced opening today expires march this totally surprise debra strohmaier chemlawn spokeswoman company board held regularly scheduled meeting today and discussing waste management announcement statement expected not ready unable had prior contact waste management and chemlawn officials will resist elliott schlang analyst prescott ball and turben inc company that doesn surprise attack arbitrageurs pointed difficult resist tender offers for and shares for cash schlang chemlawn find white knight not want acquired waste management analyst rosemarie morbelli ingalls and snyder servicemaster companies svm rollins inc rol examples companies that interested chemlawn two mln customers largest company involved application fertilizers pesticides and herbicides lawns waste management involved removal wastes schlang chemlawn customer base valuable another company that capitalize strong residential and commercial distribution system schlang and morbelli noted that high growth rates had catapulted chemlawn share price into mid stock languished rate growth slowed schlang company profits concentrated fourth quarter chemlawn earned dlrs per share for full year and dlrs fourth quarter morbelli noted chemlawn competes thousands individual entrepreuers offer lawn and garden care sevice reuter trade brazil anti inflation plan limps anniversary inflation plan initially hailed home and abroad saviour economy limping anniversary amid soaring prices widespread shortages and foreign payments crisis announced last february plan froze prices fixed cruzado currency and ended widespread indexation economy bid halt country pct inflation rate year plan collapsed situation worse inflation economy worked leading bank economist crumbling plan accompanied dramatic reversal foreign trade account and brazil annual trade surpluses had sufficient cover billion dlrs needed service billion dlr foreign debt for months target for repeat monthly surpluses averaging billion dlrs exports diverted and imports increased avoid domestic shortages trade surplus plunged mln dlrs october and since averaged mln reuter ship agency reports ships waiting panama canal panama canal commission government agency daily operations report that backlog ships waiting enter canal early today two days expects due scheduled transit end day backlog average waiting time tomorrow super tankers regular vessels north end hrs hrs south end hrs hrs reuter earn america mortgage sets special payout america federally guaranteed mortgage fund two making special distribution cts per exchangeable unit includes cts return capital and cts income gains reuter earn emhart corp emh qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable march record march reuter earn international cites strong prospects international inc reporting operating loss for january second quarter prospects for balance fiscal year remain good orders harris graphics subsidiary acquired june continue run strong pace for six months orders rose pct prior year period annualized basis running mln dlrs backlog harris pct beginning fiscal year international division expected benefit recent product introductions and decline dollar research development and engineering expenditures fiscal will mln dlr range and company allocated another mln dlrs for capital expenditures earlier reported fourth quarter operating loss two cts share compared profits cts share year ago revenues rose mln dlrs mln dlrs reuter ship gulf barge freight rates call gulf barge freight rates firmed outlook for steady vessel loadings gulf increasing demand for barges supply ships dealers barges traded today louis merchants exchange call session versus yesterday quotes included delivery this week illinois river joliet pct tariff bid offered week river chicago quoted percentage points week mississippi river louis pct bid offered points week ohio river owensboro south pct bid offered points station illinois river south chicago pct bid offered comparison march illinois chicago pct bid offered points march ohio river bid yesterday traded level pct offered march lower mississippi river memphis cairo pct bid offered comparison illinois river chicago pct bid offered comparison sept nov lower mississippi river memphis cairo pct bid offered sept dec section pct bid offered comparison reuter earn gulf applied gats sells units sees gain gulf applied technologies inc sold pipeline and terminal operations units for mln dlrs and will record gain mln dlrs quarter added that federal taxes owed transaction will offset operating loss carryovers reuter earn farmers group inc fgrp qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net revs billion mln avg shrs reuter earn potomac electric power pom jan net shr cts cts net revs avg shrs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net revs billion billion avg shr mln mln note latest mths net includes gain cts per share for sale virginia service territory dominion resources inc reuter acq cofab inc buys gulfex for undisclosed amount cofab inc acquired gulfex inc houston based fabricator custom high pressure process vessels for energy and petrochemical industries cofab group companies manufacture specialized cooling and lubricating systems for oil and gas petrochemical utility pulp and paper and marine industries reuter earn tultex corp ttx sets quarterly dividend qtly div eights cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn atico financial corp atfc qtr net shr cts dlrs net mln revs mln mln year shr cts dlrs net mln revs mln mln note qtr and amounts include acquisition pct common atico peninsula federal savings and loan association january qtr and net include net gain mln dlrs dlrs per share exchange common pan america banks inc for common ncnb corp purusant merger companies reuter earn philippine long distance phi year net shr primary pesos pesos shr diluted pesos pesos qtly div pesos pesos net billion mln revs billion billion note full name philippine long distance telephone figures quoted philippine pesos dividend payable april holders record march exchange rate day dividend declaration pesos per dollar reuter earn liberty star equity fund initial div qtly div cts payable april two record march note dividend includes special two cts per share for period beginning fund commencement operations novebmer december reuter earn combustion engineering inc csp regular div qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter earn tonka corp tka raises dividend qtly div two cts cts pay march record march reuter earn bdm international bdm increases qtrly divs annual div class cts cts prior annual div class cts cts prior payable april record march note full name bdm international inc reuter earn systematics inc syst regular payout qtly div cts cts prior pay march record february reuter earn ivaco inc year net shr dlrs dlrs net revs billion billion note results include extraordinary gain dlrs six cts share secondary share offering canron unit reuter acq investment firms cut cyclops cyl stake group affiliated york investment firms lowered stake cyclops corp shares pct total outstanding common stock shares pct filing securities and exchange commission group led mutual shares corp sold cyclops common shares feb and for mln dlrs reuter earn coradian corp cdin qtr net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs year shr profit cent loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs reuter earn meridian bancorp inc mrdn sets regular payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq american express axp spinnoff american express remained silent market rumors spinoff part shearson lehman brothers inc analysts company such move unhappy market stock american express stock lift rumor market calculated partially public shearson command good market thereby boosting total american express rumor accompanied talk financial services firm split stock and boost dividend american express closed york stock exchange heavy volume american express not comment rumors stock activity analysts comments company analysts meeting tuesday helped fuel rumors announcement yesterday management meeting company officials american express stock undervalued and not fully reflect performance shearson analysts yesterday shearson elevating chief operating officer jeffery lane added position president had vacant created positions for chairmen operating divisions analysts speculated partial spinoff make sense contrary variation market rumors total spinoff analysts disagreed that spinoff shearson good since strong profit center for american express contributing pct earnings last year highly that american express sell shearson perrin long lipper analytical questioned investment profitable securities firm analysts american express not cash reason sell part strong asset company considered option spinning part shearson and rumor suggests selling pct market larry eckenfelder prudential bache securities believes american express considered partial spinoff past shearson profitable fetched big premium market place shearson book mln dlr range shearson market place worth bilion dlrs terms market capitalization eckenfelder analysts american express use capital since plans expand globally enormous internal growth plans that takes capital you want your stock reflect realistic valuations enhance your ability make kinds endeavors road hutton group analyst michael lewis outlined fact that investing heavily future heavily into international arena lewis that not preclude acquisitions and divestitures lewis american express reduced exposure brokerage business selling part shearson stock reflect assets such travel related services business find true water mark lesser exposure brokerage components command higher multiple constitute higher percentage total operating earnings company lewis shearson contributed mln tax operating earnings mln dlrs reuter earn liberty star usa sets initial payout liberty star equity fund declared initial dividend cts per share payable april two shareholders record march dividend includes quarterly dividend cts share and special payout two cts share covers period november fund began operations december fund quarterly dividend rate fluctuate future reuter earn ivaco sees minimal quarter earnings ivaco inc price pressure steel products and recent increase canadian dollar expected result minimal quarter earnings subsequent quarters show substantial improvement quarter levels earnings will not reach levels long conditions continue ivaco earlier reported profit rose mln dlrs mln dlr extraordinary gain mln dlrs previous year demand for company products continuing high levels and sales expected show growth revenues last year rose billion dlrs billion dlrs reuter grain grain carloadings fall week grain carloadings totaled cars week ended february pct previous week pct week year ago association american railroads reported grain mill product loadings week totalled cars pct previous week pct week year earlier association reuter acq hong kong firm ups wrather wco stake pct industrial equity pacific hong kong investment firm raised stake wrather corp shares pct total outstanding common stock shares pct filing securities and exchange commission industrial equity principally owned brierley investments publicly held zealand company bought wrather common shares feb and for mln dlrs disclosed stake wrather earlier this month bought stock for investment purposes reuter earn coleco industries inc clo qtr shr loss dls profit cts net loss mln profit mln revs mln mln year shr loss dlrs profit dlrs net loss mln profit mln revs mln mln reuter crude diamond shamrock dia cuts crude prices diamond shamrock corp that effective today had cut contract prices for crude oil dlrs barrel reduction brings posted price for west texas intermediate dlrs barrel copany price reduction today made light falling oil product prices and weak crude oil market company spokeswoman diamond latest line oil companies that cut contract posted prices last two days citing weak oil markets reuter acq liebert corp lieb approves merger liebert corp shareholders approved merger wholly owned subsidiary emerson electric emr terms merger each liebert shareholder will receive shares emerson stock for each liebert share reuter earn northern telecom proposes two for stock split earn coleco industries clc sees profit coleco industries inc expects return profitability earlier coleco reported net loss mln dlrs for year ended december compared profit mln dlrs year earlier prepared statement company dramatic swing operating results due primarily steep decline sales cabbage patch kids products mln dlrs mln dlrs coleco changed single product company diversified organization major acquisitions last year products acquisitions and product introductions expected enable return profitability annual toy fair earlier this month vice president morton handel analysts projected earnings cts share sales mln dlrs reasonable reuter acq gulf applied technologies gats sells units gulf applied technologies inc sold subsidiaries engaged pipeline and terminal operations for mln dlrs company sale subject post closing adjustments not explain reuter acq investment group raises robeson rbsn stake group affiliated miami based investment firms led fundamental management corp raised stake robeson industries corp shares pct total pct filing securities and exchange commission group bought robeson common shares jan and feb for dlrs group buy shares and plans study robeson operations recommend that management make operations fundamental management chairman carl singer recently elected robeson board reuter grain gao likely show certs costly cash study grain certificates due shortly government accounting office gao show that certificates cost government pct cash outlays administration and industry sources analysis that gao obtained agriculture department and office management and budget suggests that certificates cost cash payments gao official told reuters gao preparing certificate study specific request sen jesse helms chairman senate agriculture committee report will focus cost certificates compared cash scheduled released mid march cost certificates gao source depends program impact usda loan program gao determines that certificates encourage loan entries loan forfeitures net cost program determined that certificates caused government grain stockpile decrease cost effect certificates gao will not likely suggest whether certificates program slowed expanded gao official negative report certificates will fuel fire certificates and weigh heavily increase certificate program agricultural consultant omb expansion program usda remains firmly committed reuter earn dahlberg inc dahl qtr net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln year shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note year includes weeks reuter earn city national corp ctyn raises dividend shr cts cts pay april record march reuter earn page petroleum year loss shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss mln loss mln revs mln mln note net includes mln dlr extraordinary loss for oil and gas writedowns and unrealized foreign exchange losses ago loss mln dlrs reuter earn idb communications group inc idbx year net period ended december shr cts cts net revs reuter earn armor products corp armr quarterly div qtly div ten cts ten cts pay april record march reuter crude opec meet firm prices analysts opec forced meet scheduled june session readdress production cutting agreement organization halt current slide oil prices oil industry analysts movement higher oil prices never easy opec thought emergency meeting sort problems daniel yergin director cambridge energy research associates cera analysts and oil industry sources problem opec faces excess oil supply world oil markets opec problem not price problem production issue and addressed that paul mlotok oil analyst salomon brothers inc market earlier optimism opec and ability production control pessimistic outlook that organization address wishes regain initiative oil prices analysts uncertain that even emergency meeting address problem opec production mln bpd quota set last december opec learn that buyers market you cannot deemed quotas fixed prices and set differentials regional manager for major oil companies spoke condition that not named market teach that lesson added david mizrahi editor mideast reports expects opec meet june not immediately not optimistic that opec can address principal problems will not meet advantage winter demand sell oil late march and april demand slackens mizrahi mizrahi that opec reiterate agreement output mln bpd analysts that two months will critical for opec ability hold together prices and output opec hold pact for six weeks since buyers will come back into market dillard spriggs petroleum analysis york bijan moussavar rahmani harvard university energy and environment policy center that demand for opec oil rising quarter and this prompted excesses production demand for opec oil mln bpd and closer mln bpd higher characterized cheating opec meeting this demand current production told reuters telephone interview reuter earn cenergy crg reports qtr net profit cenergy corp reported fourth quarter net income dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs for year reported net loss mln dlrs cts per share result writedowns book oil and gas properties two quarters revenues mln dlrs company fiscal year ended march changed calender year end for months ended dec reported loss mln dlrs dlrs per share revenues mln dlrs result noncash writedowns oil and gas properties for year ended march cenergy reported net income dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs company reserves year fell mln barrels mln barrels oil and bilion cubic feet gas bcf reserves not disappear produce prices recover reuter earn northern telecom declares stock split two for stock split pay note split subject approval shareholders april annual meeting company will increase dividend post split shares six cts cts reuter earn torchmark tmk authorizes stock repurchase torchmark corp board authorized purchase time time significant portion pct convertible subordinated debentures february outstanding mln dlrs principal amount debenures company plans redeem debentures june declared regular quarterly dividend cts per share common payable shareholders record april reuter earn techamerica group inc tch qtr loss shr loss six cts not net loss profit revs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln reuter earn wilfred american educational wae regular div qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq drexel official stake epsilon data epsi senior official drexel burnham lambert inc and father told securities and exchange commission acquired shares epsilon data management inc pct total outstanding kenneth thomas senior vice president investments drexel los angeles office and father retired university professor thomas bought stake for mln dlrs primarily for investment purposes buy stock sell stake depending market conditions plans seek control company reuter acq nova wins government for husky hyo deal nova canadian company that owns pct husky oil received government approval for transaction union faith canada holding buy pct stake husky nova minister regional and industrial expansion michel cote ruled that union faith purchase husky stake not result husky ceding control canadian company this ruling key condition completing deal union faith equally owned hutchison whampoa and hong kong electric holdings agreement union faith husky will become private company union faith and nova each holding pct stock pct husky owned relatives shing chairman hutchison and pct canadian imperial bank commerice reuter earn potomac electric power pom january net oper shr cts cts oper net mln mln revs mln mln mths oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net mln mln revs billion billion note mths oper net excludes extraordinary gain mln dlrs cts per share sale virginia service territory virginia power reuter acq suffield financial ssbk gets fed approval suffield financial corp federal reserve board approved application acquire coastal bancorp csbk portland suffield approval superintendent maine banking department reuter earn afg industries inc afg quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay april record march reuter earn gsw inc year net oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net revs mln mln note net excludes extraordinary gain mln dlrs dlrs shr sale camco inc shares ago loss mln dlrs dlrs shr reuter earn santa anita realty sar quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay april record march santa anita realty enterprises inc reuter earn liquid air corp lana quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay march record march reuter earn marshall steel year net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note name marshall drummond mccall inc results include extraordinary gains dlrs cts per share and dlrs cts income tax reduction reuter earn marshall steel details gain unit sale marshall steel marshall drummond mccall inc will report mln dlr net gain taxes this year sale drummond mccall division sold effective january reuter earn mayfair industries inc mayf qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs avg shrs mths oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note excludes tax gain dlrs for qtr and year reuter earn alatenn resources inc atng qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln reuter acq versatile sell unit vicon versatile corp agreed principle sell alberta based versatile noble cultivators division vicon inc ontario for undisclosed terms division manufactures tillage and spraying equipment reuter acq videotron buys into exhibit company groupe videotron agreed buy pct groupe promexpo inc company specializes product exhibits for mln dlrs reuter earn memotec data inc year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note results include extraordinary gains dlrs cts share and dlrs cts share reuter crude texaco canada cuts crude prices canadian cts bbl par grade canadian dlrs crude texaco canada txc lowers crude postings texaco canada lowered contract price will pay for crude oil canadian cts barrel effective today decrease brings company posted price for benchmark grade edmonton swann hills light sweet canadian dlrs bbl texaco canada last changed crude oil postings feb reuter crude marathon petroleum reduces crude postings marathon petroleum reduced contract price will pay for grades crude oil dlr barrel effective today decrease brings marathon posted price for west texas intermediate and west texas sour dlrs bbl south louisiana sweet grade crude reduced dlrs bbl company last changed crude postings jan reuter earn george weston year net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion billion reuter acq circuit systems csyi buys board maker circuit systems inc bought stock ionic industries inc exchange for shares common exchange will shares circuit systems stock outstanding ionic holders will pct outstanding stock circuit systems ionic maker circuit boards had revenues mln dlrs and pretax profits dlrs revenues mln and pretax profits dlrs circuit systems reuter earn mail boxes etc mail qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs avg shrs mths shr cts cts net revs reuter earn munsingwear inc mun qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln year shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs note per shr adjusted for for stock split july and for split reuter earn gti corp gti qtr oper net oper shr profit six cts loss two cts oper net profit loss revs year oper shr profit cts loss two cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln note data not include discontinued operations qtr gain dlrs cts per shr qtr loss dlrs cts per shr year loss dlrs dlrs per shr and year loss dlrs cts per shr reuter crude houston oil reserves study completed houston oil trust that independent petroleum engineers completed annual study that estimates trust future net revenues total proved reserves mln dlrs and discounted present reserves mln dlrs based estimate trust money for cash distributions unitholders for remainder year estimates reflect decrease pct net reserve revenues and pct discounted present compared study made reuter earn famous restaurants inc fams qtr loss shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln year shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln note includes recurring charges dlrs qtr and dlrs year for reserve for underperforming restaurants reuter earn avery avy sets two for stock split avery board authorizerd two for stock split increased quarterly dividend and plans offer mln shares common stock company stock split effective march distribution additional share each shareholder record march quarterly cash dividend cts per share split shares pct increase cts per share split avery will register securities and exchange commission shrortly offer mln additional common shares will use proceeds repay debt finance recent acquisitions and for corporate purposes reuter interest japan expected cut base rate for state bodies japan expected cut base lending rate for state financial institutions pct part recent pact major industrial nations paris finance ministry sources cut based revision trust fund bureau law approved parliament march abolishing pct minimum interest rate deposits bureau bureau channels funds government financial institutions for public works and official base lending rate for state bodies such japan development bank people finance corp and finance corporations local public enterprises moves tandem long term prime rates sources impossible for follow last cut pct pct january trust fund bureau rate legally set pct ministry will abolish minimum rate and introduce market related resolve problem and stimulate domestic economy tuesday ministry allowed long term bankers cut prime record low pct effective february move suggested had reached agreement depositors bureau postal savings system posts and telecommunications ministry and japan welfare annuity ministry health and welfare sources ministries determine market rates considered setting bureau deposit rate ministry sources coupon rates year government bonds minus percentage points likeliest choice added reuter interest italian treasury cuts interest certificates italian treasury annual coupon rates payable march two issues long term treasury certificates ccts cut percentage points compared rates this march coupon rates year certificates maturing march will fall pct pct and rates year issues maturing march fall pct pct treasury cut point six monthly coupons payable this september six issues maturing september and september issues carry terms and years and will coupon rates and pct september compared and pct this march reuter crude kuwait plans for emergency opec talks kuwait oil minister remarks published today plans for emergency opec meeting review oil policies recent weakness world oil prices sheikh ali khalifa sabah quoted local daily qabas opec members asked for such meeting denied kuwait pumping quota barrels crude daily bpd set imposed production limits nation organisation traders and analysts international oil markets estimate opec producing mln bpd ceiling mln bpd agreed geneva last december named kuwait and united arab emirates smaller producer ecuador producing quota kuwait pumping mln bpd this rumour baseless based reports kuwait ability exceed share suppose that kuwait ability will minister sheikh ali that kuwait had ability produce mln bpd can sell quota official prices countries suffering difficulties marketing share means kuwait unusually clever referring apparently gulf state qatar industry sources selling bpd bpd quota buyers resisting official prices restored opec last month pegged marker dlrs per barrel prices york last week dropped lowest levels this year and almost dollars below month high dollars barrel sheikh ali delivered challenge international oil company that declared kuwait sold below official prices charging official price dlrs barrel had lost custom not elaborate kuwait had guaranteed markets for oil local and international refining facilities and distribution network abroad added reaffirmed that planned meeting march opec differentials committee postponed start april request body members ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite last wednesday debt burdened country wanted opec assign lower official price for crude and seek this talks this month opec pricing committee referring pressure oil companies opec members apparent reference difficulties faced qatar expected such pressure will continue march and april expected situation improve reuter crude indonesia crossroads economic change indonesia appears nearing political crossroads measures deregulate protected economy embassy report counter falling oil revenues government launched series measures past months boost exports oil sector and attract investment indonesia asian member opec and leading primary commodity producer severely hit last year fall world oil prices forced devalue currency pct september embassy report president suharto government appears divided direction lead economy appears nearing crossroads regard deregulation pertains investments and imports report primarily assesses indonesia agricultural sector reviews country general economic performance that government officials and advisers recommending relaxation equally strong pressures exerted halt such moves this group strongly favours import substitution economy report indonesia economic welcomed world bank and international bankers steps direction crucial areas economy plastics and steel remain highly protected and virtual monopolies sets measures announced since last broadened areas for foreign investment reduced trade restrictions and liberalised imports report indonesia economic growth calendar and economy even contracted bit this lowest rate growth since mid report notes indonesia largest country south east asia population million facing general elections april report hold hope for swift improvement economic outlook for early indications point slightly positive growth rate not exceeding pct economic activity continues suffer due sharp fall export earnings petroleum industry growth oil sector low weak domestic demand coupled excessive plant capacity real declines construction and trade and reduced level growth agriculture report states bankers continuation present economic reforms crucial for government international lending world bank loan mln dlrs last month balance payments support partly government maintain momentum reform bank reuter crude saudi riyal deposit rates remain firm saudi riyal interbank deposits steady yesterday higher levels quiet market traders reluctant positions amidst uncertainty whether opec will succeed halting current decline oil prices oil industry sources yesterday gulf arab producers had had difficulty selling oil official opec prices kuwait plans for emergency meeting member organisation traditional sunday lull trading due european weekend contributed lack market activity spot and week rates put pct quotes ranging six yesterday and six month deposits quoted unchanged and pct spot riyal quietly firmer dollar quotes yesterday reuter crude qatar unveils budget for fiscal gulf oil state qatar recovering slightly last year decline world oil prices announced budget since early and projected deficit billion riyals deficit compared shortfall billion riyals last published budget for statement outlining budget for fiscal year beginning today finance and petroleum minister sheikh abdul aziz bin khalifa thani government expected spend billion riyals period projected expenditure budget had billion riyals sheikh abdul aziz government revenue billion riyals pct projected revenue billion government failed publish budget due uncertainty surrounding oil revenues sheikh abdul aziz that that year government decided limit recurrent expenditure each month twelfth previous fiscal year allocations minus pct urged heads government departments and public institutions government rationalise expenditure not budget shortfall covered sheikh abdul aziz plans limit expenditure had order relieve burden country foreign reserves added billion riyals had allocated for major projects including housing and public buildings social services health education transport and communications electricity and water industry and agriculture figure revealed for expenditure defence and security projection for oil revenue qatar opec member output ceiling barrels per day sheikh abdul aziz expectations positive signs oil price trends foremost opec determination shoulder responsibilites and protect wealth helped make reasonable estimates for coming year revenue basis assigned quota reuter money-fx gulf bond stock markets lag gib gulf money markets grown past decade bond and stock markets remain large extent fragmented and lag gulf international bank bsc gib bank economist henry azzam review gulf capital markets that investors relinquish traditional investment vehicles such real estate foreign currency bank accounts and precious metals greater financial sophistication needed coupled diversified capital market instruments and change disclosure requirements company accounts gib study reviewed capital markets categories money markets stock and bond markets azzam gulf states had making greater use short term money market instruments and banks region had floated euronotes and underwriting facilities nevertheless bond and stock markets remain large extent fragmented and lagging debt region raised syndicated loans and bank facilities and companies had made use stock bond issues kuwait official stock exchange gulf nations establish exchanges dwindling financial surpluses gulf governments actively pursuing ways develop capital markets and set domestic stock exchanges azzam recession stemming sliding oil prices had had negative impact development capital markets region addition family firms reluctant public financial awareness investors lacking and investment analysis and corporate reporting standards lack depth sharp fall share prices early prompted investors hold shares hoping for eventual recovery azzam absence proper commercial law gulf countries and authorities apparent reluctance adopt financial innovations had hampered capital markets called for defined laws governing incorporation joint stock companies and flotation debt instruments azzam capital market instruments made citizens and institutions gulf cooperation council gcc states bahrain kuwait qatar oman saudi arabia and united arab emirates uae moves had this direction bahrain allowing gcc nationals pct locally incorporated companies azzam gulf money markets had received greater depth introduction treasury bill offerings bahrain and expansion securities repurchase regulations saudi arabia added bond market speak saudi arabia qatar oman uae last saudi riyal denominated bond issued bahrain plans official stock exchange and trading saudi arabia picked establishment formal exchanges qatar oman and uae not imminent azzam reuter crude saudi arabia reiterates commitment opec pact saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer reiterated kingdom commitment last december opec accord boost world oil prices and stabilise market official saudi press agency spa asked agency recent fall free market oil prices nazer saudi arabia fully adhering accord and will never sell oil prices below pronounced prices circumstance nazer quoted spa recent pressure free market prices end northern hemisphere winter season and glut market saudi arabia main architect december accord opec agreed lower total output ceiling pct mln barrels per day bpd and return fixed prices dlrs barrel agreement year turmoil oil markets prices slump briefly dlrs barrel mid dlrs late free market prices dlrs nazer quoted spa saudi arabia adherence accord shown oil market contacts members opec showed wanted stick accord jamaica opec president rilwanu lukman nigerian oil minister group planned stick pricing agreement aware negative forces manipulate operations market satisfied that fundamentals exist for stable market conditions kuwait oil minister sheikh ali khalifa sabah remarks published emirate daily qabas plans for emergency opec meeting review prices traders and analysts international oil markets estimate opec producing mln bpd mln ceiling named kuwait and united arab emirates smaller producer ecuador producing quota sheikh ali denied that kuwait producing reuter money-fx zambia retain currency auction kaunda zambia will retain foreign exchange auction system despite suspension weekly auctions since january president kenneth kaunda not run auction hasn abolished told reuters interview system reintroduced current talks world bank and international monetary fund and hoped backed fresh foreign aid funds kaunda dismissed central bank statements auction system used allocate foreign exchange private bidders not fix exchange rate kaunda auction system had faltered government shortage foreign exchange meet demand suspended kwacha rapid devaluation and strong fluctuations made economic planning almost impossible for government and private sector weekly foreign exchange auctions began october kwacha fell dollar months january government two months arrears paying foreign currency successful bidders and auction suspended and replaced fixed exchange rate kwacha dollar reuter acq nippon kokan steel affiliates merger toshin steel toss and azuma steel affiliates nippon kokan nkkt merger company spokesmen toshin steel owned pct nippon kokan and azuma steel owned pct nippon kokan expected decide end march firms struggling losses caused recession steel industry and yen appreciation azuma steel current losses estimated billion yen year ending march billion loss year earlier spokesman firm employs workers toshin steel workers forecast for year ending march industry sources expected company show current losses billion yen compared billion loss reuter trade japan february interim trade surplus jumps japan customs cleared trade surplus days february jumped billion dlrs billion year earlier finance ministry february interim surplus sharply mln dlr surplus january period fob exports rose pct year earlier days february billion cif imports fell pct billion average dollar yen rates for exports and for imports for exports and for imports year earlier reuter crude saudi february crude output put mln bpd saudi crude oil output last month fell average mln barrels per day bpd mln bpd january gulf oil sources exports ras tanurah and aymah terminals gulf fell average mln bpd last month mln january lower liftings customers drop smaller expected gulf exports rallied fourth week february mln bpd mln week sources production figures include neutral zone output not sales floating storage generally considered part country output for opec purposes saudi arabia opec quota mln bpd production restraint scheme approved nation group last december back official oil prices averaging dlrs barrel sources two fold jump exports last week appeared result buyers rushing lift february entitlements month end last week high export levels appeared show continued support for official opec prices saudi arabia main crude customers partners aramco sources exxon corp xon mobil corp mob texaco inc and chevron corp chv signed long term agreement last month buy saudi crude for dlrs barrel sources real test saudi arabia ability sell crude official prices weak market will come this month demand for petroleum products traditionally tapers spot prices fallen recent weeks dlr below opec levels saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer yesterday reiterated kingdom commitment december opec accord and never sell below official prices sources total saudi refinery throughput fell slightly february average mln bpd mln january cuts yanbu and jubail export refineries put crude oil exports yanbu bpd last month compared january throughput bahrain refinery and neutral zone production remained steady bpd each reuter earn japan ntt forecasts profits fall nippon telegraph and telephone corp ntt expects profits fall billion yen year ending march projected billion this year company total sales for period expected rise billion yen projected billion this year ntt business operations plan submitted post and telecommunications ministry ntt plans make capital investments billion yen including billion for research and development total billion this year ntt spokesman increased competition entrants telecommunications field and effect sales tax scheduled introduced january major factors projected decrease profits japanese telecommunications industry deregulated reuter ship china signs world bank loan for tianjin port china signed mln dlr loan agreement world bank partly finance berths annual capacity mln tonnes mln tonne year capacity tianjin port china news agency china will provide mln yuan for project and chinese company won bid firms countries foundation work berths will handle ships tonnes will handle containers and expansion will enable port handle coke metal mineral ores and mining equipment for time reuter acq shv making tender offer for mln shares gas earn cheung kong holdings ckgh year shr dlrs final div cents making cents net billion dlrs mln note earnings excluded extraordinary gains mln dlrs mln bonus issue for nil share split for dividend payable june books close reuter acq wallenbergs fight bid for swedish match stake sweden wallenberg group fought back bid london based swedish financier erik penser secure large stake swedish match smbs companies core business empire statement issued wallenberg holding companies investor and forvaltnings providentia had option held nobel industrier sweden acquire pct voting rights swedish match thre wallenbergs paid nobel industrier nobl penser group pct stake pct market price for swedish match option statement swedish match shares open foreign buyers closed crowns friday shares increased voting rights closed crowns for restricted and for free shares statement deal increased investor stake pct voting rights and pct share capital providentia left holding pct voting rights and pct share capital swedish match wallenbergs stake swedish match had previously amounted pct voting rights company swedish match deal will cost wallenbergs mln crowns share analysts making expensise moves group undertaken last years defend flung interests predators wallenbergs originally sold nobel industrier arms and chemicals group penser pay for buying volvo volv two key group companies atlas copco asts and stora koppabergs skps since wallenbergs ousted largest shareholders skf skfr skanska skbs and frederik lundberg wrested control incentive lundberg zurich based swedish property tycoon managed acquire pct stake another wallenberg company diary equipment firm alfa laval alfs wallenbergs concentrating building stake investor and providentia prevent raid heart business empire analysts wallenbergs position electrical engineering firm asea asea small pct voting rights and growing speculation that group will forced sell fringe interests protect core activities reuter acq shv making tender offer for gas shv united kingdom holding making tender offer for mln ordinary shares imperial continental gas association icgs statement offer basis for each gas ordinary and for stg nominal gas loan stock shv holds mln gas ordinary stock units representing pct current issued share capital successful completion offer increase shv stake gas mln shares representing pct issued share capital offer capitalises gas billion stg tendering for ordinary stock and loan stock fully converted gave total mln gas ordinary making tender offer rothschilds gas statement noted shv tender offer and terms considered statement made reuter acq sale tilney buys stake insurance broker sale tilney plc purchased pct ordinary share capital and international inc insurance broker for mln dlrs sale paying mln dlrs cash completion balance interest paid equal instalments six years and posted pretax profit dlrs year dec had net tangible assets dlrs reuter earn estimated drop japan corporate profits trimmed combined profits japan major corporations excluding financial institutions forecast fall pct year ending march compared pct decline projected late november wako research institute economics private research body statement that firms listed section tokyo stock exchange foresee pct fall sales year pct fall estimated last november current profits projected fall pct sales increasing pct rationalisation measures manufacturing industries cope yen sharp rise beginning brighten business outlook institute lower interest rates expected reduce corporate borrowing costs improved performance outlook earnings performance manufacturing sector will supported firm demand real estate and construction businesses forecast based average exchange rate estimates yen dollar and yen reuter interest japan promote interest rate liberalisation bank japan decided policy board meeting promote interest rate liberalisation lowering minimum denomination regulation free large deposits and raising interest rate ceiling money market certificates mmcs central bank official guideline will into effect april bank guideline minimum denomination regulation free large deposits will lowered mln yen mln interest rate ceiling mmcs maturities year and two years will set percentage point below prevailing certificate deposit rate bank ceiling mmcs maturities year will remain percentage point below rates minimum denomination mmcs will lowered mln yen mln bank time deposit rates will lowered point effective march line half point cut official discount rate february interest rates two year and year deposits banks for example will pct and pct per annum demand deposit rates will remain reuter acq exco buys government securities broker exco international plc subsidiary british and commonwealth shipping plc bcom had agreed principle buy pct stake rmj holdings corp for mln dlrs exco chairman richard lacy told reuters acquisition made bank york inc holds pct and rmj partners hold remainder bank york and partners will retain pct each and stakes will bought six years rmj holding company rmj securities largest government securities brokers involved broking notes obligations and instruments sponsored federal agencies lacy exco had buying government securities broker for past years and had made offer for rmj sold security pacific corp spc rmj valued mln dlrs and managing director peter goldie rmj bought multiple exco suggesting net income mln dlrs company earnings had not hit halving brokerage fees months ago volumes had since doubled lacy that rmj employed people brokerage business and sms unit provided computer software for financial services community rmj securities had offices york total market turnover government securities billion dlrs day and london billion permission last week open office tokyo total market turnover had lifted rapidly billion dlrs day acquisition contribute and pct and share earnings proforma basis reuter acq coloroll agrees buy wallcoverings company coloroll group plc entered into conditional agreement acquire business and assets wallco inc and related companies for mln dlrs miami based wallco manufactures and distributes wallcoverings and showed pretax profit mln dlrs turnover mln year ending june total market estimated worth mln dlrs grown pct previous years coloroll combined sales and profit enlarged coloroll business mln and mln dlrs reuter trade sweden ahead african trade sanctions sweden ruling social democratic party gave full power government decree unilateral trade sanctions south africa prime minister ingvar calrsson carlsson told news conference party decided fight apartheid priority sweden traditional policy adopting sanctions backing security council government will decide form trade boycott will and will come into force reuter trade japan set begin high level trade talks japan and kick top level trade talks tomorrow amid signs officials sides growing increasingly irritated each talks held annually sub cabinet level review gamut japan economic relations will pave for american secretary state george schultz day stop end week home china faced growing congressional protectionist pressure administration pressing japan for speedy action reduce huge trade surplus officials frustration senior japanese government official frustrated official pct rise yen last months hit japan hard forcing exporters slash spending and lay workers make for lost sales abroad that not shown dollar based statistics trade will administration ignoring progress that made and emphasizing problems that remain talks congress minutes list accomplishments senior official replied talks begin tomorrow high level discussions economic structures countries and affect bilateral trade imbalance last year amounted billion dlrs japan favour two days topics will range multilateral trade talks auspices general agreement tariffs and trade gatt such bilateral trade problems super computers structural talks intended free wheeling discussions senior officials tomorrow topics include savings and investment issues such consumer credit and housing and implications government budget deficits talks come delicate time for japanese government facing increasing domestic pressure abandon tight fisted fiscal policy and stimulate sagging economy spending officials complained japan intention boosting domestic demand and imports washington japanese officials turn pointed finger huge budget deficit main culprits for trade imbalance that budget deficit meant that buying imports japan peeved singled draft trade bill senate nation adverserial trade practices condemns japan due process japanese official that reference spoils thought bill introduced democratic senator lloyd bentsen japan not totally happy administration trade bill proposal establish reciprocal access foreign markets criteria for retaliatory trade action officials nevertheless japanese officials remain weak bargaining position threat trade bill overhanging leverage official admitted result tokyo striving meet complaints trade practices variety fields including super computers pressing for greater access japanese super computer market japanese government long questionnaire public institutions universities buy sophisticated machines hopes eventually setting informal bidding procedures easily understood potential sellers officials reuter earn carlton communications optimistic for carlton communications plc started current financial year accounts for months showing healthy increase period last year and chairman green told annual meeting looked forward optimism issue mln shares adr form had successfully completed added carlton intended increase presence represented pct world television market conditions worldwide television industry continued buoyant chairman noted reuter crude gulf arab deputy oil ministers meet bahrain deputy oil ministers six gulf arab states will meet bahrain today discuss coordination crude oil marketing official emirates news agency wam reported wam officials discussing implementation last sunday agreement doha gulf cooperation council gcc oil ministers each market crude oil gcc states saudi arabia united arab emirates uae kuwait and qatar members organiaation petroleum exporting countries opec and face stiff buyer resistance official opec prices reuter crude saudi arabia reiterates commitment opec accord saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer reiterated kingdom commitment last december opec accord boost world oil prices and stabilize market official saudi press agency spa asked agency recent fall free market oil prices nazer saudi arabia fully adhering accord and will never sell oil prices below pronounced prices circumstance saudi arabia main architect december pact opec agreed cut total oil output ceiling pct and return fixed prices dollars barrel reuter crude kuwait minister emergency opec talks set kuwait oil minister newspaper interview that plans for emergency opec meeting recent weakness world oil prices sheikh ali khalifa sabah quoted local daily qabas that opec members asked for such meeting denied that kuwait pumping opec quota barrels crude daily bpd crude oil prices fell sharply last week international oil traders and analysts estimated nation opec pumping million bpd imposed limits reuter trade taiwan plans tariff cuts taiwan plans another round deep tariff cuts this year narrow trade surplus senior economic planner wang chao ming vice chairman council for economic planning and development told reuters taiwan reduce import tariffs products second half this year cuts pct items made last year and wang cuts deeper speed liberalisation and cut import tariffs faster and substantially united states taiwan main trading partner island import tariffs ranging high almost pct unacceptable criticised cuts selective taiwan trade surplus united states hit billion dlrs last year surplus boosted foreign exchange reserves billion dlrs wang made taiwan target for protectionism wang trade surplus and reserves weakened taiwan position talks washington export quotas for shoes textiles and machine tools island main export earners special taiwanese trade delegation leaves for washington tomorrow renegotiate agreement signed last year limiting exports taiwan textiles accord taiwan textile export growth limited pct each year taipei losing markets south korea and hong kong generous terms reuter earn hutchison sees higher payout satisfactory profits hutchison whampoa hwhh expects satisfactory profits and will pay higher dividend for year chairman shing not make specific projections for company earnings this year firm will pay dividend not cents per share proposed for stock split and for bonus issue paid total dividends dlrs per share last year equal cents per share adjusting for bonus and share split hutchison operations ranging trading property and container terminals earlier reported tax profits billion dlrs billion dlrs total excluded extraordinary gains mln dlrs partly sale stake south china morning post leading english language newspaper compared mln dlrs previous year expects another mln dlr gain sale remaining shares hong kong property market remains strong economy performing forecast largely export led growth gross domestic product grew pct last year initial government projection pct hong kong large trade deficit result protectionist measures that will adversely affect british colony company major operations showed improved results hutchison earlier will sell entire pct interest hongkong electric holdings hkeh cavendish international holdings spin hongkong electric reorganisation announced separately hongkong electric will spin electricity related activities into cavendish will listed local stock exchange hongkong electric shareholders will receive share cavendish for hongkong electric share cavendish will buy mln hongkong electric shares hutchison issuing mln shares spin and sale hongkong electric shares will give hutchison pct stake cavendish decision spin cavendish relieve hongkong electric public criticism power company for making risky investments denied pressure government for spin cavendish will billion dlrs assets and will almost debt free mln dlrs liabilites major assets hong kong hilton hotel property development and interests husky oil hyo canada and pearson plc pson britain reuter acq scientific micro systems smsi acuires supermac scientific micro systems inc acquired supermac technology rapidly growing supplier enhancement products and disc drive subsystems for apple personal computer market scientific micro acquired common stock supermac exchange for mln shares common stock stock closed dlrs bid friday supermac privately held firm based mountain view california scientific micro reported net profit dlrs revenue mln dlrs fiscal expects revenue approximately double reuter acq american express axp viewing shearson options american express rumored spinoff part shearson lehman brothers inc studying range options for brokerage unit that improve shearon access capital and meet broadening international competition joint statement american express and shearson actions consideration integral part american express worldwide financial services strategy and that two companies internal and external discussions matters american express decision reached strategic options and that and shearson ultimately decide follow growth plans place last week rumors circulated wall street that financial services giant spinoff part shearson and speculation selling stake japanese firm analysts speculation focused american express selling pct profitable brokerage firm public speculation that american express had considered total spinoff shearson plan considered highly analysts american express statement sunday that will not comment rumors and speculation and spokesman not statement company remained silent last thursday and friday rumors drove american express stock total dlrs two days bring friday close issued statement sunday similar statement circulated employees analysts divided whether makes sense for american express give stake wholly owned brokerage improved tax earnings pct last year analysts american express spinning part shearson concerned that stock price not fully reflect brokerage firm shearson contributed mln dlrs american express billion dlr net american express ambitious plans for international growth enhanced added cash that spinning part shearson bring analysts speculated that shearson market billion dlrs for added capital puzzling american express position can raise capital larry eckenfelder prudential bache securities analysts rumors fed reorganization shearson management wednesday chief operating officer jeffrey lane added previously vacant post president reorganization created positions for chairmen shearson operating divisions move analysts speculated shearson stand alone company analysts contacted sunday statement clarify last week market speculation confirm that financial services firm unsuccessfully attempted expand shearson major acquisition last year walls for growth and positioning global market competition late last year shearson takeover offer hutton group inc rejected hutton and analysts had speculation that shearson rebuffed approached another major wall street brokerage reuter acq ropak ropk pct buckhorn bkn ropak corp received and accepted common shares and series convertible preferred shares buckhorn inc dlrs and dlrs each response tender offer that expired friday and owns pct buckhorn voting power company had owned common and preferred shares starting hostile tender ropak borrowing funds needed buy buckhorn shares bank lender and will not use funds that another bank had committed provide margin loan ropak waived minimum acceptance requirements buy shares and intends evaluate number ways completing acquisition buckhorn hopes that buckhorn board will reevaluate position and enter into meaningful negotiations reuter acq penril pnl seeks sell two units penril corp seeking sell triplett electrical instrument corp subsidiary bluffton ohio and triplett alltest division hoffman estates ill part plan concentrate profitable division and reduce debt load company evaluating plan satisfy obligations pct subordinated notes gave details interest notes due today penril director clifford alexander resigned board gave reason penril shareholders annual meeting approved limitation directors liability reuter acq dale burdett inc faces damage claim dale burdett inc faces damages claims totalling dlrs owners burdett publications inc company february predecessor nolex development inc acquired burdett publications inc exchange mln common shares for burdett publications shares transaction not qualified california department corporations result burdett publications owners claim for damages dale burdett successor nolex for yuear starting january damages measured difference values shares exchanged interest february reuter acq purolator pcc buyout hutton efh jersey based overnight messenger purolator courier corp agreed acquired for mln dlrs company formed hutton lbo inc and managers purolator courier business analysts that purolator for sale for time purolator announced earlier mulling takeover bid analysts wrongly predicted offer another courier company hutton lbo wholly owned subsidiary hutton group inc will majority owner company hutton acquiring company acquisition inc paying dlrs cash per share for pct purolator stock tender offer begin thursday rest shares will purchased for securities and warrants buy stock subsidiary acquisition containing purolator courier operations shares purolator tendered shareholders receive for each share dlrs cash six dlrs debentures and warrant buy shares subsidiary acquisition containing courier operations hutton merger shareholders mln dlrs aggregate amount guaranteed debentures due acquisition and warrants buy pct common stock courier subsidiary hutton company valued warrants two dlrs per share purolator stock price closed dlrs friday analysts estimated company worth mid worth dlrs this follows sales two purolator units agreed recently sell canadian courier unit onex capital for mln dlrs and previously sold auto filters business purolator retains stant division makes closure caps for radiators and gas tanks hutton spokesman firm reviewing options stant purolator courier business lagging that rivals high price paid past years add air delivery ground fleet hutton will provide mln dlrs funds complete transaction this called bridge financing will replaced long term debt likely form bank loans hutton hutton lbo committed keeping courier business president warren idsal purolator lost mln dlrs last two years largely due courier operations management turning belive will competitor future idsal william taggart chief executive officer courier division will chief executive officer company tender offer will conditioned minimum two thirds common stock tendered and not withdrawn expiration offer conditions offer will begin thursday subject clearances staff interstate commerce commission and will expire business days commencement extended reuter acq financial santa barbara fsb make purchase financial corp santa barbara signed definitive agreement purchase stanwell financial lending operations unit mortgage banking company stanwell mortgage for undisclosed terms reuter earn bbc brown boveri und cie bbcz year parent company net profit mln swiss francs mln orders received billion francs billion sales billion francs billion group sales billion francs billion group orders billion francs billion reute acq marriott mhs sell hotel seasons hotels and vms realty partners chicago agreed purchase santa barbara biltmore hotel marriott corp for undisclosed amount venture will rename hotel seasons biltmore santa barbara and invest mln dlrs improvements room property reuter earn brown boveri omits dividend plans warrant bond bbc brown boveri und cie bbcz will omit dividend for second consecutive year planned invite shareholders and voting stockholders subscribe warrant bond issue mln swiss francs made june annual meeting stock subscription rights correspond roughly dividend francs per share paid company plans issue participation certificates par mln swiss francs existing shareholders excluded reuter acq viacom national amusements mcv holdings bids acq laroche starts bid for neco npt shares investor david roche north kingstown offering purchase common shares neco enterprises inc dlrs each successful completion offer shares owns give pct neco common shares roche buy and neco shares offer and withdrawal rights will expire est gmt march reuter earn sdc sydney development corp mths loss period ended december oper shr loss dlrs loss cts oper loss loss revs note current shr and net exclude extraordinary gain dlrs cts shr versus extraordinary gain dlrs cts shr reuter acq senior engineering makes mln dlr purchase senior engineering group plc reached agreement cronus industries inc acquire share capital south western engineering for mln dlrs cash this sum financed term loan south western leading manufacturers heat transfer equipment turnover mln dlrs and pre tax profits mln completion deal conditional approval hart scott rodino regulations expected days dlrs payable immediately mln dlrs payable completion balance due june reuter earn cheung kong chairman sees strong results cheung kong holdings ckgh expecting strong results this year reporting expected profits chairman shing not give specific earnings projection told reporters firm will pay total dividends not cents share this year for bonus issue and for stock split company earlier declared total dividends equal cents share for adjusting for stock split and bonus issue cheung kong earnings rose billion dlrs market expectations mln billion dlrs compared profits mln dlrs cheung kong reported extraordinary gains mln dlrs firm sale hong kong hilton hotel hongkong electric holdings hkeh for billion dlrs had gains mln dlrs attributed surge earnings buoyant local property market and substantial increases contributions associated companies ahead another year stability for property market growth hong kong exports expected stimulate demand for industrial buildings cheung kong cash rich and for projects british colony noting firm interested land reclamation project hong kong harbour and exchanging views government proposal build second airport reuter earn whittaker corp qtr oper shr cts cts acq viacom receives two revised offers viacom international inc received revised merger offers national amusements inc and mcv holdings inc company special committee plans meet today review offers viacom national amusements arsenal holdings inc raised offer for viacom shares not held national amusements areas national amusements holds pct viacom stock cash offer raised dlrs dlrs viacom share offered february fraction share exchangeable preferred offered increased dlrs share six dlrs interest rate used increase cash merger delayed april raised pct pct and pct viacom spokesman arsenal holdings offer continues include pct interest arsenal for present viacom shareholders viacom mcv holdings group includes company senior management and equitable life assurance society united states raised offer increasing preferred offered dlrs dlrs share and raising ownership company held present viacom shareholders pct pct mcv called previous offer made february final proposed revision agreement viacom reuter earn waste management corp votes two for stock split and boosts qtly dividend cts acq pittston agrees acquire wtc international exchange stock earn tuesday morning inc tues qtr net shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln avg shrs year shr dlrs dlrs net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter acq diagnostic retrieval systems inc makes mln dlr bid for rospatch corp acq miller tabak pct penn traffic pnf miller tabak hirsch and received accepted common shares penn traffic response dlr per share tender offer that expired friday and together shares owned pct penn traffic company penn traffic expected hold special shareholders meeting this month approve merger into miller tabak tender price two miller tabak representatives will named penn traffic board march serve directors penn traffic president and chief executive officer guido malacarne company received financing for transaction national bank minneapolis and salomon inc reuter earn waste management wmx votes split ups payout waste management corp board voted two for stock split payable april record march action waste management directors approved increase quarterly dividend cts cts payable april record march reuter earn porex technologies porx sets initial dividend porex technologies corp board declared initial annual dividend cts per share payout payable march holders record march reuter earn davis water dwws declares stock dividend davis water and waste industries inc board declared pct stock dividend payable march holders record march reuter earn medco containment mccs sets initial payout medco containment services inc board declared initial annual dividend cts per share payout payable march holders record march reuter acq pittston pco agrees acquire wtc waf pittston tentatively agreed acquire wtc international tax free exchange stock pittston agreed exchange common share for each wtc common shares outstanding pittston wtc principal shareholders pct stock parties this agreement granted pittston refusal shares wtc granted pittston option buy wtc shares equal poct outstanding stock agreement subject approval boards and wtc shareholders pittston described wtc fast growing air freight forwarding company operations world revenues totaled mln dlrs year ended november and for quarter ended that date earned mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs pittston burlington air express subsidiary generates two thirds mln dlrs annual revenes domestic air freight services reuter earn sdc sydney cost review eliminate products sdc sydney development corp earlier reporting increased month operating loss cost control review underway result cost reduction and elimination unprofitable and strategic products and services company operating loss for months ended december increased mln dlrs loss mln dlrs prior year earlier revenues increased pct mln dlrs year earlier mln dlrs reuter earn multi step products inc six mths dec loss shr loss cts loss revs note initial public listing december reuter acq consolidated tvx will issue shares buy stakes brazil mining firms earn whittaker corp wkr qtr jan net oper shr cts cts qtly div cts cts prior oper net sales mln mln note prior year net excludes loss discontinued operations dlrs company common shares outstanding significantly reflecting retirement shares since start restructurining august dividend pay april record april reuter earn stop and shop cos inc shp qtr jan net oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net mln mln sales billion mln avg shrs mln mln year oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net mln mln sales billion billion avg shrs mln mln notes operating net excludes losses mln dlrs cts share dlrs two cts share quarter and mln dlrs cts share mln dlrs cts share discontinued operations this includes provision latest quarter mln dlrs for closing almys department store operating net latest quarter and year includes dlrs charge for restructuring announced early january reuter earn jim walter corp jwc regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable april record march reuter acq diagnostic drs makes bid for rospatch rpch diagnostic retrieval systems inc made offer acquire wholly owned unit outstanding shares rospatch corp common stock for dlrs share cash mln dlrs drs warfare systems producer make transaction cash tender offer for not pct rospatch outstanding common stock merger rospatch labels high technology and wood producer purchase price per share drs deal subject approval rospatch board and tender offer expires march reuter earn whittaker wkr gains sales whittaker corp will gain sale discontinued businesses operating losses businesses dates disposition will defer reporting gain restructuring program hsa substantially completed company quarter ended january completed divestiture health maintenance organization operations travelers corp tic sold whittar steel strip operations dofascoxinc and sold equity investment bertram trojan inc affiliate investcorp company entered into definitive agreements sell whittaker general medical corp bennes marrel france and juster steel corp company date received proceeds mln dlrs divestitures and used funds reduce debt incurred repurchase common shares whittaker today reported quarter earnings continuing operations fell dlrs dlrs year year earlier figure excluded dlr loss discontinued operations reuter acq japan fund jpn gets buyout offer japan fund inc received unsolicited offer sterling grace capital management acting together persons and entities purchase assets fund pct below aggregate net asset japan find tne deal subject obtaining satisfactory financing and due diligence review added that proposal referred board directors for consideration reuter earn samsung calendar div won won net profit billion won billion sales billion billion note company set sales target billion won reuter earn daewoo corp calendar div won won net profit billion won billion sales billion won bilion note company set sales target billion reuter acq corning offer share for each hazleton share earlier agreement acq bank york gain unit sale bank york and management rmj securities corp agreed sell pct interests rmj holding corp british and commonwealth holdings plc and bank york expects realize substantial gain transaction rmj holding holding company for rmj securities large broker government securities and agency obligations bank york owns majority interest rmj holding and management rmj securities remainder bank york sale expected completed second quarter and rmj securities management will continue pct rmj holding for agreement for sale that remaining interest british and commonwealth six years reuter acq corning glw hazleton hlc set excahnge ratio corning glass works exchange ratio for previously announced acquisition hazleton laboratories corp established corning common share for each hazleton common share corning prospectus merger expected mailed tomorrow hazleton holders record february hazleton shareholders will vote proposed merger special meeting march reuter acq bally bly completes purchase golden nugget bally manufacturing corp completed acquisition golden nugget casino hotel atlantic city jersey golden nugget inc bally acquired golden nugget parcels real estate atlantic city noted transaction included mln dlrs cash and stock and assumption mln dlrs mortgage reuter earn warwick insurance managers inc wimi qtr oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note net excludes investment gains dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year year net excludes dlr tax credit share adjusted for for two reverse split november reuter earn gelco corp qtr shr cts cts earn strober organization inc strb qtr net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln reuter crude shell canada cuts crude oil prices canadian dlrs bbl effective march earn brenco inc bren declares qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april six record march reuter earn massachusetts investors growth stock fund payout qtly div income cts dlrs prior qtr including capital gains dlrs payable march record february reuter earn premdor inc qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr dlrs cts net revs mln mln reuter acq american nursery ansy buys florida nursery american nursery products inc purchased miami based heinl nursery inc for undisclosed terms heinl nursery sales mln dlrs and owns acres shade houses and square feet cover greenhouses shipping and office facilities reuter earn mfs managed sectors trust dividend increased semi annual div income cts cent prior period payable march record february reuter acq esselte business esb unit buys antonson unit esselte business systems inc esselte meto division acquired antonson america subsidiary antonson machines sweden esselte antonson unit based laporte indiana manufactures scales and label printers company purchase part plan increase range retail electronic scales offered esselte acquisition will enble esselte increase distribution base effort grow reuter acq seasons buying marriott mhs hotel seasons hotels inc and vms realty partners agreed acquire santa barbara biltmore hotel california marriott corp for undisclosed terms closing expected march added companies jointly hotel and rename seasons biltmore santa barbara spend mln dlrs enhance biltmore position finest resort hotels north america chicago based vms realty real estate and development firm reuter earn stone sto splits stock raises payout stone container corp splitting common stock for and increasing dividend pct dividend cts share increase cts prior cts share pre split shares payable june holders record stock split payable june holders record reuter earn skii qtr jan net shr cts cts net rev mln mln six months shr cts cts net rev mln mln reuter earn kapok corp kpk year sept loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln note prior year net includes gain sale property dlrs reuter crude study group urges increased oil reserves study group united states increase strategic petroleum reserve mln barrels deal present and future impact low oil prices domestic oil industry policy raise strategic reserve mln barrels present mln protect economy overseas embargo sharp price rise aspen institute for humanistic studies private group called for research for oil exploration and development techniques predicted prices remain dlrs barrel for years and rise mid imports pct consumption that such moves increasing oil reserves and exploration and development research guard mitigate risks increased imports reuter earn tron international inc ktii qtr net oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss revs mln year oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss revs mln mln note net includes pretax unusual gain dlrs loss dlrs quarter and losses dlrs dlrs year items include settlement patent suit and provision for investment writeoff and item provision for loss sale scale business net periods excludes dlr tax credit reuter earn presidential realty corp pdo annual net shr dlrs dlrs net rev mln mln note net gain property investments dlrs cts per share dlrs cts per share reuter acq redstone details sweetened viacom offer investor sumner redstone leads two groups vying for control viacom international inc offered sweeten bid for company dlrs share cash and dlrs securities filing securities and exchange commission redstone controls dedham mass based national amusements inc theater chain operator offered raise cash portion viacom offer dlrs share dlrs redstone raised face preferred stock offering dlrs six dlrs redstone offer made arsenal holdings inc national amusements subsidiary set for that purpose give viacom shareholders share arsenal common stock takeover viacom earlier today received revised takeover bids redstone and mcv holdings inc group led viacom management competing redstone for control company and formal merger agreement viacom company not disclose details revised offers special committee board review today redstone group pct stake viacom and management group pct stake agreed not buy shares company merger completed purchases part tender offer for half outstanding stock two rivals signed confidentiality agreements give access viacom financial records provided information secret sec filing redstone estimated cost completing takeover billion dlrs bank america confident can raise billion dlrs financing raise bank syndicate bank america agreed provide separate mln dlr for limited purpose partial financing and committed provide another mln dlrs redstone merrill lynch pierce fenner and smith inc increased underwriting commitment mln dlrs subordinated financing debt for viacom takeover mln dlrs agreed underwrite earlier redstone redstone group contribute mln dlrs equity takeover redstone equity contribution takeover consist group viacom common shares and mln dlrs cash offer second sweetened deal redstone proposed month long bidding war management contains newly drawn proposed merger documents last week management group submitted called last offer for company valued mln dlrs and consisting dlrs share cash preferred stock valued dlrs share and equity company redstone previous offer had valued billion dlrs reuter acq montedison concludes talks antibioticos montedison spa moni concluded negotiations spanish pharmaceuticals company antibioticos company spokesman told reuters concluded talks and awaiting authorization spanish authorities declined comment earlier today italian company postponed scheduled press conference talks antibioticos italian press report today montedison agreed acquire antibioticos for billion lire reuter acq utilicorp ucu completes acquisition utilicorp united inc completed acquisition west virginia power dominion resources for mln dlrs sale approved west virginia public service commission january and effective march west virginia management will continue responsible for operating utility reuter crude study group urges increased oil reserves study group united states increase strategic petroleum reserve mln barrels deal present and future impact low oil prices domestic oil industry policy raise strategic reserve mln barrels present mln protect economy overseas embargo sharp price rise aspen institute for humanistic studies private group called for research for oil exploration and development techniques predicted prices remain dlrs barrel for years and rise mid imports pct consumption study cited two basic policy paths for nation protect industry import fee such device accept full economic benefits cheap oil group not strongly back option benefits and drawbacks that such moves increasing oil reserves and exploration and development research guard mitigate risks increased imports reuter acq carbide acquisitions for growth union carbide corp acquisitions and joint ventures aid chemicals and plastics growth lichtenberger president chemicals and plastics describing this major departure company approach commercial development told annual business forum commercial development association acquisitions and joint ventures fastest and promising routes growth markets identified not long ago union carbide had attitude that couldn ourselves wasn worth worth had alone lichtenberger explained times exploiting profitable market partner plow resources into technology not can link profitably carbide extended catalyst business that and extending specialty chemicals business reuter acq corrected bankamerica negotiating sale units bank america and bac west german branch negotiating sale bankhaus centrale credit small local west german bank acquired and west german visa credit card operation michael seibel bank america vice president and regional manager negotiations proceeding declined give details bank america west german branch lost mln marks result includes profit and loss transfers bankhaus centrale credit and visa organisation sale units part bank worldwide restructuring plan reuter earn franklin gold fund cuts dividend semi div cts cts prior pay march record march two reuter earn franklin california tax free income fund payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march two reuter earn franklin age high income fund sets payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march two reuter crude petro canada cut crude prices canadian dlrs bbl effective march earn franklin federal tax free income fund payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march two reuter earn franklin york tax free income fund payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march two reuter earn franklin government securities fund payout mthly div six cts six cts prior pay march record march two reuter earn mississippi corp frm sets payout qtly div six cts six cts prior pay april record march reuter ship rotterdam port union and employers meet dutch port and transport union fnv agreed employers request reconvene abandoned peace talks tonight end strikes that disrupted rotterdam general cargo sector for past six weeks union spokesman talks broke thursday union walked employers tabled final offer end strikes started january protest planned redundancies sector workforce starting this year employers invitation restart talks comes day deadline set minister social affairs louw graaf for resolution dispute expires graaf dispute had not ended today withdraw mln guilder annual labour subsidy sector comment immediately employers organization reuter earn jim walter corp jwc sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn japan ntt forecasts profits fall nippon telegraph and telephone corp ntt expects profits fall billion yen year ending march projected billion this year company total sales for period expected rise billion yen projected billion this year ntt business operations plan submitted post and telecommunications ministry ntt plans make capital investments billion yen including billion for research and development total billion this year reuter earn duro test corp dur qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln six mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn franklin utilities fund sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march two reuter earn gelco corp gel qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln six mths shr cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note fiscal second quarter and half earnings include gain mln dlrs and exclude preferred dividend requirements mln dlrs quarter and mln dlrs half fiscal net reduced currency losses equal six cts share second quarter and equal cts six months reuter earn internchange financial services isbj payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march note interchange financial services corp reuter acq kapok corp kpk technical default kapok corp techical default loans southeast banking corp stb and murray steinfeld negotiating lenders declared loans due company agreed sell peter pan restaurant urbana for dlrs mln dlrs payment expenses reuter earn newport corp nesp qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln six mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter earn kapok corp kpk qtr dec loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs reuter earn preferred healthcare phcc qtr net shr six cts cts net revs mths shr cts cts net revs reuter earn tranzonic cos tnz sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn cronus industries inc crns qtr loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs mln mln mths oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs mln mln note excludes income discontinued operations for qtr and mln for year excludes extraordinary charge for current qtr and for year reuter earn mercury entertainment corp mcry year nov shr loss cts loss net loss loss revs reuter earn benguet corp calendar net income mln pesos mln operating revenues billion billion operating profit mln mln earnings per share note company statement gold operations contributed pct consolidated earnings reuter crude unocal ucl unit cuts crude oil posted prices unocal corp union oil lowered posted prices for crude oil dlrs barrel eastern region effective feb union dlrs cut brings posted price for benchmark grade west texas intermediate dlrs louisiana sweet lowered dlrs dlrs company made union posted prices for west coast grades crude oil company reuter acq investor group talks pesch ami ami wedge group inc houston investment firm pct stake american medical international inc had talks pesch and seeking control company filing securities and exchange commission wedge owned issam fares lebanese citizen living switzerland discussed possibility joining bid seek control ami wedge stressed that current plans seek control ami refused rule takeover future wedge had discussions ami management pesch closely held health care and investment concern controlled chicago physician leroy pesch and ami shareholders not sec filing issues selling ami stake joining takeover discussed group talks not produce agreements understandings wedge believes that form restructuring ami and business highly desirable and this time wedge holds mln shares ami common stock plans hold talks company management pesch and shareholders pesch last week sweetened bid for company dlrs share cash and securties billion dlrs based ami total outstanding cash dlr share bid company rejected reuter earn international inc imsi sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter acq banner bnr completes tender for rexnord rex banner industries inc mln outstanding mln shares rexnord inc tendered pursuant dlr share offer that closed midnight est feb together mln rexnard shares owns company holds pct stake company completion deal subject approval rexnard holders and closing conditions expects deal close days reuter earn mutual omaha interest shares muo qtly div qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq corrected bankamerica negotiating units sale bank america and bac west german branch negotiating sale bankhaus centrale credit small local west german bank acquired and west german visa credit card operation michael seibel bank america vice president and regional manager negotiations proceeding declined give details bank america west german branch lost mln marks result includes profit and loss transfers bankhaus centrale credit and visa organisation sale units part bank worldwide restructuring plan corrects year loss paragraph item originally ran february reuter acq osr osrc make acquisition osr corp agreed acquire properties and assets telcom international group for mln common shares give telcom owners pct interest combined company telcom international film and television distributor assets acquired consist distribution rights films valued mln dlrs company osr part acquisition agreement required sell pct interest standard knickerbocker makes jeans canada osr expects net dlrs sale standard knickerbocker company transactions subject approval shareholders meeting held april reuter earn mercury entertainment mcry sees results mercury entertainment corp expects improved results company today reported loss for year ended november dlrs revenues dlrs compared loss dlrs revenues dlrs year reuter acq cronus industries inc crns sells unit cronus industries inc agreed sell heat transfer equipment business southwestern engineering for slight premium book release cronus liability approximately mln dlrs subsidiary indebtedness company sale subsidiary senior engineering group plc british company will place this month reuter earn unisys corp uis sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn jacobson jcbs votes split increases payout jacobson stores inc board voted for two stock split payble march record march action jacobson directors approved increase quarterly dividend cts post split basis payable april record march dividend rate represents pct increase cts paid quarterly pre split basis reuter earn harley davidson inc hdi qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note results exclude time gains cts and cts for qtr and year gains dlrs and dlrs for prior periods reuter acq hoechst completes celanese acquisition hoechst west germany completed acquisition celanese corp hoechst acquired majority celanese shares recent tender offer dlrs per common share reuter acq americus trust hpu extends deadline americus trust for american home products shares extended deadline for accepting tendered shares november extension months trust will accept mln shares american home products ahp received tenders for mln shares trust managed alex brown and sons inc absb and formed november reuter earn morse shoe inc mrs qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln reuter ship versatile build polar ice breaker versatile corp shipbuilding subsidiary letter intent build mln dlr polar icebreaker for canadian coast guard transport minister john crosbie vancouver address crosbie versatile pacific shipyards inc low bidder build arctic class icebreaker company meet financial and engineering conditions contract awarded government announced will provide mln dlrs loan insurance versatile prepare for construction vessel contract can awarded versatile will required offer assurances that shipyard technically and financially capable performing work crosibie versatile bid mln dlrs lower competing bidders and will generate person years direct employment work vessel crosbie powerful icebreaker world begin year and completed government announced plans build icebreaker last year controversial passage coast guard vessel polar sea disputed northwest passage government not seek permission for journey claiming area international water government icebreaker needed back country claim sovereignty arctic reuter acq pantry inc inb talks acquired privately held pantry inc operates convenience stores southeastern states engaged alex brown and sons inc absb explore possbile sale company expects start talks prospective acquirers shortly company approached number parties recent months reuter earn congress video group inc cvgi qtr net qtr ends dec shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs avg shrs mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln avg shrs note net includes tax gain carryforward discontinued operations master merchandise group year prior reuter acq renouf corp proceed benequity bid renouf corp zealand decided proceed offer for outstanding units benequity holdings dlrs per unit company had required redice march two whether proceed offer terminate based ability obtain financing and review benequity operations offer expire march reuter earn thunander corp thdr year net shr cts cts net sales mln mln note results include operations bmd england inc acquired sept reuter earn final trust for thrift institutions payout set massachusetts financial services set final income and capital gain distributions for trust for thrift institutions high yield series dlrs and dlrs payable today reuter earn rospatch respond diagnostic bid earn franklin insured tax free sets payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march note franklin insured tax free income fund reuter earn franklin minnesota insured sets payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march note franklin minneosta insured tax free income fund reuter earn franklin michigan insured sets payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march note franklin michigan insured tax free income fund reuter earn franklin massachusetts insured cuts payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march note franklin massachusetts insured tax free income fund reuter earn franklin california tax free sets payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march note franklin california insured tax free income fund reuter earn diagnostic products dpcz sees earnings growth diagnostic products corp president and chief executive officer sigi ziering expects maintain compound average annal net income growth company for past years expect performance net income years had past ziering past years ziering company had average compound net income growth pct annually pct per year growth earnings per share for company had net income mln dlrs dlrs per share mln dlrs cts per share diagnostic manufactures medical immunological diagnostic test kits ziering expects earnings growth result positive effect weaker dollar company exports sales accelerated market penetration ziering expected food and drug administration approve drug abuse test kits end year depending approval earnings growth ziering result tax laws expected company taxes decrease pct pct net income reuter earn dunkin donuts inc dunk qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn ccr video corp cccr qtr nov net shr profit two cts loss cts net profit loss revs reuter earn franklin puerto rico tax free sets payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march note franklin puerto rico tax free income fund reuter earn franklin ohio insured tax free sets payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march note franklin ohio insured tax free income fund reuter earn franklin high yield tax free sets payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march note franklin high yield insured tax free income fund reuter acq convergent technologies cvgt buy oakleaf convergent technologies inc reached agreement principle buy oakleaf corp supplies finance insurance and leasing computers auto dealers transaction will involve exchange oakleaf stock for cash and debt and subject definitive agreement companys terms disclosed oakleaf had sales mln dlrs reuter crude nymex will expand hour trading april york mercantile exchange set april for debut procedure energy complex that will increase use energy futures worldwide april nymex will oil traders that not hold futures position initiate exchange closes transaction that can subsequently hedged futures market exchange spokeswoman this will change oil transacted real world thomas mckiernan mckiernan and chairman foreign traders will hedge trades nymex prices exchange opens and negotiate prices differential nymex prices mckiernan explained expanded program will serve industry oil market not close nymex frank capozza secretary century resources inc rule change effect for platinum futures nymex expected increase open interest and liquidity energy futures traders and analysts trader this transaction called exchange for physical efp hold futures position entering into transaction arrangement party hold futures position entering into efp and parties can offset cash transaction futures contract day exchange officials nymex announced proposed rule change december nymex president rosemary mcfadden expansion efp provision will add globalization energy markets providing for effect hour trading commodity futures trading commission approved rule change february cftc spokeswoman reuter acq rospatch rpch respond diagnostic drs rospatch corp will news release response today acquisition bid diagnostic retrieval systems inc for dlrs share rospatch earlier requested stock halted counter trading last trade diagnostic bid for total mln dlrs cash tender offer for not pct rosptach outstanding common for fourth quarter ended december rospatch reported net loss dlrs share compared loss cts profit for period december brookehill group york had pct stake parini rospatch chief executive responded january investment vote confidence company reuter earn green tree acceptance inc gnt sets dividend qtly dividend cts cts pay march record march reuter acq rospatch corp rejects offer diagnostic retrieval systems inc acq north american group namg buys georgia firm north american group north american acquisition corp definitive agreement buy pct pioneer business group inc atlanta terms acquisition not disclosed closing acquisition scheduled for april north american acquisition agreement subject due diligence and satisfactory review pioneer operation pioneer makes business forms reuter acq talking point viacom international bidding war for viacom international inc largest entertainment companies pitted management group and investors national amusements inc closely held theater operator sides raised bids weekend source close management side insisted that timing side directors approve management proposal merger plan put vote shareholders proxy material late this week days day mail source source predicted national amusements controlled investor sumner redstone half year complete tender offer regulatory approvals that accompany change control viacom broadcast licenses and cable television franchises redstone not for comment wall street arbitrage players rare situation that enjoyed true bidding war redstone begin tender offer whenever wanted and people convinced proposal superior viacom management plan chance win independent directors viacom called into meeting today word decision expected early tomorrow viacom shares climbed midafternoon major wall street firm issued sell recommendation end terms bidding firm arbitrageur spoke condition not identified redstone proposal and management proposal create restructured company heavily leveraged debt management plan result balance sheet billion dlrs debt and mln dlrs preferred stock convertible into pct common stock redstone newest proposal offers holders dlrs cash fraction share exchangeable preferred stock dlrs and share common stock stock arsenal holdings representing pct equity interest restructured viacom arbitrageur calculated equity redstone plan worth dlrs making total package worth dlrs per share management offered dlrs cash exchangeable preferred stock worth dlrs and fractional share convertible preferred arbitrageur equity portion worth dlrs for total dlrs redstone newest plan raised amount interest pay cash portion offer for day april that merger arsenal not consummated plan calls for intest paid annual rate pct and pct thereafter previously redstone offered pct interest arbitrageurs redstone and management group led president and chief executive terrence elkes offering high prices redstone company another management edge timing issue redstone company owns pct viacom mln shares wall street analyst hard determine equity newly leveraged company worth noted example that stock fmc corp fmc adopted highly leveraged structure last year inititally traded dlrs per share dipped dlrs and dlrs last week viacom reported fourth quarter earnings fell two two cts per share cts company interest costs acquisitions affected results shares warner communications inc wci rose analysts noted warner owns warrants purchase mln viacom shares dlrs and another mln shares dlrs chris craft industries ccn owns stake warner rose viacom created and spun cbs inc cbs company cable television subscribers operates satellite television services and owns television and radio stations largest distributors films and programs for television reuter earn inc upri qtr oper net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note oper data not include qtr extraordinary credit dlrs qtr extraordinary loss dlrs cts per shr for year not include extraordinary credit dlrs cts per shr and dlrs cts per shr reuter trade talks show canadian confidence group canada decision raise issue free trade pact sign spirit canadian confidence public policy study group suggests canada post war period major player process building postwar world washington based atlantic council and canadian negotiators opened talks last summer aimed dismantling trade barriers two countries world biggest trading partners crossborder shipments billion dlrs annually council study trade talks deadline october for agreement biggest issue canadian relations study liberalized trade two countries improve competitiveness economies world markets and lessen trade irritants mar ties council past canadians shied notion free trade arrangement fearing overwhelmed economically and politically closer association country times size population time added canadians realized domestic market small permit mass production and sales needed raise productivity level demanded increasingly competitive world council that talks canada chiefly interested minimizing imposing duties allegedly subsidized exports recent example per cent duty imposed canadian lumber exports grounds shipments subsidized council chief concerns included ending curbs banking insurance telecommunications and called cultural industries publishing broadcasting and films major canadian issues defense cooperation acid rain and rejection canadian assertion sovereignty waters northwest passage reuter earn albertson inc abs raises qtly dividend shr cts cts pay record reuter acq wavehill international make acquisition wavehill international ventures inc agreed acquire personal computer rental corp coral gables fla transaction shareholders personal computer will receive shares respresenting pct interest combined company company will two mln shares outstanding fully diluted basis transaction acquisition will infuse perconal computer cash for expansion personal computer franchised locations and plans add seeking eventually expand into markets and abroad reuter acq security pacific spc completes merger security pacific corp completed planned merger diablo bank approval comptroller currency security pacific announced intention merge diablo bank headquartered danville calif september part plan expand retail network northern california diablo bank offices danville san ramon and alamo calif security pacific reuter earn intec inc intk qtr net shr six cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mths shr cts dlrs net revs mln mln avg shrs note net for includes cts per share for proceeds life insurance policy includes tax benefit for prior qtr approximately relates lower effective tax rate based operating results for year reuter earn int hydron corp hyd qtr oper net oper shr profit six cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln year oper shr profit cts profit cts oper net profit profit revs mln mln note excludes loss dlrs nil gain dlrs nil qtr and gain dlrs two cts gain dlrs year net operating loss carryforwards reuter acq albertson abs adopts stockholder rights plan albertson inc board adopted stockholder rights plan intended protect event proposed takeover company plan stockholders will receive dividend distribution for each share common stock held march rights exercisable ten days person group acquires pct alberston common stock announces tender offer for pct stock each will entitle shareholder buy newly issued share alberston common stock for dlrs reuter acq rospatch rpch rejects diagnostic drs bid rospatch corp rejected proposal diagnostic retrieval systems inc acquire stock dlrs share rospatch board believes that long term interests shareholders will served continuing independent public company this time company response unsolicited offer diagnostic retrieval rospatch diagnostic offer february variation previous offer january nature not disclosed rospatch advised diagnostic retrieval that contrary interests corporation engage discussions business combination diagnostic retrieval reuter earn syntech interenational inc syne qtr net shr profit six cts loss dlrs net profit loss revs year shr profit cts loss dlrs net profit loss revs mln mln reuter acq int minerals igl buys animal products unit international minerals and chemical corp completed acquisition johnson and johnson pitman moore unit producer animal health products terms acquisition not disclosed international minerals and chemical annual sales unit mln dlrs pitman moore makes health products for pets and for farm and feedstock animals reuter acq jwt jwt not approached group seeking shares jwt group inc not approached ted bates worldwide chairman robert jacoby possibility syndicate buying pct stake jwt group friendly basis company spokesman jwt comment advertising age report that jacoby heading venture capital syndicate purchase pct stake jwt group jacoby not immediately for comment report ted bates owned saatchi and saatchi world largest advertising agency reuter earn coeur alene mines corp cour qtr loss shr loss cts loss net loss loss revs year shr loss cts loss ten cts net loss loss revs mln note loss included time loss dlrs write silver oil and gas interests reuter acq foote mineral fte sells cambridge plant foote mineral signed letter intent shieldalloy corp wholly owned subsidiary metallurg inc for sale cambridge ohio business company sale will explained greater detail definitive agreement signed part foote previously announced plan sell entire company reuter earn gelco gel sees flat pretax operating net gelco corp that excluding effects restructuring plan expects pre tax operating earnings for year end july last year for year ended july gelco reported pre tax operating earnings mln dlrs dlrs share final results will affected charges including legal and investment advisors fees preferred stock dividends and costs restructuring expenses associated restructuring expected offset significant gains sale gelco business units final outcome for fiscal year will determined timing and proceeds sale added reuter acq utilicorp ucu acquires dominion subsidiary utilicorp united inc closed previously announced acquisition west virginia power dominion resources inc for mln dlrs reuter acq pesch sees shareholder support ami ami bid chicago physician leroy pesch had discussions american medical international inc shareholders and sees support for restructuring company pesch discussed sweetened billion dlr takeover bid for american medical large shareholders including biggest investor bass family texas bass family not support for offer pesch interview reuters based conversations held shareholders not guage whether had majority support support for offer pesch not identify shareholders held discussions bass family and wedge group inc holder pct american medical stock earlier today wedge group pct stake held discussions pesch american medical management and american medical shareholders wedge filing securities and exchange commission believes restructuring american medical and business highly desirable and this time that sort position that find large segment shareholders ami share pesch pesch held discussions wedge joining takeover effort offering dlrs cash dlrs preferred stock and dlr common stock for each american medical share wedge plans join effort seek control american medical not rule future takeover pesch not discuss joint takeover proposal bass family analysts wedge statement boost pesch takeover effort and sign that shareholder dissatisfaction american medical previous rejection dlr per share cash offer pesch american medical expected resist pesch latest bid larry feinberg analyst dean witter reynolds inc management led leveraged buyout cannot ruled american medical spokesman company will comment pesch offer march analysts continue view bass family factor outcome bid for control american medical bass family holds pct stake american medical and company previously investors support management internal plan improve company performance bass family not comment american medical pesch pesch led leveraged buyout republic health corp last year continues face credibilty problem wall street long time finish republic acquisition republic substantial debt and left wall street questioning whether financing can completed for larger american medical takeover proposal pesch offer for american medical made investment banking firm another for concern wall street pesch entered second offer representation donaldson lufkin and jenrette securities and security pacific merchant banking group don doubt that current transaction can worked and completed provided point ami management will sit and talk friendly environment pesch pesch not elaborate type financing arrangements made succeeds acquiring american medical plans american medical management place plans combine company republic form efficient network hospitals analysts not higher offer made for american medical byron nimocks hutton group improved second fiscal quarter earnings make american medical stock worth dlrs per share nimocks estimates american medical earnings for second quarter ended february cts compared loss last year nimocks pesch revised offer not worth dlrs cash offered previously feinberg chance transaction completed revised structure offer doable analysts american medical begun turnaround replacing members management and reducing costs reuter earn glamis gold glgvf six mths dec net shr cts cts net revs reuter acq approves buyout coastal bancorp csbk coastal bancorp federal reserve board approved acquisition coastal suffield financial corp ssbk acquisition requires approval banking department maine company noted reuter earn prince productions ltlp qtr loss qtr ended dec shr profit nil loss nil net profit loss revs reuter acq amca ail sell dominion bridge assets amca international finalized agreement sell assets and inventories dominion bridge steel service center operations federal industries russelsteel inc unit terms undisclosed sale involved assets and operations general line steel service centers toronto and edmonton alberta and steel inventories closed amca branches company sale part previously announced restructuring program focus core businesses and generate cash cut debt reuter acq scott hospitality acquires capital food scott hospitality inc acquired capital food services ottawa largest catering and food service company for undisclosed terms scott operate capital food separate unit capital current name and management reuter acq union national unbc signs definitive pact union national corp signed definitive agreement national bank and trust washington unit will merge second national bank masontown previously announced merger agreement each share second national common stock will converted into shares union national common reuter acq analysts bidder for purolator pcc analysts not another suitor will top mln dlr bid for purolator courier corp hutton lbo inc and management group purolator courier division had speculation another offer forthcoming analysts dlrs per share price paid hutton and managers acquisition inc fully valued analysts and wall street sources doubted another bidder emerge since purolator had for sale for deal struck hutton friday purolator stock slipped today close had trading slightly higher dlr offer friday analyst friday speculated company fetch dlrs per share analysts and wall street sources doubted competitive offer emerge since company for sale for deal hutton struck friday hutton had talks purolator adviser dillon read and since late december hutton spokesman hutton offering dlrs cash per share for pct shares shares tendered shareholders receive dlrs cash six dlrs debentures and warrants for stock subsidiary acquisition containing purolator courier operation hutton values warrants two dlrs per share wall street sources today that rival bidder discouraged breakup fee purolator pay ends agreement hutton sources not reveal amount fee will noted documents transaction made public this week reuter earn whitehall corp wht qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr cts dlrs net revs mln mln reuter earn service corp international srv qtr net qtr ended jan shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln mths shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note net for mths includes gains dispositions dlrs cts share dlrs two cts share avg shrs and shr data restated reflect for two stock split january reuter earn peoples bancorporation peop quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay april record march reuter earn cpl reit cntrs qtr net shr cts net revs year shr cts net revs note full name cpl real estate investment trust company formed dec reuter earn republic automotive parts raut qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln year shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln reuter earn realmerica raco year nov net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss note net includes tax credit dlrs per share reuter earn skii qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln six mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter acq ferro corp foe sets joint venture ferro corp formed joint venture paris based alsthom inudstrial group export epxertise specialty composite materials european market ferro airframe and aerospace industries prime users composite materials today plans develop applications for ground transportation and industrial markets future ferro announced agreed purchase compositair developer composit materials applications for undisclosed sum reuter crude nymex rule change boosting energy trade york mercantile exchange will introduce exchanges for physicals efps energy futures markets april exchange spokeswoman change will oil traders that not hold futures position initiate exchange closes transaction that can subsequently hedged futures market efps effect for platinum futures nymex expected increase open interest and liquidity energy futures traders and analysts commodity futures trading commission approved rule change february cftc spokeswoman reuter acq ccl unit acquires nestle canada can operations ccl industries inc continental can canada inc unit acquired wallaceburg ontario metal can making operations nestle enterprises wholly owned nestle switzerland terms undisclosed continental can supply nestle equivalent can requirements long term agreement nestle decided stop manufacturing cans order position full advantage underway horizon food packaging technology reuter earn mfs managed muncipal bond trust sets payout mfs managed muncipal trust bond declared monthly payout income distribution cts share compared cts for previous month distribution payable march shareholders record march two reuter earn mfs municipal income trust mfm sets payout mfs municipal income trust declared monthly income distribution cts share compared cts share paid previous month distribution payable march shareholders record march reuter earn pittway corp pry qtr net shr dlrs two dlrs net sales mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net sales mln mln reuter acq armtek arm sell industrial tire unit armtek corp previously armstrong rubber agreed sell industrial tire and assembly division dyneer corp dyr for undisclosed sum agreement covers division tire production facility clinton tenn and plants serving original equipment and replacement markets armstrong tire armtek unit will continue sell replacement industrial tires company final closing expected fiscal quarter ending june reuter earn petrolite corp plit sets payout qtly dividend cts cts pay april record april reuter crude greece aegean oil drilling greece responding warning turkey conducting oil activities aegean sea today had decide and research drilling work area government spokesman greek position made clear turkey ambassador nazmi akiman met greek foreign affairs undersecretary yannis kapsis last week acting turkish prime minister kaya erdem earlier today greek activities northern aegean contravened berne agreement set framework for talks aegean continental shelf disputed ankara and athens greek statement today greece not prepared give even trace sovereignty rights seabed stressed akiman that decision drill belongs exclusively greek government greek government repeatedly turkish side that considers berne protocol inactive fault turkey greek statement athens ready put continental shelf issue international courts reuter acq leucadia luk pct minstar mnst leucadia national corp two subsidiaries acquired pct stake minstar inc corporation controlled corporate raider irwin jacobs and used forays acquire stock companies filing securities and exchange commission leucadia lnc investments inc newark del investment firm and charter national life insurance louis joint stock life insurance company bought combined minstar common shares for investment purposes leucadia subsidiaries had held pct stake minstar cut pct shares last july since july leucadia companies bought minstar common shares for total mln dlrs leucadia bought minstar stake obtain equity position company and intention seeking control half leucadia common stock owned tlc associates salt lake city utah general partnership partners include chairman and president leucadia and investors reuter earn basix corp bas qtr loss oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln mths oper shr loss dlrs profit cts oper net loss mln profit revs mln mln note oper excludes loss discontinued operations dlrs cts share for year ago qtr and dlrs cts share for year ago mths oper includes charge mln dlrs for cumulative effect repeal investment tax credit for qtr and writedown mln dlrs gas and oil facilities for mths year ago shr data restated reflect two pct stock dividend december reuter acq microbio mrc plans acquisition financing microbiological research corp entered into letter intent for proposed business combination privately owned datagene scientific laboratories inc and milex corp newly formed company stock swap received dlrs sale convertible note ventana growth fund part equity financing plan ventana that plan minimum dlrs and maximum mln dlrs additional capital provided fund combined operations companies microbiological that maximum additional capital raised will pct shares common outstanding combined company datagene holders will pct and ventana and will pct remaining pct will held milex shareholder norman monson will become chief executive officer combined companies reuter acq painewebber pwj unit ups shaer shoe shs stake mitchell hutchins asset management inc york investment firm and subsidiary painewebber group inc raised voting stake shaer shoe corp shares pct shares pct filing securities and exchange commission mitchell hutchins bought shares jan and feb prices ranging dlrs share and obtained voting control another shares firm bought stake investment behalf clients had discussions shaer management not disclose topic talks reuter earn telecredit inc tcrd qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn laser precision corp lasr qtr net shr profit cts profit two cts net profit profit revs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln reuter acq rexnord rex redeem rights rexnord inc will redeem preferred stock purchase rights for cts effective today rexnord rights will redeemed expected shares will tendered january takeover offer banner acquisition corp rights trade tandem rexnord common stock reuter acq cantrex unit merge ontario group groupe cantrex inc plans merge wholly owned subsidiary merger agreement cap appliance purchasers inc woodstock ontario group appliance and electronics retailers cap shareholders will receive preferred groupe cantrex shares entitling holders receive dlrs per share equivilant class subordinate voting cantrex shares merger effective april and subject shareholder approval reuter acq investment firm boosts ldbrinkman dbc stake two affiliated investment firms and investment funds control raised combined stake ldbrinkman corp shares pct total outstanding shares pct filing securities and exchange commission fidelity international bermuda based firm funds bought ldbrinkman common shares jan and feb prices ranging dlrs share funds controlled fmr corp boston based investment firm affiliated fidelity hold shares bringing combined total shares fidelity reuter earn itt itt hartford unit posts qtr gain hartford insurance group unit york based itt corp higher worldwide premiums boost net income for fourth quarter mln dlrs net income mln dlrs for quarter for full year hartford earned mln dlrs mln dlrs hartford results for year aided gain mln dlrs sale remaining pct stake abbey life group plc for company posted gain mln dlrs sale pct abbey life hartford total property casualty and life health written premiums rose pct billion dlrs billion dlrs reuter acq sec probes tre tre takeover attempt federal securities and exchange commission sec for securities laws violations connection unsuccessful bid hollywood producer burt sugarman tre corp attorneys contacted sec investigators takeeover attempt unit sugarman giant group point held pct stake tre had that effort jefferies group inc los angeles investment banking firm sold option portion shares sugarman eventually acquired addition company controlled sugarman raised mln dlrs debt offering underwritten drexel burnham lambert inc jefferies and used portion proceeds buy tre stock finally reliance group holdings inc acquired six pct tre seec filing attorneys asked not identified sec investigating whether sugarman and firms tre holdings working together disclosing cooperation required federal securities laws attorney sec probers examining whether sugarman and drexel had made adequate disclosures intended usage proceeds prospectus for mln dlr bond offering tre spokesman confirmed that tre since december unit aluminum america had contacted sec investigators and cooperating probe spokesman added that tre chairman leopold wyler had interviewed sec probers jefferies spokesman sec had asked for information months ago part informal probe spokesman jefferies had cooperated agency and had heard nothing since that time knowledge jefferies not target formal sec investigation connection tre bid drexel spokesman acknowledged that firm had underwritten debt offering for sugarman added had nothing tre matter policy sec routinely declines comment enforcement activities reuter ship canadian seafarers threaten strike canadian seafarers almost strike this spring refusal meet rollbacks wages and benefits asked for employers seafarers international union official roman gralewicz percent guarantee you strike gralewicz interview union represents workers great lakes and canada east and west coasts contract talks broke january and conciliator appointed settle dispute current contract expires end march seafarers employers asking for reduction crew levels move union cost jobs reuter earn dallas corp dls qtr loss oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss pofit revs mln mln mths oper shr profit cts profit cts oper net profit profit revs mln mln note oper net excludes loss discontinued operations dlrs cts share for year ago qtr and dlrs dlrs share for year ago mths reuter earn dillard department stores inc dds qtr net qtr ended jan shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion billion avg shrs mln mln note shr avg shrs data show for split nov reuter earn kentucky central life kenca sets payout kentucky central life insurance declared semi annual dividend cts per share payable march shareholders record march dividend equal company previous semi annual payout reuter earn bank england corp bkne qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn ford europe earnings pct last year ford europe net earnings soared per cent last year mln dlrs kenneth whipple chairman ford europe whipple attend geneva auto show opens thursday that ford motor unit had sold record million vehicles europe net earnings mln dlrs sales represented per cent european market share whipple ford will invest billion dollars europe and total billion years added reuter crude opec output ceiling subroto opec remains agreed output ceiling mln barrels day and had expected current fluctuations spot market two dlrs indonesian energy minister subroto told reporters meeting president suharto that present weakness spot oil market result warmer weather and europe reduced demand for oil prices had forced refineries stock denied that opec exceeding agreed production ceiling asked opec output level replied below mln barrels per day not elaborate appeared attempts manipulate market opec members stick cartel december pricing agreement present price difficulties predicted that prices recover and fourth quarters reiterated that for emergency opec meeting opec had expected fluctuations spot price hope weak price will overcome and predict price will and fourth quarters refiners appeared used stock deliberately slack demand market and price fall opec this period members stuck together reuter earn cra net profit mln dlrs mln acq transamerica sells occidental life australia equity investment company battery group had agreed buy occidental life insurance australia transamerica corp for mln australian dlrs acquisition made efforts major shareholder pratt and financial services pty battery group statement purchase will partly funded issue mln shares dlrs each and mln free options pratt group controlled entrepreneur dick pratt mln shares professional investors each balance will funded debt battery group acquisition subject approval shareholders completion share placements pratt group will effectively pct battery enlarged capital assuming exercise options battery mln shares issue battery occidental life major underwriter individual term life insurance and recent fast growing entrant individual account superannuation market mln dlrs funds management reuter earn cra craa net net mln dlrs mln shr cents final div announced july final cents making sales revenue billion billion investment income mln mln shrs mln mln note net tax mln dlrs mln interest mln mln depreciation mln mln net extraordinary loss mln profit mln reuter earn comalco net profit mln dlrs loss mln earn comalco cmac net net profit mln dlrs loss mln net equity accounted pre equity accounted net mln dlrs loss mln pre equity shr profit cents loss final div announced july and final cent sales billion billion income mln mln shrs mln note net tax paid mln dlrs credit mln interest mln mln depreciation mln mln and minorities mln loss net net extraordinary loss mln nil extraordinaries comprise exchange losses mln provision for goldendale smelter closure costs mln and increase future tax provision mln reuter trade japan moves tighten chip export curbs ministry international trade and industry miti acted tighten restrictions microchip exports countries preserve japan pact semiconductor trade major japanese chipmakers doubt usefulness miti spokesman ministry had asked chipmakers issue certificates trading houses stating authorised exporters trading houses applying for miti export licence will required show such certificate will not automatically denied licences industry officials predicted government measures likely limited effect long world semiconductor market remained weak government and industry officials complained repeatedly that japanese chipmakers continue sell below cost countries despite july agreement japanese firms and officials turn argue flow cheap chips countries due grey market sales party brokers seek profit gap low prices japan and higher prices based production costs and set for japanese makers agreement miti spokesman percentage grey market increasing for specific company suggests distributing products sales network knowing will exported means that case will reduce figure miti earlier asked makers cut output chips pct quarter spokesmen for firms doubt usefulness latest move long gap prices set pact and market prices will people want exploit gap make money hitachi hit spokesman reuter earn fisons plc fisn year end shr div making pre tax profit mln stg mln turnover mln mln tax mln mln finance charges mln mln minority interest mln mln extraordinary debit closure and restructuring costs mln mln operating profit includes pharmaceutical mln mln scientific equipment mln mln horticulture mln mln note company plans for capitalisation reuter interest major swiss banks raise customer time deposit rates point pct credit suisse interest corrected major swiss banks raise customer time deposit rates point pct credit suisse money-fx philippine planning chief urges peso devaluation philippines devalue peso exports remain competitive economic planning secretary solita monsod told reuters peso dollar rate undercut make exports competitive monsod interview question you cannot argue success taiwan south korea west germany japan miracle economies deliberately undervalued currencies peso free floating since june dollar finance secretary jaime ongpin government not intend devalue peso and flexible and continue respond market conditions monsod ongpin exchange rate point view finance dollar rate higher debt service terms pesos gets higher financing difficult terms economy not oppose official policy competitive not want become uncompetitive dead monsod ideal movement peso dollar rate movement that will reflect differences inflation rates philippines versus country arithmetic thing official figures show philippine inflation averaged pct calendar ongpin told reporters saturday expected touch pct this year government and international monetary fund had set peso dollar target rate peso lost pct slump dollar floated reuter acq clears cons gold purchase trade department not refer consolidated goldfields plc cgld purchase american aggregates corp monopolies commission cons gold last month that arc america corp unit had agreed buy ohio based company for dlrs share cash mln dlrs deal recommended aggregates board reuter crude pemex signs mln dlr japan loan for pipeline mexican state oil firm petroleos mexicanos pemex signed for mln dlr untied loan export import bank japan finance pacific petroleum project pemex japan representative tito ayal details loan immediately ayala told oil seminar project due for completion aimed improving distribution oil products domestic market pacific coast project consists pipeline linking nueva teapa gulf mexico salina cruz pacific coast and construction second phase salina cruz refinery project includes construction liquified petroleum gas lpg storage tanks santa cruz additional crude oil storage ends pipeline ammonia complex lazaro cardenas pacific coast and expansion infrastructure port salina cruz ayala pemex will buy mln dlrs worth foreign equipment and materials for project pipeline will enable japan load mexico maya crude oil salina cruz gulf mexico pemex will lpg surplus salina cruz that japan diversify supply sources that product added reuter earn stc plc stcl year end shr profit loss div making nil turnover billion stg billion pretax profit mln mln loss tax mln nil operating profit mln mln interest investment income mln mln exceptional debit mln mln minorities mln mln extraordinary credit mln mln debit operating profit includes international computers mln mln communications systems mln mln components and distribution mln mln defence mln mln reuter earn cra expects pay final dividend cents cra craa expected pay final dividend not cents share july making cents for year mining and smelting group earlier reported net earnings rose mln dlrs mln analysts forecasts yesterday mln mln cra deferring consideration dividend this year provide benefit dividend imputation shareholders july dividends will tax free shareholders provided come earnings full pct company tax rate company operates substituted tax year not fiscal year ending june and result incurred tax pct rate earnings cra statement funds for distribution dividend imputed waiting imputation legislation determining final payout despite higher net earnings cra poor year for minerals industry notable exception gold producers prices for major metals expressed real dollars declined lowest levels years fluctuating exchange and interest rates added volatility and uncertainty revaluation yen leading substantial restructuring japanese industry cra world demand for metals growing slowly inventories steadily declined supply and demand balance overcapacity continues cra turning contributions earnings cra bougainville copper buva contributed mln dlrs share comalco cmac net mln net earnings iron ore operations mln dlrs mln lead zinc and silver mining and smelting operations incurred net loss mln dlrs mln loss cra coal activities resulted net profit mln dlrs mln salt raised contribution mln mln cra share earnings argyle diamond project amounted mln dlrs mln cra main item mln dlr extraordinary loss mln writeoff unrealised foreign exchange losses borrowings required accounting standard extraordinary items mln dlrs provided for closures and writedown assets and mln increase future tax provisions cra cash flow continued high level mln dlrs capital expenditure billion strong cash flow coupled proceeds rights issue and use existing cash balances enabled group debt reduced mln dlrs cra held forward contracts year end buy mln dlrs hedge part foreign debt this cost mln dlrs tax included net interest cost reuter trade swiss capital exports rise january swiss capital exports rose billion francs january billion december and year earlier billion swiss national bank bond issues accounted for billion total december billion and credits mln mln january national bank ended distinction notes and bonds bond issues totalled billion francs notes billion and credits mln reuter trade china calls for trade deal china called united states remove curbs exports give favourable trading status and ease restrictions exports high technology embassy replied that chinese figures showing years trade deficits last inaccurate and peking persuade congress change laws limit exports official international business newspaper today published china demands editorial coincide visit secretary state george shultz extremely important that market reduce restrictions chinese imports provide needed facilities for and businessmen sides expand chinese exports editorial quickly discard prejudice favourable tariff treatment for chinese goods and admit china into generalised system preference gsp despite easing curbs technology exports recent years control extremely strict and influences normal trade two countries added paper printed article china commercial counsellor washington embassy chen shibiao that kinds difficulties and restrictions preventing bilateral trade fulfilling full potential named protectionist behaviour curbs technology transfer and date trade legislation paper printed table showing that since bilateral trade began china had deficit year and shows and deficits billion and billion dlrs embassy official not accept peking trade figures exclude goods shipped hong kong and trans shipped figures based country origin that china obtain gsp status will lobby congress persaude amend laws prevent peking getting such status trade act that qualify for gsp china member general agreement tariffs and trade gatt for applied july and not dominated controlled international communism official china aware laws date anti communist early that not sufficient political will change china subject dozen cases involving anti dumping last two years side won for time china signed last week agreement initiated voluntarily restrain exports two categories steel goods lead side withdraw anti dumping case added another diplomat willingness provide such voluntary export restraints important issue bilateral trade issues and peking application gatt china potential disrupt world markets textiles gatt countries will nervous china this respect precedent for centralled planned economies gatt diplomat poland czechoslovakia hungary and romania members gatt china massive market potential for imports vast labour pool produce cheap exports speech today northeast city dalian secretary state george shultz country welcomed china interest participating gatt process chinese accession will not accomplished overnight gatt rules not designed for large economy chinese type shultz china can play important role actively joining gatt discussions seeking expand general trading opportunities and enhance market access for exports worldwide china can develop foreign trade system gain maximum benefit gatt participation problems facing china trade and gatt membership similar pricing system foreign businessmen regard arbitrary and not related actual costs for exports and facto dual currency system memorandum backing application presented gatt last month china gradually reforming economic system and replacing mandatory instruction guidance planning and economic levers diplomat that join gatt china had reuter crude mobil plan open peking office china daily mobil corp mob plans open office peking develop oil exploration opportunities china china daily quoted mobil president richard tucker peking optimistic investment prospects china and that peking will continue encourage foreign private businesses invest mobil bought mln dlrs crude oil and oil products china and sold lubricant and fertiliser gave details reuter acq klm pct stake air klm royal dutch airlines klm agreed pct stake air subsidiary british and commonwealth shipping plc bcom transaction worth two mln stg klm spokesman klm cooperated closely air runs flights week amsterdam schipol airport cities british and commonwealth shipping last week held preliminary talks klm minority stake air gave details klm hoped move attract british feeder traffic amsterdam airport reuter acq ultramar sells marketing units for mln stg ultramar plc umar had reached agreement principle sell wholly owned marketing companies kuwait petroleum corp for mln stg ultramar marketing units include ultramar golden eagle made profit mln stg financing and group administration charges small loss recorded for months sale due place april proceeds intended reduce group debt short term ultramar funds ultimately used for development core businesses and north america reuter acq woolworth underwoods fail agree bid underwoods plc had not agree terms bid made woolworth holdings plc wluk talks two companies had holding exploratory discussions spokesman for company immediately terms not agreed whether possibility bid abandoned last week underwoods shares rose ahead announcement talks announcement today brought back last night close woolworth unchanged reuter crude mobil plans open office peking mobil oil corp plans open office peking develop oil exploration opportunities china china daily quoted mobil president richard tucker peking optimistic investment prospects china and that peking will continue encourage foreign private businesses invest mobil bought mln dlrs crude oil and oil products china and sold lubricant and fertiliser gave details reuter earn unilever plc and combined pre tax profit billion stg mln crude opec output ceiling subroto opec remains agreed output ceiling mln barrels day and had expected current fluctuations spot market two dlrs indonesian energy minister subroto told reporters meeting president suharto that present weakness spot oil market result warmer weather and europe reduced demand for oil prices had forced refineries stock denied that opec exceeding agreed production ceiling asked opec output level replied below mln barrels per day not elaborate appeared attempts manipulate market opec members stick cartel december pricing agreement present price difficulties predicted that prices recover and fourth quarters reiterated that for emergency opec meeting opec had expected fluctuations spot price hope weak price will overcome and predict price will and fourth quarters refiners appeared used stock deliberately slack demand market and price fall opec this period members stuck together reuter earn unilever plc and qtr dec london march unilever plc share making for full year unilever share guilders guilders making guilders guilders unilever plc final div making unilever final div guilders making guilders guilders combined pre tax profit mln stg making billion stg mln two companies proposed for share split combined fourth quarter pre tax profit billion guilders billion making billion guilders billion operating profit mln stg mln making billion stg mln tax mln stg mln making mln mln tax adjustments mln stg credit nil making mln stg credit mln debit attributable profit mln stg mln making mln mln full year turnover billion stg billion reuter acq hotels soars takeover speculation price hongkong and shanghai hotels shlh stock soared speculation takeover battle major shareholders kadoorie family and evergo industrial enterprise evgh group stock brokers noted heavy buying hotel shares announcement evergo china entertainment and land investment unit that bought pct hotels firm deputy chairman david liang for billion dlrs stock rose dlrs dlrs today thomas lau evergo executive director declined comment whether group seeking stake hotels told reuters group will hold pct stake bought liang long term investment evergo attracted underlying strength hotels analysts evergo for redevelopment peninsula hotel asia hotels and another site hong kong island owned hotels lai sun garment yesterday acquired pct stake hotels liang for mln dlrs lau denied link china entertainment and lai sun acquisitions hotels stake purely coincidence analysts not that evergo group reputation corporate raider team lai sun garment for takeover lau denied contact kadoorie family analysts estimate pct hotels michael kadoorie chairman hotels lau two representatives evergo will nominated hotels board source close kadoorie family family not considered countermoves analysts difficult for evergo and kadoorie family cooperate management styles evergo want split hotel management and property developments hotels that strategy not fit conservative kadoorie family analyst asked not named another analyst noted price hotels had distorted takeover talks net asset worth dlrs share offers evergo and lai sun for dlrs share that below current trading price trading suspended today shares lai sun evergo china entertainment and group associate chinese estates chinese estates lost cents dlrs yesterday china entertainment dlrs and evergo cents lai sun gained cents dlrs reuter acq bryson pays mln dlrs for cenergy corp stake bryson oil and gas plc paid cash consideration mln dlrs for pct cenergy corp oil and gas exploration and production company bryson board number investments expand company interests and believes opportunity acquire investment cenergy suitable extension existing interests cenergy reported net loss mln dlrs months september total stockholders equity date mln dlrs reuter earn ashton tate tate qtr net shr cts cts net mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year shr dlrs cts net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note share adjusted for january two for split reuter ship side optimistic rotterdam port issues employers and port union fnv meet this afternoon attempt settlement six week dispute rotterdam general cargo sector side optimistic spokesmen for sides told reuters progress made last night hours talks sides largely reiterating positions large gap employers and fnv and can that expect reach agreement talking union spokesman employers organization chairman jacques schoufour accused fnv intransigence refusing alter stance past two months fnv not discussions and not optimistic changing point view find this afternoon that fnv refuses accept redundancies general cargo sector will break talks and redundancies begin this month schoufour series strikes employers cost mln guilders lost import business past six weeks began january protest plans for redundancies sector workforce starting this year late last month social affairs minister louw graaf dispute settled yesterday withdraw sector mln guilder annual labour subsidy sides wrote minister yesterday setting cases schoufour not expect hear wednesday earliest reuter earn unilever improves sectors unilever plc and group improved performance almost sectors anglo dutch group results statement good progress made last year recent acquisition chesebrough pond inc cbm significant addition will greatly benefit group years come earlier unilever reported combined fourth quarter pre tax profit mln stg level year earlier period making billion stg compared mln for full year unilever plans change depreciation policy conventional practice depreciating assets individually depreciating fixed assets average rates method expected lead reduction accumulated provision for depreciation and thereby increase net book tangible asssets mln stg january unilever plc shares since yesterday buoyant response results and share split proposal profits not ahead market forecasts dealers added reuter earn burlington coat factory warehouse corp bcf net jan end shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter acq greenwood resources grrl sells company stake greenwood resources inc sold common share majority holding london oil london affiliate guinness peat group plc london and affiliate sidro belgium for total dlrs cash company will apply proceeds sale support line credit and part proposed debt restructuring colorado national bancshares colc and greenwood shareholders will retain seat london board reuter earn woolworth qtr shr dlrs dlrs acq heinz interested buying guinness brewing heinz hnz chairman tony reilly interested buying guinness plc guin brewery division for sale spokesman spokesman reacting irish and british press reports continues interested group offer brewery side guinness for sale not put together consortium buying shares quoted irish magazine business and finance interested market and that had support two international banks decided such purchase worthwhile magazine article suggested that brewing profits calculated region mln punts asking price not higher mln punts multiple ten times earnings top whack for brewing division current guinness situation this mean expensive exercise edge not impossible added deal mean buying dublin london nigerian and malaysian breweries sold integral unit sold reilly reuter earn equatorial communications equa losses equatorial communications expects report losses mln dlrs for fourth quarter and mln dlrs for full year revenues mln dlrs for quarter and mln dlrs for year equatorial losses will include charge mln dlrs costs associated restructuring business including adjustments reflect market transponders owned and leased equatorial and reserves for inventory receivables and excess facilities equatorial fourth quarter operating results will include restructuring costs dlrs addition mln dlr charge equitorial that march operating technical default lease transponders galaxy iii satellite due inabiliuty maintain agreed financial ratios talks lessors attempt restructure lease obligations equitorial default two oblitations connection purchase lease transponders result cross default provisions equatorial signed memorandum understanding for contel corp ctc purchase mln dlrs equatorial master earth stations micro earth stations and associated equipment and loan equatorial six mln dlrs six month period for repayment starting december company conteol agreement assume portion equatorial rights and obligations galaxy iii transponder lease burnham leasing occurrence events equatorial grant contel option buy common shares dlrs each equatorial understandings contel subject equatorial ability restructure significant portion obligations and obtain concessions lenders and lessors galaxy iii transponder lease hopes finalize contel agreement april equatorial earned dlrs dlr gain early debt retirement revenues mln dlrs for months company lost dlrs revenues mln dlrs compared dlr profit early retirement gain revenues mln dlrs reuter earn transamerica australian sale gain transamerica corp will tax gain mln dlrs sale occidental life insurance australia affiliate pratt and financial services pty melbourne for mln australian dlrs sale announced earlier today australia proceeds will used enhance growth north american operations transamerica occidental life subsidiary company reuter acq viacom international inc gets another national amusements bid earn woolworth qtr jan net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales billion billion avg shrs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales billion billion avg shrs mln mln note share data restated reflect two for stock split reuter trade asks japan end agriculture import controls japan eliminate import controls agricultural products years visiting secretary state for economic affairs allen wallis told eishiro saito chairman federation economic organisations keidanren spokesman for keidanren spokesman quoted wallis drastic measures needed stave protectionist legislation congress wallis attending sub cabinet level bilateral trade meeting made remark yesterday talks saito wallis quoted reagan administration japanese cooperation white house can ensure trade bill moderate containing retaliatory measures antagonising country quoted pleased japan halve restrictions agricultural imports years country cannot cope abolition spokesman japan restricts imports agricultural products ban rice imports triggered recent complaints japan agricultural policy reuter earn firstcorp fcr sees gain condemnation firstcorp inc weill report tax gain dlrs cts per share primary and cts fully diluted proposed condemnation and acquisition parking deck operates wake county company reinvested proceeds similar property months gain sale deferred for tax purposes reuter earn national sea products qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr dlrs cts oper net revs mln mln note qtr excludes extraordinary gain dlrs cts share versus extraordinary loss dlrs shr nil qtr note continued year excludes extraordinary gain dlrs cts share versus extraordinary gain dlrs cts share prior year reuter acq national amusements ups viacom bid viacom international inc national amusements inc raised offer for viacom publicly held stock company special committee board plans meet today this offer and submitted march mcv holdings inc spokeswoman unable committee met planned yesterday viacom national amusements arsenal holdings inc subsidiary raised amount cash offering for each viacom share cts dlrs fraction share exchangeable arsenal holdings preferred included raised cts dlrs national amusements owns pct viacom stock reuter earn national fsi inc nfsi qtr loss shr loss six cts profit cts net loss profit revs year shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln note year figures pro forma for purchase accounting adjustments resulting march reeacquisition company original shareholders august initial public offering reuter earn precambrian shield resources year loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln note shr and net include dlr writedown operations uneconomic coal operations and mineral properties reuter earn grease monkey holding corp gmhc year nov shr nil nil net revs reuter earn acceptance insurance holdings inc acpt year oper shr profit dlrs loss dlrs oper net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs note net excludes realized investment gains dlrs dlrs net excludes dlr tax credit reuter earn minstar inc mnst qtr net oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note operating net loss excludes income discontinued operations equal cts quarter and cts year compared dlrs quarter and dlrs respective periods operating net loss excludes extraordinary charges cts quarter and cts year operating net profit excludes extraordinary gain cts reuter earn mark resources inc year loss shr not loss mln revs mln note prior year results not results include accounts pct owned precambrian shield resources acquired november reuter earn transform logic toog revises results downward transform logic corp revised downward previously reported fourth quarter and year ended october results reflect compensation expense for employee stock options company resolution this disagreement auditors result securities and exchange commission involvement company will amend option granting procedure conform sec decision will eliminate future charges added transform fourth quarter profit revised dlrs two cts share previously reported dlrs left company fiscal loss dlrs two cts share reported dlrs profit reuter earn american stores asc sees lower year net american stores expects report earnings per share dlrs per share sales slightly billion dlrs for year ended january supermarket chain earned dlrs per share sales billion dlrs last year company not elaborate reuter earn kasler corp kasl qtr jan net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter earn unilever improved margins volumes unilever plc and group reported improvements margins and underlying sales volume growth pct stripping effects falling prices disposals and currency movements unilever plc chairman michael angus told reporters that volumes north america increased pct european consumer goods rose pct flat for years disposal strategy aimed concentrating activities core businesses had completed noted process acquisitions strategic acquisitions taking place time time company earlier reported pct rise pre tax profits for billion stg mln previously guilder terms profits pre tax level dropped pct billion billion angus recent purchase chesebrough pond inc cbm for dlrs share bring earnings dilution not add profits company operating profits paying for acquisition costs finance director niall fitzgerald added that gearing debt equity debt rose pct end pct last year this expected drop back pct end divergence made full year dividend unilever rising pct guilders and unilever plc increasing pct approximately line change attributable profit angus prospectus for sale parts chesebrough due published shortly that target date for completing process declined sort sum unilever hoped realise operation noting that chesebrough had paid billion dlrs for stauffer chemical operates unilever core activities organic growth lipton foods business considerable expansion household products business and margarine had sales increase noted that household products business had turned planned loss fourth quarter performance expected despite anticipated heavy launch costs surf detergents reuter acq sara lee sle buy pct dim sara lee corp agreed buy pct interest paris based dim subsidiary bic cost mln dlrs dim hosiery manufacturer had sales mln dlrs investment includes purchase newly issued dim shares valued mln dlrs and loan mln dlrs loan convertible into additional dim shares noted proposed agreement subject approval french government reuter trade china calls for trade deal china called united states remove curbs exports give favourable trading status and ease restrictions exports high technology embassy replied that chinese figures showing years trade deficits last inaccurate and peking persuade congress change laws limit exports official international business newspaper today published china demands editorial coincide visit secretary state george shultz extremely important that market reduce restrictions chinese imports provide needed facilities for and businessmen sides expand chinese exports editorial quickly discard prejudice favourable tariff treatment for chinese goods and admit china into generalised system preference gsp despite easing curbs technology exports recent years control extremely strict and influences normal trade two countries added paper printed article china commercial counsellor washington embassy chen shibiao that kinds difficulties and restrictions preventing bilateral trade fulfilling full potential named protectionist behaviour curbs technology transfer and date trade legislation reuter earn precambrian shield takes mln dlr writedown precambrian shield resources earlier reporting large loss year ago profit loss due dlr writedown operations uneconomic coal and mineral properties precambrian pct owned mark resources inc writedown accordance canadian insititute chartered accountants guidelines for full cost method accounting oil and gas companies precambrian earlier reported loss mln dlrs compared profit mln dlrs prior year reuter acq scott hospitality acquires capital food scott hospitality inc acquired issued shares capital food services ottawa terms not disclosed scott capital food had sales mln dlrs and will continue operate present name existing management capital food food services ottawa institutions company reuter acq video display vide sell cable unit video display corfp reached tentiative agreement sell existing cable television business for undisclosed terms and expects report gain transaction buyer not named company will redeploy service assets into manufacturing and distribution operations sold accounted for pct revenues for year ended february and lost money reuter earn intek diversified corp idcc qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs mln reuter acq community bank cbsi make acquisition community bank system inc entered into definitive agreement acquire nichols community bank for dlrs common stock subject approval nichols shareholders and regulatory authorities transaction expected completed this year reuter earn pharmacia phab year sales billion crowns billion profit financial items mln crowns mln results include once writedown mln crowns for intangible assets paid for takeover number high tech companies group pharmacia earnings per share real tax including writedown crowns crowns earnings per share real tax not including writedown crowns earnings per american depository receipt adr accounting principles real tax including writedown crowns crowns earnings per adr accounting principles real tax writedown crowns adr represents pct free share pharmacia board proposed dividend crowns reuter earn pharmacia forecasts higher earnings pharmacia phab forecast earnings financial items billion crowns mln last year condition that exchange rates remained present parities sales such circumstances six billion crowns billion weakening dollar responsible for pct negative impact sales company blamed currency movements last year results badly hit once writedown mln crowns for intangible assets company this represented premium group had paid for high tech firms had accounts showed financial deficit billion crowns deficit mln covered partly drawing company liquidity mln billion and partly increasing borrowing billion mln pharmacia financial deficit caused used funds generated group operations billion paid cash for shares lkb produkter and assets intermedics intraocular inc reuter ship mclean industries mii unit transers service mclean industries inc shipping subsidiary united states lines inc reached agreement principle transfer south american service american transport lines inc subsidiary crowley maritime corp terms agreement united states lines will lease vessels american transport for months option extend period years company return lines will receive fixed payment and percentage revenues for years and possibly long american transport utilizes vessels and conducts trade south america company companies will consummate transactions required approvals obtained mclean reuter earn federal savings ffkz year net shr cts dlr net assets mln mln deposits mln mln loans mln mln qtly div six cts six cts prior qtr pay april record march note net includes charges accounting time expenses associated proxy contest and increase loan reserves federal savings and loan association kalamazoo full name company reuter earn toll brothers inc tol qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note amts reflect for stock split company common form pct stock dividend paid feb reuter earn pillsbury psy votes quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr pay record reuter earn berkshire gas bgas pays regular qtlry div qtrly div cts cts pay april record march reuter earn charming shoppes inc chrs qtr jan net shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln year shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln reuter earn pansophic systems pns splits stock for pansophic systems inc will split stock two for effective april two shareholders record march will pay six cts per share dividend pre split shares regular quarterly dividend april two shareholders record march reuter acq calmar clmi seeks acquired kebo calmar inc keboo sweden owns pct calmark approved acquisition remaining calmar shares dlrs cash request calmar board calmar special meeting board will held march form special committee directors not affiliated kebo evaluate transaction kebo turn pct owned investment beijar sweden reuter acq italy bnl negotiating purchase german bank italy state owned banca nazionale del lavoro bnl negotiating buy west german bank part foreign expansion policy bnl president nerio nesi told news conference italian bank involved talks declined name german institution takeover move bnl reply deutsche bank dbkg entered italian market december purchase bankamerica bacn subsidiary banca america italia nesi bnl had approved mln dlr credit line soviet union aimed enabling soviet companies pay for italian imports gave details bnl officials group had decided increase activities soviet union opening representative office moscow this month subsidiary sogecred specialises italian soviet trade reuter interest fed expected add temporary reserves federal reserve expected enter government securities market add temporary reserves economists expect supply reserves indirectly arranging two billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements fed add reserves directly system repurchases federal funds averaged pct yesterday opened pct and stayed early trading analysts rate upward pressure partly settlement billion dlrs year treasury notes reuter earn lsb industries inc lsb qtr net shr profit cts loss dlrs net profit loss mln revs mln mln avg shrs mths shr profit cts loss dlrs net profit loss mln revs mln mln avg shrs note primary earnings per share based weighted average number common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding each period accounting for preferred stock dividends qtr and year includes provision for restructuring costs related sale energy business and parts bearing business qtr and year includes charges and for restructuring costs and operating losses charged previously provided accruals for restructuring costs qtr and year includes deferred income taxes and year net includes operations friedrich climate master inc company acquired august for full period comparable period for includes operations august dec qtr includes extraodinary tax gain early extinquishment drafts payable reuter earn gulf resources and chemical corp gre qtr oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit revs mln mln year oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln notes operating net excludes loss dlrs cts share loss dlrs dlrs share quarter and loss dlrs cts share profit dlrs dlrs share discontinued operations loss discontinued operations includes mln dlrs charge equal cts share provide for additional liabilities resulting closure lead zinc and silver mining smelting and refining business year operating net includes pre tax gain mln dlrs equal cts share pension plan termination and gain mln dlrs cts share reduction deferred taxes effective jan company changed oil and gas accounting successful efforts full cost increasing year net mln dlrs cts share and increasing loss mln dlrs cts share cumulative effect change decrease retained earnings dec mln dlrs reuter earn pansophic systems inc pns qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter money-fx treasury official urges currency reforms treasury official fred bergsten exchange rate system needed replace fixed and flexible exchange rate systems had not worked prefer move target zones major countries determine ranges pct pledge hold exchange rates direct intervention and monetary and policies bergsten director institute for international economics statement house banking subcommittee substantial correction exchange rate that occurred since early enormously and produce sizeable reduction trade deficit this year and imbalance will not fall below billion dlrs present policies needed reuter earn knutson mortgage corp knmc sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn ford motor canada qtr shr dlrs cts earn ausimont compo aus qtr net shr cts cts net mln sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln note translated italian lire dollar reuter acq norton nrt sell south african operations norton agreed sell remaining south african business norton pty global mining and industrial corp south africa for undisclosed terms company unit accounts for two pct norton revenues and sold growing societal pressures united states and unsettled situation south africa had required disproportionate amount management tiome oversee norton unit profitable norton will provide south afrcian unit future technical support and products makde that agreement will continue marketed norton trademark reuter earn home federal rockies hrok qtr loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit year shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit note home federal savings and loan association rockies net includes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year net includes pretax loan loss provisions dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year reuter acq saatchi and saatchi buys cleveland consulting advertising agents saatchi and saatchi plc sachy buying cleveland consulting associates inc for initial consideration mln dlrs additional payments made annually year ending march bring total consideration pct cleveland average post tax profits last two years period purchase cleveland step saatchi and saatchi fast growing consulting industry company consulting operations provide platform for major future expansion for months ended march cleveland had dlrs pretax profits and forecasts mln for saatchi and saatchi annual meeting today company reported strong start current year profits sharply higher period last year saatchi and saatchi shares rose pence cleveland announcement yesterday close reuter acq unilever chesebrough offers sell bass chesebrough pond inc recently acquired unit unilever offering sell bass shoe division result ongoing evaluation long term direction businesses diversified maker health and beauty aids acquired falmouth maine based bass and company reported annual sales mln dlrs bass for high quality casual shoes chesebrough bass sales exceeded mln dlrs reuter earn continental gic sees net tax law continental corp fresh start provision tax reform act add earnings per share insurance holding company had net earnings mln dlrs per share john loynes continental chief financial officer fresh start provision allowed company discount opening tax reserves january released deferred taxes into earnings loynes provision potential benefit decline gradually years time continental will pay mln mln dlrs taxes loynes added higher taxes not expecetd significant impact earnings reuter earn ford motor canada qtr net shr dlrs cts net mln mln revs billion billion year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion billion note pct owned ford motor reuter earn royal bank canada qtr shr cts dlrs earn anitec image technology corp antc qtr net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln half shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln note share adjusted for for two october stock split reuter earn dasa corp dasa year net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln reuter acq group trims material sciences msc stake investor group led central national gottesman inc york investment firm and executive vice president edgar wachenheim cut stake material sciences corp pct filing securities and exchange commission group sold material sciences common shares feb and prices ranging dlrs share leaving shares pct long group stake remains below pct not required disclose dealings material sciences common stock reuter interest fed sets billion dlr customer repurchase fed earn adc telecommunications inc adct qtr net periods ended jan shr cts cts net sales mln mln backlog mln mln reuter acq tylan corp tyln sell furnace product line tylan corp aid retained investment banking firm kahn and harris sell furnace product line company contacted potential buyers tylan furnace product shipments represented mln dlrs company total net sales mln dlrs reuter earn royal bank canada qtr jan net shr basic cts dlrs shr diluted cts dlrs net avg shrs mln mln loans billion billion deposits billion billion assets billion billion reuter interest fed adds reserves customer repurchases federal reserve entered government securities market arrange billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements fed spokesman dealers federal funds trading pct fed began temporary and indirect supply reserves banking system reuter earn supradur cos inc supd year net oper shr dlrs cts oper net sales mln mln note net excludes discontinued operations gain dlrs loss dlrs reuter earn wallace computer services inc wcs qtr net shr cts cts net sales mln mln six mths shr dlrs dlrs net sales mln mln note periods end january and reuter earn american vanguard corp amgd year net shr cts cts net sales mln mln note qtr data not reuter earn north american biologicals inc nbio qtr oper shr cts oper net revs mln avg shrs mln mln year oper shr six cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs mln note net excludes tax credits dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year reuter earn omnicom group inc omcm qtr net shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln mths shr loss cts profit dlrs net loss profit revs mln mln note qtr ended company recognized expenses for restructing combined operations bbdo doyle dane bernbach and needham harper worldwide august tax gains relate primarily conosolidation and elimination duplicate facilities and staff for year provisions for mergers and restructuring expenses brought recurring expenses tax gains represented merger costs and related restructuring combine operations reuter earn correction ashton tate item torrance calif item ashton tate tate qtr net read quarter average shares mln not mln reuter earn royal bank canada sees higher loan losses royal bank canada estimates loan losses billion dlrs mln dlr increase last year royal bank set provisions continued debt servicing problems north american energy industry and uncertain outlook for energy prices and continued add general provisions for loans troubled borrower countries bank loan loss provision for quarter ended january rose mln dlrs mln dlrs year ago quarter bank accrual loans net provisions for loan losses totalled billion dlrs january billion dlrs year ago reporting lower quarter earnings chairman allan taylor problems credit quality loans associated energy sector continue substantial adverse effect bank earnings taylor profitability bank international operations remains weak reflecting resource related difficulties private and public sector borrowers and unsatisfactory results capital market activities taylor premature speculate outcome debt resturcturing negotiations brazil potential impact royal bank bank earlier reported quarter profit fell mln dlrs mln dlrs year ago reuter acq pantera pant and pizza pza agree merge pantera corp agreed principle acquire pizza inn inc cash and stock transaction terms proposed transaction each pizza inn share can exchanged for dlrs cash lesser shares pantera common stock dlrs market pantera stock dlrs cash unit consisting share pantera stock and transferrable receive share pantera stock conditions completion transaction subject arrangement financing negotiation definitive agreement and regulatory approvals pantera pizza inn largest shareholder spillman previously granted pantera option buy mln shares pizza inn common stock owned pantera retained drexel burnham lambert inc act financial advisor connection merger pizza inn retained dean witter reynolds inc act financial advisor pantera yesterday pantera stock closed dlrs nasdaq pizza inn stock quoted dlrs amex halted trading pending announcement proposed merger dallas headquarters pizza inn completion transaction subject conditions including that price pantera stock average not dlrs trading days merger agreement pizza inn will permitted complete leveraged buyout agreement pizza inn acquiring corp approved shareholders subject otaining financing earn distributed logic corp dlog qtr loss qtr ended jan shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs reuter acq lifetime lft buy shares nippon lace lifetime corp agreed buy mln shares pct nippon lace for dlrs share mln dlrs plans enter health care business japan addition koba electronics affiliate lifetime will buy mln unissued shares pct stake nippon for mln dlrs dlrs share company ohta shoji chief executive officer toho mutual life insurance owns majority koba electronics shares toho mutual life largest shareholder nippon lace company lifetime private bank and trust zurich behalf lifetime director and shareholder terence ramsden intends subscribe for two mln shares nippon lace price paid lifetime reuter earn intermedics inc itm qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note prior qtr excludes loss cts per share for discontinued operations for sale subsidiaries intermedics intraocular inc electronics inc and intermedics infusaid inc excludes qtr operating loss carryforwards qtr prior reuter acq beneficial corp sell insurance unit removing company insurance business earn ford canada cuts annual dividend six dlrs six dlrs cash share earn paine webber residential realty inc pwm div qtrly cts cts pay march record march note prior qtr for two months operation october and november and represents parital dividend reuter earn omnicom group omcm sets regular payout qtlry div cts cts pay april record march reuter earn knutson mortgage knmc sees strong second qtr knutson mortgage corp expects strong earnings performance for initial fiscal second quarter earnings ending march since public september albert holderson knutson chairman expects earnings cts per share for quarter result strong mortgage business quarter knutson earlier declared quarterly dividend cts share versus cts share prior payable april shareholders record march reuter earn intermedics inc itm qtr feb net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note current qtr oper net excludes operating loss carryforward cts per share qtr oper net excludes loss carryforward dlrs per share and loss discontinued operations dlrs reuter earn carme inc qtr jan net shr cts net sales six mths shr cts cts net sales reuter earn willcox and gibbs inc qtr net shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln note net includes extraordinary gain mln dlrs cts per share qtr and mln dlrs for year reuter earn omnicom group inc omcm qtr net shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit mln revs mln mln qtly div cts cts avg shrs mln mln year shr loss cts profit dlrs net loss profit mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note qtly div payable april six holders record march qtr and year net includes charge mln dlrs and mln dlrs for corporate restructuring reuter earn ford motor canada cuts annual div annual div six dlrs dlrs prior pay march record march note payout includes two dlrs share extra dividend payout includes dlrs share extra dividend reuter earn united healthcare corp unih qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs note net income includes extraordinary profit recognition tax loss carryforward dlrs six cts share year and dlrs cts share periods reuter earn raytech corp ray qtr dec net shr profit cts loss dlrs net profit loss revs mln mln year shr profit dlrs loss dlrs net profit loss mln revs mln mln note qtr and includes loss carryfoward dlrs and dlrs reuter earn datamag inc dmag qtr dec loss net loss profit sales note per share data not company public january reuter earn royal bank sees improved results royal bank canada reporting pct drop quarter earnings expects report improved results future earnings periods healthy consumer credit growth record fee based income highly profitable securities and foreign exchange trading and solid capital position combined restraint interest expenses lead improved results periods ahead chairman allan taylor statement bank earlier reported profit for quarter ended january fell mln dlrs mln dlrs year ago taylor loans energy sector continue substantially hurt earnings profitability bank international operations remains weak reflecting resource related difficulties private and public sector borrowers and unsatisfactory results capital market activities bank earnings domestic operations rose mln dlrs quarter mln dlrs year ago earnings international operations plunged mln dlrs mln dlrs last year royal bank quarter international net interest income declined last year reflecting reduced revenues international investment banking significant loss disposal affiliate trinidad and tobago income rose mln dlrs mln dlrs last year rise due higher commercial banking and retail deposit service fees and higher foreign exchange revenue lower securities commissions international investment bank operations partly offset gains royal bank bank two billion dlr increase total assets billion dlrs due continued growth consumer lending residential mortgages reuter trade belgian react textile bill belgian foreign trade minister herman croo congress passed legislation curbing world textile imports european community react retaliate croo news conference you limit textile imports you will orient textiles europe and that trigger taxes goods congress passed textile bill two years ago vetoed president reagan grounds that curbing imports protect domestic textile industry trigger retaliation trading partners similar bill introducted this year congress bigger democratic majority and president weakened iran scandal croo for talks administration officials and congressmen textile bill passed react retaliation and retaliation not good deal problems textile bill enacted will impose taxes lot american products stupid avoid that congressmen upset mosty japan massive trade suprlus united states and not nations nations will hurt diverted shipments asian textiles croo criticized officials solve trade issues each time come contact conflict contact clouts coming fom west crisis atmosphere officials cross atlantic and dramatized headlines this not work two big powers croo reuter earn kay corp kay qtr net oper shr cts dlrs oper net revs mln mln year oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net revs mln mln note oper net excludes results kay jewelers inc subsidiary dec company distributed remaining pct interest subsidiary kay corp holders amts restated connection company distribution investment kay jewelers inc qtr and oper net excludes dlrs dlrs per share and dlrs dlrs per share for equity net income spun unit qtr and oper net excludes dlrs dlrs per share and dlrs dlrs per share for equity net earnings spun unit oper net excludes cts per share for adoption pension accounting rules and ine cts per share for gain assets sales reuter trade rostenkowski will oppose protectionist trade bill house earn pantasote inc pnt qtr loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss sales mln mln year oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln note net excludes extraordinary charges provision for roofing products warranties and costs sale printing laminate division dlrs mln dlrs quarter and dlrs mln dlrs year net excludes tax credits dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year reuter trade rostenkowski opposes protectionist trade bill house ways and means committee chairman dan rostenkowski congress avoid temptation pass protectionist trade bill this year remarks prepared for delivery national press club rostenkowski ill predicted major trade legislation will president reagan end this year warned that conciliatory message trade bill not mean oppose proposal that warn countries access american market curtailed opened markets goods complaints foreign trade restraints not smoke screen for protectionism plea for fairness rostenkowski reasonable nations that denied access open return for continued freedom american market added likely market access proposal plan cleared house last year that plan set specific time table for foreign countries ease import restraints face pct cut exports united states reuter acq imtec imtc gets merger offer imtec inc shareholders computer identics inc cidn proposed merger two companies company shareholders had previously expressed dissatisfaction computer identics management and had informed computer identics that present board longer had support majority shares held shareholders had called for resignation computer identics directors and suggested that board pursue merger talks imtec imtec merger talks havew place reuter earn kay jewelers inc kji qtr net shr dlrs dlrs net mln revs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln reuter earn wall street stocks anacomp inc aac anacomp inc actively traded nyse issues rose today analyst expected earnings boosted planned acquisition micrographics company anacomp rose volume shares trading high earlier howard harlow analyst whale securities corp anacomp earnings for fiscal ending september doubled cts share cts share had forecast anacomp agreed buy datagraphix micrographics firm general dynamics corp company can earn cts share fiscal dlr share datagraphix harlow benefit will fourth qtr will integrate company second half anacomp earnings will problems integrating datagraphix harlow spokesman anacomp company expects complete deal for datagraphix this month not will pay for datagraphix noted that datagraphix contributed mln dlrs earnings general dynamics revenues mln dlrs harlow fellow analyst whale securities estimates that anacomp will pay mln dlrs mln dlrs for datagraphix estimates street narrow mln dlrs and mln dlrs harlow added anacomp reported net mln dlrs cts share qtr ended december dlrs share anacomp fiscal earned dlrs cts share whale securities recommends buying stock harlow reuter acq corrected lifetime lft buy nippon lace sahres lifetime corp agreed buy mln shares pct nippon lace for dlrs share mln dlrs plans enter health care business japan addition koba electronics affiliate nippon will buy mln unissued shares pct stake lifetime for mln dlrs dlrs share corrects show nippon affiliate koba buying stake lifetime reuter trade exports body gets executive director export credits guarantee department named malcolm stephens director export finance barclay bank plc and career civil servant ecgd for years post executive director department spokesman stephens replaces jack gill retiring early aged drop ecgd business volume and rise debt exchequer led criticism parliament recent years stephens fall business volume top convern adding that department compete aggressively private insurance firms providing similar services department annual report for year ended march showed exports insured department fell billion stg billion year debt exchequer almost doubled mln stg stephens had specific list chief concerns weakened condition lesser developed countries and ability pay for imports agency will review policies insuring export credits lesser credits country country basis large lump political risk insurance sort thing want you forward you simply peak and trough situation long term thing stephens response qustion whether ecgd will strike countries list political risk insurance recipients noted that countries removed list reuter acq tender loving tlci staff staf extend pact tender loving care health care services inc and staff buildiers inc extended term merger agreement tender loving care norrell corp agreed not acquire additional staff builders shares september adding norrell paid dlrs for standstill arrangement tender loving care agreed buy staff builders common held norrell pct outstanding for dlrs immediately prior consummation merger tender loving care extended merger agreement continues provide for exchange shares for each staff builders share outstanding announced february staff builders shareholders meeting vote merger originally convened and adjourned december will reconvened april tender loving care payment norrell will include dlrs cash and mln dlrs series pct tender loving care convertible preferred tender loving care and staff builders filed revised registration and proxy statement securities and exchange commission clearance revised proxy statement commission and distribution staff builders shareholders that company management will continue solicit proxies for approval merger tender loving care will power vote pct staff builders shares adjourned meeting spokesman explaining that this represents proxies held norrell started buying stock record date for meeting addition staff builders officers and directors pct stock and agreed vote favor merger accordingly vote additional pct outstanding shares will required approve merger tender loving care reuter acq varian var talks philips electronics varian associates inc holding discussions philips electronics purchase philips broadcast transmission unit united kingdom pye tvt limited pye tvt designs and manufactures broadcast transmission equimpment specializing television frequencies reuter acq butler btlr sell part unit butler manufacturing agreed principal sell part controls division enercon data corp minneapolis terms sale not disclosed transaction expected closed march involves controls division energy management and power line carrier product lines butler costs associated sale included restructuring charge last year fourth quarter and will effect earnings reuter earn fertility and genetics research baby qtr periods ended december shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs reuter trade rostenkowski reluctant back tax hike house ways and means committee chairman dan rostenkowski reluctant back tax increase not president reagan support told national press club luncheon number tax proposals that debated reagan sought tax increase balance budget prefer leave tax rates enacted last year tax reform bill unchanged calls congress hold rates level fall year reagan proposed billion dlrs revenue part budget proposal not include general tax increases trade issues rostenkowski not expect major trade bill this year single industry for special protection individual items trade bill suicide this apparently ruled congressional approval another textile trade bill limit quotas textile imports proposed this year reuter acq magellan corp sets merger balzac magellan corp entered into letter intent acquire balzac investments inc transaction that will result balzac shareholders owning pct combined company company completion merger combined company wopuld power cell inc and engaged development balzac technology related quick charge product for charging auto batteries transaction subject approval shareholders companies reuter earn united cos financial corp uncf qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs year shr dlrs dlrs net mln revs mln mln avg shrs reuter earn bristol myers bmy sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter acq american aircraft corp buys private firm american aircraft corp acquired pct interest privately held hunter helicopter nevada inc purchase made for undisclosed amount american aircraft stock company acquisition will increase shareholder equity american aircraft cts per share cts per share hunter helicopter builds two passenger helicopters that retail for dlrs reuter earn aid corp aidc raises quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable march record march reuter acq international technology itx makes acquisition international technology corp purchased western emergency services inc pooling interests transaction international technology hazardous materials management company purchased western emergency environmental services firm offer broader range environmental services gulf coast area reuter earn howden and increases dividend semi annual cts cts prior pay june record june reuter earn steel inc qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs mln year oper shr dlrs cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note qtr shr and net exclude tax gain dlrs cts share versus gain dlrs dlrs share year shr and net exclude tax gain dlrs cts share versus gain dlrs dlrs share reuter earn willcox and gibbs inc qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs year oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net sales mln mln avg shrs note operating net excludes gains dlrs cts share quarter and dlrs dlrs share year tax carryforwards reuter earn profit outlook aided engine order general electric biggest businesses aircraft engines will ride wave increasing profits into contract worth mln dlrs wall street analysts previously expected business peak and decline point years improved outlook results amr corp amr decision order planes powered engines creative financial footwork helped order nicholas heymann analyst drexel burnham lambert inc amr declined into detail financing arrangements for order boeing and airbus industrie twinjet long distance aircraft amr rent plane leases that operate aircraft adding debt structure amr decline delivery planes return short notice arrangement protects amr case unexpected development such severe downturn economy point view package good deal for reasons heymann will record revenue sale time delivery heymann noted and for reason amr decides not planes financial arm general electric financial services inc trouble rounding another airline that wanted fuel efficient planes deal appears pose risk for heymann stock declined shares midafternoon smith analyst smith barney harris upham and for billion dlr revenue company order will effect stock russell leavitt analyst salomon brothers inc order will maintain good level production and profitability aircraft engine business for heymann sees operating profits jet engine business rising mln dlrs last year billion dlrs revenue jet engines close six billion dlrs last year half business military sector analysts estimates rosy outlook for jet engine business coincides upbeat performance segments heymann expects earn dlrs per share quarter will suprised results believes shown acquisition rca corp that unique ability buy major business and reshape pruning parts and recombining parts elements business areas smith sees earning dlrs per share current quarter credits good results rca turn aided nbc broadcasting operation and lower interest rates leavitt sees dlrs for current quarter part crediting significant benefits rca acquisition reuter earn buckhorn inc bkn qtr loss oper shr loss dlrs profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs mths oper shr loss dlrs profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs note prior qtr excludes loss cts per share for discontinued operations qtr excludes extraodinary loss excludes loss cts per share for and gain cts per share for for discontinued operations excludes loss for net for extraordinary item reuter earn buckhorn inc bkn sees higher profits buckhorn inc itd million dlr backlog for orders and expensive operating environment yield significant levels operating profits for buckhorn manufacturer reusable plastic shipping and storage containers recorded dlrs per share operating net loss for buckhorn year results included recurring expense incurred complete major restructuring efforts and defend hostile tender offer ropak corporation reuter earn ccr video qtr nov net shr cts nil net sales reuter earn del webb investment dwpa qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs del webb investment properties inc reuter earn woolworth profits rise pct specialty retailing area continues pay for woolworth once and dime store chain income rose pct fourth consecutive year profit increases for york based retailer founded years ago woolworth income rose mln dlrs dlrs per share compared profit mln dlrs per share revenues for year rose billion compared prior year billion for fourth quarter company reported profits rose pct mln dlrs dlrs per share compared fourth quarter results mln dlrs per share revenues rose billion billion dlrs roy garofalo woolworth vice president told reuters that income generated company specialty store operations accounted for pct parent company profits company specialty stores operating names woolworth plans open specialty stores this time last year operated specialty stores garofalo garofalo largest specialty chain operated woolworth kinney shoe stores richman apparel unit units folk shop chain discount children apparel stores place discount drug health and beauty aid operation and face fantasies sells cosmetics woolworth general merchandise stores operating worldwide united states harold sells chairman and chief executive woolworth statement results gratifying improvement last year record earnings sells that fourth successive year earnings each quarter improved year earlier period woolworth variety store operations hard hit and early quickly growing discount store industry attempt compete woolworth opened discount general store chain woolco and brannam discount apparel chain failures united states woolco operates canada woolworth changed strategy and announced that operate specialty stores that time company create groups such stores specialty stores generally higher sales per square foot general merchandise stores reuter earn royal resources corp rrco qtr dec loss shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs six mths shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs reuter acq american aircraft buys into helicopter builder american aircraft corp acquired pct interest privately owned hunter helicopter nevada inc for undisclosed amount stock american aircraft official company option acquire remaining pct hunter helicopter business building two passenger helicopter retailing for dlrs each certified federal aviation administration helicopters will manufactured american aircraft uvalde texas plant added reuter earn premier industrial corp pre regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable april record march reuter acq international technology itx buys firm international technology corp purchased privately held western emergency service inc stock transaction western emergency environmental services firm annual sales and two mln dlrs compared international technology roughly mln dlr annual sales spokesman for international technology reuter earn continental general insurance cgic qtr net shr cts cts net year shr cts cts net note full company name continental general insurance net includes profit sale securities dlrs cts share and dlrs cts share qtr and year and dlrs nil per share qtr net for year includes loss sale securities dlrs cts share reuter earn margaux controls inc margx qtr loss shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs mths shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss mln loss revs mln note current periods include loss mln dlrs discontinued operations reuter earn merchants group inc mrch qtr oper net oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss revs mln mln year oper shr dlrs loss dlrs oper net profit loss revs mln mln note qtr and oper net exclude realized investment gains dlrs and dlrs includes provision for income taxes dlrs and dlrs for periods qtr and oper net exclude dlrs cts per share and dlrs dlrs per share for net operating loss carryovers qtr and oper net exclude realized investment gains dlrs and dlrs reuter earn continental general cgic sets stock dividend continental general insurance board directors declared pct stock dividend common shares payable april shareholders record march company yesterday paid quarterly cash dividend cts share unchanged previous quarter shareholders record february reuter earn margaux controls inc margx qtr dec loss shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs mths shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss mln loss revs mln note net losses inlcude dlr charge discontinued operations building management system sold cetek system inc jan reuter acq harris cuts stake bell industries harris associates chicago investment advisory limited partnership lowered stake bell industries inc shares pct total outstanding shares pct filing securities and exchange commission harris sold bell common shares dec and feb prices ranging dlrs each harris dealings bell stock behalf advisory clients reuter acq goodyear chairman criticizes corporate raids chairman goodyear tire and rubber concern that survived recent hostile takeover bid charged that terrorists piece suits undermining nation industrial base speech meeting south florida business executives goodyear chairman robert mercer lashed corporate raiders and takeover specialists accusing causing harm companies target interest not preserving and strengthening america industrial and providing jobs product simply deals and that not product country can base future last year mercer fought takeover attempt british industrialist sir james goldsmith goodyear independence preserved high price mercer company bought back goldsmith stock for mln dlrs giving mln dlr profit goodyear paid mln dlrs for expenses and bought mln shares for two billion dlrs effort trim debt goodyear closed plants mercer believes saved sold motor wheel and aerospace units and reduced payroll pct mercer plans testify tomorrow senate hearing proposed bill control corporate raiders hostile takeovers hurt workers reuter earn tiverton petroleums mths dec net shr six cts cts net revs reuter earn mca inc mca sets regular qtrly payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter grain soviet grains entering spring shaky note soviet winter grains faulty start this spring enduring dry fall and cold winter weather and crop analysts prospects for another record grain harvest soviet union dim this point premature forecast major crop problems analysts situation bears careful watching six weeks and will ultimately impact soviet grain supply and future buying plans analysts soviet union weather standpoint you can certainty that soviets not getting good start and will lower crop last year gail martell chief meteorologist for hutton six weeks ussr grain growing areas will crucial period that will determine final outcome winter crops martell and analysts crop made broken ahead agriculture department authority ussr soviet union recently reported that mln hectares winter grain will reseeded due winterkill this equal pct total winter crop and second highest winterkill ten years usda analyst timely spring soviet farmers reseed damaged acreage spring crops analysts noted that spring crops yield lower winter crops sometimes pct lower winterkill caused inadequate snowcover combined cold temperatures this winter snowcover soviet grain areas generally excellent bulk winterkill analysts speculate likely due dry fall and subsequent poor crop germination fall dryness problem good correlation mediocre crops and fall dryness martell precipitation last fall pct normal southern and northern ukraine and below normal entire winter crop area recent cold temperatures grain areas snowcover gradually melting caused problems ice crusting and winterkill jim candor senior forecaster for accu weather livestock feed increased fall and winter analysts dry fall damaged pastures cold winter raised feed demands and late spring require longer pasture feeding soviets not desperate situation don buy grains usda official soviets worried winter crops and feel that last year huge crop mln tonnes time fluke brought perfect conditions soviet buying occur insure crop supplies bad weather six weeks push soviets back into market weather analysts lot winterkill occur month and half martell reuter earn royal resources corp rrco qtr dec loss shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs avg shrs half shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs avg shrs note losses include charges mln dlrs periods mln dlrs periods for write oil and gas properties reuter acq hanson trust han completes kaiser purchase hanson trust plc kaiser cement shareholders today approved previously announced merger agreement making kaiser cement indirect wholly owned unit hanson trust hanson that promptly filing certificate merger kaiser cement common shares will delisted york stock exchange hanson accordance merger agreement kasier cement redeemed outstanding shares dlr convertible preferance stocks and outstanding pct convertible debentures due acquisitions total purchase price including cost financing mentioned redemptions will mln dlrs hanson reuter crude oil prices rise saudi effort crude oil prices rallied today moving dlrs barrel saudi arabia determined effort support prices analysts saudis and opec nations jawboning market hoping restore confidence and prices and this another meeting sanford margoshes oil analyst shearson lehman brothers inc opec not woods longshot due seasonal declines demand and cheating added oil industry analysts saudi arabia led attempt opec members resist pressures discount official prices agreed last december analysts that hold line saudi arabia pushed hard meeting deputy oil ministers gulf cooperation council last weekend and cooperation council oil ministers meeting previous week saudis offered support members difficulty selling oil analysts make that discounts and prevent that appears that saudi arabia opec member will allocate oil sales members that lose sales margoshes added that allocations form loans repaid nations resume sales analysts this keeping line nations qatar had trouble selling oil likely that such assistance provided nigeria pressure extend discounts analysts that saudi arabia assistance opec president rilwanu lukman avoid emergency opec meeting for fear that give appearance that december pact falling apart daniel mckinley oil analyst smith barney upham harris and physical and futures markets oversold and small spark bring short covering rally believes iranian trade mission tokyo refused discounts japanese buyers brought japanese refiners into market cover short positions oil traders japanese refiner into market cargoes dubai prices mideast sours dubai trading dlrs trading yeterray low dlrs and spilled into north sea crude oil market traders that persistent rumors today that japanese buyers pick cargoes brent for japan and european trade sources indidate rumors vessels fixed make such shipments north sea brent today rose dlrs trades reported high dlrs dlr opec members denials that producing quotas sparked moves cover short postitions indonesian oil minister subroto today that opec production below mln bpd quota agreed last december gave details opec production claims mln bpd that level production quota level and largely saudi arabia will not discount and canot sell oil result margoshes analysts mixed opinions extent current rally prices can continue rise saudi arabia and opec hold steady refusal discount that despite rally today fundamental factors including demand cut rally short marion stewart indepedent petroleum economist slow growth economies and oecd demand for oil slack and estimates that demand rise pct reuter earn kasler corp kasl qtr jan net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter earn seaman furniture seam stock split seaman furniture inc board declared two for split company outstanding stock holders common will receive additional share for each share held march certificates representing additional shares will distributed april reuter earn scott hospitality inc qtr jan net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln mths oper shr cts cts oper net mln mln revs mln mln net excludes extraordinary gain dlrs cts shr net reflects for stock split qtr and issue mln subordinate voting shares qtr reuter earn telxon corp tlxn sees higher revenues telxon corp reported expects revenues for quarter ending march mln dlrs company earnings per share for period cts cts company making announcement this time response analysts fourth quarter revenues and earnings per share estimates mln mln and cts cts respecivtely raymond meyo president and chief executive officer telxon recorded revenues mln dlrs for quarter last year and earnings per share cts adjusted for for two stock split reuter acq royal resources rrco sets vote sale royal resources corp board set april shareholders meeting vote sale oil and gas properties for dlrs increase authorized common mln shares mln and change company name royal gold inc company agreed sell oil and gas properties victoria exploration perth western australia royal resources sale interest two gold properties colosseum mine san bernardino county calif and camp bird mine ouray colo closed february company received mln dlrs and cancellation remaining balance due acquisition interest adding this represents mln dlrs paid for interest reuter earn american vanguard corp amgd year net shr cts cts net sales mln mln note qtr figures not reuter earn harper international inc hnt qtr jan shr cts cts net revs avg shrs mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter earn witco corp wit sets regular qtly payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter crude pancanadian sell north sea properties unit whitehall for cash earn mds health group limited qtly payout qtly div six cts six cts prior pay april record march reuter earn harper international inc hnt qtr net qtr ended jan shr cts cts net revs avg shrs mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter earn burst agritech inc brzt year nov loss net loss loss sales reuter crude api distillate stocks mln bbls gasoline crude crude pancanadian sell british interests pancanadian petroleum agreed sell working interest north sea properties and british unit canadian pacific oil and gas canada whitehall petroleum private british company pancanadian pct owned canadian pacific receive mln british pounds cash mln canadian dlrs closing expected two months deal subject approval regulators and partners properties consist exploration wells will retain royalty interest properties reuter earn telxon txln sees slightly higher qtr net telxon corp expects per share earnings for fourth quarter ending march cts cts revenues mln dlrs mln dlrs for year ago quarter company earned cts share adjusted for for two stock split revenues mln dlrs company made earnings estimate response analysts forecasts called for per share earnings cts cts and revenues mln dlrs mln dlrs reuter acq reid ashman reas divest test product unit reid ashman inc decided divest test products division located santa clara company will entertain offers march steven reid company founder and president test division made offer purchase unit company test division accounted for ten pct total revenues year ended sept and running revenue rate two mln dlrs per year reuter earn pacific lighting copr plt quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay feb record jan reuter earn cetec corp cec quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay record reuter crude api distillate gas stocks week distillate fuel stocks held primary storage fell mln barrels week ended feb mln barrels mln previous week american petroleum institute api weekly statistical bulletin oil industry trade group gasoline stocks fell barrels mln barrels revised mln crude oil stocks rose barrels mln revised mln residual fuel stocks fell barrels mln mln barrels api refinery runs week fell mln barrels per day revised mln and refinery use operating capacity pct revised pct crude oil imports week fell mln bpd revised mln api added reuter earn jones medical industries inc jmed qtr net shr six cts cts net sales avg shrs mln mln year shr cts cts net sales avg shrs mln mln reuter earn maui land and pinapple inc quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay march record feb reuter trade wine exports rose per cent last year exports american wine rose per cent last year total million gallons wine institute san francisco based promotional group per cent exported wine california and top markets canada japan and britain japan edged britain leading importer american wines continued second place canadian imports rose per cent million gallons japan per cent million gallons and britain per cent gallons spokesman for institute declining dollar and strong promotional efforts part california wine industry contributed significantly increased shipments wine exports valued mln dlrs mln dlrs previous year reuter earn trimac year net shr cts six cts net revs mln mln note year includes tax gain dlrs reuter acq oppenheimer ups viacom stake pct oppenheimer and york brokerage firm raised stake viacom international inc equivalent shares pct total shares pct filing securities and exchange commission oppenheimer bought net viacom common shares jan and march prices ranging average dlrs each part stake options bought shares part arbitrage and investment business movie theater magnate sumner redstone and viacom management group bidding war for viacom reuter earn empi inc empi qtr loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit sales mln mln mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit sales mln mln reuter trade senate panel trade measure senate agriculture committee bill tomorrow that strengthen activities agricultural trade teams selected developing countries committee staff measure sponsored committee chairman patrick leahy and sen john melcher mont establish trade teams six and persons drawn federal agencies and private voluntary organizations staff trade missions seek generate interest government food donation and commercial programs section export credit and export enhancement and return required advocate extension concessional commercial benefits interested countries trade teams made representatives agriculture department state department agency for international development and private voluntary organizations such wheat associates bill require teams six months visit countries mexico philippines indonesia india bangladesh senegal and nigeria year passage measure another countries visited peru kenya dominican republic costa rica malaysia venezuela tunisia and morocco countries added list senate staff members bill drafting stages had broad support and expected approved committee tomorrow reuter earn florida public fput splits stock ups div florida public utilities board declared for two stock split common stock holders record april will receive additional share for each two shares held company raised dividend common stock two cts cts share pre split basis dividend payable april holders record march reuter earn city investing trust cnvlz sets cash payout city investing liquidating trust declared cash distribution cts unit payable april unit holders record april trust last paid stock distribution general development corp gdb shares july reuter earn florida commercial banks inc flbk dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march note quarterly dividend for prior quarter included special payout cts share reuter earn timminco year net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note net excludes extraordinary gain dlrs cts shr ago gain dlrs shr reuter earn united fire and casualty qtr net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss avg shrs year shr profit dlrs profit cts net profit profit avg shrs note full company name united fire and casualty net includes realized gains dlrs and dlrs qtr and year and dlrs and dlrs qtr and year results restated for for two stock split net income for restated due change method used computing deferred acquisition costs results include effect stock offering resulting issuance additional shares common stock reuter earn power corp canada qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr dlrs cts oper net revs mln mln note fourth quarter results exclude extraordinary and items raised final net dlrs cts share and lowered final net dlrs cts share full year results exclude extraordinary and items raised final net dlrs dlrs per share and net dlrs per share results restated reflect june two for stock split reuter earn vendo ven qtr loss shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss sales mln mln mths shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit sales mln mln note prior year net includes extraordinary loss dlrs qtr and extraordinary profit dlrs year reuter earn lawson products inc laws raises qtly payout qtly div cts six cts prior pay april record april reuter earn kaneb energy kep omit future payouts kaneb energy partners forced omit lower future quarterly cash distributions contract dispute two major customers and continued slump oil and gas prices partnership that will pay regular quarterly distribution cts unit april holders record march reuter earn brascan brs qtr net shr cts cts net mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln note holding company reuter earn florida commercial banks inc flbk qtly div qtly div cts cts prior payable march record march reuter earn chauvco resources year net shr cts cts net revs reuter crude saudi success curbing opec production saudi arabia will succeed pressuring members organization petroleum exporting countries stay production quotas morgan stanley group managing director john wellemeyer wellemeyer speaking reporters offshore oil engineering conference expected opec nations attempt hold prices dlrs barrel for years industrial demand for residual fuel oil strong weeks you concerted effort saudis production wellemeyer saudis committed that price level dlrs barrel and willing make happen recent weeks oil prices fell dlrs barrel level market reports ope members producing quota pushing total opec production mln barrels per day prices rebounded today april crude prices dlr dlrs barrel belief saudi arabia attempting curb opec output wellemeyer that sharp declines oil production push demand for opec oil mln barrels per day early and mln barrels per day projected increases demand for opec oil strengthen world prices wellemeyer believed organization hold official price below dlrs barrel for time prevent residual fuel users switching natural gas supplies interfuel swing market accounts for mln barrels day pct world demand for oil reuter earn zenith labs zen will report qtr loss zenith laboratories inc company will report fourth quarter loss and amount will determined completion year end audit company not elaborate for quarter ended sept zenith reported loss dlrs cts per share adjusted for for stock split company received food and drug administration approval market cefadroxil generic version antibiotic domestic sales exceeding mln dlrs zenith will not market drug questions relating applicability patents resolved reuter earn dexleigh corp six mths dec net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter grain congress soil program exemptions senate agriculture committee expected bill tomorrow that exempt government conservation regulations farmers rotated alfalfa and multiyear grasses and legumes row crops committee staff current called sodbuster law farmers planted alfalfa and multiyear grasses and legumes highly erodible land years lose federal farm program benefits produce row crop that land years sen edward zorinsky neb sponsor measure recently that crop rotating practices resulted erosion practices farmers produced strictly row crops reuter acq nippon steel invests mln dlrs gtx corp gtx corp nippon steel japan move diversify into high technology invested mln dlrs gtx nippon move result current exchange rates and revaluation yen made electronics industry attractive investment opportunity for japanese corporations gtx statement gtx noted that nippon expecting sales billion dlrs that amount six billion dlrs targeted for electronics gtx located phoenix makes computerized systems that read drawings and transfer into data bases reuter acq dealer extends bid for canadian tire dealer holdings extended previously announced offer for pct canadian tire corp midnight march ctc group canadian tire dealers owns pct canadian tire appealing ontario court previously announced ontario securities commission ruling blocking ctc mln dlr bid blocked bid not include voting shareholders hold pct canadian tire equity reuter earn rockwell rok sees improvement rockwell international corp continues expect significant improvement results despite somewhate disappointing performance business segments president donald beall told reuters rockwell reported net earnings quarter ended december mln dlrs dlrs per share compared mln dlrs cts per share year ago operating earnings pct and analysts attributed decline rockwell allen bradley unit suffered weakness industrial automation market soft market not concerned moving forward market development and enhancing market share beall allen bradley unit beall los angeles address technology management conference quarter sales for allen bradley unit flat compared year earlier company not break operating earnings unit quarterly basis beall recent trend cost sharing research and development phase government contracts not major impact rockwell term performance noted increasing focus cost sharing limit technological innovation worry that heading into period misuse contracting approaches early development stages important military contracts beall adding long term problem addition beall told conference greatest competitive threat defense contractors defense electronics due government attempt advantage competitively priced products made reuter earn mickelberry corp mbc sets qtly payout qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter acq metropolitan federal mftn make acquisition metropolitan federal savings and loan association signed letter intent acquire american trust hendersonville tenn for undisclosed amount cash american trust had year end assets mln dlrs reuter interest pontiac interest rate incentives general motors corp pontiac division established interest rate support incentive program effective immediately alternative current option bonus program company qualified buyers pontiacs select special finance rates pct month contracts pct month contracts pct mopnth contracts pct month contracts program scheduled expire april option bonus program scheduled expire april buyers receive cash bonuses purchase pontiacs equipped option group packages amount depending option level each vehicle company special interst rate program applies ann and pontiacs sold dealer stock and delivered customers program period customer choose program reuter earn westar mining qtr loss shr not oper loss profit revs mln mln year shr not oper loss mln profit mln revs mln mln note pct owned british columbia resources investment corp note continued qtr excludes extraordinary loss mln dlrs versus loss mln dlrs prior year year excludes extraordinary loss mln dlrs versus loss mln dlrs prior year reuter acq dow chemical dow sell south african unit dow chemical agreed principle sell industrial chemicals and plastics business interests south africa and related assets group south african investors for undisclosed terms completing sale company south african assets dow will continue support educational and health programs for south african blacks reuter earn williams cos wmb year loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss mln profit mln revs billion billion note includes loss mln dlrs dlrs share discontinued operations and writedowns holdings texasgulf inc restated reuter earn geonex sees sales hurt production shift geonex corp geox bellsouth corp bls unit southern bell telephone and telegraph decision postpone start conversion assignments geonex chicago aerial survey unit negatively affect fiscal revenues company had expected higher revenues records conversion work foresees revenues southern bell work mln dlrs level last fiscal year geonex southern bell will cas continue work progress and expects perform mechanized posting and records conversion for southern bell added that southern bell decision forced pursue opportunities telephone companies and municipalities replace southern bell work reuter earn nwa inc qtr shr profit cts loss cts earn crime control inc qtr net loss shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln year shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note net loss includes fourth quarter charge mln dlrs writeoffs assets net loss includes charge mln dlrs settlement class action lawsuit reuter earn castle and cooke inc cke qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss mln loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit rev billion billion avg shares note fourth quarter includes tax loss discontinued flexi van operations mln dlrs primary earnings per share data calculated deducting preferred dividend requirements reuter earn voicemail international inc qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mths shr loss cts cts net loss loss revs avg shrs reuter earn molecular genetics inc mogn qtr loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs avg shrs year oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss revs avg shrs note current year net periods excludes charge dlrs cumulative effect accounting change for patents net periods includes charge dlrs severance obligations year net includes charge dlrs writeoff seed commitments reuter earn merrimac industries inc mmac qtr net shr cts cts net sales year shr cts dlrs net sales mln mln reuter earn resources agreement credit facility british columbia resources investment corp earlier reporting higher full year operating losses reached agreement principle lenders providing for mln dlr credit facility year term company credit facility extendable circumstances annual principal payments mln dlrs agreement subject lender approvals and completion formal documentation earlier reported losses extraordinary items rose mln dlrs year ago mln dlrs resources dividends series preferred shares and exchangeable preferred shares will remain suspended payment will made account quarterly dividend exchangeable preferred shares company trustee deposit account resources sufficient funds pay full amount march dividend exchangeable preferred shareholders payment expected early april shareholders record march company future dividends not declared april exchangeable preferred quarterly payout future payment will depend amount dividends received westcoast transmission wtc resources company increased fourth quarter and full year operating losses primarily resulted lower oil prices and month labor shutdown balmer coal mine british columbia resources recorded mln dlr extraordinary loss included losses disposition north sea oil and gas interests pct owned westar mining resources extraordinary charge included writedown investment westar petroleum gains sales westar timber skeena and celgar pulp mills and terrace sawmill partially offset extraordinary loss company company asset sales eliminated resources long term financing commitment north sea and exposure fluctuating pulp market cut long term debt mln dlrs billion dlrs year end and management and staff cuts significantly reduced costs reuter money-fx money market mln stg late bank england had provided money market late assistance mln stg this brings bank total today mln stg and compares latest forecast mln stg shortage system today reuter earn cml group inc cmli qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs half shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn dress barn inc dbrn qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln half shr cts cts net sales mln mln note share adjusted for for two stock split reuter earn williams wmb qtr charge williams cos fourth quarter charge mln dlrs discontinued operations and writedowns contributed net loss mln dlrs dlrs share earnings mln dlrs cts loss quarter mln dlrs dlrs income mln dlrs cts year ago revenues quarter fell mln dlrs mln and year fell billion dlrs billion williams previously announced sale agrico chemical unit freeport mcmoran resource partners cleared antitrust review and close week quarter will include proceeds agrico sale for mln dlrs cash closing deferred payments and proceeds mln dlrs sale stake peabody holding completed january quarter williams reported net mln dlrs cts share sales mln dlrs williams charges current year related ongoing restructuring company restructuring moves had improved balance sheet and improved outlook for future stability and growth earnings operating profit company northwest pipeline corp unit fell pct mln dlrs lower sales williams natural gas unit had operating profit mln dlrs compared mln dlrs lower sales volumes profit williams gas marketing rose mln dlrs mln and william pipe line had operating profit mln dlrs versus mln dlrs year ago reuter earn perry drug stores inc pds qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter earn nwa inc nwa qtr net shr profit cts loss cts net profit mln loss two mln revs billion mln year shr profit dlrs profit dlrs net profit mln profit mln revs billion billion reuter earn camco inc cam sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq senate proxmire urges curbs takeovers senate banking committee chairman william proxmire called for curbs hostile corporate takeovers and restrictions risk arbitrageurs high time that require risk arbitrageurs register seperately and specifically securities and exchange commission and that precluding brokerage firms and employers investing owning securities issued party risk arbitrage operations proxmire start hearing corporate takeovers burning issue whether complete seperation future risk arbitrage and investment banking proxmire concerned that hostile takeover attempts hurting economy view shared corporate executives tesitified hearing that takeovers become abusive and tilted favor financial buccaneers that remedial action required usx corp chairman david roderick for congress takeover game continue unchecked economic suicide champion international corp chairman andrew sigler added reuter trade spain launch export drive spain unveils billion peseta plan this month aimed boosting exports reach european community levels director general infe export institute apolonio ruiz ligero target raise exports pct gross domestic product years compared pct this minimum prevailing level and reason lag countries italy similar productive structure plan calls for providing soft loans tax cuts and fiscal benefits exporters and raising spain presence international trade fairs consumer goods such fashion and wine traditional industrial exports will promoted ruiz ligero infe double annual budget billion pesetas finance year plan government development aid fund fad provide special billion peseta grant plan calls for boosting exports six pct real terms this year pct decline last year ruiz ligero attributed this drop lack demand developing countries and rally domestic consumer demand rose six pct last year pct added that pct spain exports organisation for economic cooperation and development oecd countries accounts for pct market and exports community rose pct last year government plans concentrate efforts western europe and problem convincing businessmen that exports vital survival context competition spanish businessmen traditionally turned domestic market satisfy rises consumer demand turning backs foreign markets realise share home market shrink growing deregulation foreign companies taking positions domestic economy and vital secure market share abroad reuter acq rossignol unit buys canadian ski boot maker french ski and tennis equipment maker skis rossignol pct owned subsidiary skis dynastar agreed buy canadian ski stick and boot manufacturer cfas warrington inc rossignol spokesman declined give financial details turnover cfas mln french francs doubling rossignol group activities boot and stick sectors reuter earn usf and corp raises quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts prior quarter payable april record march reuter earn brnf liquidating trust sets distributions brnf liquidating trust trustees declared liquidating dividend dlrs per unit payable april holders record series and certificates march trust had paid liquidating distribution january amounting dlrs series dlrs series and dlrs series certificates reuter earn stanline inc stan qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note share adjusted for pct stock dividend december reuter earn swift energy sfy qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs reuter earn browning ferris industries inc bfi payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq buffton corp buff buys and instruments buffton corp completed purchase and industruments inc for two mln dlrs cash and shares common stock and private company headquartered kansas and had sales dlrs buffton company designs and manufactures aviation computer display systems and engine instrumentation reuter earn vereins und westbank reorganize network und westbank vhbg plans streamline branch network improve distribution financial services management board member eberhard rainer luckey told news conference results that branches hamburg and schleswig holstein merged closed branch frankfurt opened and that bank opening branch london luckey bank total operating profits rose pct parent bank net profit rose mln mln and dividend remained unchanged marks group balance sheet including for time vereinwest overseas finance jersey rose pct billion marks luckey parent bank balance sheet rose mln marks billion business volume almost unchanged billion credit volume eased billion billion loans companies rose pct foreign business and securities trading turnover increased higher earnings trading bank account contributed record operating profits net interest income rose firmer interest margins mln marks mln net commission income rose mln mln luckey foreign commercial business influenced fall west german foreign trade earnings satisfactory bank exposure latin america two pct total foreign credit and africa pct bank continued sell exposure and will continue stock risk provisions reuter trade baldrige concerned korean taiwan deficits secretary commerce malcolm baldrige expressed concern continuing trade deficits south korea and taiwan and that adjustment exchange rates likelihood improvement speaking president export council industry advisory group baldrige trade deficit issue discussion countries feel that exchange rate adjustment won change large surplus that taiwan wide ranging discussion trade matters baldrige repeated concern attempted takeover japan fujitsu company fairchild computer that japanese resisting allowing companies into giant computer business time attempting acquire control company that major computer business market lastly baldrige that united states hopeful that complete free market agreement canada autumn major issues including acid rain remained unresolved reuter acq allwaste alws make acquisition allwaste inc agreed principle acquire air moving and related industrial services company not identify for dlrs common stock reuter earn castle and cooke cke takes fourth qtr loss castle and cooke inc fourth quarter tax loss mln dlrs previously reported sale flexi van container leasing business itel corp itel for mln dlrs earlier company reported loss for fourth quarter ended january mln dlrs cts share compared loss mln dlrs cts per share fourth quarter for year diversified holding company reported net profit mln dlrs cts share versus mln dlrs cts share david murdock chairman and chief executive officer food business and real estate operations increased earnings year added that flexi van results hit depressed daily rental rates for leased equipment caused oversupplies company reported that george elkas executive vice president named president and chief operating officer flexi van corp william burns named executive vice president flexi van reuter acq convenient food mart cfmi agrees buy chain convenient food mart inc tentatively agreed buy outstanding stock plaid pantries inc and two associated businesses oregon and washington for undisclosed terms plaid pantries owns and operates convenience stores portland and seattle areas business two companies involved wholesale distribution groceries and health and beauty aids closing expected reuter earn wal mart stores inc qtr shr cts cts acq marine midland buys brokerage assets marine midland banks inc acquired customer account base york discount brokerage firm ovest financial services inc for undisclosed terms expand discount brokerage operations northeastern will combine ovest activities marine midland brokerage service unit reuter crude sun raises crude oil postings dlr across board wti dlrs bbl earn devtek corp qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln six mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn saxton industries saxif year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note current results for months change fiscal year end december august reuter earn toronto sun plans two for stock split toronto sun publishing corp planned two for split common shares subject regulatory approval and approval shareholders april annual meeting reuter earn servo corp america sca qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales reuter earn electro nucleonics inc enuc qtr dec shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit sales mln mln avg shrs half shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit sales mln mln avg shrs note current half net includes dlr tax credit current year net periods includes dlr writedown inventory clinical chemistry products reuter earn wal mart stores inc wmt qtr jan net shr cts cts net mln mln sales billion billion year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales billion billion reuter earn mirtone international inc qtr dec net shr two cts two cts net revs reuter earn pyro energy corp btu year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn unitrode corp utr qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln note income taxes for mths ended jan includes gains for fire insurance settlement and unusual charges for provisions for estimated cost severance pay for terminated workers and time writedown inventory and equipment reuter earn buehler international inc bulr qtr net shr cts cts qtly div two cts two cts prior net sales mln mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln note net includes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year net periods includes dlr pretax inventory writedown dividend pay march record march reuter earn stanhome inc sth raises quarterly two cts qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn instron corp isn sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn ideal school supply corp idel qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net sales avg shrs mln year oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs mln note net periods includes dlr tax credit reuter earn salomon inc sets regular quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april rcord march reuter acq piedmont aviation pie board meet today piedmont avaition inc board directors will conduct special meeting beginning est today piedmont spokesman spokesman not agenda mid february piedmont board meet discuss proposals acquire company board withdrew recommendation accept dlrs share cash offer norfolk southern corp nsc light competing revised bid air group inc air offer buy pct company stock for dlrs share cash and remaining for dlrs share stock reuter earn union fur leaves dividend unchanged union real estate investments board left quarterly dividend unchanged cts per share payable april record march trust raised quarterly dividend frequently past two years and quarter years tax reform act limited flexibility dividends and trustees will appropriateness dividend increases quarters year reuter earn rykoff sexton inc ryk qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln mths shr cts dlrs net sales mln mln reuter earn system software associates ssax qtr net periods end january and shr cts cts net revs note system software associates inc full name company reuter earn geico corp gec raises qtrly dividend qtrly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn stanley works swk sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn novell inc novl qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln note fourteen week periods reuter earn brown forman bfdb change record dates brown forman inc suggestion american stock exchange changed record date for per share quarterly dividend class and class common stock that payable april march march coincide record date for for two stock split declared february record date for dividend pct cumulative preferred stock changed march march reuter earn goodyear tire details tax refund goodyear tire and rubber results include tax refund mln dlrs costs restructuring company successful defense takeover attempt james goldsmith chairman robert mercer heavy restructuring costs related takeover attempt combined government tax incentives for investments resulted this federal tax refund refund included not broken initial results spokesman reported net income mln dlrs mln dlrs year earlier reuter earn great northern nekoosa gnn announces split great northern nekoosa corp will recommend shareholders two for common stock split company will make proposal shareowners annual mmeting dothan ala company great southern paper division operations conjunction stock split proposal shareowners will asked approve increase authorized common stock mln mln shares company company will propose increase dividend rate split approved effective june payment company present rate gnn common cts per share company recommend quarterly rate cts share split stock this equal dividend cts share present common pct higher current rate company had increased dividend pct last december great northern nekoosa last common stock split for two december dec shares gnn common stock outstanding company reuter acq harris lifts builders transport truk stake harris associates chicago investment advisor raised stake builders transport inc equivalent shares pct total outstanding shares pct filing securities and exchange commission harris bought builders transport common shares feb dlrs share bought debentures feb that converted into shares harris dealings builders transport behalf advisory clients intention seeking control company reuter acq investors pct exovir xovr mark hammer private investor melville and members family told securities and exchange commission acquired total shares exovir inc pct total outstanding hammer group accumulating exovir stock since oct for investment purposes and buy shares sell part current stake intention seeking control company hammer that extensive business experience and interest exovir stock invited become member company board reuter acq lotus lots acquire computer access corp lotus development corp signed letter intent acquire substantially assets computer access corp for undisclosed terms computer asscess makes bluefish full text search and retrieval software for international business machines corp ibm and compatible personal computers company acquisition subject approval boards reuter earn equitable iowa cos eqica qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr dlrs cts oper net mln revs mln mln note net excludes realized gains investment dlrs dlrs quarter and mln dlrs year net excludes discontinued massachusetts casualty operations loss dlrs gain dlrs quarter and gain dlrs gain dlrs year reuter earn corroon and black corp cbl raises quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter trade appoints trade chief european community commission today appointed chief spokesman hugo paemen top official charge multilateral trade negotiations commission spokesman paemen belgian official had previously chief aide external affairs commissioner etienne davignon post since january spokesman paemen will continue chief spokesman retirement paul luyten charge departments handling negotiations world trade body gatt oecd and forums reuter acq hayes albion hay delays special meeting hayes albion corp delayed special meeting shareholders will vote merger into harvard industries inc hava march march due delay securities and exchange commission clearance proxy materials reuter earn grossman inc gros qtr loss oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit sales mln mln year oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales billion mln note net includes discontinued operations gain dlrs loss mln dlrs quarter and losses mln dlrs mln dlrs year net includes loss dlrs nil quarter and gain mln dlrs loss dlrs year settlement liabilities plan reorganization chapter bankruptcy quarter net includes dlr provision for loss future store closings offset reduction pension liabilities reuter acq comdata network cdn acquisition talks comdata network inc active talks parties acquisition recapitalization comdata effort maximize shareholder values comdata rosewood financial inc together cypress partners and driftwood acquired pct comdata stock and rosewood intends acquire pct comdata comdata not reached definitive agreement mason for previously announced recapitalization and tender offer reuter earn webcor electronics inc wer qtr dec shr loss cts loss cts net loss mln loss mln revs mln months shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss mln loss mln revs mln mln reuter earn communications systems inc csii qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln note net includes gains discontinued operations equal cts compared cts reuter crude energy california oil production drilling for oil california likely continue last year sharply reduced levels despite recent gains crude oil prices industry analysts crude oil california fields thick heavy and expensive extract oil prices increase levels significant recovery drilling companies will drill prospects john curti analyst birr wilson securities inc wells drilled rigs quarter total drilling for oil onshore california last week compared last year bill bolster munger oil information services tracks california drilling activity dregs bolster state drilling activity current prices not justify increased drilling malmgreen california independent producers association organization petroleum exporting countries pact curb production boosted oil prices early this year prices eventually fell prices for california marker grade line blend slumped pct last month dlrs high dlrs half california oil comes stripper wells producing barrels day and that that oil costs and dlrs barrel extract malmgreen not unusual for stripper cost dlrs malmgreen stripper wells southern california coast produce times water crude oil and inland wells frequently require use steam injection spur extraction thick heavy oil outlook for future production california clouded lack exploratory drilling analysts heart california oil patch kern county produces two thirds state oil exploratory drilling slowed crawl exploratory wells drilled kern county compared david mitchell state energy commission this year exploratory wells drilled don even last year mitchell pickup exploratory drilling likely for rest decade mitchell fall drilling come decrease number producing wells and production february and october number producing oil wells california fell pct bill guerard california energy commission line that decrease california crude oil output fell pct last year due low oil prices and expected remain that lower level analysts february and october california crude oil production slipped time high mln barrels per day mln bpd guerard total estimated crude oil production california for mln bbls compared mln bbls and mln bbl california department conservation production will hold levels guerard reuter earn webcor electronics wer technical default webcor electronics inc remains technical and payment default revolving credit agreement and technical default obligations lender lender not enforced demand payment debt full continues reserve time earlier webcor reported quarter net loss mln dlrs and months net loss mln dlrs reuter acq savings bank florida fsbf sets meeting savings bank florida expects special shareholder meeting held proposed merger into gibraltar financial corp gfc annual meeting will held april elect two directors and ratify appointment auditors reuter grain izvestia soviet winter crops reseeding government daily izvestia considerable amount soviet winter crops reseeded and state grain harvest target mln tonnes will not easy fulfil giving figures newspaper considerable part winter crops reseeded that creates extra effort fields spring soviet union previously mln hectares winter grain will reseeded winterkill department agriculture analyst washington figure mln hectares equal pct total winter crop and second highest winterkill years planned task bringing mln tonnes grain not simple izvestia this week sudden fall temperatures affected large parts country and caused fieldwork stop ukraine adding that temperatures fell low minus centigrade byelorussia reuter acq borman brf buy safeway utah division safeway stores inc agreed sell assets and operations salt lake city division borman inc undisclosed terms division includes operating supermarkets states utah idaho and wyoming together distribution and manufacturing facilities safeway sales for division for year ended january mln dlrs safeway transaction subject borman ability obtain financing and successfully negotiate labor agreements unions involved reuter acq fisher foods fhr stake firm sold fisher foods inc american financial corp sold fishers shares pct interest group consisting american seaway foods inc rini supermarkets inc and rego supermarkets inc company connection transaction american financial representatives resigned board reuter grain senate panel makes conservation exemption senate agriculture committee approved measure that exempt farmers planted alfalfa multiyear grasses and legumes and federal conservation requirement sen edward zorinsky neb bill restore equity federal sodbuster rules deny farm program benefits farmers and planted alfalfa and multiyear grasses and legumes interrupting plantings row crop official leading conservation group asked not identified panel move unfortunate action lead exemption potentially millions acres sod buster regulations established farm bill reuter earn pico products inc ppi qtr jan shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln six months shr loss two cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note net includes gain cts qtr and six months for discount early long term debt repayment reuter acq outboard marine rising takeover rumor wall street traders stock outboard marine corp rising rumor cable television program that outboard likely takeover target sun chemical corp snl outboard tuesday rose tuesday report cable news network today sun chemical pct outboard and conducting study whether for control company outboard marine spokesman not comment rumor cable program buyout outboard for dlrs share for total mln dlrs spokesman for sun chemical not immediately outboard marine last june adopted shareholder rights plan that will triggered person group acquires beneficial ownership pct common begins tender offer that result pct ownership wayne jones vice president outboard for strategic planning management stay independent not sell company proceeding strategic plans that plan includes integrating boat companies that outboard marine bought since middle december jones will cost mln dlrs mln dlrs analyst wanted anonymity dlrs share decent price for outboard bdding war dlrs share stretching dlrs share tops outboard mln shares outstanding registration for two mln common share offering morgan stanley inc makes sense analyst for sun chemical strike offering underway reuter earn algoma central railway qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr cts dlrs oper net revs mln mln note net excludes extraordinary loss dlrs cts shr ago gain dlrs cts shr reuter earn genova inc gnva qtr dec net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales mln note prior year net includes dlr tax credit excludes dlr gain early debt retirement reuter earn supreme equipment systems corp seqp qtr shr cts cts net revs mln mln six months shr cts cts net revs mln mln note net includes gain dlrs qtr and dlrs six months tax loss carryforward reuter earn gulf applied technologies inc gats qtr oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs year oper shr loss cts loss dlrs oper net loss loss revs mln note results restated for discontinued operations net periods excludes dlr tax credit net excludes gains discontinued pipelines and terminals operations dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year reuter earn van dorn vdc qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter earn fieldcrest cannon inc fld sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter acq varian var buys analytichem international varian associates inc acquired outstanding stock closely held analytichem international inc for undisclosed amount cash analytichem based harbor city calif supplier bonded phase preparation products used prepare chemical samples for analysis varian reuter earn kaneb services inc kab qtr loss oper shr loss dlrs profit cts oper net loss mln profit revs mln mln mths oper shr loss dlrs profit cts oper net loss mln profit mln revs mln mln note oper excludes loss discontinued operations dlrs mln dlrs for qtr and mln dlrs dlrs for mths note oper includes writedown offshore drilling equipment dlrs for qtr and mln dlrs for mths includes writedowns oil and gas assets and tubular goods inventory mln dlrs and dlrs for mths reuter earn suspensions parts industries spilf year shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln note full name suspensions and parts industries reuter earn mitchell energy and development corp mnd payout qtly div six cts six cts prior pay april two record march reuter earn frost and sullivan inc frsl qtr jan shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs half shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs reuter trade korean trade surplus falling south korea record billion dlrs trade surplus bound diminish country switches purchases japan favor companies trade minister woong bae rha rejected suggestions korean won undervalued and denied plans for drastic and sudden revaluation rha heading trade mission cities last year south korea ran billion dlr trade surplus including record billion surplus and billion dlr deficit japan rha told reuters interview current trade mission for billion dlrs purchases companies quarter represents transferred purchases japanese sources rha items sought current mission chemicals machinery and parts south korea fourth largest importer agricultural products current mission not involved that area plans buy substantial amounts cotton noted country not open american market reasonable expect that south korea billion dlr foreign debt and spends six pct gross national product defense reuter earn cri insured cii set special distribution cri insured mortgage investments inc advisor will recommend special distribution cts per share due sale federally insured mortgage park meadows madison wis for dlrs received dlr return capital and dlrs income sale and distribution represent return principal and capital gain and payable june holders record reuter earn kaneb energy partners kep qtr loss unit loss net loss revs mln mths unit loss dlrs net loss mln revs mln note partnership formed february net includes writedown oil and gas assets mln dlrs for mths comply full cost accounting methods reuter acq digicon dgc completes sale unit digicon inc completed previously announced disposition computer systems division investment group led rotan mosle inc rotan mosle technology partners affiliate reuter acq computer horizons chrz acquisition computer horizons corp purchased computerknowledge inc software training education company headquartered dallas terms not disclosed reuter acq policy management pmsc makes acquisition policy management systems corp acquired majority assets and business allied research inc salem ore and consolidated insurance services inc springfield for undisclosed terms two companies had combined revenues two mln dlrs provide underwriting information services property and casualty insurers reuter acq unicorp canada uni cuts purolator pcc stake unicorp canada corp told securities and exchange commission cut stake purolator courier corp shares pct total outstanding shares pct unicorp management and investment holding company controlled chairman george mann sold purolator common shares march and and dlrs share purolator agreed this past weekend acquired managers courier business and hutton lbo inc leveraged buyout valued mln dlrs reuter acq firm acquires american nutrition works inc nusource investments inc publicly held shell company acquired american nutrition works inc transaction american nutrition shareholders received mln shares nusource stock exchange for shares american nutrition operates chain stores sellings vitamins and health products nusource shareholders elected board consisting richard trydahl samuel mineo and charles flink and voted change name company anw inc reuter trade gatt council defers decision semiconductors ruling gatt council deferred decision whether set dispute panel basis european community complaint japanese agreement exports computer semiconductors david woods spokesman general agreement tariffs and trade gatt told news briefing that main parties continue bilateral talks this hope resolving row council meeting april year accord signed july aims protect market dumping low price japanese microchips officially semiconductors complained accord breached gatt trade rules allowing tokyo monitor prices allowing set minimum prices for japanese chips sold countries nation community charged agreement gave producers preferential access japanese market woods nations hong kong canada switzerland singapore sweden malaysia and nigeria had supported complaint heated council debate japan delegate minoru endo and ambassador michael samuels replied debate that charges unfounded willing continue bilateral talks reuter acq southern fsfa make acquisition southern federal savings and loan association agreed principle acquire horizon financial corp and horizon funding corp victor federal savings and loan association muskogee okla for undisclosed terms company purchase subject approval boards southern and victor and regulatory agencies horizon financial services mortgage loans and horizon funding wholesale loan purchasing operation horizon services billion dlrs mortgage loans reuter earn danaher corp dhr qtr net shr cts cts net rev mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net rev mln mln reuter acq firm agrees merge lotoquik int chatsworth enterprises inc publicly held shell corporation signed letter intent merger lotoquik international nassau bahamas based maker video lottery machines terms merger agreement chatsworth lotoquik shareholders majority surviving company reuter acq asbestec buy contractor receives contract asbestec industries inc signed letter intent buy asbestos abatement contractor stephens for mln dlrs cash stock and notes transaction expected completed early quarter fiscal year ending september asbestec expects sign march six dlr contract remove asbestos major apartment complex washington project scheduled begin march reuter trade gatt sets dispute panel canadian herring ruling gatt council set formal dispute panel examine complaint that canadian law prohibiting export unprocessed herring and salmon discriminatory david wood official spokesman general agreement tariffs and trade gatt told news briefing decision bilateral consultations failed resolve row ambassador michael samuels charged council debate that canada preserve domestic jobs insisting that herring and salmon processed home robert white canada deputy chief delegation replied law line gatt rules and for conservations reasons agreed setting dispute panel reuter earn talking point general motors general motors corp staged explosive rally wall street share buyback program announced yesterday analysts future remains clouded stiff competition and erosion market share shares rose active trading analysts agreed that investors liked repurchase program differed sharply carmaker long term prospects positive jack kirnan kidder peabody and committed enhancing shareholder analysts worry will pay for buyback and whether models will enable carmaker recapture lost market share market had closed yesterday buy back pct common stock end announcement investors today scrambling for shares mln shares changing hands mid day buyback plan caused analysts bullish stock reiterate buy recommendations this morning and increased earnings estimates for based good performance expected car models david healy drexel burnham lambert inc repurchase program not positive buyback doesn change earnings outlook and puts stress balance sheet since will borrow money pay for stock purchases stock settle back added healy projects will earn dlrs share and dlrs compared earnings dlrs healy numbers low end wall street estimates range dlrs dlrs and dlrs dlrs analysts healy sees share domestic car and truck market falling balance cars not selling competitors late february car sales fell pct year ago period competitors ford motor and chrysler corp posted increases february sales showed improvement january adding that expects improvement coming months share car and truck sales fall pct pct end analysts numbers include imports kidder peabody kirnan cost reductions and product improvements this year lead positive cash flow fourth quarter will finance buyback stock real laggard and rolling sleeves and getting major earnings surprise winds kirnan raised earnings estimates slightly today part reaction announced buyback and sees earning dlrs this year and dlrs company concerned improving relative valuation respect ford and chrysler another positive for stock dividend dlrs share annually higher yield competitors kirnan and will raise cash dividend cts share year predicted analyst michael lucky shearson lehman brothers inc car sales will weaken and products successful will slow not halt erosion market share cars will successful that will curtail losses market share will fall pct lucky philip fricke goldman sachs and falls middle bulls and bears recommending stock results will not improve not for improvement this year this transition year for fricke estimates earnings dlrs and dlrs cost cutting and car models will not affect results key thing isn earn this year momentum this year that important reuter acq partnership cuts stake erc international erc parsow partnership nevada investment partnership lowered stake erc international inc shares pct total outstanding common stock shares pct filing securities and exchange commission parsow sold erc common shares jan and march prices ranging dlrs each partnership dealings erc stock for investment purposes and intention seeking control company reuter crude iranian oil minister due algeria friday iranian oil minister gholamreza aqazadeh expected friday for talks algerian counterpart belkacem nabi official algerian news agency aps today aqazadeh will accompanied large delegation will talks bilateral relations field energy and exchange views algerian officials current world energy situation reuter earn goldome fsb year net net mln mln note company mutual savings bank reuter earn bear automotive service bear qtr oper net oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs note full company name bear automotive service equipment oper shr excludes extraordinary profit utilization tax loss carryforward dlrs cts share and mln dlrs cts share qtr and year and dlrs cts share and mln dlrs cts share qtr and year year oper net excludes loss cumulative effect change accounting principle dlrs share reuter crude oil industry not permanently damaged offshore oil industry suffered last year collapse oil prices not sustain permament damage minister state for energy alick buchanan smith drilling diving and supply vessels sectors had affected buchanan snith told house commons energy committee noted that oil companies spending six mln stg day maintain north sea production added that report manpower services committee jobs lost industry context total workforce prices north sea brent grade crude dipped low dlrs barrel last july peak dlrs previous november recovered dlrs barrel last december opec meeting and brent traded today dlrs buchanan smith intention adopting opec style quotas noting that britian oil consuming oil producing nation reuter acq chase manhattan studying italian expansion chase manhattan bank expanding operations italy consumer banking sector chase manhattan official robert hunter chase manhattan area executive for europe africa and middle east news conference that plans broaden bank activities italian market not finalised asked chase manhattan acquisition italy hunter will opportunity prices italian banks quite high chase manhattan branches milan and rome reuter acq hrs ihirf reducing stake hal roach hrsi international industries inc reduce stake hal roach studios inc pct pct return for mln dlrs qintex inc qintex america media unit that deal stage closng march sell qintex hal roach shares dlrs share each for total mln dlrs and roach will repay mln dlrs advances qintex will complete mln dlr buy mln roach treasury shares dlrs each and provide roach mln dlrs financing for expansion that agreement provided for second stage year had put option exercisable year closing sell qintex part two mln roach shares for dlrs share qintex had day call option exerciseable months closing buy part mln roach shares greater dlrs each average roach share price for months exercise date qintex will acquire another mln roach treasury shares dlrs share months closng for another mln dlrs reuter earn total expects billion franc loss french oil group total cie francaise des petroles tpn expecting billion franc consolidated net loss including minority interests for taking account stock losses billion francs company communique board meeting late january group president francois xavier ortoli told journalists that slump oil prices and weak dollar had caused stock depreciation turning consolidated net profit losses stocks six billion francs into consolidated net loss billion francs earlier today armand guilbaud president total refining and distribution subsidiary cie raffinage distribution crd total france raff told journalists that had marked return profit for subsidiary stock depreciation crd made net profit stock depreciation and currency factors billion francs last year billion loss net loss last year taking account that depreciation currency fluctuations billion francs billion loss crd sales fell pct mln tonnes mln due growth imports independent distributors relaxation regulations guilbaud subsidiary expecting cut workforce this year and last year job reduction scheme will eventually save group mln francs business that january good month situation deteriorated february reuter earn steego corp stg qtr jan loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss sales mln mln mths oper shr loss cts loss two cts oper net loss loss sales mln mln note current mths net includes dlr pretax gain sale property prior year net periods includes pretax gain dlrs pension plan termination current quarter net includes dlr tax credit prior year net includes losses discontinued operations dlrs quarter and dlrs mths results restated for discontinued operations reuter earn systems inc esy sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter crude texas oil regulator calls for state tax breaks texas railroad commissioner james nugent that ailing oilpatch cannot wait for congress act today urged texas state lawmakers adopt incentives find oil reserves and exempt severance taxes oil produced stripper wells nugent speech texas house representatives that state initiative molding energy policy and finding ways assist troubled oil producers proposal revitalize texas oil industry exempt stripper wells that produce barrels oil each day state pct severance tax that majority texas oil wells fall stripper category and price swing two dlrs barrel can crucial determining remains production nugent called for state lawmakers exempt wildcat wells state severance tax for years financial incentive explore for oil reserves secondary and tertiary oil production expensive methods production that inject water gas into ground recover oil exempted severance tax nugent plan exempt existing secondary and tertiary wells that produce rate barrels day for years price oil reaches barrel sitting back and waiting two federal administrations develop coherent energy policy for nation follow waited long nugent words washington lead follow nugent that financial losses state treasury exempting marginal oil production state severance taxes made stimulating business for oil supply and service industry reuter earn unicorp american corp uac sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn liberty financial group lfg regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable march record february reuter earn pactel pac sees earnings growth pacific telesis group chairman donald guinn told meeting security analysts that company sees continued earnings growth billion dlrs dlrs per share earned guinn that capital spending stood billion dlrs and company expected figure remain flat each year noted that captial spending will internally financed guinn told analysts that company faced regulatory uncertainties ongoing rate cases pacific bell operating company rates hearings california public utility commission guinn company faced potential mln dlr revenue reduction and due ongoing discussions commission figure even greater company faces opposition mln dlr rate hike requested for guinn commission found mln dlrs hike based questionable calculations and assumptions mln dlrs represented unneeded modernization costs guinn that company studying whether join international consortium that plans lay transpacific telephone cable and japan not agreed guinn added recieve feasibility study venture and company make decision participating asked analyst recent recommendation department justice bell operating companies offer limited long distance services guinn company likely shy that type expansion long distance services competitive business commodity business and not interested getting back into that business guinn generally applauded recommendations give latitude for bell operating companies expand into regulated businesses and provide flexibility form strategic alliances companies added that company welcomes expansion into areas not involved acqusition talks not actively consideration reuter acq trans world airlines makes dlr share cash merger proposal for usair earn unicorp american corp uac qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr cts dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mlnm note year net includes gain mln dlrs sale real estate properties reuter ship kenya signs pact establish shipping line kenya signed agreement british and german interests establish shipping line that will handle pct country external trade sources close deal state owned kenya ports authority kpa signed agreement hamburg based shipping line unimar seetransport establish kenya national shipping line initial capital mln shillings sources kpa will hold pct shares company line will initially charter vessels operate services mombasa and main ports industrial europe eventually build buy ships sources aim carry large part kenya coffee and tea exports and oil and fertiliser imports reuter earn shaw supermarkets inc shaw year jan shr dlrs dlrs semi annual div six cts six cts prior payment net mln mln sales billion mln note dividend payable april holders record march reuter acq dynamics corp dya settlement cts cts dynamics corp america reached agreement cts corp resolving differences two companies result settlement cts special board committee stopped soliciting orders purchase cts dynamics owns pct cts outstanding stock agreed limit shareholdings not pct outstanding shares for year company annual meeting dynamics cts board will recommend cts shareholders vote annual meeting favor company paying dynamics dlrs reimbursement for cts releated costs and granting dynamics option buy cts common dlrs share give ownership pct outstanding stock dynamics price stock option exercisable for year based average closing price for stock for days ending march two dynamics cts chairman george sommer will assume additional title president president robert hostetler resigning director chief financial officer gary erekson ted ross and donald kacek dynamics cts board will reduced members for remaining members current board and representatives dynamics directors reuter grain renewal ussr grain pact uncertain prospects for renewal year ussr grains agreement uncertain this point soviet trade official told reuters current trade imbalance united states and soviet union high commodity prices and increased world grain production make renewal supply agreement year albert melnikov deputy trade representative soviet union interview current agreement expires sept melnikov that world grain markets agreement signed statements and soviet officials that long term grains agreement not attractive for sides once had agreement had second agreement second agreement had difficulties prices melnikov cannot give you forecasts response future agreement not want speculate will happen sept melnikov noted that indications soviet government officials that pushing for renewal agreement situation comparison ten years ago can produce reuter earn danaher dhr expects earnings increase danaher corp expects higher earnings versus expect significant increases earnings and revenues steven rales danaher chairman and chief executive officer earlier company reported net earnings mln dlrs dlrs share versus mln dlrs dlrs share reported fourth quarter net mln dlrs cts share mln dlrs cts share previous year fourth quarter reuter earn danaher corp dhr qtr net shr cts cts net rev mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net rev mln mln note fourth qtr net includes extraordinary gain mln dlrs cts per share versus mln dlrs cts share fourth qtr and extraordinary charge dlrs six cts share net includes extraordinary gain mln dlrs cts share versus mln dlrs cts share reuter acq twa twa makes merger offer for usair trans world airlines proposed cash merger usair group twa holders usair common receive dlrs cash exchange for stock twa offer made letter edmin colodny chairman and president usair twa that negotiated deal not acceptable make offer directly usair shareholders for pct usair outstanding stock purchased voting trust price lower today offer twa filing application department transportation seeking approval merger application for approval expedited basis purchase pct usair common and deposit stock voting trust pending dot approval twa that respect usair recent offer for piedmont aviation pie believes that usair shareholders prefer cash merger proposal for usair proposed acquisition piedmont twa interested discussing deal usair piedmont and twa twa merger subject usair board redeeming preferred stock purchase rights poison pill issued shareholders last year and taking action that vote majority outstanding common stock required approve proposed move additionally twa satisfactory due diligence review usair twa not had opportunity obtain financing for deal added confident that will reuter acq cts cts and dynamics dya reach accord cts corp and dynamics corp america reached agreement resolving outstanding differences joint statment result settlement special committee board directors cts stopped soliciting offers buy part company cts and dca agreed dismiss pending litigation two companies for appeal pending supreme court relating indiana control share chapter agreement cts board will immediately reduced current directors and representatives dca elected board this board will presented slate for cts annual shareholders meeting added cts directors will recommend shareholders that approve reimbursement dca mln dlrs expenses relating cts and grant dca option buy pct cts shares addition dca agreed limit ownership cts for year annual meeting not pct outstanding stock dca holds pct outstanding shares cts companies support agreement and fair sides reuter acq measurex sells south african unit measurex corp completed sale measurex south africa pty subsidiary group employees manage operation measurex maker computer integrated manufacturing systems subsidiary represented pct worldwide revenues and sale will impact this year earnings reuter acq jefferies making market usair jefferies and making market stock usair group inc usair received offer trans world airlines buy airline dlrs cash per share usair halted york stock excahnge for dissemination news reuter earn trans lux tlx sets pct stock dividend trans lux corp board declared pct stock dividend payable april holders record march company directors declared regular quarterly dividends presently outstanding shares classes common payable april holders record march unchanged dividend two cts will paid common and cts class stock reuter earn kaneb energy partners kep qtr loss shr loss cent net loss revs mln mths shr loss dlrs net loss mln revs mln note february kaneb services inc contributed domestic oil and gas operations kaneb partners newly formed and exchanged approximately depositary units respresenting limited partnership interests kep for approximately million shares outstanding common stock kaneb servies inc kaneb owns approximately pct kep mths operation partnership wrote carrying oil and gas properties mln dlrs write downs reduced income dlrs per limited partnership unit reuter earn dalton communications inc dalt qtr jan shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs mln mln months shr profit cts profit six cts net profit profit revs mln mln reuter earn correction shaw supermarkets earnings item headlined shaw supermarkets inc shaw year jan read per share earnings drs dlrs correcting order results reuter earn wtd industries inc wtdi qtr jan net shr profit cts loss net profit loss sales mln mln avg shrs mths shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit sales mln mln avg shrs reuter acq healthvest hvt sells shares healthvest maryland real estate investment trust began selling mln shares common stock dlrs share company selling shares healthcare international inc hii giving company pct stake healthvest reuter earn systems esy sets qtrly payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn piedmont management inc pman qtr shr cts dlrs net mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln note year qtr include capital gains mln dlrs and mln dlrs and extraordinary gain mln dlrs and mln dlrs year and qtr include capital gains mln dlrs and mln dlrs and extraordinary gain mln dlrs reuter earn eastpark realty trust ert qtr net shr dlrs cts net rev year shr dlrs dlrs net rev mln mln note fourth qtr and had gains real estate investments dlrs share and dlrs share this compares loss dlrs cts share and mln dlrs share for fourth qtr and year reuter earn industries inc sets qtrly payout qtrly div cts cts qtr pay april record march reuter earn wtd industries inc wtdi qtr jan net shr profit cts loss net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs mths shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs note company public october reuter earn alaska air group inc alk qtly dividend shr cts cts prior qtr pay record april reuter acq usair comment twa twa offer usair group inc had comment offer received trans world airlines buy usair for dlrs cash per share usair spokesman david shipley declined comment piedmont aviation inc pie usair offered dlrs cash per share for half piedmont stock and dlrs stock for balance piedmont received offer norfolk southern corp nsc dlrs cash per share piedmont board meeting today company declined agenda spokesman not comment twa action norfolk southern corp nsc spokesman company had comment twa offer for usair proposal negotiate merger twa usair and piedmont don details norfolk southern spokesman company dlr share cash offer for piedmont stands offer twa alternative merger usair interested discussing combination usair piedmont and twa merger serve interests shareholders companies employees and consumers reuter earn leaseway transportation corp ltc qtly div qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq itel itel gets financing for anixter buy itel corp obtained commitments syndicate banks for six year secured loan mln dlrs and had separately filed registration statements for two public offerings for total mln dlrs fund december acquisition anixter bros inc offerings will mln dlrs issue convertible exchangeable series preferred and will mln dlr issue year senior subordinated notes offerings will merrill lynch capital markets portion proceeds offerings together proceeds form bank loan wll used repay mln dlr bridge loan merrill lynch and inc mer provided for itel buy anixter itel banks obtained commitments include manufacturers hanover trust mhc chemical bank york and national bank chicago reuter acq great american gta gains mln loans great american savings bank bank recorded gains exceeding mln dlrs sales loans and mortgage securities valued billion dlrs san diego based bank prepared release report analysts that gains included mln dlrs arbitrage profits premium paid for separation interest and principal components federal national mortgage association strip securities bank reported profit mln dlrs transaction involving mln dlrs fnma securities including arbitrage gain great american recently announced plans acquire capital savings bank olympia wash and last year acquired home federal savings and loan association tucson ariz and los angeles federal savings bank resulted offices and billion dlrs assets bank plans expand into major western banking markets and acquisition colorado reuter acq tandy brands tab sells unit tandy brands inc sold grate home and fireplace division investor group that includes members grate management for dlrs cash and secured notes company sale will not materially offset dlr recurring charge sale division reuter earn browing ferris bfi declares for split browning ferris industires inc board declared two for stock split payable april holders record march reuter earn pennwalt corp psm qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable record april reuter acq banner industries inc bnr completes purchase banner industries inc completed purchase rexnord inc rex common shares for dlrs per share cash tender offer that ended feb purchase follows banner receiving earlier today mln dlrs credit agreement citicorp industries credit inc and bank nova scotia and additional mln dlrs offerings made for banner and subsidiary drexel burnham and lambert result tender offer banner will approximately pct outstanding shares rexnord company merger rexnord and subsidiary banner will completed mid reuter crude murphy raises crude oil posted prices dlr bbl wti dlrs today acq phoenix steel receives offer for claymont mill phoenix steel corp group investors offered buy clayton steel plate mill for mln dlrs and assumption bond obligation phoenix not disclose indentity investors phoenix forced close clayton mill last month company offer represents major step restructuring company reuter earn keane inc kean qtr shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr cts cts net revs mln note shares adjusted reflect distribution share class common stock for two shares common stock held record july reuter acq viacom merger expected days sumner redstone president national amusements inc predicted can win regulatory approvals wrap billion dlr acquisition viacom international inc days redstone catapulted into big leagues entertainment early today group viacom managers and financial backers decided not top national bid had counsel working for time region viacom cable televison systems redstone told reuters telephone interview redstone viacom committed working closely obtain approvals viacom seeking approvals for transfer broadcast licenses and cable systems since september management group advanced buyout plan redstone turned situation into spirited bidding contest capped announcement this morning that viacom independent directors behalf viacom entered into defintive merger agreement national national family business operates chain movie theaters dwarfed viacom redstone weary talks dragged night excited prospect running leading electronic media company noted that number motion picture admissions shown growth years satellite television channels operated viacom motion picture oriented pay channels redstone exclusive contracts pay television networks emerging trend recently you motion picture pay channel redstone noted viacom exclusive agreements two studios and plans sign deal company month redstone management group investment bankers will paid due for termination merger agreement such fees total mln dlrs that will company expense redstone bankamerica bac corp had numerous inquiries lenders want participate billion dlr financing for deal bankamerica will provide mln dlrs merger viacom will subsidiary national pct company will public hands reuter trade british aide criticizes protectionism senior british official that protectionist bills considered congress trigger retaliation european community eec and threaten global trading system paul channon secretary for trade and industry congress passed legislation curb textile imports hit shipments shipments major asian textile producers community retaliate comments echoed made yesterday belgian trade minister herman croo bill passed community retaliate imposing taxes exports channon made remarks news conference two days talks reagan administration officials and members congress croo washington for trade talks channon greater protectionism sentiment congress since visit last year congress and administration find ways reduce trade deficit last year hit record billion dlrs channon called for greater cooperation force japan open markets foreign goods channon japan trade surplus causing problems surplus united states last year billion dlrs and nations billion dlrs united pressure channon called for increased cooperation avoid trade disputes two sides narrowly avoided confrontation earlier this year lost grains sales spain and portugal joined community and liberal imports regulations tightened conform standards sides drew back brink that time not mean that another occasion channon added that increasing reesentment europe tactic negotiating pressure unilaterally imposed deadlines potential conflicts sight alleged european government subsidies airbus aircraft and taxes fats and oils and commuity and united states learn manage relations another bill united states retaliate nation that nation market not open goods bypass trade pact gatt general agreeeement tariffs and trade arbiter trade practices foreign trade law judged gatt and not united states adding trade law interpreted united states and not gatt happen rest reuter earn industries inc set regular payout qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn general host sees year loss general host corp will report loss continuing operations and sharp decline net income for year ended january due substantial operating losses frank nursery and crafts unit for year ended january general reported net income mln dlrs company discovered problems unit computerized accounts payable system results nursery and craft unit flower time inc not affected accountants investigating problem will delay release full year results reuter earn medtronic inc mdt sets payout qtly dividend cts cts pay april record april reuter earn louisville gas and electric lou dividend qtly dividend cts cts pay april record march reuter acq robertson ups capital wire cwcc stake pct york investor julian robertson and investment partnerships controls raised stake capital wire and cable corp shares pct total pct filing securities and exchange commission robertson and tiger jaguar puma and tiger management entities bought capital wire common shares feb and dlrs share robertson group spent total mln dlrs investment company reuter acq twa twa tangles piedmont pie situation trans world airlines inc complicated bidding for piedmont aviation inc offering buy piedmont suitor usair group alternatively merge piedmont and usair piedmont board meeting today and wall street speculated board discussing opposing bids norfolk southern corp and usair twa offer announced shortly piedmont board meeting scheduled begin twa offered buy usair for dlrs cash per share largest shareholder usair and threatened directly usair shareholders offer for pct stock lower price twa believed offer deal for usair shareholders acquisition piedmont alternatively discuss combination airlines market sources and analysts speculated that twa chairman carl icahn made offer order put airline into takeover arena wondering not twa into play speculation street move somthing arbitrager twa putting trial balloon analysts offer usair that airline will reject price relatively low compared airline deals icahn prove offer credible revealing financing arrangements show commitment and ability finance credible offer timothy pettee bear stearns analyst low end relative values airline deals pettee pettee estimated dlrs reasonable range based airline mergers usair stock soared twa made public offer spokesman for usair declined comment and usair had not changed offer for piedmont usair offered buy pct that airline stock for dlrs cash per share and balance for dlrs per share usair stock usair closed volume mln shares piedmont slipped close remained silent twa action piedmont outstanding dlr cash per share offer norfolk southern corp norfolk southern declined comment stuck offer for piedmont norfolk owns pct piedmont and opened bidding propose takeover piedmont analysts icahn acquire usair make airline attractive takeover target icahn had wanted sell airline and takers strategy called for making investment attractive accomplish that specific objective and acquire airlines andrew kim eberstadt fleming don buy this becomes viable package kim icahn financing ability for such transaction remains doubt part twa heavy debt load wall street sources twa cash offer sources icahn not lined financial advisers and plans make arrangements icahn earlier this year abandoned plans buy usx corp and retains pct that company stock wall street sources financier usx plan impacted cloud hanging adviser drexel burnham lambert inc wall street insider trading scandal industry sources predicted usair reject twa offer price and financing concerns littered contingencies and doesn even financing arrangement executive another major airline executive conceded merged twa usair strong contender usair east coast route system and planned west coast presence psa usair feed intenrational flights twa midwest presence louis hub adding piedmont dominant southeast mix develop even stronger force combined entity twa pars reservation system such merger complex and analysts result airline iwth pct market share reuter earn forest oil corp foil qtr shr loss cts profit cts net loss mln profit year shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss mln profit mln reuter trade yeutter plans trade trip china this summer trade representative clayton yeutter plans july trip china discuss trade issues including china admission general agreements tariffs and trade yeutter told congressional hearing china member gatt end year making major moves full scale member world economy told house appropriations subcommittee oversees agency budget depending negotiations terms china gatt membership yeutter put final touches part agreement trip admission china gatt multinational group nations negotiates international rules trade offer potential export markets and potential competition for industries that lot potential risks for business yeutter china will develop into fine market for added reuter grain cabinet council set mull farm issues reagan administration cabinet level economic policy council scheduled meet friday discuss issues status agricultural legislation administration officials officials discussion agriculture department wheat export subsidy soviet union not agenda matters not agenda can brought council officials grain trade officials speculated that usda make wheat export enhancement offer moscow usda officials matter not active consideration usda today transmitted congress package legislative proposals including bills that cut target prices and speed loan rate reductions reuter earn unicorp american corp uac qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr cts dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln note net preferred dividend payments and includes tax gain sale real estate properties mln dlrs reuter acq banner bnr completes rexnord share purchase banner industries inc completed previously announced purchase rexnord inc rex owns pct rexnord outstanding purchase rexnord common validly tendered pursuant dlr per share cash tender offer ended february banner received mln dlrs pursuant credit agreement citicorp industrial credit inc and bank nova scotia and mln dlrs offering made drexel burnham lambert inc merger rexnord subsidiary banner will copmleted mid company reuter earn ccl industries inc qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr cts dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln note shr profit relates class voting shares reuter earn transcontinental group qtr net shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note period ended january reuter reuter acq piedmont aviation recesses meeting taking action merger proposals earn amvestors financial corp avfc qtr net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln year oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln note qtr and oper net excludes dlrs and dlrs cts per share for realized investment gains qtr and oper net excludes dlrs and dlrs for tax loss carryforwards qtr and oper net excludes realized investment gains dlrs cts per share and dlrs cts per share qtr oper net excludes loss dlrs for carryforward reuter acq piedmont pie takes action piedmont aviation inc board meeting recessed today taking action proposals combine piedmont corporations piedmont received opposing bids norfolk southern corp and air corp earlier today trans world airlines inc offered buy piedmont suitor air alternatively merge piedmont and air prepared statement piedmont announcements this situation today company declined board meet reuter trade yeutter concerned export picture trade representative clayton yeutter expects imports fall concerned lack improvement exports dollar decline last months convinced improvement import side concerned export side told house appropriations subcommittee part blame countries not generated economic growth increase demand for goods and part companies not generating competitive exports reuter trade house trade bill drafting postponed house ways and means trade subcommittee postponed week opening session start drafting major trade laws committee aide subcommittee had not completed preparatory work start writing legislation aide reuter earn lumonics inc year loss oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs note loss excludes extraordinary loss dlrs cts shr including corporate reorganization discontinuing operations and inventory writedown subsidiaries ago loss dlrs cts shr reuter earn hcc industries hcci quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay march record march reuter crude southland slc unit raises crude prices southland corp citgo petrleum corp raised contract price will pay for grades crude oil dlr barrel effective today increase brings citgo posted price for west texas intermediate dlrs bbl west texas sour priced dlrs bbl and light louisiana south posted dlrs bbl february citgo lowered crude postings cts dlrs per bbl and cut wti dlr reuter earn western security bank qtr net shr profit ten cts loss six cts net profit loss year shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit assets mln mln deposits mln mln loans mln mln reuter acq wtc international waf sets south africa trust wtc international sold affiliates south africa independent trust created continue operations that country purchase price mln dlrs represented ten year interest bearing note payable annually pct paid trust proceeds south african operations company wtc board concluded view social political and economic situatin south africa separate company interests reuter ship taiwan shipbuilder for japanese ventures taiwan state owned china shipbuilding corp csbc plans seek joint production agreements japan and diversify into ship repairing trim debts chairman louis told reuters interview that csbc joint production venture build two hulls for onomichi dockyard success talks similar projects held japanese firms including mitsubishi heavy industries mith and ishikawajima harima heavy industries jima csbc delivered hulls two teu twenty foot equivalent unit container ships this year onomichi complete production expect successful cooperation and onomichi will pave for cooperation japanese shipbuilders future japanese firms gain lower cost shipbuilding taiwan csbc benefit japanese technology and marketing this pose challenge competitors europe and south korea csbc made losses mln dlrs since beginning operations total debt stands mln dlrs annual interest payments mln dlrs company taiwan largest shipbuilder full government support and had begun diversifying into ship repairing and manufacture pipes and machinery hope can survive and prosper diversification income ship repairing almost doubled mln dlrs year ended june compared previous financial year estimated income rise mln dlrs csbc orders build ships totalling dead weight tons dwt this financial year compared ships dwt prospects for shipbuilding gloomy due overtonnage outlook for ship repairing bright reuter crude opec sticking firm official prices subroto opec countries sticking firmly official crude oil prices volatility spot prices likely continue into quarter indonesian minister mines and energy subroto told reuters subroto attending pacific energy cooperation conference blamed recent rapid spot price unbalanced supply and demand stick production limitation quarter will balance market period transition impact opec december agreement cut output and fix prices average dlrs barrel worked asked whether opec members gulf cooperation council gcc had concrete proposals qatar sell crude oil face strong resistance official prices subroto apparently care that gcc meet each subroto that not member opec price differentials committee not meeting had postponed scheduled april date find not meeting sticking official prices reuter earn hoechst group pre tax profit falls hoechst hfag group pre tax profit slightly lower billion marks posted parent company pre tax profits rose slightly billion group turnover fell slightly billion marks billion and parent company turnover fell billion marks billion company statement reuter earn bank expected post pct profit rise hongkong and shanghai banking corp hkbh likely show rise profit and pct for reflecting stronger expected loan growth share analysts polled reuters estimates bank net earnings for last year ranged billion dlrs results will announced tuesday net profit billion forecast final dividend cents for total cents for year cents adjusted for for bonus issue analysts expected bank recommend bonus issue this year for for bank pct subsidiary hang seng bank hsgh report results friday analysts expect hang seng announce net profit billion dlrs for time increase pct expect hang seng pay final dividend dlrs for total dlrs for year analysts that use undisclosed reserves banks makes forecasting imprecise hongkong bank benefited unexpected strength hong kong economy gross domestic product grew pct initial forecast pct benefited considerably pickup loan demand loan portfolio balanced analyst mansion house securities government figures show that total loans and advances rose pct compared pct increase loans finance hong kong visible trade mainstay local economy rose pct decline pct low interest rates helped bank interest received loans low prime rate pct end interest paid savings two pct hongkong bank and hang seng bank control half deposits banking system giving access large base low cost funds strength real estate market another major income source for bank group loans finance property development and instalment mortgages rose sharply hongkong bank group leader mortgage business despite tough competition bank china group and foreign banks analyst high level activity capital and equities markets contributed sharp improvement hongkong bank subsidiaries wardley waia and james capel and analysts wardley had tremendous year acting financial adviser and underwriter analyst wardley underwriter for last year billion dlr flotation cathay pacific airways hongkong bank owned pct time bank stake since cut pct return for billion dlrs sold entire pct stake south china morning post larger two english language daily newspapers for billion dlrs proceeds will reserves for acquisitions and will not show profit and loss accounts analysts analysts bank had helped reduced write bad debts for provisions lower year tony measor hong leong securities last year profits billion dlrs not for huge provisions hongkong bank chairman michael sandberg bank wrote hundreds millions dollars shipping exposure lesley nickolds county securities asia major shipping writeoffs forecast profit billion dlrs bank latin american exposure pct owned marine midland banks inc appears improved substantially analysts marine midland fourth quarter loan loss provisions fell mln dlrs mln year net profit rose mln dlrs mln reuter acq hughes tool directors reject merger baker directors hughes tool recommend shareholders that reject merger baker international corp bko today hughes vice president ike kerridge recommendation put shareholders meeting scheduled for local time gmt discuss proposed merger kerridge board met yesterday discuss merger decided hughes board objected department justice requirement that baker sell specialised subsidiaries businesses related oil drilling hughes board last week that cancel merger department justice requirement board directors california based baker had approved merger february baker had signed agreement sell subsidiaries companies had april comply justice department requirement kerridge reuter earn canon inc cann year ended decmeber group shr yen net billion yen billion pretax billion yen billion operating billion yen billion sales billion billion note company attributed profit fall largely yen appreciation period domestic sales rose pct billion yen year earlier exports declined pct billion reuter trade belgolux trade moves into surplus belgo luxembourg economic union bleu moved into narrow trade surplus billion francs billion franc deficit figures spokesman for national statistics institute show imports fell last year billion francs exports lower billion francs billion december bleu had billion franc trade surplus billion franc surplus november and billion franc surplus december reuter crude papua guinea plans resources investment agency papua guinea government will establish public corporation invest resources projects minerals and energy minister john kaputin intend provide means privileged individuals can become part owners and beneficiaries development mining and petroleum projects told parliament existing policy allowing state pct equity major mining projects and pct oil and gas projects maintained planned agency state equity current developments kaputin papua guinea experiencing boom exploration companies spending mln kina annually mining and petroleum projects government determined ensure that papua guinean ownership minerals and petroleum projects increases orderly kaputin not corporation established exactly form government study whether directly involved exploration development reuter money-fx nigerian currency firms latest auction nigerian naira firmed pct dollar banks disqualified bidding today weekly foreign exchange auction central bank naira finished dollar last week mln dlrs mln dlrs offer sold bidding banks successfully obtaining hard currency effective rate including central bank levy for transactions coming week last week failure sell allocation due central bank unprecedented disqualification banks punishment for inadequate documentation previous transactions banks required submit proof that bids based valid commercial transactions and central bank complained past that failing produce paperwork time reuter trade tells japan cut trade surplus undersecretary state for economic affairs allen wallis had urged japan reduce large trade surplus united states central message japan this week that made progress areas told press conference days talks resolution trade issues visible efforts restructure economy encourage imports and greater domestic led growth forecasting sluggish economic growth japan this year wallis urged tokyo stimulate domestic demand reduce trade surplus hit record billion dlrs named areas concern washington computer microchips supercomputers kansai airport agricultural products and car telephones warned that japan agreement governing trade semiconductors jeopardy despite pact japanese producers dumping microchips foreign markets united states penetration japanese market not increased reuter trade economic spotlight polish sanctions poland sanctions cost economy billion dlrs and made clear washington lead repairing damage lifting remaining restrictions two weeks ago polish officials unable provide precise breakdown figure takes into account number hypothetical losses sophisticated convert into financial terms banking source western economic experts effect sanctions impossible calculate blurred poor performance poland economy and dismiss billion dlr figure illusory sanctions provided excuse for achieving bad effect contributed largely internal economic problems imposed measures and withdrew favoured nation mfn trading status poland retaliation for suppression solidarity free trade union martial law estimated cost polish economy originally devised years ago institute national economy offshoot central planning commission western envoy expert polish economic affairs extrapolated information growth trends trade united states increases credits western commercial and government lenders calculations based time trade booming and credits flowed freely dismissing estimate theoretical projection based high point real scientific evaluation foreign trade ministry official polish exports late averaged mln dlrs annually and had fallen half since sanctions imposed imports suffered slumping mln dlrs mln credits ran poland dwindling trade surplus west last year billion dlrs targeted billion official figures show acknowledging that sanctions lost poland important markets including agricultural equipment textiles chemicals and foodstuffs western economists credits dried for economic not political reasons poland accusing west letting economic relations deteriorate for political reasons expert illusion based misunderstanding western economy limit you can giving hope repaying another adding that poland had benefited global phenomenon easy credits longer today reality describing billion dlr assessment nebulous diplomat included losses hypothetical orders and setbacks polish research curbing scientific links and exchanges western officials lifting sanctions and mfn status will impact poland hard currency debt billion dlrs and lacks means modernise industry mfn doesn mean that poland will not treated worse countries will difficult regain access market forces play western envoy polish products not competitive and quality low trade wars and protectionist measures japan and europe hamper poland efforts regain entry deputy foreign trade minister janusz kaczurba recognised this fact recently kaczurba told official pap news agency recently making lost position will long time and uncommonly difficult and cases impossible period two years will increase level exports mln dlrs poland seek compensation moral assistance imposed sanctions illegally western economist argument that sanctions unilateral torpedoing polish economy won cut ice americans will reply that poles acted immorally crushing solidarity nevertheless polish national bank head wladyslaw baka talks washington last week international monetary fund imf and world bank made clear that poland for lead united states quoted pap that poland meet financial obligations united states not short time and not cooperative stand part foreign economic partners stressed that had opportunity play part cooperative policy poland partners interested settlement polish debt putting sharply senior banking official blamed washington for obstructing talks world bank imf and paris club western creditor governments recent years and play positive role major superpower united states can influence international organisations citing recent meetings aimed stabilising currencies example extent western nations prepared cooperate reuter interest bundesbank leaves credit policies unchanged bundesbank left credit policies unchanged today regular meeting council spokesman answer enquiries west german discount rate remains pct and lombard emergency financing rate pct reuter money-fx egyptian central bank dollar rate unchanged egypt central bank today set dollar rate for commercial banks for march dollars unchanged previous rate reuter acq baker international corp sues hughes tool seeking merger completion acq usair group rejects trans world airlines takeover bid crude early march opec output below ceiling opec crude oil output days march running mln bpd mln bpd average for february and below mln bpd ceiling group adopted december reuter survey shows figures polled reuters correspondents oil traders industry executives and analysts europe middle east africa latin america and asia back recent statements opec ministers that group producing ceiling support return fixed price system into effect last month opec output for february bpd ceiling largely overproduction united arab emirates and kuwait figures show uae together smaller producer ecuador producing quota days march survey reveals such overproduction compensated for sharp fall saudi arabian output together iran inability export quota iraq rejected opec quota mln bpd and produced mln bpd february and early march figures showed saudi output excluding movements into stocks fell mln bpd early march mln bpd february mln bpd quota saudi figures include bpd share neutral zone production kuwait consistently denied quota violations estimated pumping mln bpd february and early march figures including bpd share neutral zone output bpd quota reports customer resistance fixed prices set opec states reflected output qatar and nigeria substantially quota february and early march qatar february output bpd and this fell bpd early march compared bpd quota industry sources japanese buyers resisting qatar prices and gulf arab oil states pledged make for shortfall sales fellow gulf state suffers nigeria early march output mln bpd mln bpd february and quota mln bpd industry sources nigeria customers bonny grades overpriced compared compatible brent crudes north sea country country production figures follows mln bpd country current february quota algeria ecuador gabon indonesia iran iraq kuwait libya nigeria qatar saudi arabia uae venezuela total reuter reuter acq baker bko sues force hughes merger baker international corp filed suit state court houston compel hughes tool complete proposed merger baker late yesterday hughes had terminated merger agreement baker not agree alternative divestiture plan devised hughes hughes board had previously found unacceptable justice department consent decree that required broader divestitures baker not obtained satisfactory explanation hughes objections provisions justice department consent decree hughes yesterday adjourned special meeting shareholders vote merger permitting counting votes deal baker believes vote overwhelmingly favor merger baker terms that hughes proposed for merger alternative consent decree burdensome consent decree baker divestitures consent decree reduce revenues for combined company mln dlrs pct baker will continue pursue divestitures units named consent decree suit names defendants hughes and directors and seeks injunction forcing hughes live merger agreement substantial monetary damages not name baker believes merger interests shareholders companies reuter interest spain deregulates bank deposit interest rates spain finance ministry deregulated bank deposit rates effort raise competition banks and bring legislation into line european community ministry spokesman measure published today official state gazette takes effect tomorrow and lifts restrictions rates limited six pct deposits days government enacted decree cutting pct pct proportion total assets banks lend favourable rates industries classified public interest bankers expect deregulation rates result pct drop profits this year secretary state for economy guillermo dehesa told reuters recent interview reduction fixed asset investments offset losses rate liberalisation reuter acq usair rejects twa twa takeover bid usair group inc board rejected trans world airlines inc offer acquire usair for dlrs per share cash grossly adequate and not interests usair shareholders employees passengers company unsolicited bid carl icahn led twa highly conditional usair board and that piedmont aviation inc pie met separately yesterday usair offer acquire pct piedmont for dlrs per share and remaining shares for common shares each valued dlrs per share based average closing price usair common period merger company continuing talks piedmont arriving definitive merger agreement and two companies hope reach shortly usair light highly conditional nature and terms twa offer timing offer and circumstances made usair group believes that purpose twa offer interfere usair group proposed acquisition piedmont twa proposal nothing attempt carl icahn disrupt eleventh hour usair group acquisition piedmont transaction usair group board views beneficial usair group shareholders employees and passengers and icahn regards contrary personal interests usair board authorized counsel explore legal remedies called twa last minute attempt interfere usair group acquisition piedmont company conditions twa offer include twa obtaining financing usair board redeeming defensive rights issued shareholders last year and acting render fair price provision contained usair charter inapplicable twa offer and transportation department approval reuter earn jaguar sees strong growth model sales jaguar plc jagr sell model and japanese markets and expects strong reception based success chairman sir john egan told news conference commenting pct growth group turnover mln stg and pre tax profits mln stg slightly below mln egan jaguar aimed average profit growth pct per year introduction model had this year pre tax profit jaguar starts selling and plans sell total production sales account for pct total turnover finance director john edwards price for car not set edwards relatively high car prices dollars west german competitors offered umbrella for jaguar added had compete luxury car producers restrict car price jaguar hedges majority dollar receipts month rolling basis and plans for larger part receipts for longer periods john egan longer term capital expenditure will amount pct net sales research and development will cost pct net sales and training two pct jaguar builds half cars and buys components for half firm early stages building press shop britain for mln stg egan this another years london stock exchange jaguar shares last quoted yesterday close reporting results line market expectations dealers reuter crude diamond shamrock raises crude posted prices dlr effective march wti dlrs bbl earn nord resources corp nrd qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln avg shrs mln mln year shr cts cts net mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note shr figures adjusted for for split paid feb reuter acq groups apply buy french telephone group consortia applied buy french state owned telephone equipment manufacturer cie generale constructions telephoniques cgct will give owners control pct french telephone switching market sources close finance minister edouard balladur french government end april decide applicant will accepted added foreign groups want gain foothold french market potential stake cgct limited pct privatisation laws passed last year pct left french hands finance ministry sources gave details groups interested cgct publicly announced candidacies telecommunications giant american telephone and telegraph centre two year battle for cgct teamed dutch based philips telecommunications industrie subsidiary philips gloeilampenfabriek pglo and societe anonyme telecommunications sat present joint bid association holding company cie midi mcdp and french investment funds second bid come west german electronics group siemens sieg hopes pct stake cgct french telecommunications jeumont schneider taking remaining pct sweden ericsson submitted bid for maximum pct permitted association french defence electronics group matra hold and pct and construction group bouygues matra acquired cgct private telephone business reuter ship blizzard closes bosphorus blizzard conditions halted shipping bosphorus waterway and piled snow cms deep central istanbul paralysing city for second day running snow whipped kph winds continued fall istanbul and northwest anatolia hours and weather reports predicted relief for another two days port officials six large vessels black sea and sea marmara waiting for conditions improve istanbul ataturk international airport closed since yesterday reuter acq japan fund jpn seekers confident financing sterling grace capital management group confident financing can arranged japan fund board recommend group acquisition proposal group includes anglo american security fund and pickens iii tuesday proposed entity controls acquire for cash assets japan fund for pct fund aggregate net asset group had number meetings past days domestic and overseas financial institutions sterling grace capital group institutions expressed interest providing financing for proposed acquisition japan fund adding confident that financing can quickly arranged japan fund board directors willing recommend transaction shareholders reuter earn pegasus gold inc pgulf qtr dec net shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter earn keltic inc year net shr cts dlrs net revs note shr november class subordinate floating share issue reuter acq hutton efh starts purolator pcc bid hutton group inc started previously announced offer purchase common shares purolator courier corp dlrs each newspaper advertisement company offer proration period and withdrfawal rights will expire april extended offer conditioned receipt purolator shares pct interest and step merger agreement that approved purolator board hutton reserves buy shares present intention waive condition that shares tendered long received pct interest receive fewer shares that purchase sharesd consent purolator reuter money-fx yeutter puts currency burden taiwan korea responsibility for appreciation taiwan dollar and south korean won lies soley countries trade representative clayton yeutter speaking asia society yeutter that countries long term interest raise currencies dollar yeutter responding question encourage appreciation currencies dollar order reduce large trade deficits taiwain and korea undervalued currency will countries exports short term long run concerned perceived international business community yeutter for taiwan yeutter that per capita trade surplus larger that japan and huge foreign exchange reserves difficult defend high import tarrifs and barriers that prevail that country that south korean won begin move reflect underlying economic fundamentals two years time korea will situation that prevails taiwan turning deficit japan billion dlrs yeutter that this situation not sustainable give not great threat legislative action counteract that trend yeutter reuter earn princeville development corp pvdc year loss shr diluted loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs diluted note current year includes loss mln dlrs takeover defense expenses includes losses mln dlrs dlrs equity limited partnerships reuter acq orange holder raises stake orange inc largest shareholder summit resoureces inc increased stake pct pct and owns shares reuter earn horizon corp hzn qtr net oper shr profit dlrs loss cts oper net profit mln loss revs mln year oper shr profit dlrs loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs note net includes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year net periods excludes dlr loss discontinued operations net periods includes pretax gain mln dlrs sale remaining interest paradise hills development reuter earn international thomson organisation year shr net mln mln revs billion billion note figures sterling share results deducting preferred share dividends mln pounds sterling reuter earn equatorial communications equa qtr loss shr loss dlrs nil net loss profit rev mln mln year shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit rev mln mln avg shares note fourth qtr net includes time restructuring charge mln dlrs net income includes extraordinary gain mln dlrs cts reuter earn international thomson organisation year shr acq trimedyne tmed spin stake unit trimedyne inc will distribute class common share automedix sciences inc for each trimedyne shares held record march company spinoff distributing entire pct interesdt automedix spun stock will not saleable for months company reuter earn casey general stores inc casy qtr jan shr cts cts net sales mln mln mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter crude diamond shamrock dia raises crude oil postings diamond shamrock raised posted prices for grades crude oil dlr barrel effective yesterday dlr increase brings west texas intermediate wti benchmark crude dlrs bbl company diamond shamrock joined sun coastal citgo and murphy oil raising crude oil posted prices dlr barrel yesterday reuter earn oak hill sportswear corp ohsc qtr net shr cts cts net sales mln mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn oak industries inc oak qtr loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss sales mln mln avg shr mln mln year oper shr loss cts loss dlrs oper net loss mln mln sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln backlog mln mln notes operating losses exclude profits discontinued operationgs dlrs cent share dlrs cts share quarter and mln dlrs dlrs share mln dlrs cts share year year operating loss excludes extraordinary gain mln dlrs cts share backlog includes orders shipped mths mln dlrs january orders shipped mths mln dlrs mln dlrs december reuter earn regis corp rgis regular dividend set qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq mannesmann seeks stake firm mannesmann mmwg diversified engineering and pipe making group interested taking stake company companies not found suitable firm spokesman reply questions mannesmann managing board chairman werner dieter told business weekly wirtschaftswoche interview that mannesmann wanted invest company order strengthen presence market dieter mannesmann act quickly and found firm wanted stake mannesmann spokesman declined industrial sector group make acquisition big acquisition group had not completed taking stake car components firm fichtel und sachs mannesmann had january hoped pct stake fichtel und sachs holding company sachs quarter spokesman mannesmann had letter intent takeover heirs company late owner completion delayed legal questions inheritance reuter earn american int group inc aig qtr net shr dlrs cts net mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln note includes gains mln mln year and mln mln capital gains investments reuter earn systems for health care for split systems for health care inc repositioned company for reverse stock split common shares outstanding quoted price bid compared shares outstanding prior split another recent development systems for health care formally changed name present form orcas corp reuter interest bankers spanish reserve requirement hike bankers welcomed bank spain decision raise reserve requirement for banks and savings banks reflected socialist government determination not ease fight inflation despite painful social effects years austerity central bank last night raised requirement percentage point pct march that excess liquidity threatened money supply and inflation targets bankers move represented change tactic bank relied raising interest rates choke money supply growth good measure senior foreign banker faster job interest rates and avoids unpleasant effects areas economy shows that political will strong that controlling inflation will make industry competitive and bring unemployment long run added head another foreign bank that month ago bank spain had dismissed suggestion rise reserve requirements preferring pursue strategy raising interest rates bankers high real interest rates offer pct for overnight funds attracting money abroad strengthening peseta and making spanish exports competitive government industry competitiveness hit hard inflation pct last year rate that spain major trading partners european community joined year ago meet this year target pct insisting pay rises stay that level setting stage for clashes trade unions made sacrifices demonstrations workers students and farmers demands essentially involve government spending become almost daily occurrence prime minister felipe gonzalez insists that state can bankers reserve requirement increase impact commercial lending rates not hit money market hard bank spain yesterday raised key overnight call money rate pct left unchanged today auction rate increased times since start year below pct bankers commercial lending rates set rise case end six pct maximium interest rate banks can offer for time deposits six months measure will effect tomorrow publication decree today official gazette bankers liberalisation will increase cost funds and inevitably push lending rates higher companion measure reducing proportion funds banks invest specific areas takes effect tomorrow officials cut approved last month that aimed partly compensating banks for higher interest rates reuter earn gambro gamb year mln crowns mln sales billion billion proposed dividend crowns crowns reuter acq transportation agency final for air pacific southwest acquisition earn american software amswa sets stock split american software inc board declared for two stock split class and class common shares payable march record march company expects increase semiannual dividend pct six cts per share post split cts pre split reuter acq comdata cdn merger agreement comdata network inc entered into letter intent limited partnership managed welsh carson anderson and stowe wcas merge comdata into corproration formed wcas comdata merger each share company stock converted holders election into dlrs cash combination dlrs cash and unit securities including common stock comdata terms subject condition that wcas affiliate investors minimum pct fully diluted stock entity comdata wcas and affiliate investors commit mln dlrs buy securities comprising entities units securities resulting merger proportions and price company shareholders comdata move subject execution definitive agreement and approval comdata shareholders obtaining mln dlrs debt financing wcas told comdata believes that can commitments for this financing reuter earn wajax year net shr cts dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter earn american software inc amswa qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln avg shrs mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter acq bankamerica bac sell german banking unit bankamerica corp agreed sell bankhaus centrale credit german consumer banking subsidiary and german credit card operations banco santander spain terms not disclosed deal expected close second quarter bank holding company bankhaus centrale credit branches had total assets mln marks year end credit card operation services visa card holders and merchants germany reached bankamerica spokesman company record pretax gain mln dlrs transactions spokesman declined disclose price paid for operations banco santander terms deal reuter earn copley properties inc cop qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr dlrs cts net revs note company began operations july public offering annual data not directly comparable reuter earn unitil corp utl qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln reuter acq ryder rdr buys british caledonian unit ryder system inc acquired caledonian airmotive british caledonian group plc for undisclosed terms caledonian airmotive repairs and rebuilds aircraft engines reuter acq trelleborg larger slice boliden swedish tyres process equipment and components firm trelleborg taking larger stake mining and metals concern boliden blds had originally intended trelleborg had previously announced exercising option acquire pct boliden voting rights statement company had received offers pct rights and that accept reuter earn polaroid prd reaffirmed opinion shares polaroid corp rose reiterated recommendation merrill lynch and that focused strong earnings momentum for company traders recommending stock since reiterated today expectations strong earnings momentum benefits lower dollar and anticipation nice gains margins merrill lynch analyst charles ryan negative opinion another brokerage house hurt stock wednesday and can bought relatively bargain price today ryan you polaroid weakness volatile stock that caught weakness polaroid stock gained point early this morning trading points wednesday morning closing polaroid working overtime production cameras and film expect quarter earnings pct ryan estimating earnings cts share quarter compared cts share earned year earlier expects company earn dlrs share compared dlrs share last year reuter earn swedish match smbs year profit net financial items mln crowns mln sales billion crowns billion proposed dividend crowns crowns reuter earn industries inc qtr jan net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln six mths oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note exlcudes discontinued operations for oper net for six mths for sale electronics division oper shr for qtr and six mths adjusted for stock split and dividend distribution november reuter acq general refractories grx sell operations general refractories agreed sell european refractories and building products operations for mln dlrs austrian investor group european operations had sales mln dlrs last year for results released company sale group headed girozentrale bank austria subject shareholder approval april board approved deal general refractories mineral operations not affected reuter earn pepsico pep upgraded kidder peabody kidder peabody and analyst roy burry issued strong buy recommendation pepsico inc citing improved profit outlook for domestic soft drinks and frito lay snack foods pepsico climbed shares midmorning burry forecast earnings dlrs per share and dlrs company earned dlrs per share burry previously had sell recommendation pepsico pct earnings growth for frito lay trend that continue decade reuter acq shad sees progress insider trading securities and exchange commission chairman john shad progress made stopping insider trading chairman house subcommittee jurisdiction securities laws concerned conditions wall street greed created feeding frenzy wall street and process laws broken and multi billion dlr corporations become easy prey rep edward markey mass chairman telecommunications and finance start hearing sec activities congress understandably nervous perceive current scandals warning even worse things come markey frenzy and disruption created merger mania distressing shad recent cases involving ivan boesky dennis levine and warning that engage insider trading taking heavy risk imprisonment high fines and disbarment securities industry insider trading not eradicated inhibited and multimillions dollars profits that boesky and siphoning markets flowing legitimate investors and traders shad statement shad insider trading cases involved pct sec enforcement actions recent years increased significantly cases brought past years compared cases preceeding years markey not favor banning takeovers thought tender offer process needed reform including earlier disclosure takeover attempts rep mathew rinaldo senior subcommittee republican introducing legislation create member commission study securities industry for year and report findings and recommendations congress commission members appointed sec primary mission analyze extent illegal trading insider trading and assess adequacy existing surveillance systems and government oversight operations commission advise congress additional resources civil criminal remedies needed combat fraud and improve compliance federal laws rinaldo reuter crude opec february output ceiling opec output february below mln bpd ceiling set december and countries strictly adhering quotas opec news agency opecna quoted opec secretariat official official quoted that lower output result member countries firm determination defend organisation official price dlrs per barrel and refrain selling quantity below that price unnamed official quoted that opec meeting foreseen biannual opec session planned start june official gave figure for february output statement that reduction total supplies actual exports crude oil and products local deliveries member countries even pronounced supplies fell noticeably that month matter pressure member countries lifters align official selling price ongoing market price member countries exception strictly adhering official selling price spite financial hardship this entail statement recent improvement price structure indicator such determination organization stick official selling price statement free spot market prices rose dlrs barrel early december last year opec official levels end year opec pact oil industry speculation that opec hold extraordinrary meeting prior scheduled june session discuss reports overproduction states and strains differential matrix prices each opec crude quality and distance main markets official statement that such emergency session scheduled member countries firm determination defend price system agreed december opec differential committee met vienna starting april this session postponed date set official united arab emirates chairs state body members algeria kuwait saudi arabia libya nigeria and qatar reuter earn canadian imperial bank commerce qtr share basic cts cts acq perkin elmer pkn acquires high tech firm perkin elmer corp acquired atomika technische physik based munich west germany high technology concern specializing surface science instruments terms acquisition not disclosed atomika will part physical electronics division based eden prairie minn division part materials surface technology group reuter acq okays usair pacific southwest purchase department transportation gave final approval usair group proposed mln dlr acquisition pacific southwest airlines department acquisition not likely substantially lessen competition and not harm public interest department had tentative approval acquisition january department decided make final tentative decision reviewing public response agency rejected assertion air north america not operating plans start service cities served usair and psa that acquisition lessen chances entry into markets carriers agency air north america provided support for claim that transaction give two carriers monopoly power markets transportation agency air north america failed show that barriers that prevent entrants into markets prevent carriers increasing service agency noted final order that psa operates exclusively west and mexico usair serves west for part long haul flights east and midwest two carriers serve point common los angeles san diego san francico phoenix and tucsonm agency transportation department rejected request teamsters union represents psa workers require protections for psa workers agency noted that usair promised give protective benefits psa workers and that unions representing psa workers collective bargaining agreements that provide such protections reuter earn mci mcic president sees profit improvement mci communications corp president bert roberts expects mci financial performance improve current quarter compared previous quarter american telephone and telegraph long distance rate cuts had cut into mci fourth quarter performance added continuing impact profits expect this quarter fourth quarter current quarter ends march for fourth quarter mci reported mln dlr loss due write offs and staff reductions roberts att long distance rate reductions had ordered federal communications commission had significantly negative impact profits reported earlier today mci plans fcc immediately deregulate att apparently hopes that unregulated att pocket greater proportion revenues cut rates reuter earn national gypsum qtr net net revs mln mln year net mln revs billion billion note current year includes earnings mln dlrs for months ended april year ago earnings not comparable acquisition aancor holdings inc april reuter earn zayre corp qtr shr cts cts earn det oestasiatiske kompagni east asiatic results for year group pre tax profit mln crowns mln net turnover billion crowns billion dividend pct nil group profit tax mln crowns mln reuter earn signtech inc mths jan net shr cts cts net mln revs mln mln reuter earn canadian imperial bank commerce qtr period ended january shr cts cts shr diluted cts cts net mln mln loans billion billion deposits billion billion assets billion billion note shr preferred dividends reuter acq triumph capital inc make acquisition triumph capital inc signed letter intent acquire securities transfer systems inc pompano beach fla for undisclosed terms company entering commercial finance business formation triumph financial corp wholly owned unit extended dlr secured line credit micro designs inc reuter earn conchemco inc ckc sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april six record march reuter earn dst systems inc dsts regular payout set qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter interest fed not expected money market action federal reserve not expected intervene government securities market add drain reserves economists economists not expect fed add reserves federal funds trading below six pct funds rate softer tone that add reserves current bank reserve maintenance period smaller previously estimated fed funds opened pct and remained that level yesterday funds averaged pct reuter earn brown group inc qtr shr cts cts acq regal international rgl ups bell bpsiq bid bell petroleum services inc regal international inc doubled offer for bell stock regal share for each bell share half share previously company offer received expression interest for merger into fortune company not identify that will investigated meetings held this week will explore possibilities recommending final action reuter earn eqk green acres ega raises quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay aug record june reuter earn mercantile stores inc qtr shr dlrs dlrs earn winland electronics inc qtr loss shr loss profit cts net loss profit revs year shr loss cts loss net loss loss revs reuter earn national convenience ncs qtr loss national convenience stores inc expects report loss for quarter ending march due continued poor sales texas houston last year quarter national convenience earned dlrs cts per share including gain dlrs sale stores another operator results included earnings gasoline operations dlrs cts per share caused unusually high gross margins gasoline sales cts per gallon that caused rapidly falling oil prices national convenience quarter weak due winter weather reuter crude marathon raises crude posted prices cts bbl effective today wti dlrs bbl crude report due oil imports and national security presidential commission that studying oil imports including effect national security make report white house spokesman marlin fitzwater panel set last october examine oil import make report weeks national security adviser frank carlucci will wait that report and special action needed national security area implement reuter earn chrysler sets for two stock split raises dividend earn brown group inc qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs year shr dlrs dlrs net revs billion billion avg shrs note period ended february company changed fiscal yearend january october results restated reflect change reuter earn pegasus gold inc pgulf qtr net shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs mln year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note current qtr includes gain mln dlrs tax benefit reuter earn zayre corp qtr jan net shr cts cts net rev billion billion year shr dlrs dlrs net rev billion billion note qtr net includes pre tax gain mln dlrs sale real estate and real estate development company fiscal net includes extraordinary charge mln dlrs six cts share per share data reflects two for stock split paid june reuter earn zayre plans store openings zayre corp plans open additional zayre stores maxx stores and hit miss shops addition zayre plans add six wholesale clubs and homeclubs warehouse group earlier company reported earnings ended january mln dlrs dlrs per share versus mln dlrs dlrs per share fiscal reported fourth quarter net mln dlrs cts share versus mln dlrs cts share fourth quarter reuter earn chrysler sets stock split higher dividend chrysler corp board declared for two stock split form pct stock dividend and raised quarterly dividend pct company dividend raised cts share cts pre split basis equal dividend post split basis chrysler stock dividend payable april holders record march cash dividend payable april holders record march cash will paid lieu fractional shares split chrysler mln shares remain purchased stock repurchase program that began late that program target mln shares latest stock split chrysler statement actions reflect not outstanding performance past years optimism company future reuter acq banco santander buy west germany bank banco santander signed letter intent bank america bac purchase west german affiliate bankhaus centrale credit bank bank statement amplifying earlier report frankfurt incorporation bank group will provide major boost for chanelling investment spain and european community statement this operation enables solid position west germany ahead spain full integration into financial system years time deal included license for visa credit cards reuter earn canadian imperial sees lower loan losses canadian imperial bank commerce earlier reporting higher net income for quarter ended january expects loan losses lower last year mln dlrs bank will maintain high level provisioning for loan losses established last year market uncertainties commerce bank set loan loss provisions mln dlrs fiscal ended october bank earlier quarter net income rose mln dlrs mln dlrs prior year profit per basic share dividends fell cts year ago cts commerce bank market uncertainties used estimate mln dlrs for fiscal loan losses calculating quarter results bank quarter provision for loan losses rose mln dlrs mln dlrs prior year commerce bank will continue adopt agressive posture adding general provisions loan exposure countries designated federal government inspector general banks quarter net partly benefitted net interest income mln dlrs year ago mln dlrs commerce bank improved income rose mln dlrs year earlier mln dlrs and net income partially offset increased loan loss provisions interest expenses and income taxes bank quarter total assets increased billion dlrs mln dlrs prior year due continued expansion consumer loan and mortgage fields return assets increased two cts cts per dlrs average assets quarter fiscal declined two cts fiscal fourth quarter bank total accrual loans increased billion dlrs quarter year ago billion dlrs accrual loans declined mln dlrs fiscal year end despite recent announcement suspension interest payments brazil virtually bank loans this country income producing january and adverse impact bank earnings prior announcement commerce bank bank not disclose forecast impact future earnings brazil suspension interest payments reuter earn mercantile stores inc mst qtr net qtr ends jan shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion billion acq unitel video shareholder proposes sale liquidation company earn allegheny power system inc ayp sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn selkirk communications qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net revs mln mln note current oper net excludes extraordinary income dlrs qtr and dlrs year previous losses dlrs and dlrs reuter earn houston oil royalty trust rth payout lower mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn engelhard corp sets for two stock split and raises quarterly acq holder proposes unitel unv sale liquidation michael landes major stockholder unitel video inc asked company liquidating selling assets landes requested company implement program maximize shareholder values include sale part company liquidation filing securities and exchange commission landes and another unitel video investor albert schwatz formed shareholder group and together hold common shares pct total outstanding common stock landes and schwartz had reached agreement principle york video tape service company dlr share takeover proposal last september subsequent merger talks broke october investors told sec continuing review positions company and acquire shares sell current stake reuter acq huges tool company baker international merger plan not terminated earn royal dutch shell group cos qtr net shr royal dutch petroleum dlrs dlrs final royal dutch dividend guilders for total guilders guilders for shr shell transport and trading plc dlrs dlrs final shell transport dividend pence for total pence pence for group net billion billion group sales billion billion year shr royal dutch dlrs dlrs net shell transport dlrs dlrs group net billion billion group sales billion billion notes group pct owned royal dutch and pct shell transport dollar amount royal dutch dividend will depend guilder dollar exchange rate final dividend payable june holders record shell transport dividend and per share results based york shares equal ordinary shares dollar final dividend will determined sterling dollar exchange rate current rate tax credits equal dlrs final dividend payable holders record april fourth quarter dollar figures for group translated sterling average rate exchange for quarter dlrs per pound and dlrs full year dollar figures sum sterling translations dollars for second and fourth quarters net includes fifo inventory gain mln dlrs loss mln dlrs quarter and loss billion dlrs loss mln dlrs year lifo accounting had used company royal dutch per share net dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year shell transport per share net dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year net includes restructuring credit mln dlrs charge mln dlrs quarter and credit mln dlrs charge mln per share impact restructuring royal dutch credit cts charge cts quarter and credit cts charge dlrs year shell transport credit cts charge cts quarter and credit cts charge cts year net includes currency exchange losses mln dlrs mln dlrs quarter and mln dlrs mln dlrs year exchange losses had per share impact royal dutch cts cts quarter and cts dlrs year and shell transport cts cts quarter and cts cts year reuter acq investment firm boosts purolator pcc stake halcyon investments york investment partnership that deals risk arbitrage and stock trading raised purolator courier corp stake shares pct pct filing securities and exchange commission halcyon managing partner alan slifka and bought purolator common shares feb and march prices ranging dlrs each halcyon spent mln dlrs for purolator common shares acquired options feb giving buy shares for mln dlrs reuter acq aetna aet sell canadian operations aetna life and casualty aetna life and casualty canada subsidiary agreed prnciple sell casualty property subsidiary aetna casualty canada laurentian group montreal for undisclosed terms company agreement subject canadian government approval reuter earn southern mineral corp smin qtr loss shr loss two cts profit cts net loss profit revs year shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs note per share figures adjusted for for stock distribution effective dec results include extraordinary tax benefit dlrs share each period reuter interest bank england resists pressure for rate cut bank england fought money and bond market pressure for pre budget interest rate cut leaving pound strain rise trade weighted index six month high closed level since september pct index foreign investors continued buy into currency offers high relative returns and possibility short term capital gains dealers meanwhile opinion divided whether bank can stop cut budget day march and want bank latest strong signal market that rates stay steady for moment midafternoon lent discount houses penal rate pct relieve money market shortage making discount houses suffer stephen lewis economist brokerage house phillips and drew eleven and quarters pct money market rates this money market signal apparently not accompanied sterling sales foreign exchanges talk had inhibited strong rises yesterday and tuesday buyers strongly into pound pound surged high dlrs london close previous finish and marks this pressure possibility that rates drop budget jeremy hale economist finance house goldman sachs international corp gilt traders forecasting half point cut base rate current pct early tomorrow analysts bank england will convinced that present rise fundamental rating result short term speculative gains valid reasons for bank cautious peter fellner economist brokers james capel and markets become highly optimistic chances conservative party victory early general election and disappointment prime minister margaret thatcher decides hold back lead decline pound and setback for bonds fellner election delayed mid forecasts will this year note that pound prove vulnerable oil price losses change fortune for dollar analysts agree bank largely set timing cut holding altogether authorities traditionally prefer single sustainable rate move half points and add bank will influenced signs that proportion latest bout sterling buying long term capital coming into london market notably japan argue that pound perceived safer bet dollar latters recent sharp falls and current political upheavals washington bank want another points trade weighted index budget argued lewis sterling firm satisfy even bank england added bank declined comment reasons for resisting pressure for rate move budget banking sources authorities recent rise sterling marking foreign exchange traders meanwhile analysts noted market potentially harmful news trade front today figures showing that current account deficit billion stg this previous estimates current account deficit and compares surplus billion stg fellner that normal conditions this bond and currency markets pause that bullish worry such fundamentals guessing game timing cut clearing banks divided markets privately bank officials forecast bank will hold for this week bank rise tomorrow move comes march forecasts for half point cut another half full point budget day reuter earn engelhard corp sets stock split engelhard corp board declared for two stock split and raised quarterly dividend cts per share presplit cts payable march holders record march reuter crude egyptian crude oil output opec egypt produced mln tonnes mln barrels crude mln tonnes mln barrels official figures released today egyptian general petroleum corp egpc officials egypt can produce mln bpd per day production cut world prices plunged last year attempt opec stabilize world market egypt cut production target bpd current output bpd egypt exports output sells top suez and ras bahar blends for dlrs barrel reuter earn and oil tool hhot qtr loss shr loss six cts profit two cts net loss profit revs year shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note year includes special charge dlrs cts per shr write rental equipment reuter earn and financial corp cbtf year net shr dlrs dlrs shr diluted dlrs dlrs net reuter acq amoskeag bank amkg acquire entrepo amoskeag bank signed agreement acquire entrepo financial resources inc philadelphia based company leases and remarkets high technology equipment terms acquisition not disclosed entrepo assets mln dlrs reuter earn washington national corp wnt votes dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr pay april record march reuter acq community bank system cbsi buys nichols bank community bank systems inc and nichols national bank signed definitive agreement for nichols become member cbsi group banks for exchange stock worth mln dlrs cbsi expects complete deal pending nichols shareholder and regulatory approval this year reuter acq eastman kodak acquires pct interest enzon inc acq shad favors shortening disclosure period securities and exchange commission chairman john shad sec favors shortening current day period for disclosing takeover attempts opposes putting restrictions use called junk bonds favor shortening disclosure period two days shad told members house telecommunications and finance subcommittee asked for recommendation sec responsibility provide full disclosure for securities including junk bonds and not make decisions based merit junk bonds had liquidity shad opposes proposals require attempting takeovers file statement impact takeover communities involved opposed past investor protection shad had comment proposal house speaker jim wright texas tax securities transactions reuter earn corrected pegasus gold inc pgulf qtr net shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note company corrects reporting period qtr and year qtr and mths reuter acq hughes tool baker bko merger alive hughes tool chairman kistler counter proposal merge baker international corp consideration and that merger interests companies hope that can come mutual agreement that good for companies kistler proposed merger that result billion dlr oil field service company working hard this merger hughes board today adjourned shareholders meeting vote proposed merger and rescheduled for march give baker time counter proposal hughes board had previously expressed concern department justice consent decree that require baker sell drilling bit operations and submersible pump business met yesterday and threatened terminate proposed merger hughes board made counter proposal that two companies find acceptable buyers for businesses signing decree directors baker immediately receiving counter proposal filed law suit texas texas state court force hughes complete merger uncertainty price and conditions that imposed department justice makes nervous outcome kistler explaining hughes had made counter proposal additional time understand baker not accept proposal kistler that law suit filed baker not factor board decision merger proposal table declined comment allegations lawsuit kistler hughes willing compromise counter proposal declined specific justice department january block hughes and baker merger anti trust grounds companies agreed sign consent decree that provide for sale assets merger place hughes board not sign decree unreasonable hughes that baker complete sale disputed assets merger finalized and government approval decree baker unable find acceptable buyers period time decree approved federal trustee become responsible for finding buyer kistler that terms trustee years complete sales expressed concern that combined companies required government conditions license technology purchaser assets baker last night statement that required assets sold reduce revenues mln dlrs representing pct revenues combined companies reuter earn aequitron medical inc aqtn qtr loss period ended january shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit sales mths shr profit six cts profit cts net profit profit sales mln reuter earn lowe cos inc low qtr jan net shr cts cts net mln sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales billion billion avg shrs mln mln note current year net periods includes charge dlrs cts shr early note retirement and charge cts shr reversal tax credits current year net periods includes gain six cts shr plywood manufacturers litigation settlement reuter acq france sell stake societe generale unit french government sell public pct direct holding societe generale stgn regional bank subsidiary societe generale alsacienne banque sogenal monday sogenal officials sogenal founded and nationalised leading french regional bank and branches austria belgium luxembourg east and west germany and switzerland chairman rene geronimus told news conference share offer price expected announced tomorrow finance minister edouard balladur and francs societe generale will privatised this year will retain pct majority holding bank chairman marc vienot sogenal officials forecast consolidated group profit mln francs estimated mln this year and mln sogenal privatisation will preceded capital increase mln francs mln earning mln francs funds shares will divided giving capital mln shares francs nominal bank will listed nancy stock exchange line finance ministry and government aim regional operation geronimus hoping for shareholders total nationalisation ten pct capital floated will reserved for employees rest offered public will not share reserved for foreign investors this small operation and will buy shares france stockbroker sources that likely share offer price francs sogenal billion francs geronimus bank future aim reinforce existing strong points major projects planned apart opening basle branch sogenal french bank austria set foreign exchange dealing room paris strasbourg headquarters and foreign banking subsidiary broker zurich bourse government banking adviser for operation banque privee gestion financiere bpgf owned french financier pierre moussa pallas group assisted britain hambros bank reuter earn midland mla sets stock split midland board declared two for stock split subject approval doubling authorized common shares annual meeting april and increase quarterly dividend cts pre split cts dividend payable april record march and split payable record april reuter earn prudential insurance year earnings prudential insurance company america privately held company today that net income rose billion dlrs billion dlrs reported year earlier assets management rose billion dlrs billion dlrs consolidated assets jumped billion dlrs billion dlrs discussing major subsidiaries company that prudential capital and investment services inc holding company for brokerage house prudential bache securities and related subsidiaries earned million dlrs that securities operations prudential bache netted mln dlrs taxes and charge mln dlrs reuter earn aequitron aqtn sees qtr charge aequitron medical inc costs related previously announced plan consolidate life products operations boulder colo expected total dlrs cts share for fourth quarter ending april costs including moving expenses severance pay and future lease payments company will consolidate life products into company headquarters and manufacturing operations minneapolis reuter earn big inc bigb qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs year shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter acq wilshire woc chief named jacobs jec board wilshire oil texas pct stake jacobs engineering group inc chairman siggi wilzig appointed jabobs board filing securities and exchange commission wilshire holds jacobs common shares wilzig appointed jacobs board directors march company annual shareholder meeting wilshire that jacobs chairman joseph jacobs agreed recommend second wilshire nominee for election board person found qualified reuter earn quartz engineering and materials qrtz qtr qtr ended dec shr nil nil net loss loss revs reuter acq kodak buys stake enzon enzn eastman kodak acquired pct equity interest enzon inc pharmaceutical company specializing protein therapy kodak secured worldwide marketing rights for enzon peg enzymes used treatment oxygen toxicity disorders hyperuricemia and gout company acquired two mln enzon shares for mln dlrs loans enzon two mln dlrs and interest dlrs credited purchase price kodak drugs covered marketing rights initial stages food and drug administration approval process investment provide capital complete fda review process and provide marketing outlet for drugs drugs peg superoxide disdmutase and peg catalase for use oxygen toxicity disorders that fatal tissue damage associated severe burns organ transplants heart attacks and trauma and peg uricase for treatment gout and conditions caused buildup high levels uric acid body reuter earn gemcraft inc gemh year net shr cts dlrs net sales mln mln avg shrs note net includes dlr pretax charge writedown land and abandonment land and pretax charges dlrs pending rescission offer settlements agencies adjustment prior booking residuals arising collateralized mortgage obligation bond issues writedowns land held joint venture startup costs associated entering markets increase reserves for customer service and writeoffs and reserves for mortgage related receivables reflect current market values reuter earn applied solar energy corp solr qtr net qtr ended jan shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss sales note net includes extraordinary gain dlrs two cts per shr reuter earn pacific nuclear systems pacn qtr loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs year shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln reuter earn anglo american gold investment aagiy year feb shr cts pre tax mln rand mln net mln mln tax nil mln final div cts making cts div payable april register march reuter acq harris cuts triad systems trsc stake pct harris associates chicago investment advisory partnership lowered stake triad systems corp shares pct total outstanding shares pct filing securities and exchange commission harris sold net triad common shares dec and feb prices ranging dlrs share dealings triad common stock behalf advisory client reuter earn libra bank expects brazil reach debt accord london march london based libra bank plc announcing annual results that expected brazil reach agreement creditors debt repayments recent years brazil demonstrated ability generate surpluses sufficient service debt and doubt that due will reach agreement banks and creditors libra managing director peter belmont statement earlier bank specialises providing finance latin america and caribbean announced pretax profits mln stg for calendar mln libra net worth increased pct mln stg last year and belmont improvement bank balance sheet due profits retained bank and issue mln stg cumulative redeemable preference shares year libra consortium bank national westminster bank plc nwbl chase manhattan bank cmb royal bank canada swiss bank corp sbvz westdeutsche landesbank girozentrale welg mitsubishi bank bancomer snc banco itau credito italiano spa and banco espirito santo comercial lisboa shareholdings reuter acq idea inc idea buy private firm idea inc signed letter intent buy privately held structural instrumentation inc purchase for undisclosed sum will made idea common stock company idea purchase will add cts per share fiscal earnings idea reported earnings cts per share for quarter ended october reuter acq ducommun inc dco sells division ducommun inc sold airdrome parts division group investors headed airdrome management for cash price mln dlrs ducommun sale coupled sale last month metermaster steps improve company balance sheet and that sales contemplated reuter earn hooper holmes sherlock inc hoop qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mths shr cts cts net rwevs avg shares reuter acq texon energy txon talks acquisition texon energy corp entered into preliminary agreement purchase pct interest privately held specialty plastics manufacturing company not name texon completion acquisition subject consent banks and parties and acquisition made for promissory notes and common stock reuter earn allied ald affiliate restates loss larger allied signal inc pct owned union texas petroleum affiliate restated fourth quarter and full year losses and revenues increase provision for proposed settlement price dispute involving indonesian liquefied natural gas restated increases provision fourth quarter earnings mln dlrs mln dlrs estimated earlier union texas fourth quarter loss increased mln dlrs mln dlrs reported previously and revenues reduiced mln dlrs mln dlrs union texas for full year restated loss mln dlrs mln dlrs and revenues billion dlrs billion dlrs restatement results tentative agreement reached february pertamina indonesian state owned petroleum enterprise and japanese purchasers lng kohlberg kravis roberts and owns pct union texas and remainder owned management reuter earn amrep corp axr qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr cts dlrs net revs mln mln note share adjusted for for two stock split december reuter earn ici ici sees growth pharmaceuticals imperial chemical industries plc expects earnings pharmaceuticals operations grow pct world profits years compared current pct chairman elect denys henderson told financial analysts years expect launch major product each year henderson research and development spending this business segment will increased pct total sales income pct mln sterling ici world largest chemicals firm terms sales recently reported profits mln dlrs billion dlrs sales compared income mln dlrs billion dlrs sales year earlier sales united states totaled billion dlrs ici executives addition henderson corporate growth will come ici research and development activities company intends continue grow acquisition program ici spent billion dlrs for acquisitions largest mln dlr purchase cleveland ohio based glidden inc paints resins and coatings company hanson trust plc ici financial director alan clements company borrowing limits level billion sterling billion used company current plans for major acquisition ready move quickly acquisition field arises clements reuter earn safecard services sfcd sets split ups payout safecard services inc board declared for two stock split and maintaining quarterly dividend post split shares six cts pays for effective pct increase split and dividend payable april holders record march reuter earn wilton enterprises inc wltn qtr jan net oper shr profit two cts loss cts oper net loss sales half oper shr profit cts profit cts oper net profit profit sales mln mln note current year net excludes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year reuter ship rotterdam port subsidy end july minister dutch social affairs minister louw graaf announced withdrawing annual mln guilder labour subsidy for rotterdam strike hit general cargo sector july late last month graaf that dispute not settled monday this week withdraw subsidy chairman port employers organization svz jacques schoufour unhappy decision and added alternative proceeding redundancy plans series strikes sector started january protest employers plans make redundancies strong workforce starting this year meanwhile port and transport union fnv attacked loss figures for port for this year figures issued accountants behalf svz put total losses for last year mln guilders and mln earlier employers had put figure mln fnv actual losses nearer mln and employers had inflated figures part plan restructure completely port general cargo sector reuter earn sayi qtr loss sale industries inc expects loss two mln dlrs quarter ended february proposed sale omnilab inc health care unit board directors approved unit sale omnilab losing dlrs quarter longer term prospect for reasonable return investment romilly humphries president and chief executive officer proceeds sale used increase company market share automotive products packaging and diversify packaging capabilities reuter earn sonesta international hotels corp snst qtr shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln year oper shr profit dlrs loss dlrs oper net profit mln loss revs mln mln note year net excludes dlr tax credit net includes pretax gains sale property dlrs quarter and mln dlrs year reuter earn domco industries qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter acq unicorp american uac acquisition advances unicorp american corp signed definitive agreement for previously announced acquisition lincoln savings bank company transaction subject regulatory approvals reuter acq eastern corp febc completes acquisition eastern corp completed acquisition peoples bank nanticoke exchange eastern shares for each peoples share peoples assets mln dlrs reuter acq bishop graphics bgph completes store sale bishop graphics inc completed sale newport beach art supply center standard brands paint sbp art store unit terms not disclosed bishop opened sales and service office irvine calif reuter ship striking brazilian seamen hold pay talks striking brazilian seamen made idle ships and halted brazilian exports today held pay talks rio janeiro labour minister almir pazzianotto union officials jorge luis leao franco senior official national merchant marine union told reuters optimistic talks lead end stoppage began last friday brazil seamen seeking pay rise pct union official strike had halted total vessels including brazil main port santos and rio janeiro abroad six ships lay idle netherlands spain venezuela france and south africa economic analysts strike concern government had suspend interest payments part brazil foreign debt drastic deterioration country trade balance head national merchant marine authority murilo rubens habbema quoted today gazeta mercantil newspaper that strike continued foreign ships authorized transport brazilian exports brazil living crisis moment and not conceivable that exports hit even foreign ships not forget that lose foreign exchange paying freight charges abroad and this fault seamen rubens habbema spokesman for port santos scene labour unrest and congestion recent months movement ships port running half normal level ships day total ships waiting anchor moored harbour reuter earn brown group inc votes regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr pay april record march reuter earn blocker energy corp blk year net oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss mln revs mln mln note net excludes mln dlr gain debt extinguishment net includes mln dlr writedown drilling rigs reuter earn ltx corp ltxx qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales mln mln avg shrs half shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales mln mln avg shrs note prior year net includes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs half reuter trade yeutter budget deficit reduction key trade deficit solution earn calprop corp cpp qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln avg shrs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shr note prior qtr and year per share figures restated for pct stock dividend december reuter earn sis corp sisb year net shr nil net revs mln mln reuter earn amoskeag amos sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn medtronic inc mdt sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter earn scitex corp scixf qtr loss shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss mln revs mln mln year shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss mln loss mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note includes losses qtr and mln year equity pct owned companies reuter acq stanley works swk makes acquisitions stanley works acquired acme holding corp maker sliding and folding door hardware and designs patents and righs plan flex designer kits for home design and remodeling projects acme had sales mln dlrs terms not disclosed reuter earn anitec image technology corp antc sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn green mountain power corp gmp sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn dual lite inc mdt sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn science management corp smg qtr oper net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs year oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs note excludes gain dlrs loss dlrs qtr and gains dlrs dlrs year tax loss carryforwards includes gains dlrs and dlrs qtr and year reuter earn carmel container systems kml year oper net oper shr dlrs cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note excludes gain dlrs dlrs benefit tax loss carryforward results for tel aviv israel based company translated rate dlr israeli shekels reuter earn tandem computers tndm sees higher net tandem computers inc expects higher earnings and revenues second fiscal quarter ending march year ago feel will continue higher growth quarter james treybig president and and chief executive officer told meeting securities analysts second fiscal quarter last year tandem earned dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs treybig declined offer specific projections for quarter results lower for quarter fiscal tandem earned mln dlrs cts share tandem second quarter traditionally slower rothschild unterberg towbin analyst frederic cohen estimated tandem second quarter net cts per share for full year expects computer maker earn dlrs share fiscal tandem earned dlrs share treybig founded cupertino calif based company rebound computer orders united states economy picking and buying decisions made didn that year ago executive tandem will increase research and development spending mln dlrs this year mln dlrs fiscal company plans introduce products including two low end systems and data base that sql programming language industry standard tandem won major order bank tokyo reuter interest fed johnson not increasing pressure interest rates acq union func buy florida bank union corp agreed acquire state bancshares inc pensacola fla and state bank pensacola subsidiary for common shares state assets mln dlrs acquisition expected treated pooling interests expected completed quarter subject approval regulatory agencies and state shareholders reuter earn oppenheimer raises nwa nwa earnings estimate oppenheimer and analyst robert mcadoo raised earnings estimate for nwa inc parent northwest airlines strong quarterly report company yesterday oppenheimer market strategist michael metz nwa shares rose active trading mcadoo raised estimate dlrs share dlrs and maintained buy recommendation stock metz mcadoo traveling and not reached for comment yesterday minneapolis based nwa reported fourth quarter net mln dlrs cts share loss two mln dlrs cts quarter for year earnings rose mln dlrs dlrs mln dlrs results include republic airlines since nwa acquired aug reuter earn yellow freight yell sees lower qtr net yellow freight system inc expects quarter profits substantially below mln dlrs cts share earned period year ago revenues depressed recent price discounting added costs expansion programs lower shipping volumes and increased costs associated severe weather conditions east coast company officials told analysts industry wide rate hike pct set for april will cover yellow freight upcoming labor and costs will not make contribution operating margins reuter acq moulinex stake sold institutions pct stake moulinex moup sold scovill inc spread institutional investors worldwide spokesman for brokers james capel capel handled deal buyers based centers ranging europe north america and japan added moulinex capital split jean mantelet president company pct private investors holding pct and pct sold company sources earlier paris reuter acq talking point piedmont pie carl icahn bold takeover bid for usair group clouded fate piedmont aviation inc courted usair yesterday icahn transworld airlines inc twa made billion dlr offer for usair group move complicated usair takeover offer for piedmont believed close accepting bid today usair rejected icahn dlr per share offer and bid last minute effort interfere takeover piedmont icahn unavailable for comment piedmont fell volume twa usair fell doubt spread analysts and market sources view twa bid attempt trigger counter offer usair attract suitor want airlines once merged move icahn starts tender offer piedmont and usair announce deal speculated arbitrager arbitragers risk current price piedmont since not clear that usair bid will succeed piedmont largest shareholder and suitor norfolk southern corp nsc offered dlrs per share for company usair offered dlrs cash per share for half piedmont stock and dlrs per share stock for balance arbitragers depressed price piedmont offers buying opportunity since airline destined acquired usair likely bought icahn long talked consolidation airline industry offered usair alternative airline combination including twa and piedmont wall street credibility icahn offer lacked financing and riddled contingencies succeeded holding merger two airlines analysts fit twa you can discount arbitrager analysts icahn prove threats making offer making offer for usair icahn threatened directly shareholders for pct stock lower price usair rejected offer clear icahn sell and bluffing arbitrager analysts dlr per share offer underpriced six dlrs per share analysts icahn proposed airline combination face insurmountable regulatory hurdles cleared companies acquired separately twa surviving company for deal work analyst analysts such merger costly and complicated twa cost structure since icahn succeeded winning concessions unions order for carriers come twa wage scale merger twa surviving entity analysts such move not necessarily free icahn twa showed skill reducing ozark airlines costs merged into twa last year and ingredient for merger work analysts speculated managements piedmont and usair not tolerate icahn head company usair acquisition twa for exit company usair airline merged into twa reuter acq baker int bko hopes complete merger baker international corp treasurer eric mattson company hoped iron snags proposed merger hughes tool declined compromises acceptable proposed merger that create billion dlr oilfield services company thrown into limbo yesterday hughes management balking terms government consent decree offered counter proposal baker earlier today hughes adjourned shareholders meeting called vote proposed merger march and hoped resume negotitations baker hughes chairman kistler told reporters that hughes not want sign department justice consent decree baker submersible pump and drilling bit operations sold mattson told reuters that baker believed merger two giant oilfield service companies company position merger completed interests shareholders and shareholders mattson goal for merger occur litigation can that baker filed lawsuit texas state court late yesterday force hughes abide terms proposed consent decree mattson declined comment whether directors baker and hughes scheduled meetings discuss merger reuter earn lucky stores inc reinstates quarterly dividend cts per share earn homestead financial hfl ups cash dividend homestead financial corp increased dividend class common shares cts share cts prior declaring initial dividend class common stock cts share homestead two classes stock emerged part recapitalization plan doubled number authorized common comprising classes mln shares homestead dividends payable april shareholders record march homestead that class shareholders want increase dividends exchange shares for equal number class shares march reuter earn electro sensors inc year oper net oper shr cts cts oper net sales note earnings exclude extraordinary securities loss dlrs two cts share gain dlrs cts share reuter crude opec president output below ceiling opec conference president rilwanu lukman group producing below mln bpd ceiling set december partly liftings had delayed postponed customers unwilling pay fixed opec prices lukman visit london home jamaica told reuters telephone interview that february opec had underproduced partly members strictly abiding production quotas and partly resisting temptation sell discounts official prices dlrs barrel determined stand firm december accord spoken opec minister and committed making accord work lukman gave specific figures for february output opec secretariat vienna finalizing figures told reuters survey published today estimated that opec output this week below mln bpd that correct opec news agency opecna today issued statement group output below ceiling february gave figures source close opec that february output and mln bpd reuter survey estimated opec february output mln bpd opec agreed december cut output pct mln bpd and return fixed prices starting february lukman qatar nigeria saudi arabia and iran had produced february below opec quotas iraq not honour mln bpd quota december pact had produced had anticipated lukman that industry reports correct that february nigeria propuced bpd below mln bpd quota saudi arabia bpd mln allocation and qatar pct bpd quota that sweet crudes such produced country coming price pressure officially priced sweet north sea grades and united states west texas intermediate wti crude opec december had anticipated that demand slack this time year for seasonal reasons and expected market firm two weeks patient for two weeks market firming actual fundamentals adding that expected and even official prices early april this traditionally demand for gasoline rich crudes such nigeria opec president producers such kuwait venezuela and indonesia problems output producers country exported oil products venezuela heavy grades opec pricing system lukman that refiner buyers refusing lift opec oil official prices used stocks and ran dangerous levels eventually buy opec oil realise not free for market will realise buy paying lukman asked industry reports that nigeria pressured equity producers for terms important that terms negotiable flexible and constant review not market weak that meeting nation ministerial differentials committee had scheduled and that such meeting twice postponed not high priority for opec moment this time priorities important thing ensuring that accord working not dealing differential cents grades opec member raised concerns objections differential system meeting called reuter earn lucky stores inc lks reinstates quarterly div qtly div cts nil pay april record march note quarters preceeding qtr dividend cts reuter earn carmel container systems kml year oper net oper shr dlrs cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note excludes gain dlrs dlrs benefit tax loss carryforward results for tel aviv israel based company translated rate dlr israeli shekels reuter earn longview fibre lfbr quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay april record march reuter earn bei holdings beih qtr jan net shr cts cts net rev mln mln note qtr includes extraordinary gain dlrs six cts share versus dlrs two cts share fiscal qtr reuter earn atlantic city electric ate sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn kemper corp kemc regular payout set qtly div cts cts previously pay record reuter earn ffb ffct sets initial quarterly dividend ffb corp parent federal bank connecticut fsb declared initial quarterly dividend cts per share company dividend payable march holders record march reuter earn union carbide operating profits for qtr mln dlrs loss mln dlrs earn combined internmational pma sees strong combined international corp another strong year president patrick ryan told analysts declined forecast earnings specifically company reported operating income dlrs share dlrs share year earlier revenues increased billion dlrs billion dlrs ryan combined testing direct response long term care product union fidelity life insurance and plans offer ryan insurance group answer question combined exposure aids related health claims ryan minimal conceded that carrier coverage vulnerable reuter earn chartwell group ctwl qtr net shr cts cts net rev mln mln year shr cts cts net rev mln mln reuter acq pitt des moines inc pdm acquire steel unit pitt des moines inc will acquire chicago steel corp exchange for portion stock reuter trade consensus builds for world agricultural reform top and european farm trade and government representatives called for sweeping reform world agriculture redress critical demand and supply imbalance speakers conference world agricultural markets demonstrated growing european consensus for urgent and collective overhaul world farm trade and production vital that work together bring freedom and harmony into world agricultural trade not disruptions markets grow even severe walls protection climb higher and level retaliation become harmful department agriculture deputy administrator william bailey bailey attendance two day meeting ends tomorrow demonstrated recognises adjust policies changing market environment for urgent reforms justified imbalance and tensions world economy secretary general organisation for economic cooperation and development jean claude paye and forum for such reform general agreement tariffs and trade noted paye stressed for progressive and joint reduction agricultural subsidies social measures farmers unprofitable areas another solution stop supporting farm prices allowing fixed supply and demand and farmers income support and adjustment aids proposed james howard executive vice president cargill usa world largest cereal houses franz josef feiter agricultural adviser west german chancellor helmut kohl agreed european community greater heed market constraints fixing farm prices differentiated policy treatment required account large disparities situation agriculture efficient sector european economy and will remain policy pursued community reuter acq rexcom rxsc acquire marketing firm rexcom systems corp agreed buy assets postech inc comtech group international canadian computer service company for pct rexcom voting shares purchase will for rexcom common and preferred stock postech canadian firm marketing arm sells computerized restaurant management systems and security systems deal subject approval boards postech and rexcom reuter earn general refractories grx qtr net shr cts cts net rev mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net rev mln mln note net includes gains sale operating assets dlrsm versus mln dlrs net includes nonrecurring cost mln dlrs and provision for separation pay mln dlrs reuter earn union carbide long term debt rises union carbide corp long term debt billion dlrs compared billion dlrs company released audited results company long term debt reduced billion dlrs quarter end year asset sales and equity offerings union carbide sold battery products home and automobile products and agricultural products businesses fourth quarter offered mln shares stock raising mln dlrs asset sales and equity offering part recapitalization plan undertaken chemicals company last year audited net earnings mln dlrs dlrs share compared loss mln dlrs dlrs unchanged company preliminary earnings report made jan earnings results for fourth quarter unchanged included numbers mln dlr gain sale businesses mln dlr pension credit and charge mln dlrs purchase long term debt premium recapitalization audited results released today company broke results business segment operating profit fourth quarter for company operations consolidated basis corporate and interest expense and taxes mln dlrs loss mln dlrs quarter year operating profit mln dlrs compared loss mln dlrs statement company defeated hostile takeover attempt gaf corp gaf and recapitalized company adding this continuing businesses performed soundly substantial operating profit improvement carbon products posted operating profit mln dlrs quarter mln dlrs and mln dlrs year loss mln dlrs chemicals and plastics had fourth quarter operating profit mln dlrs compared year ago loss mln dlrs year chemicals and plastics earned mln dlrs losses mln dlrs operating income industrial gases rose mln dlrs mln quarter and mln dlrs mln year company specialties and services segment cut losses quarter mln dlrs mln dlrs and year mln dlrs mln dlrs eliminations business conducted company industry segments contributed two mln dlrs fourth quarter profits not affect quarter eliminations caused losses mln dlrs compared six mln dlrs year operating results include host unusual writeoffs and depreciation charges totaling mln dlrs quarter and mln dlrs year capital expenditures rose mln dlrs mln dlrs segment spending carbon products fell mln dlrs mln dlrs and spending fell specialties and services mln dlrs mln dlrs chemicals and plastics expenditures rose mln dlrs mln and industrial gases rose mln dlrs mln dlrs company cash and equivalents fell mln dlrs year end mln dlrs year end net decrease mln dlrs current assets year end fell billion dlrs billion dlrs and current liabilities fell billion dlrs billion reuter earn commercial bancorp fcob qtr loss shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss year shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss assets mln loans mln deposits mln note loss included recurring expenses dlrs comprised asset write downs legal proceeding and dlr provision for loan losses reuter earn harcourt brace jovanovich inc hbj qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion mln avg shrs mln mln note dec company acquired holt rinehart and winston and saunders and dryden press and foreign subsidiaries including companies for single month december qtr earnings raised cts per shr and for year cts per shr reuter acq lone star lce agrees buy concrete operations lone star industries inc agreed acquire ready mixed concrete and aggregates businesses riedel international inc portland ore for undisclosed amount cash lone star sentence statement gave details and company spokesmen not reuter earn shell francaise returns profit shell francaise sfmf subsidiary shell petroleum returned black last year for time since parent company net profit mln francs losses mln and billion posted profit mln company statement that cash flow had improved strongly remained negative mln francs billion due largely improved performances main profit centres results even had not for collapse refining and sales profit margins last quarter year shell sold mln tonnes oil products mln tonnes company results line targets for second year year recovery programme meanwhile societe shell chimie returned profit for time since posting net profit mln francs loss mln details reuter earn fairmount chemical inc fmtc qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales reuter earn humana inc hum regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable record april two reuter acq financial corp fin unit buys branches financial corporation america american savings and loan association unit signed definitive agreement buy retail savings branches gibraltar financial corp gfc gibraltar savings unit purchase approved federal home loan bank and california department savings and loans increase american savings deposits mln dlrs branches jolla mesa and san juan capistrano calif reuter crude confidence opec firms energy futures renewed confidence opec ability limit production helped energy futures settle yesterday closing prices analysts heating oil contract found additional support short covering rally close april crude closed cts higher dlrs april heating oil cts higher cts gallon traders expected follow profit taking yesterday market found suport bullish reports that opec producing quota simon greenshields vice president morgan stanley and inc news today including opec president rilwanu lukman statement that opec february production not exceed official quota mln barrels per day helped bouy prices traders reuter survey found opec production early march mln bpd addition short covering heating oil found support traders buying sales gasoline and crude expectations for continued drawdowns stocks refiners shut for maintenance traders unleaded gasoline for april finished cent higher cts gallon reuter earn fairfield communities inc fci mos dec shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss mln profit mln revs mln mln note year ago figures based months ended february company changed reporting period end december months loss includes mln dlrs writedown assets reuter earn carver corp cavr qtr net shr cts cts net sales year shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter earn inter city gas corp qtr shr cts cts acq unicorp uac lincoln definitve pact unicorp american corp signed definitive agreement acquire lincoln savings bank fsb terms agreement announced january lincoln acquired unit unicorp minority owned lincoln president alton marshall acquisition will place voluntary conversion lincoln federally chartered stock savings bank mutual federal savings bank connection conversion unicorp will contribute mln dlrs cash lincoln reuter acq humana hum declares shareholders rights plan humana inc board approved shareholder rights plan called poison pill plan ensure shareholders receive fair treatment event proposed takeover humana aware effort gain control company plan board declared dividend distribution for each outstanding common share held march each entitles holders purchase unit share newly authorizes series participating preferred dlrs per unit humana rights become effective entity acquires pct outstanding common tenders for pct stock such acquisition each entitles holders purchase securities company acquiring entity market twice exercise price humana rights expire march redeemed earlier rights redeemed company for per time prior days public announcement that pct position acquired reuter earn fremont general corp frmi qtr oper net oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss mln revs mln mln year oper shr profit dlrs loss dlrs oper net profit mln loss mln revs mln mln note oper data not include loss discontinued operations dlrs cts per shr qtr loss mln dlrs dlrs per shr year gain mln dlrs dlrs per shr not include qtr extraordinary loss dlrs ten cts per shr reuter acq great western financial gwf unit buys banks great western financial corp subsidiary great western bank will purchase retail banking branches south florida total deposits mln dlrs great western will purchase branches deerfield beach and hollywood approximately mln dlrs deposits guardian savings and loan association and palm beach approximately mln deposits goldome savings bank reuter acq hughes stance merger suit billion dlr lawsuit pushed hughes tool into face rejection proposed merger baker international corp bko wall street analysts last night hughes planned merger baker baker filed suit seeking punitive damages hughes for calling merger midday today hughes interested merger analysts hughes worried that troubles make takeover candidate speculation today that harold simmons dallas investor acquire hughes simmons told reuters not interested simmons intends file securities and exchange monday reporting stake pct publicly traded company declined identify target rule hughes analyst another factor latest hughes turnabout borg warner corp bor owns pct hughes borg warner chairman bere serves hughes board believed favor merger baker despite hughes statement that interested merger and baker response that merger possibile analysts situation merger not phil pace analyst kidder peabody and merger lost lot appeal department justice required that baker sell reed tool operation reed operation relatively small view total size combined baker hughes pace pct cost savings tied that hughes concerned lawsuit james crandell analyst salomon brothers inc apparently willing continue discussions whether will alter position don getting confusing james carroll analyst painewebber group inc arguments cited hughes yesterday for not merger tend weak hughes yesterday that condition merger wanted reed tool and businesses sold prior april projected merger date government decree allowed longer period time hughes contended formally combine companies status reed settled baker apparently sees reason speed sale carroll baker had previously estimated mln dlrs savings companies combined selling reed baker thinks mln dlrs will saved hughes sees saving mln dlrs carroll noted that since merger accord signed outlook for industry improved materially hughes simply feel pressure oil service industry lifting reuter acq armtek arm sells tire truck tire business armtek corp armstrong rubber signed agreements condere corp for sale natchez miss tire plant and and truck tire sales and services corp terms not disclosed armtek spokesman john sievers and mln dlr business earlier this week armtek announced sale industrial tire and assembly business division dyneer corp scotsdale ariz cash proceeds sales will used reduce outstanding debt long term supply agreement condere anticipated that truck tires produced natchez plant will supplied armstrong tire armtek operating company company closing scheduled concluded march reuter earn elxsi elxsf qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss mln revs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss mln loss mln revs mln mln reuter earn newscope resources year loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs note net includes dlr writedown oil and gas properties reuter earn times mirror tmc quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay june record reuter earn inter city gas corp icg qtr net shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln year shr cts dlrs net mln mln revs billion billion note net includes mln dlr writedown oil and gas properties partly offset mln dlr extraordinary gain tax gains and proceeds sale minnesota utility operations net includes extraordinary gain dlrs shr preferred divs reuter earn brown transport inc btci qtr net shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln mths shr profit dlrs loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter earn metro mobile cts inc mmct qtr loss qtr ends dec shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln reuter earn spar aerospace year net shr basic cts dlrs shr diluted cts dlrs net revs mln mln reuter acq pesch unit seeks balance republic health alpha health systems corp wholly owned subsidiary pesch and submitted merger proposal board reph acquisition parent company republic health corp pct owned pesch interests balance reph common stock owned members republic management mcdonnell douglas corp donaldson lufkin and jenrette and pacific asset holdings republic owns hospitals and manages facilities states details proposal not disclosed company representatives not immediately proposal that reph become wholly owned subsidiary alpha and that existing reph common stockholders become stockholders alpha reph board appointed special committee negotiate terms proposed merger pesch last year republic acquired reph leveraged buyout transaction led leroy pesch principal shareholder pesch and alpha recently submitted second offer acquire stock american medical international inc ami dlrs share cash and securities considered american medical board pesch reuter earn spar sees sees strong year growth spar aerospace reporting sharply lower profit anticipated solid profit and revenue growth years longer term spar confident that continuing concentration advanced robotics satellite based communications and electro optical defense systems will lead significant growth revenues and earnings years company forecast higher sales due increased order backlog revenues last year fell mln dlrs mln profit fell mln dlrs mln spar added that lower development costs communications group and return normal operations gears and transmissions and aviation services will remove drain profits this year attributed reduced earnings communications group losses resulting continued heavy investment products and market development month strike toronto plants and delays receipt authorization customers start work programs reuter earn chesapeake utilities corp chpk regular div qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn swift independent packing sftpr qtr net periods ended january net revs mln mln reuter acq chemlawn rejects dlrs per share tender offer waste management trade france yugoslavia commission boost trade france and yugoslavia agreed set joint economic commission part efforts promote commercial links and industrial cooperation two countries french finance ministry commission composed businessmen agreed talks foreign trade minister michel noir and yugoslavian minister portfolio egon padovan ministry statement sides had agreed boost trade links keeping accord signed last year calling for pct rise commercial exchanges two countries six years french trade yugoslavia grown past two years reuter acq chemlawn chem rejects waste wmx offer chemlawn corp board rejected waste management inc dlr per share tender offer and urged shareholders not tender shares chemlawn board asked management and financial advisor smith barney harris upham and inc seek purchasers company maximize shareholder chemlawn adopted shareholder rights plan poison pill intermin safeguard period board adopted deter attempts acquire company means cash tender offer seeks purchasers chemlawn began litigation waste management federal court columbus seeking injunctive and relief suit alleges things that waste management officers and directors purchased chemlawn stock making tender offer chemlawn claimed such purchases possibly violated officers fiduciary duties and securities and exchange commission insider trading rules last week waste management made tender offer acquire chemlawn for dlrs per share mln dlrs chemlawn board determined that waste offer inadequate and not interest shareholders and adversely affect interests employees suppliers creditors and customers board carefully reviewed waste management offer and concluded that not fully reflect company strongly urge shareholders not tender shares waste management chairman jack van fossen chemlawn rights plan designed protect shareholders abusive tactics such market accumulations waste management plan comon stock purchase will distributed dividend each outstanding share chemlawn common chemlawn rights holders can buy share common for dlr entity acquires pct commmon cash tender offer for shares approved acquisition agreement board rights expire july days become exercisable that date board redeem rights for cts per time prior exercise date chemlawn plan will not triggered purchases purusant waste management present tender offer dividend will paid shareholders record march reuter earn cambior inc mths dec net shr cts not net not revs mln not reuter acq conagra cag acquire monfort mmft conagra inc agreed acquire monfort colorado inc stock transaction companies letter intent signed companies conagra will acquire monfort mln outstanding shares for mln shares based conagra closing price dlrs today transaction worth mln dlrs merger expected completed june companies acquisition will result restatement conagra earnings for fiscal year ending restatement not expected materially change previously reported upcoming fiscal year end earnings fiscal conagra had net income mln dlrs sales billion dlrs for fiscal year ending august monfort reported mln dlrs earnings sales billion dlrs company largest lamb and beef producers producing transporting and selling products domestically and internationally reuter acq mcdonnell douglas not approached pesch mcdonnell douglas corp mln dlr investment republic health corp reph not approached sell shares republic health earlier alpha health systems corp unit pesch and submitted merger proposal board reph acquisition parent republic health leroy pesch principal stockholder pesch not approached pesch respect holdings republic health mcdonnell douglas spokesman told reuters reuter earn paradyne pdn pleads guilty criminal charge paradyne corp pleaded guilty criminal charges conspiracy defraud social security administration and agreed pay mln dlrs fines and costs government company reached agreements principle for mln dlr settlement class action law suits mln dlrs class action settlement will provided paradyne insurance carrier settlement contingent court approval notice class members criminal case settlement dismisses charges including bribery and false statement for conspiracy paradyne pleaded guilty criminal settlement includes lifting government suspension dismissal federal civil false claims suit and charges individuals mln dlrs insurance carrier will provide for civil settlement dlrs will settle derivative lawsuit for year ended december paradyne reported net loss mln dlrs year end results include mln dlrs provision for future legal and settlement costs cover civil and criminal settlements announced today paradyne named jerry kendall president and chief executive officer succeeding robert wiggins resigned chairman and chief executive officer part settlement indictment kendall served executive vice president and chief operating officer company that due sluggish marketplace not expect profitable quarter optimistic outlook for year for quarter company reported net income dlrs sales mln dlrs wiggins paradyine executives charged officers federal indictment stemming mln contract awarded paradyne build computer network for social security administration men accused conspiring bribe government officials and defaud social security administration wiggins and defendants charged providing false testimony and obstructing justice securities and exchange commission investigation settlement announced today federal prosecutors agreed defer charges wiggins and defendants year pretrial agreement charges dropped defendants successfully complete probation period details requirements agreement not immediately reuter crude greece repeats can decide aegean drilling greece replying warning turkey that will stop athens seeking oil aegean sea repeated today that exclusive decide drill area government spokesman statement that ankara believed greece contravening international law bring issue courts spokesman responding statement turkish foreign ministry spokesman yalim eralp that ankara action stop greece oil activities territorial waters violation berne accord reuter earn nca corp ncac qtr loss shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs year shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs mln mln reuter earn biomedical dynamics corp bmdc qtr net shr profit loss two cts net profit loss sales year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales mln reuter acq santa southern pacific appeals merger ruling santa southern pacific corp will today formally interstate commerce commission icc reconsider earlier rejection merger holding company railroad assets company spokesman expect file papers late tonight asking icc reopen rail merger case spokesman rich hall telephone interview company chicago headquarters icc had rejected july grounds reduce competition merger santa and southern pacific railroads deadline for seeking icc reconsideration merger plan midnight tonight santa southern pacific owns santa railroad and holds southern pacific railroad assets trust awaiting federal approval merger plan icc had ordered holding company divest railroad stayed ruling pending decision request for reconsideration icc ultimately decides not reopen case expected reinstate divestiture order reuter crude iea opec february crude output mln bpd opec produced average mln barrels per day bpd crude oil february mln previous month and mln bpd fourth quarter international energy agency opec countries last month exceeded production quotas set last conference december liftings reduced countries latest monthly oil market report cutbacks due part buyer resistance fixed prices introduced february for fixed volumes extended period gave this breakdown for opec crude output mln bpd fourth qtr january february saudi arabia iran iraq uae kuwait neutral zone qatar nigeria libya fourth qtr january february algeria gabon venezuela ecuador indonesia total iea saudi production stayed below quota mln bpd actual sales exceed output due norbec stock disposals contracts for saudi crude signed understood leeway required liftings report reduction iraqi air attacks iranian export facilities allowed iran output reach mln bpd january buyer resistance fixed prices apparently cut february production iraqi exports mln bpd turkish pipeline mln truck jordan and mln saudi pipeline yanbu internal consumption mln bpd iea estimated total communist world oil supply february mln bpd mln january and mln fourth quarter february world supply figure made mln bpd opec crude production mln bpd opec natural gas liquids ngls mln bpd oecd crude and ngls mln bpd developing countries crude and ngls net trade mln bpd centrally planned economies mln bpd conventional crudes such tar sands and oil coal and mln bpd processiing gains oecd preliminary norwegian data show record mln bpd output january lower production expected february accordance government curtailments approximately bpd announced support opec reuter acq enfield corp plans notes preferred issue enfield corp planned issue mln dlrs principal amount notes and mln class preferred shares dlrs share notes bear pct yearly interest mature march and convertible common shares march business day fixed redemption date dlrs share enfield each preferred share convertible common shares march business day fixed redemption date gordon capital corp and dominion securities inc agreed acquire issues enfield use proceeds retire short term bank debt and boost pct stake consumers packaging inc and interest federal pioneer open market purchases reuter acq wichita wro buy fountain oil fgas wichita industries inc agreed buy fountain oil and gas inc wichita will acquire outstanding shares fountain exchange for mln newly issued wichita common shares wichita presently mln shares outstanding transaction calls for issuance shares wichita common for each outstanding fountain share wichita made number refinancing agreements connection acquisition reuter crude pemex lowers february east crude oil prices mexican state oil company petroleos mexicanos pemex east customers charged dlrs per barrel for isthmus crude february and dlrs for heavier maya pemex this cts january isthmus and cts january maya east customers primarily japan buys average barrels per day isthmus pay retroactively european and clients charged per delivery reuter acq reph acquisition negotiate pesch merger bid reph acquisition board appointed special committee negotiate terms offer made earlier today pesch and merge republic health corp reph unit pesch alpha health systems corp unit offered acquire pct republic health stock that not terms pesch offer not disclosed reuter acq hunt group comdata stake seeks influence investor group led members hunt family dallas texas told securities and exchange commission acquired pct stake comdata network inc cdn and influence company policy investor group led rosewood financial inc opposes company recapitalization plan worked comdata and mason texas investment firm last reported holding pct company stock hunt group offered march buy entire pct stake held dissident shareholder donald carter dlrs each received reply yesterday rosewood owned caroline hunt trust estate trustees include margaret hunt hill notified federal trade commission intent buy and pct comdata common stock federal law cannot buy pct comdata stock day waiting period ftc early approval proposed comdata recapitalization plan company buy mln common shares dlrs each mason belongs cni parnters texas partnership not tender stake plan buy another mln comdata common shares and representation company board hunt group told comdata that considers required payments plan such mln dlr fee and issuance warrant buy common shares waste company assets hunt group includes securities texas firms cypress partners and driftwood spent mln dlrs comdata common shares reuter acq santa southern pacific appeals merger ruling santa southern pacific corp will today formally interstate commerce commission icc reconsider earlier rejection merger holding company railroad assets company spokesman expect file papers late tonight asking icc reopen rail merger case spokesman rich hall telephone interview company chicago headquarters icc had rejected july grounds reduce competition merger santa and southern pacific railroads deadline for seeking icc reconsideration merger plan midnight tonight reuter earn viner holdings eavkf qtr loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note qtr net includes mln dlr shr writedown stake heck inc hex and dlr shr writedown arbitrage positions net includes dlr net writedown stake heck dlrs reuter acq carpet firm unit cuts allied products adp stake group led gfi nevada inc subsidiary general felt industries saddlebrook carpet maker cut stake allied products corp shares pct shares pct filing securities and exchange commission gfi sold allied products common shares march dlrs each and donated another shares two universities dealings company common stock for investment purposes reuter ship talks fail end brazilian seamen strike pay talks aimed ending week national seamen strike collapsed today and strike will continue union official walkout brazil seamen idled ships ports jorge luis leao franco senior official national merchant marine union told reuters strikers seeking pct pay increase rejected offers pct raise state oil company petrobras and pct increase national union maritime navigation companies syndarma leao franco hours talks rio janeiro labor minister almir pazzianotto ended today resolving dispute six ships idle abroad netherlands spain venezuela france and south africa economic analysts strike major concern government suspended interest payments part brazil foreign debt drastic deterioration country trade balance head national merchant marine authority murilo rubens habbema quoted today that strike continued foreign ships authorized transport brazilian exports brazil living crisis moment and not conceivable that exports hit told gazeta mercantil newspaper reuter acq shearson pct chicago milwaukee chg shearson lehman brothers inc brokerage subsidiary american express axp acquired shares chicago milwaukee corp pct total outstanding common stock filing securities and exchange commission shearson bought stake for mln dlrs for investment purposes and intention seeking control company reuter earn viner eavkf viable heck hex move viner holdings earlier reported chapter bankruptcy filing heck inc hex viner holds shares not materially affect viner capital position ability carry profitable brokerage business viner brokerage subsidiary edward viner and had regulatory capital mln dlrs year end company heck chapter filing affect viner previously reported legal action recover costs aborted merger agreement heck and toussie viner group made merger offer assessing options heck investment viner earlier reported fourth quarter loss dlrs mln dlr writedown stake heck earned dlrs previous fourth quarter full year earnings totaled mln dlrs year earlier loss mln dlrs full year earnings included dlr net writedown heck stake reuter acq twa twa sues usair poison pill trans world airlines inc filed suit delaware chancery court usair group inc and board directors seeking invalidate poison pill anti takeover plan twa vice president and general counsel mark buckstein twa sought declaratory judgement court that dlr per share takeover offer for usair interfer usair buyout peidmont aviation inc pie buckstein twa asked court enjoin enforcement usair shareholder rights plan poison pill such provisions typically for issue securities shareholders event hostile takeover bid aimed deterring takeovers making expensive usair earlier today rejected twa offer twa bid attempt interfer buyout piedmont usair had counsel investigate matter tonight spokesman for usair airline had comment twa lawsuit usair respond twa request department transportation for permission buy pct usair stock and place stock voting trust pending approval takeover usair request hastily pasted together order advantage regulatory anamoly that twa accomplish regulated environment actions that impermissable regulated economy large usair called transportation department reject twa request reuter earn seasons hotels inc year net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note net excludes extraordinary gain mln dlrs reuter earn ivey properties inc raises quarterly dividend ivey properties inc raised quarterly dividend cts share cts and declared extra dividend cts share and pct stock dividend dividends will paid april shareholders record march for stock dividend ivey will pay for fractional shares dlrs per share reuter acq group boosts scandinavia fund scf stake shareholder group led swedish investment firm and norwegian investor raised stake scandinavia fund inc shares pct total shares pct filing securities and exchange commission group includes ingemar rydin industritillbehor firm and investor erik martin vik bought additional shares feb and march reuter acq offshore investment firm ups france fund stake vbi corp offshore based investment firm told securities and exchange commission raised stake france fund inc frn shares pct total pct vbi based turks and caicos islands british west indies bought additional shares feb and march bought france fund stake for investment purposes reuter earn tpa america inc tps qtr loss shr loss cts net loss revs avg shrs mln year shr loss cts net loss revs mln avg shrs mln note company started operating august results reflect change fiscal year november end reuter earn mcgrath rentcorp mgrc sees net rising mcgrath rentcorp result december acquisition space expects earnings per share dlrs per share cts company pretax net rise mln dlrs six mln dlrs and rental operation revenues mln dlrs mln dlrs cash flow per share this year dlrs reuter earn silver state mining corp ssmc qtr net shr net revs year shr cts net revs reuter earn sizzler restaurants international inc sizz net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter acq mcandrews and forbes offering dlrs per share for revlon stock money-fx money market deficit revised mln stg bank england had revised estimate shortage money market back initial forecast mln stg midsession central bank changed shortfall mln and provided assistance worth mln stg bank bill purchases bands and two established dealing rates reuter earn donegal group inc dgic year net shr six cts net revs note company formed august reuter earn peter miller apparel group qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln note shr figures adjusted for issue shares october avg shrs not full name peter miller apparel group inc reuter earn krelitz industries inc krlz qtr net period ended jan shr cts cts net sales mln mln mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln note prior year period ended sept comparable periods reflect change fiscal yearend april december reuter earn donegal dgic projects full year results donegal group inc today reported earnings dlrs revenues dlrs for period august startup end expects improved profits for full year revenues mln dlrs reuter acq macandrews and forbes holdings bids for revlon mcandrews and forbes holdings inc will offer dlrs per share for revlon group inc rev outstanding common stock mcandrews terms acquisition not determined and subject acquisition financing revlon closed yesterday york stock exchange company bid for stock affiliates not mcandrews and forbes informed board directors revlon that expects make formal proposal future can assurance terms proposals that deal can concluded reuter acq borealis gold exploration pact faraway borealis exploration entered into agreement faraway gold mines vancouver british columbia faraway will acquire interest borealis whale cove gold property keewatin district northwest territories faraway will spend mln dlrs exploration years and will hold pct property expenses paid interest will drop pct borealis and faraway will issue treasury shares each and faraway will buy borealis shares borealis president lorne spence reuter acq imre imre sells stock european institutions imre corp received commitments for group european institutions buy imre shares for dlrs closing expected march reuter acq instrumentarium acquires nokia subsidiary finland medical group instrumentarium inmr acquired electronics components importers and marketers ferrado and insele subsidiaries finland electronics group nokia noks statement ferrado and insele will merged into instrumentarium professional electronics and information systems division not disclose price for acquisitions had issued restricted shares partial payment nokia reuter earn fuqua industries inc fqa sets quarterly qtly div six cts six cts prior pay april record march reuter earn corp inc year dec net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note share results reflect two for stock split june reuter acq dome petroleum reaffirms dome mines stake for sale price spokesman acq commonwealth mortgage ccmc buys armonk firm commonwealth mortgage purchased westfiar funding corp armonk for undisclosed amount cash commonwealth westfair originated mln dlrs residential mortgage loans reuter earn corp inc raises dividend semi annual div cts cts pay april record march reuter crude permian pbt raises crude prices permian corp that effective march raised posted prices for crude oil cts barrel raise brought posted prices for west texas intermediate cts dlrs barrel west texas sour raised cts dlrs barrel permian spokesman that south louisiana sweet posted prices raised cts barrel dlrs reuter earn american stores qtr shr dlrs dlrs earn central sprinkler corp cnsp qtr jan net shr cts cts shr diluted cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs avg shrs diluted reuter earn west industries inc raises dividend annual div cts cts pay march record march reuter earn west industries inc year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter acq dome dmp repeats dome mines stake for sale dome petroleum pct stake gold producer dome mines continues for sale price spokesman david annesley response inquiry reaffirming remarks made last year chairman howard macdonald annesley company selling stake dome mines dome petroleum pct stake encor energy corp annesley encor strategic investment for dome and intention selling dome spokesman annesley answer question that not aware negotiations sale dome petroleum mln dome mines shares declined price company selling shares today prices dlrs share dome mines stock attractive annesley commented sale price time shares priced dlrs added price dlrs share considered fairly attractive annesley annesley dome petroleum sell dome mines shares premium market prices opportunity pick premium that virtually control block dome mines dome mines shares traded earlier dlrs toronto stock exchange dome petroleum negotiating plan restructure debt billion canadian dlrs group major creditors includes dome mines and encor energy company previously expects detail plan lenders early week reuter earn selecterm inc sltm qtr loss shr loss not profit cts net loss profit revs year shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln note pretax net profits dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year reuter acq stone container sto completes waiting period stone container corp and southwest forest industries inc swf completed waiting period requirements hart scott rodino anti trust improvements act stone will proceed previously proposed acquisition southwest reuter earn residential mortgage investments inc rmi payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq southwest swf stone sto comply for merger southwest forest industries and stone container corp complied federal waiting period requirements for stone proposed dlr per share cash acquisition southwest southwest mln shares outstanding companies entered into merger agreement january and made initial findings department justice and federal trade commission february southwest waiting period expired march receiving formal second request for information reuter earn okc limited partnership okc sets lower payout okc limited partnership will make per share distribution unitholders cts december and payable march holders record march partnership payout largest quarterly cash distribution allowable terms letter credit reuter earn biotech research laboratories inc btrl qtr shr profit loss cts net profit loss revs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs shr reuter earn american stores asc qtr net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion billion year shr dlrs dlrs net mln revs billion billion note qtr and per shr amts includes reduction cts per shr for establishment reorganization reserves tax increase reduced per shr cts reuter trade baker pact start treasury secretary james baker agreement industrial nations paris last month start washington drive intensify economic cooperation leading countries speech national newspaper association baker six steps beginning plaza agreement and culminating paris accord start added role steward process sit industrial allies find ways promote balanced international growth paris agreements called trade surplus countries strengthen growth and reduce budget deficit such circumstances countries agreed currencies ranges broadly consistent economic fundamentals baker sees ominous signs pressure for protectionist trade legislation and this pressure for protectionism coming areas society believed coalition forming that supported free trade reuter trade treasury baker forecasts reduction japanese trade surplus this year earn boston bancorp sbos sets two for split boston bancorp board declared two for stock split payable march record march reuter acq correction macandrews and forbes holdings york story headlined macandrews and forbes holdings bids for revlon pls read headline and paragraph macandrews and forbes considers bid for revlon and paragraph macandrews and forbes holdings inc making proposal corrects bids for revlon headline and will offer paragraph ship shipping restrictions remain rhine limited shipping restrictions due high water remain force parts west german stretch rhine river dutch border and city mainz expected lifted this weekend water authority officials restrictions caused high water levels include speed limits and directives middle river prevent damage river banks high water expected recede two days below levels restrictions come into force traffic halted briefly late tuesday night wednesday and parts thursday stretches rhine bonn and koblenz shipping bans lifted officials shipping permitted parts west german section rhine restrictions areas reuter acq hawker siddeley offer for clarostat clr ends hawker siddeley group plc offer dlrs share for clarostat mfg inc stock scheduled expire est yesterday company officials unavailable for comment american stock exchange had stopped trading clarostat stock for pending news announcement reuter acq taft tfb deadline buyout proposal narragansett capital inc narr and dudley taft requested response taft broadcasting march earlier today taft broadcasting taft company vice chairman and narragansett had offered dlrs for each taft mln outstanding shares company offer conditioned approval board spokesman declined comment whether not board scheduled meeting narragansett taft group will provide equity portion offer contributing mln dlrs cash and taft broadcasting common narragansett group advised boston inc fbc boston corp that investment banker highly confident that financing for acquisition can consummated narragansett offer subject negotiation definitive merger agreement and definitive financing agreements approval regulators taft board and taft stockholders narragansett taft group letter taft board states group intends return control significant portion company equity taft family providing stockholders means realizing attractive for shares reuter earn peter miller apparel group inc qtr loss period ended january shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit sales mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit sales note per share reflects issue shares october reuter acq santa southern sfx appeals merger ruling santa southern pacific corp filed petition asking interstate commerce commission reconsider earlier rejection merger holding company railroad assets icc had rejected july merger santa and southern pacific railroads grounds that reduce competition santa petition outlines array pro competitive agreements railroads preserve economic benefits merger for merged railroad and public commission agrees that public benefits and competitive enhancements will result can vote reopen merger case interested parties march file statements response supplemental petition reuter trade baker sees lower japanese trade surplus treasury secretary james baker japanese trade surplus begin decline this year told national newspaper association you reduction japanese trade surplus this year reduction due principally exchange rate shifts since plaza agreement and shifts long time work system reuter earn cineplex odeon corp year oper shr basic dlrs cts acq monfort mnft soars acquisition agreement monfort colorado inc soared counter trading responding announcement late yesterday that firm will acquired conagra inc cag letter intent signed companies conagra will offer shares for each monfort mln outstanding shares conagra fell york stock exchange monfort integrated beef and lamb producer reuter acq nordbanken auction fermenta shares sweden nordbanken banking group sell mln free shares deposited loan collateral fermenta frms founder and chief executive refaat sayed and planned buy bank sale public auction march debtor inability repay overdue loan free shares closed crowns bourse unofficial list peak january nordbanken not exclude accepting suitable bid for shares expected buy back statement sale not represent withdrawal nordbanken undertakings fermenta group and that had sanctioned main shareholders nordbanken fermenta largest creditor loans mln crowns swedish banks last month agreed advance group mln crowns solve liquidity problems together two main shareholders advanced fermenta additional mln crowns equity issue made fermenta due hold extraordinary shareholders meeting tuesday approve planned equity issue nordbanken had make provision mln crown loan sayed results fermenta management originally hoped raise mln crowns for rights issue and extra mln issue nordbanken another major creditor and shareholder gotabanken and group majority owner industrivarden share price crowns doubt plans since stock fell below this level this week fermenta chairman kjell brandstrom company worse state thought reuter earn united industrial corp uic qtr loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss mln profit sales mln mln year shr loss cts profit dlrs net loss profit mln sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln note net includes tax credits mln dlrs quarter and dlrs year year net includes dlr loss discontinued operations and mln dlr gain disposal net periods includes mln dlr provision for future losses major projects defense contractor subsidiary backlog mln dlrs six pct year share adjusted for pct stock dividend february reuter earn cineplex odeon corp year net oper shr basic dlrs cts oper shr diluted cts cts oper net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note net excludes extraordinary gain dlrs cts shr basic and cts shr diluted net involves week reporting period reflect change end coincide calendar reuter acq mine safety appliances mnes sell unit mine safety appliances agreed sell filter products division donaldson inc dci for undisclosed terms filter products unit will relocated plant pennsylvania donaldson facility illinois expects number unit employees will offered positions donaldson reuter earn prospect group inc prosz qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln notes prospect raised dlrs initial public offering common stock company purchased march midsouth corp regional railroad company mississippi and louisiana contributed sales mln dlrs and operating income mln dlrs months operation reuter earn france fund inc frn sets initial dividend france fund inc board declared initial dividend dlrs per share payable april six holders record march fund dividend represents two cts per share for net investment income realized and dlrs net taxable gains realized year reuter earn heineken hein year pre tax profit mln guilders mln net profit mln guilders mln consolidated net turnover billion guilders billion net profit per guilder nominal share guilders taking into account for scrip issue last year final dividend two guilders making total guilders reuter earn national security insurance nsic qtr oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit year oper shr profit dlrs loss cts oper net profit loss note net excludes realized capital loss dlrs gain dlrs quarter and gains dlrs dlrs year net periods excludes tax credit dlrs reuter earn cyprus minerals cypm named suits cyprus minerals companies named defendant product liability lawsuits filed california individual tireworkers aleging injury result exposure talc and products suits expected brought cyprus produces talc significant factual and legal defenses and substantial insurance coverage and not expect suits material adverse impact financial condition reuter acq donaldson dci buy mine safety mnes unit donaldson inc reached agreement buy assets filter products division mine safety appliances for undisclosed terms filter products will operate part donaldson industrial group and manufacturing operations will relocated dixon ill evans city donaldson acquisition complements microfiltration business and internal research and development efforts reuter earn arundel corp arl qtr net shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln reuter earn gulf states utilities gsu gets qualified audit gulf states utilities auditor coopers and lybrand issued qualified opinion financial statements gulf states audit opinion satated that sufficient rate increases funds sources gulf states unable maintain financial viability permit realization assets and liquidation liabilities ordinary business received similar qualified opinion reuter ship midmississippi river opens today for season mississippi river open for barge traffic twin cities minnesota repairs completed and barges moved upstream lock and dam quincy ill cst today army corps engineers spokesman inches ice reported locks and upper mississippi river sections generally free ice spokesman midwestern weather mild that barges loading mid mississippi river terminals winter lock and dam had not scheduled for repairs peoria and grange locks illinois river scheduled close july for two months repairs reuter earn sun electric corp qtr jan net shr profit cts loss six cts net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs note net includes tax credits equal six cts cent reuter crude ecuador suspends oil exports due earthquake ecuador today suspended crude oil exports indefinitely due earthquake last night that damaged pumping and crude transport installations energy and mines ministry statement state oil firm corporacion estatal petrolera ecuatoriana cepe notified foreign customers that declaring force majeure crude exports due tremor ecuador opec oil output quota barrels per day bpd senior energy ministry official that pumping station salado ecuador main pipeline damaged metre section pipeline attached bridge aguarico river collapsed pumping station reventador volcano epicentre quake ecuadorean seismologists registered six point international mercalli scale aguarico bridge close volcano quake struck northern ecaudor and southern colombia ecuadorean officials injuries reported reuter earn leaseway transportation corp ltc qtr loss oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln year oper shr profit dlrs profit dlrs oper net profit mln mln revs billion billion note net excludes gains discontinued leasing operations mln dlrs mln dlrs year and mln dlrs mln dlrs quarter results restated for discontinued operations net periods includes charge dlrs elimination investment tax credits reuter earn nch corp nch qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales mln mln reuter earn nationwide had property casualty loss nationwide mutual insurance property casualty companies had net loss mln dlrs last year life insurance operations earned mln dlrs nationwide property casualty group fourth largest property casualty insurer had mln dlr loss nationwide life insurance earned mln dlrs last year profit including record capital gains mln dlrs gains mln dlrs previous year company property casualty group had record loss insurance operations last year mln dlrs policyholders dividends pct mln dlrs nationwide surge claims personal auto insurance and volatile commercial liability coverages period unprecedented sales growth generated loss company mln dlrs last year group losses commercial insurance lines and mln dlrs personal auto insurance business partially offsetting record insurance losses nationwide record investment gains mln dlrs and mln dlr federal tax credit investment gains pct gains mln dlrs reuter acq women bank investor group offer expires investor group owning pct outstanding capital stock women bank cash tender offer for bank remaining outstanding shares dlrs per share expired march investors shares pct outstanding had tendered reuter earn computer memories inc cmin qtr loss period ended december shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs mln mths shr loss six cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs mln note current qtr includes tax loss loss dlrs reuter earn trenwick group inc tren qtr net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln dlrs drs mths oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln dlrs note qtr and year excludes investment gains and and qtr and year includes investment gains dlrs and reuter earn bush bsh revises qtr year results bush industries inc that audit revised upwards fourth quarter and year end results february reported unaudited results audited amounts fourth quarter income mln dlrs cts share unaudited income for period cts per share for year audited amounts showed earnings dlrs per share prior results reported income dlrs per share sales figures for periods not differ significantly prior amounts reuter acq furniture ufurf ups bench craft sofa stake universal furniture filing securities and exchange commission that had increased stake bench craft inc common stock shares pct total outstanding universal universal furniture industries unit bought bench craft shares march counter market reuter earn clevite industries inc clev qtr oper loss oper net loss profit sales mln mln year oper net profit profit sales mln mln note company made initial public offering june assuming offering had occurred jan operating net income per share cts share for oper net excludes time charge mln dlrs dlrs share qtr and year due february sale company engine parts division oper net for year includes profit discontinued operations dlrs cts share oper net for excludes extraordinary loss mln dlrs cts share due june write unamortized debt issue costs public offering oper net excludes extraordinary profit mln dlrs reuter earn cms advertising sets for stock split cms advertising inc board approved for two stock split form dividend payable march holders record march company similar split paid december leaving shares outstanding cms advertising split will result proportionate reduction exercise price stock purchase warrants dlrs share dlrs reuter earn cie financiere paribas pari year parent company net profit mln francs mln dividend francs comparison note financial and banking group privatised government january this year reuter earn correction heineken year item headlined heineken hein year read line pre tax profit mln guilders mln corrects year ago comparison mln mln reuter interest bank england pressure holds base rates this week bank england resistance strong market pressure for lower interest rates succeeded holding bank base rates pct cost threatening chancellor exchequer nigel lawson policy stated end paris group six meeting last month that wanted sterling broadly stable prevailing levels market sources since pound risen pct closing trade weighted index pct imediately paris meeting and day today peak pct highest since august treasury spokesman lawson had wanted substantial rise fall sterling question large rise ready acting paul temperton chief economist merrill lynch europe estimated that government wanted trade weighted index pct even this action last weeks sterling striking distance that range analysts agree that government broad target range this area lawson prepared pound higher short term despite risk loss export competitiveness and cheaper prices imports bank england interest rates stop higher john cox executive director ebc amro bank major operator london foreign exchange market cox estimates that bank england active selling sterling past days despite lack general market talk such intervention and this helped below dlrs pound rose dlrs yesterday and february day paris meeting cox government worried sterling heading marks and concerned holds levels warned bank run risk missing interest rate boat rates don come market will come and will sell sterling dealers agree good deal hot money invested sterling money simply attracted high overnight week rates flow equally short notice authorities will hope that proportion buying reflects long term investment last thing want reduce rates and jack back richard jeffrey economist brokerage house hoare govett half point cut ensure continued support for sterling term analysts for full point march budget day bank hold sees reaction budget temperton budget widely forecast vote winner run general election major factor current bullishness government bond and currency markets lawson delay cut base rates budget crowned glory interest rate cut ian harwood economist warburg securities equities arm mercury international group speculation clearing bank break ranks and lead lower confounded today excitement fall weekly treasury bill rate pct pct last friday mean bank had changed mind this imposition penal lending rates pct discount houses yesterday and lowest since base rates pct early last october this bill rate pertaining months money banking sources market not cut guide bank intentions short term rates reuter acq bancroft bcv shareholders rebuke zico offer bancroft convertible fund inc target unfriendly cash offer zico investment holdings inc shareholders approved proposals requiring pct affirmative vote outstanding shares fundamental status made previously simple majority outstanding shares needed change bancroft investment status diversified diversified fund things bancroft board continues recommend that stockholders not tender shares zico british virgin islands company had ties south africa reuter earn int totalizator itsi sees qtr international totalizator systems inc vice president finance joel graff expects report improved quarter compared dlr loss reported year ago quarter profit quite favorable graff last week automated ticket systems supplier reported loss mln dlrs for graff invested heavily will result higher future growth and earnings for company reuter acq boc group completes sale unit controls boc group inc airco distributor gases finalized sale virginia based gas appaturs business controls corp america newly formed investment group organized airco employees terms sale airco controls will continue make gas apparaturs product line airco brand name marketing products exclusively airco distributor network reuter earn abn profit rise encouraging view dollar algemene bank nederland abnn chairman robertus hazelhoff bank pct increase net profit mln guilders mln encouraging view sharply lower dollar hazelhoff speaking press conference release abn results sharp decrease foreign earnings had compensated strong domestic performance notably securities business bank proposing for share split facilitate trade bank stock news split sparked guilder rise abn share price amsterdam bourse close guilders prospects for hung uncertainties future trend dollar level interest rates and abn share equities trade hazelhoff provisions for general contingencies reduced pct mln guilders taxes increased pct mln guilders added lower global interest rates had nipped earnings margins traditional lending activities hazelhoff abn continue reducing risk provisions future noted bank not overly concerned default latin american debtors factor brokers distanced dutch insititutions bank stocks recently that bank estimated financially troubled sovereign debtors quarter latin american countries ultimately pay added that losses incurred loans tin producers wake tin council crisis end had written reuter earn sun electric corp qtr jan oper net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln avg shrs note oper net excludes extraordinary profit dlrs six cts shr and dlrs share and quarters utilization tax loss carryforwards reuter earn cetec corp cec qtr net oper shr two cts cts oper net sales year oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln note current qtr and year figures exclude loss discontinued operations dlrs cts per share prior qtr and year figures exclude losses discontinued operations mln dlrs cts per share and mln dlrs dlrs per share reuter earn richton international corp rihl qtr jan shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn valtek inc valt qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn writer corp wrtc qtr loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln year shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln reuter earn rocky mountain medical corp rmedu qtr loss dec shr loss net loss revs note company public april reuter earn american bank and trust fiama year net shr cts dlrs net mln avg shrs note share adjusted for pct stock dividend net includes loan loss provisions mln dlrs dlrs reuter earn warrantech corp qtr dec net shr profit nil loss nil net profit loss revs mths shr loss nil loss nil net loss loss revs reuter acq insituform iglsf raises stake unit insituform group guernsey channel islands exercised option convert stg loan affiliate insituform permaline common shares raising stake unit pct pct remainder held permaline management and investment group insituform james colclough resigned board for health reasons and secretary scott saltpeter resigned effective june reuter money-fx liffe february volumes eurodollars total futures and options turnover london international financial futures exchange liffe fell slightly february daily average eurodollar volume set record liffe today total futures and options turnover last month contracts january sharply comparative february figure lots eurodollar turnover february lots january and year ago figure daily average record lots pct previous record set march february trading encompassed daily record contracts month exceeding previous record had set february liffe index futures volume sharply higher february contracts trading january and year ago level open interest set records last month eurodollars contracts and short sterling interest rate futures lots key futures volumes detailed liffe feb jan feb long gilt eurodollar short sterling bond currencies short gilt key options volumes detailed liffe feb jan feb long gilt eurodollar bond sterling total options long gilt bond and index options not trading february reuter crude colombian oil exports not affected quake colombian oil installations not damaged earthquake shook ecuador and southern colombia last night and plans suspend exports spokesman for state run oil company ecopetrol damage reported unlike ecuador indefinite force majeure declared crude exports colombia produces barrels per day bpd crude exports january totalled bpd quake colombia measured and point international mercalli scale caused panic residents injuries reported reuter acq chicago milwaukee chg greets shearson stake chicago milwaukee corp welcomed investment shearson lehman brothers inc company yesterday shearson lehman subsidiary american express axp disclosed securities and exchange commission filing that holds pct interest chicago milwaukee chicago milwaukee stock edged turnover shares biggest gainers nyse stock trading range for last weeks edwin jacobson chicago milwaukee president declined comment movement company stock investment point view pleased shearson lehman substantial investor shearson lehman purchased shares for investment purposes and continue buying shares depending market conditions filing chicago milwaukee sold railroad interests soo line railroad soo february manages and sells real estate consists parcels states reuter acq dauphin deposit dapn make acquisition dauphin deposit corp signed letter intent acquire colonial bancorp inc holland exchange dauphin shares for each colonial share depending market dauphin shares merger takes place company acquisition subject approval colonial shareholders and regulatory authorities colonial had assets year end mln dlrs reuter earn van dorn vdc sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn holdings inc mdc sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn chubb corp sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter crude crude oil prices stocks output fall crude oil prices rose dlrs barrel this week and industry analysts price rise another dollar inventories fall opec keeping production and cash market tight supply crude short transportation time major refining centers daniel mckinley oil analyst smith barney harris upham and that send prices cts dollar higher added benchmark crude west texas intermediate rose dlrs barrel today rise dlrs this week rally oil prices this week prices fell february two dlrs high dlrs barrel oil traders pulling prices assumption that oil stocks building and opec producing mln bpd quota assumptions come question mckinley yesterday international energy agency monthly report that oil stocks oecd area industrialized nations drawn mln bpd quarter this year iea estimates that draw oil stocks quarter this year will come largely oil companies inventory levels april will estimated mln tonnes days consumption industry analysts estimate mln bpd draw stocks made shell chairman peter holmes yesterday fed speculation that major companies destocking traders destocking come result called buyers strike refiners buying officially priced opec oil effort organization offer discounts official price this struggle companies and opec ultimate game chicken will resolved relatively imagine middle month march general trading manager international oil company told reuters telephone interview for part opec moved win this game cutting excess supplies market reduction output traders reuter survey estimates opec output mln bpd this week earthquake ecuador yesterday led suspend oil exports indefintiely and force majeure shipments this will reduce short haul availabilities bpd almost immediately and longer suspension continues larger draw stocks will for companies expecting mckinley international oil traders that short haul crudes such north sea brent scarce asian refiners bought oil absorbing lot readily mideast crudes earlier this week this pattern continues oil companies will bid price oil purchase for refineries trading managers companies told reuters skeptics wondered long opec can retain unity buyer resistance continues stephen hanke chief economist friedburg commodity management opec production lower saudi cut mln bpd and this spell trouble members incentive exceed quotas added saudis will picking tab for members produce quota and drain saudis will continue forcing cut output low mln bpd support dlrs average price added signs opec crudes sold spot market below opec official prices traders oil traders nigerian brass river sold for delivery into gulf price related north sea brent traded this week dlrs below official price dlrs for similar quality bonny light iranian oil surfacing gulf and east reported discounts dlrs official price lot oil priced government government deals below official prices and this resold international trader reuter earn federal brooksville ffbv sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march note federal savings and loan association brooksville reuter earn aluminum america regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable record reuter acq siemens amend telecom tele pact telecom international inc siemens siemens information systems amend agreement purchase telecom pct interest tel communications delay payment mln dlrs for months telecom shareholders scheduled vote mln dlr transaction monday telecom advised siemens intends close transaction march scheduled approved shareholders spokesman this means telecom will decide whether not accept proposed change explaining request for amendment siemens informed telecom had recently become aware information causing concern respect accounting and matters siemens will continue review march determine whether representations and warranties true telecom advised siemens information make representations and warranties untrue siemens owns remaining pct tel pct represenmts telecom principal operating asset telecom spokesman agreement calls for payment mln dlrs price closing this mln dlrs paid months and two mln dlrs per year anniversary date transaction siemens proposing that mln dlrs added mln dlrs paid months telecom proposed amendment permit siemens defer repayment additional pct intercompany debt completion review telecom estimates this mln dlrs reuter acq lucky stores and investor edelman reached standstill agreement earn international multifoods corp imc dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn hadson corp hads qtr net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note net included gain sale foreign properties mln dlrs dlrs per share and writedown oil and gas properties mln dlrs cts per share qtr net included writedowns oil and gas properties reuter acq lucky stores lks edelman standstill pact lucky stores inc and investor asher edelman agreed settlement that prohibits edelman and group taking actions obtain control company and that limits edelman group ownership lucky stock pct voting securities arrangement for dismissal pending litigation parties lucky stores settlement calls for withdrawal edelman motion intervene pending shareholder actions lucky stores and directors company addition standstill provisions apply hancock fabrics spun lucky stockholders company lucky stores arrangement calls for company submit stockholders special meeting set for december proposal edelman seeking views repeal charter provision that limits voting power substantial lucky stockholders edelman owns pct lucky stores stock last year rebuffed effort acquire company last october lucky stores implimented restructuring program that included repurchase pct common shares and reincorporation delaware spinoff hancock textile chain retail stores key parts restructuring program edelman and plaza securities partnership subsequently sued attempt block proposed reincorporation condition repurchase and restructuring plan this latest arrangement lucky stores agreed reimburse edelman group for mln dlrs pocket expenses include litigation and costs this agreement serves interests lucky stockholders avoiding significant cost continued litigation and accompanying demands management time lucky stores chairman john lillie statement reuter earn att phone proposal profits american telephone and telegraph proposal deregulate long distance phone service produce radical change phone rates company profits analysts deregulation will mean pricing discounts for large volume users status quo for residential users painewebber group analyst jack grubman proposals will scrap pricing formula that constrained company profits long distance business leading higher profit margins analysts att long pushed for deregulation long distance business profits limited regulated rate return company investments rate cut last year pct earlier today company proposed federal communications commission scrap formula cut amount time needed approve rate proposals and leave competitors oppose filings mci communications corp mcic made similar filing yesterday greater moves increase competition telephone business analysts proposals will att cut costs long distance unit and increase profit margins previously constrained rate return not expect proposals lead higher prices industry simply competition phone industry giant faces you wouldn price decline gartner group analyst fritz ringling you wouldn rise grubman proposals will att selectively raise lower prices depending market will give att lot flexibility att faces period comment number companies will respond proposals fcc hearings face strong opponent sprint long distance joint venture gte corp gte and united telecommunications inc congress fcc establish reasonable rate return establish sprint spokesman added company not opposed greater competition time for proposals and process altered constituencies affected move complexity inertia bureacracy that stricly speaking mechanisms won happen that fast analyst victor krueger gartner group reuter acq twa confirms ownership pct usair group earn struthers wells suw sees nov loss struthers wells corp expects report loss tax benefit mln dlrs for fiscal year ended november versus profit dlrs fiscal company added that mln dlrs loss relates discontinued operations and disposal subsidiaries company loss part previously announced restructuring that includes sale foreign and domestic units struthers added that filed securities and exchange commission for extension file annual report form result delays caused restructuring reuter acq soros group tells sec buy pct fairchild industries acq twa twa confirms ownership usair stock trans world airlines inc owns mln usair group shares pct total outstanding twa acquire additional shares open market private transactions tender offer subject department transportation approval twa offered dlrs per share for usair group usair rejected offer yesterday calling last minute attempt interfere takeover piedmont aviation inc twa spokesman company filed application for approval offer buy usair department transportation and today will file response usair motion dot dismiss twa application twa made statement today stock position usair response inquiries traders believed twa chairman carl icahn buyer share block crossed today salomon brothers usair stock trading heavy volume mln shares twa stock fell analysts and arbitragers speculated that icahn made offer for usair order trigger acquisition airline wall street today began icahn effort frank lorenzo wall street market source lorenzo chairman texas air added airline acquisitions eastern airlines and people express airlines speculation that icahn buy usair and sell twa merged company reuter earn silver state mining ssmc corrects net silver state mining corp corrected fourth quarter net income dlrs dlrs reported earlier today company earned dlrs last year fourth quarter reuter earn stewart warner corp qtr shr loss dlrs profit cts acq group boost fairchild industries fen stake investor group led york investor george soros dissatisfied fairchild industries inc management and boosting holdings pct aerospace and aviation company outstanding stock group controls fairchild industries shares pct total outstanding group filed wednesday federal antitrust regulators for advance clearance buy additional shares increase total stake pct total outstanding stock group representatives had met fairchild industries officials inform that not management successful enhancing protecting shareholder values additional share purchases enable assert greater degree influence future management and policies issuer decision specific level share ownership seek depended market prices future management policies financial resources and factors group reserved pursue measures intended influence fairchild management and policies alone concert investors group includes soros and quantum fund offshore investment firm headquartered curacao netherlands antilles that advised soros group that since last sec filing made jan had purchased additional fairchild shares and had sold shares york stock exchange jan fairchild industries official soros had told company not dissatisfied management contrary filing soros told company today that not dissatisfied management fairchild bill fulwider told reuters fulwider company nothing this time soros disclosure that buy additional fairchild shares hold pct company outstanding stock reuter earn payless cashways pci sees qtr payless cashways inc chairman david stanley told analysts company quarter results reported march will cts per share reported year ago quarter not wonderful sales quarter represents pct year total results stanley stanley that full year sales will excess billion dlrs compared billion dlrs reported that analysts estimates dlr per shr for not crazy payless reported net income dlr per share economy not lot expect advantages lumber industry and cost cutting measures competitive larry kunz chief financial officer company acquired knox lumber for mln dlrs october stanley company stronger optimal balance sheet will enable make acquisitions negotiations current time benefits management information system will felt and substantially reuter earn stewart warner corp stx qtr loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit sales mln mln year shr loss dlrs profit dlrs net loss profit sales mln mln note earnings include provision for restructuring costs dlrs dlrs share pre tax and effect adoption fasb reduced pension expense dlrs for quarter and dlrs for year taxes earnings include nonoperating income effect nonrecurring gains dlrs qtr sale minority interest plexus corp and dlrs qtr related sale excess property reuter earn moniterm corp mtrm qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note prior year figures restated reflect merger march amtron corp reuter earn chubb corp sets qtrly payout qtrly cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq southtrust sotr acquire banks southtrust corp billion dlr multibank holding company entered into agreements acquire florida banks assets totalling mln dlrs terms agreements not disclosed banks central bank volusia county assets mln dlrs bank pensacola assets mln dlrs and vista bank operates vista bank volusia county assets mln dlrs and vista bank marion county assets mln dlrs agreements subject regulatory approval reuter acq carling keefe sells star oil unit united coal canada for mln dlrs acq hughes tool merger speculation hughes tool rose shares apparently reflecting belief that baker international corp bko will persaude hughes previously announced merger analysts this week hughes back merger interested talking sounds baker and people convinced deal stock analyst phil pace kidder peabody and holders hughes share baker for each hughes share reuter acq aetna aet reaches agreement buy company aetna life and casualty reached agreement acquire pct interest universal life and general insurance sdn bhd ulg malaysian composite insurance company company pct balance will continue owned malaysia apera group private investors transaction valued approximately mln dlrs and expected completed march reuter acq carling keefe ckb sells oil unit takes gain carling keefe sold star oil and gas unit united coal canada for mln dlrs cash carling will record extraordinary gain two mln dlrs tax cts common share resulting sale company not elaborate financial terms carling official reply inquiry that carling record extraordinary gain fourth quarter ending march move carling pct owner rothmans inc agreed last week sell carling stake elders ixl australia for mln canadian dlrs reuter ship channel ferry reported sinking belgium channel ferry herald free enterprise british townsend thorensen company sinking belgian coast tonight people board dutch newsagency anp reported today unspecified number people had fallen into water quoting pilot organisation this south western dutch port city belgian border vessel had capsized collision gave details dan kaakebeen spokesman for dutch salvage firm smit international told reuters telephone rotterdam that vessel belgian port zeebrugge passengers and crew accident occurred gmt kaakebeen firm had vessel scene and another divers board spokesman port authority nearby vlissingen attempts made pull vessel into shallow waters weather conditions good fog wind and vessels area reuter earn patrick petroleum ppc year loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit revs mln avg shrs note current year includes tax credit dlrs reuter earn epitope inc epto qtr dec loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales reuter earn clary corp qtr dec loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss revs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln reuter earn lloyds bank canada qtr profit rises sharply lloyds bank canada unit lloyds bank international plc net profit soared dlrs for quarter ended january dlrs year earlier loan loss provisions mandatory year averaging actual loan losses rose quarter dlrs year ago dlrs bank lloyds bank canada canada largest foreign bank last autumn mln canadian dlr acquisition continental bank canada reuter acq dome pete dmp pressed sell encor dome petroleum pressure largest creditors canadian imperial bank commerce sell pct stake encor energy corp energy industry analysts dome pledged mln encor shares security for part debt commerce bank estimated last year mln canadian dlrs and bank dome sell stock pay debt analysts commerce slowly surely moving encor direction that make saleable asset analyst asked not named dome earlier not selling encor energy reaffirmed company pct interest canadian gold producer dome mines for sale price dome negotiating plan restructure billion dlrs debt sees encor strategic investment that not intend sell spokesman david annesley encor shares not pay dividends commerce bank spokesman declined comment asked whether pressing dome sell encor stake current market prices dome stake encor valued mln dlrs mln dome mines shares worth mln dlrs recent strength price encor shares prompt commerce bank press dome divest holding canadian oil and gas producer analysts encor stock price improved quite substantially recent weeks runup crude prices peters and oil analyst wilf gobert commented possibility that commerce bank sold levels can for recent years added encor traded earlier toronto stock exchange week high and six dlrs early february company recently set operating management previously carried dome petroleum maison placements canada inc analyst denis mote commented dome and encor farther apart sale make lot sense mote analysts dome will resist moves divest encor favor retaining operating assets since sale proceeds likely directly pay dome debt commerce bank hang encor long can bache securities inc analyst doug weber dome group major creditors move block such sale arguing claim company assets creditors generally want make that piece not sold analyst gobert another stumbling block encor mln dlr joint liability loans dome petroleum advanced arctic petroleum corp japan for beaufort sea exploration analysts similar hurdle hinder sale dome petroleum interest dome mines dome mines guaranteed mln dlrs dome petroleum debt and consent sale dome petroleum holding potential buyer dome mines shares seek type relief company debt obligations connected dome petroleum gobert dome spokesman annesley earlier declined price company selling dome mines shares current prices dlrs share attractive reuter earn patrick petroleum ppc qtr net shr nil net revs avg shrs year shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit revs avg shrs reuter earn inland vacuum industries inc ivac qtr net qtr ends jan shr six cts cts net dlrs dlrs revs reuter crude iranian oil minister arrives algeria iranian oil minister gholamreza aqazadeh arrived algiers head large delegation for talks stabilizing oil prices official news agency aps arrival statement iran and algeria engaged continuous and stronger cooperation world petroleum market and had deployed considerable efforts stablise petroleum prices greeted arrival belkacem nabi algerian minister energy chemical and petro chemical industries reuter earn del laboratories inc dli qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln note per share figures adjusted reflect for stock split paid march reuter acq landmark savings lsa completes office sale landmark savings association completed sale whitehall office including deposits mln dlrs parkvale savings association landmark realized gain mln dlrs sale price not disclosed reuter earn holly sugar corp hly sets regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn coradian corp cdin year net shr profit cent loss cts net profit dlrs loss revs mln mln note company net extraordinary items and taxes and declined provide data items reuter ship two hundred people rescued sinking ferry people rescued badly hurt sinking cross channel ferry carrying approximately people belgian port zeebrugge port control spokesman spokesman contacted telephone car ferry herald free enterprise owned british company townsend thoresen remained water divers rescue passengers believed trapped ferry zeebrugge english port dover and capsized pier added reuter earn foxboro fox qtr loss oper shr loss loss dlrs oper net loss loss mln revs mln mln mths oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss mln revs mln mln note oper net excludes tax credits dlrs for qtr and dlrs for mths includes restructuring charges mln dlrs for qtr mln dlrs for mths reuter trade nicaragua romania paraguay lose trade rights president reagan formally ended preferential duty free trade treatment for exports nicaragua romania and paraguay generalized system preferences gsp action determining that countries not taking steps give workers internationally recognized rights trade representative clayton yeutter had announced intended action january united states conducts trade nicaragua and trade romania and paraguay reuter earn alfin inc afn qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs avg shrs six mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs reuter acq bell and howell bhw completes sale unit bell and howell completed sale computer output microfilm business products inc unit privately held lebow industries inc sum deal not disclosed unit makes device that prints data directly computer microfilm reuter earn hyponex corp hypx year net shr cts dlrs net revs mln mln reuter earn hmo america inc hmoa year loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs reuter acq dtd enterprises inc reorganization dtd enterprises inc filed report indicating that eagleslair development corp had assumed control company reorganization plan signed last month company gerald lach president eagleslair named president and director dtd addition dts board resigned and eagleslair appointed directors company reuter earn schwab safe ups payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn physicians insurance pico qtr net shr cts cts net dlrs dlrs revs mln dlrs mln dlrs avg shrs mths shr dlrs cts net dlrs dlrs revs mln dlrs mln dlrs avg shrs note per share amounts for qtr and year prior restated reflect six for stock split august revs for qtr include capital gains and for year revs for qtr include insurance revenues and for year revs for qtr include life subsidiary account deposits and for year reuter earn bradley brly announces long term lease bradley real estate trust signed year lease for property downtown minneapolis bced minnesota inc lease will increase net income cts share post february for two stock split basis for trust reported net income mln dlrs cts share post split basis bradley will entitled time additional rental payment cts share bced entering into space lease prime national tenant and share portion net cash flow operations property reuter acq dumez unit pct westburne wbi dumez investments inc pct westburne international industries outstanding common shares deposited takeover bid received shares dlrs per share offer expired yesterday dumez will proceed acquire remaining common shares give pct ownership westburne dumez private company owned jointly dumez and unicorp canada corp reuter acq canadian natural resources sell stake canadian natural resources agreed principle sell pct working interest producing and producing natural gas properties located southwestern saskatchewan transaction expected close april company not identify buyer give selling price proceeds will used satisfy february repayment demand company lenders excess proceeds will added working capital company reuter acq malrite buys cox radio station unit malrite guaranteed broadcast partners bought wtrk inc cox enterprises inc for mln dlrs cash wtrk owns and operates wtrk philadelphia radio station transfer license for sation approved federal communications commission malrite guaranteed limited partnerhip formed acquire and operate radio and stations malrite communications group inc malr general partner reuter acq cyacq extends tender for cyclops cyl cyacq corp extended dlr share tender offer for cyclops corp march today cyacq formed citicorp capital investors and audio video affiliates inc ava acquire cyclops tender offer began february six offer conditioned pct outstanding shares and pct voting securities tendered expiration offer march six shares cyclops mln outstanding shares had tendered reuter acq mono gold partnership agrees buy shares mono gold mines inc nim and partnership agreed buy flow shares aggregate purchase price dlrs subject fulfillment conditions price shares nim will cts per share and will issue shares partnership mono options buy dlrs capital stock cts per share expire march options exercised net company dlrs added working capital reuter earn uslico corp usvc increases dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable march record march reuter acq usair group requests transportation department order twa divest stake earn diplomat electronics dpec cut costs diplomat electronics corp will reduce expenses mln dlrs year effort stem losses and return positive net worth company lenders agreed pct stake company converting mln dlrs debt into preferred stock diplomat will cut costs means including dismissal workers corporate headquarters consolidation warehousing and shipping operations and reduction management salaries will relocate headquarters glendale calif reuter earn dollar general corp dolr qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable april reocrd march reuter earn healthcare services hsai sees write offs healthcare services america inc will write mln dlrs recurring expenses expects income operations breakeven for and estimated loss for year writeoffs results will released march included writeoffs six mln dlrs developmental costs six mln dlrs unamortized loan costs and debt discounts and mln dlrs recurring costs company continues default financial and financial covenants set major loan documents negotiations continue banks assurance that such funding will continue authorized smith barney harris upham and seek business combination parties healthcare board authorized sale lease assets reduce cash required revolving credit line for completion current construction projects for year ended december healthcare reported net income mln dlrs sales mln dlrs reuter acq usair seeks order twa twa usair group sought department transportation takeover fight trans world airlines inc asking department order twa sell usair shares direct violation federal aviation act usair twa week filed cursory application department transportation for approval proposed billion dlr takeover usair usair rejected offer and asked department transportation dismiss application usair requested dismissal twa avoided pre merger notification requirements and not provide competitive and public interest analysis required regulations usair application dismissed twa limited buying pct mln outstanding shares application approved twa buy pct twa owns pct usair stock twa today revealed that increased holdings mln usair shares pct outstanding twa vice president general counsel mark buckstein company had made filings dot and compliance law reuter earn park ohio industries inc pkoh qtr net shr loss cts profit dlr net loss profit revs mln mln year shr loss dlr profit dlr net loss profit revs mln mln note net includes recurring charges dlrs for number items qtr and net includes extraordinary credit dlrs cts per share reuter earn bmc industries inc bmc qtr loss shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss loss mln revs mln not year shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss loss mln revs mln not note results include charges mln dlrs cts shr for qtr and year compared charge mln dlrs dlrs shr prior year discontinued operations and disposal discontinued operations reuter earn united companies uncf declares stock dividend united companies financial corp board declared two pct stock dividend payable april holders record march board declared regular quarterly cash dividend cts payable april holders record march reuter acq taft tfb bidders sell entertainment unit proposed buyout taft broadcasting dudley taft and investors includes plan sell company entertainment group investors jonathan nelson managing director narragansett capital corp narr participating buyout plan declined buyers lined for entertainment group selling group nelson wall street analysts hollywood film studios interested taft broadcasting not comment dlr per share offer taft mln shares outstanding pct owned taft and ingalls families dudley taft relinquished title president july continues vice chairman company taft narragansett requsted response proposal march plan accepted taft private company financed high yield bonds and bank debt nelson narragansett investment management company specializing leveraged buyout transactions taft shares climbed causing arbitrageurs investors bidders raise price robert bass controls pct stock and american financial corp holder pct not return telephohe calls seeking comment dennis mcalpine analyst oppenheimer and don worth dlrs noted taft recently agreed sell group independent television stations loss entertainment group includes hanna barbara animation studios hampered glut animated product taft broadcasting never commented reports that major stockholders met recently discuss break company macalpine lots options for reshaping company distribution pieces major shareholders possibilities analyst alan gottesman rothschild unterberg towbin inc bass group increasing stake belief company worth change strategy bass pushed for sale independent television stations company paid reuter acq sandox buys stauffer seeds sandoz corp northrup king bought stauffer seeds unit stauffer chemical terms not disclosed reuter acq energen egn buys municipal gas system energen corp acquired distribution system city clanton ala for mln dlrs customer system fourth municipal system acquired energen alabama gas subsidiary since october adding total customers reuter earn sierra pacific resources inc srp dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable record april reuter earn metex corp mtx qtr dec shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr cts dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter earn houston oil trust omits march distribution houston oil trust will cash distribution unit holders march significant factor for lack distribution this month establishment additional special cost escrow accounts company adding that cash distribution months remainder year for march working interest owner will place mln dlrs special cost escrow accounts reuter acq monoclonal antibodies mabs buys company monoclonal antibodies inc signed agreement principle buy genesis labs inc for mln dlrs common stock agreement subject shareholders approval and conditions reuter earn braniff inc bair qtr loss jan shr loss cts loss cts net loss mln loss mln revs mln mln year shr loss cts profit dlr net loss mln profit mln revs mln mln note net includes extraordinary gain mln dlrs tax loss carryforward year and loss dlrs qtr reuter acq justice dept supports dismissal twa application for usair control acq transportation department dismisses twa application for usair control ship reported dead ferry disaster people died car ferry struck pier left belgium for britain nurse part rescue operation jan van moerbeke male nurse coming herald free enterprise that had found six people top vessel dead another dead inside boat added governor west flanders province people unaccounted for reuter acq continental federal conf holder sell stake continental federal savings and loan association told that estate holding pct stock plans sell stake premium current stock price continental estate harold vernon and parties signed letter intent sell stock for dlrs share for total dlrs continental stock closed counter trading thrift buyer bac inc corporation acting for unindentified parties reuter acq broker choice buy rubbertech broker choice capital inc signed letter intent buy rubbertech inc approved shareholders broker choice will issue mln shares authorized unissued shares restricted common stock rubbertech inc reuter acq dot dismisses twa twa usair application department transportation dot dismissed technical grounds application trans world airlines inc for dot approval for control usair group dot added that twa free refile put together application for control that met agency procedural requirements dot acted shortly department justice disclosed that supported dismissal twa application not immediately clear impact denial twa bid usair control application twa had acknowledged that additional documentation required meet dot rules and file material morning march dot not wait determined dismiss twa application for approval acquisition usair order issued late friday twa application fails comply filing requirements regulations and twa provided reason accept such deficient filing added accordingly will dismiss application twa refile comply procedural rules dot agency added that continue separate twa request for federal clearance purchase usair stock voting trust usair had earlier today that asked dot dismiss twa control application grounds twa filing not meet dot requirements reuter acq twa twa refile agency transworld airlines inc plans refile application monday department transportation for approval acquire usair group dot late today dismissed twa application acquire usair dot opens for business monday morning will refiling perfected and completed section application twa general counsel mark buckstein buckstein dot ruled application filed wednesday incomplete not agency objected reuter acq justice asks dismissal twa twa filing justice department told transportation department supported request usair group that dot dismiss application trans world airlines inc for approval control usair rationale that reviewed application for control filed twa dot and ascertained that not sufficient information base competitive review james weiss official justice antitrust division told reuters reuter interest hong kong banks leave interest rates unchanged hong kong association banks decided leave interest rates unchanged today regular weekly meeting current rates pct for savings accounts hours day call week and two weeks month pct two months pct and six months pct months pct and months pct prime rate six pct reuter acq savings acuisition california announced federal home loan bank board fhlbb announced acquisiton south bay savings loan association gardena calif standard pacific savings costa mesa calif fhlbb south bay had assets mln dlrs and standard pacific had mln dlrs assets fourth federally assisted merger acquisition troubled savings institution this year fhlbb reuter ship two hundred feared dead ferry disaster people feared dead british cross channel ferry rolled side belgian coast last night almost passengers plucked safety ice cold sea belgian transport minister herman croo told reporters fear dead hundreds perhaps state water fear hope townsend thorensen owners tonne herald free enterprise ferry carrying people and that had rescued british reuter acq malaysia bails another commercial bank malaysia central bank acquired pct stake ailing united asian bank bhd uab sixth largest commercial bank country rebuild public confidence uab called for rights issue last november raise mln ringgit rectify capital deficiency accumulated loss mln ringgit end central bank bank negara statement mln ringgit shares shareholders local indian and malay businessmen and indian government bank negara subsequently unsubscribed shares totalling mln uab paid capital mln ringgit shares held trust will eventually sold central bank early this week announced that had bought pct stake another troubled commercial bank perwira habib bank malaysia bhd raised capital mln ringgit mid january this year bank negara not intend hold shares two banks injection capital phb and uab including recamp management banks measures bank strengthen public confidence stability banks added central bank invoking section banking amendemnt act empowering grant loans ailing bank buy stake reuter ship ferry disaster rank worst tragedies fading hope for passengers trapped aboard partially sunk channel ferry raised fears accident rank this centuries worst peacetime shipping tragedies belgian transport minister herman croo hope rescuing passengers trapped herald free enterprise capsized belgian coast last night confirmed toll make incident world worst since soviet liner admiral nakhimov collided freighter black sea last september and sank loss lives people rescued world deadliest single peacetime incident sea sinking titanic loss lives second biggest loss life peacetime people drowned liner empress ireland collided freighter lawrence river canada world worst maritime disaster wartime that lives german liner wilhelm gustloff torpedoed soviet submarine january feared dead two ferries sank dhaka drowned ferry capsized china and died launch sank malaysian state sabah reuter ship almost dead ferry disaster survivors british cross channel ferry disaster belgian coast and almost people perished senior belgian official jacques thas charge rescue for herald free enterprise men had searched ship inaccessible cabins and control room afraid survivors thas passsengers and crew confirmed dead and missing bringing total dead presumed dead reuter earn sime darby bhd six months december shr cents cents interim dividend cents group net mln ringgit mln pre tax mln mln turnover billion billion note dividend pay register april reuter earn consolidated plantations bhd six months december shr cents cents interim dividend cents group net mln ringgit mln pre tax mln mln turnover mln mln note dividend pay april register april reuter earn tractors malaysia holdings bhd six months december shr cts interim dividend cts nil group net mln ringgit mln pre tax mln mln turnover mln mln note dividend pay register april reuter earn dunlop malaysian industries bhd six months december shr cts cts interim dividend cent group net mln ringgit mln pre tax mln mln turnover mln mln note dividend pay april register april reuter ship experts had expressed fears safety british government investigation into sinking car ferry herald free enterprise heavy loss life experts doubts had expressed roll roll type ship shipping minister lord brabazon preliminary investigation had started into tonne ferry capsized and sank minute manoeuvred leave zeebrugge routine hour crossing dover initial reports spoke water flooding car decks bow doors spokesman for owners townsend thoresen ferry had holed townsend thoresen operate two ships identical herald free enterprise brabazon not planned pull service present investigator wait and early happened told bbc radio work retrieving bodies half submerged hulk continued maritime safety experts london doubts had expressed design called roro ferries such herald free enterprise inter governmental international maritime consultative committee issued report roll roll vessels lost accidents ships deck areas divided bulkheads townsend thoresen ship built west german yard bremerhaven built highest safety standards salvage expert william cooper passengers had problems getting this type ship design townsend thoresen navigating officer clive langley roro type vessels similar respects barge sailor takes two inches line and you can turn barge ordinary ship compartmentalised and you stability cooper cross channel ferries perfectly stable had huge wide deck areas water level you water into that area you can severe effects stability ship added reuter crude iraq turkey oil pipeline cut landslide turkey oil pipeline southern town adana cut landslide hurriyet and anatolian news agencies oil lost landslide friday night taps mln bpd line switched accident pipeline carries oil for turkey and customers iraq kirkuk field yumurtalik terminal turkish mediterranean coast iraq main oil outlet reuter ship brazil seamen continue strike court decision hundreds marines alert key brazilian ports seamen decided remain indefinite strike even higher labour court yesterday ruled illegal union leaders halt national strike seamen years started february and union leaders not return work pct pay rise shipowners offered per cent raise seamen rejected nothing lose want lay workers fine determined carry protest end union leader had decided meeting that marines ships seamen abandon vessels and marines handle situation spokesman for rio janeiro port order send marines ports navy minister henrique saboya grounds that ports areas national security incidents strike cut exports and imports and made estimated ships idle petrol station owners states continued shutdown and fears that combination two stoppages lead fuel shortage reuter crude ecuador export oil for months official suspension ecuador crude oil shipments earthquake cut oil pipeline will last months senior energy ministry official official ecuador resume exports repairing section pipeline links jungle oil fields lago agrio balao pacific coast mln dlrs repair pipeline official not want named told reuters ecuador had oil meet domestic demand for days and import crude supplement stocks earthquake last thursday night registered six point international mercalli scale damage pipeline severe economic blow ecuador oil accounts for two thirds total exports and pct government revenues financially pressed ecuador member organisation petroleum exporting countries opec recently pumping barrels per day bpd crude bpd output quota assigned cartel another energy ministry spokesman last year exported average bpd central bank ecuador build emergency pipeline costing mln dlrs hook colombian pipeline official estimated days build ecuador squeezed slide world oil prices had mln dlrs net international reserves end january equal month imports suspended interest payments january billion dlrs owed private foreign banks country total foreign debt billion dlrs eighth largest latin america caracas president jaime lusinchi venezuela loan mln barrels crude ecuador months make for losses damage pipeline ecuador asked for loan guarantee domestic supplies and ship equivalent volume back venezuela repayment lusinchi commission headed venezuelan investment fund minister hector hurtado and including representatives interior and defence ministries and state oil company petroleos venezuela will travel ecuador tuesday evaluate and ordinate emergency relief program reuter interest german government raising bond yields increased federal government borrowing and growing unwillingness foreign investors buy mark assets push yields german public authority bonds higher this year bond market sources moment sideways movement short term rates rates move long end will depend strongly foreigners portfolio manager for large securities investment house frankfurt sources government had stepped borrowing programme anticipation increased friday loan stock this year sources noted carried year maturity coupon six pct and price yield pct issue this compared last issue had pct coupon priced pct for yield pct dealers terms not attract foreign investors and federal government push yields higher future wanted borrow sources noted federal government issues had increased size introduction billion mark volume starting last finance ministry economist isn size each bond increased added conditions capital market remained fairly favourable for raising debt recently federal issues sold strongly abroad pct foreign investors recent stabilisation dollar foreign investors begun back market hopes currency gains marks diminish sources government stepped borrowing raised billion marks government made net borrowings billion marks bundesbank statistics showed that net borrowing bonds billion sources this move government types debt gain access foreign funds acceptable loan stock form credit partly inflated large amount issues maturing recently factors including government tax reduction program reduce income year problem will tax reform portfolio manager added that government cut top income tax rate pct pct make difficult for government reduce borrowings sources government fall short covering billion marks lost revenue tax reform making expenditure cuts and forced fall back debt markets form portfolio manager noted that federal government loan stocks this year fallen back twice raise total billion marks issue fixed rate medium term kassenobligation notes finance ministry economist government not expect trouble keeping plan borrow net billion marks this year sources agreed added that trend not continue year tax cuts come into effect expect efforts for tax reform mean government borrowing will increase manager bond prices last week slightly firmer balance bundesbank public authority bond yield calculation falling pct friday week earlier sources foreign demand for federal government loan stock slack sentiment grows that dollar rise mark demand wasn good dealer for german bank london dollar recent slight appreciation mark even meant that foreign investors sold mark bonds recently dealers reuter trade bangladesh trade deficit narrows october bangladesh trade deficit narrowed billion taka october billion september and billion october central bank imports dropped billion taka october billion september and billion october exports totalled billion taka october billion september and billion october reuter money-fx asian dollar assets exceed billion dlrs asian dollar market continued expand december total assets and liabilities rising billion dlrs billion november and billion december monetary authority singapore increase interbank activity interbank lending rising billion dlrs december billion november and billion december interbank deposits increased billion dlrs billion and billion loans bank customers increased december billion dlrs billion november and billion december deposits bank customers rose billion dlrs billion and billion reuter crude iran selling discounted crude japan traders japanese customers bought six mln barrels crude oil national iranian oil company nioc substantial discount official price and western traders received even larger discounts japanese traders involved transactions told reuters nioc sold crude for march shipment japanese customers formulas company bought barrels iranian heavy straight discount cents below official price sources deals fixed prices linked oman and dubai spot prices discount iran discounted sales not managed reverse bullish tone crude oil and products spot markets oil traders market sentiment influenced colder weather europe and reports that opec february output below imposed quota mln barrels per day firmer gas oil london futures and bullish sentiment york mercantile exchange futures market supporting spot price levels another japanese trading house paid official price processing arrangement will effectively receive discount sources disguised cheating japanese trader sources japanese company had paid official price for iranian oil purchased mln barrels iranian heavy for april shipment for refining singapore vlccs iranian crude sold western traders pricing based pct official price and pct spot prices part price related processing arrangements acq ici sells stake lister and imperial chemical industries plc ici had today pct stake lister and plc messel and and that had widely institutions lister manufacturer dyer and finisher cotton silk wool and man made fibres reuter money-fx money market shortage forecast mln stg bank england forecast shortage mln stg money market today factors affecting liquidity bills maturing official hands and treasury bill drain billion stg below target bankers balances mln this fall note circulation add mln stg and net effect exchequer transactions inflow mln stg bank added reuter crude amoco reports south china sea oil find amoco petroleum corp reported offshore oil find pearl river basin concession south china sea china news agency liu hua produced barrels per day depth metres news agency amoco plans drill second area this year gave details reuter interest national westminster bank cutting base lending rate pct pct interest national westminster bank cuts base rate national westminster bank plc cut base lending rate percentage points pct today national westminster that responding general easing money market rates move signal bank england earlier this afternoon that endorse half point cut base rate surprise move strong signals last week that such move premature since pound continued gain strongly reuter earn facilities usre semi annual dividend semi annual dividend cts pay record april note full name facilities corp this dividend declared since company completed initial public offering november reuter acq standard pacific spf acquires south bay standard pacific acquired substantially assets and liabilities south bay savings and loan association newport beach firm weekend that will conduct savings and loan activities standard pacific savings federal stock association friday federal home loan bank board washington approved acquisition south bay and mln dlr state chartered stock association standard pacific mln dlrs assets bank board that federal savings and loan insurance corp will make cash contribution provide capital loss coverage and indemnify standard pacific undisclosed liabilities reuter acq piedmont pie agrees usair buyout usair group inc piedmont aviation inc agreed acquired for dlrs per share company newspaper advertisement started tender offer for piedmont shares that price and piedmont board two directors absent unanimously approved bid offer and withdrawal rights expire april extended and bid merger price usair piedmont granted irrevocable option buy shares circumstances piedmont mln shares outstanding usair tender conditioned receipt shares give usair pct interest piedmont fully diluted basis and approval department transportation voting trust agreement permitting usair buy and hold shares pending review application gain control piedmont company merger agreement piedmont that offer not amended piedmont prior written consent that adverse piedmont shareholders cut number shares bought piedmont consent usair reduce number piedmont shares purchased offer minimum number needed voting trust condition bid satisfied that case that minimum number shares tendered buy shares pro rata basis february usair had offered pay dlrs per share cash for pct piedmont stock and usair shares for each remaining piedmont share last week carl icahn controlled trans world airlines inc twa made conditional offer acquire usair for dlrs per share bid that rejected usair board transportation department friday rejected twa application acquire usair grounds that application failed comply department regulations omitting information twa refile today providing information needed friday twa had acquired mln shares pct usair reuter acq sosnoff starts bid for caesars world caw mts acquisition corp company formed martin sosnoff started tender offer for shares caesars world inc dlrs each newspaper advertisement mts offer and withdrawal rights expire april extended sosnoff york investor owns mln caesars mln shares outstanding pct and caesars largest shareholder caesars owns casino hotels nevada and honeymoon resorts pennsylvania pocono mountains controls caesars jersey inc cjn owns atlantic city casino hotel for second quarter ended january caesars world earned mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs earnings dlrs and revenues mln dlrs year for fiscal company earned mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs mts offer conditioned receipt shares give sosnoff majority interest fully diluted basis arrangement sufficient financing buy caesars shares not owned and pay related costs and approval jersey casino control commission and nevada gaming commission and state gaming control board mts marine midland banks inc committed lend mln dlrs for acquisition and use efforts syndicate another mln dlrs senior financing for transaction financial adviser painewebber group inc pwj stated writing that subject market conditions highly confident that can arrange commitments for mln dlrs mezzanine financing mts not expect problems obtaining jersey and nevada regulatory approval for acquisition since ownership caesars stake cleared june sosnoff requested seat caesars world board request that not granted september sosnoff chairman atalanta sosnoff capital corp filed for clearance antitrust laws raise interest caesars world pct sosnoff letter caesars world chairman and chief executive officer henry gluck that decision directly shareholders made urging financial and legal advisors repeatedly stressed lack responsiveness management past sosnoff made numerous efforts express views management ways maximizing shareholder values caesars twicce refused request for board seat advisers felt that had you advance notice you used time throw obstacles offer giving consideration sosnoff hopes that caesars world management will willing negotiate acquisition agreement publicly past operating management company performed and that consideration significant equity interest for company acquisition sosnoff letter gluck mts sosnoff asked company fix march record date for determination shareholders entitled authorize action meeting including election removal directors reuter acq trump makes bid for control resorts rtb casino owner and real estate developer donald trump offered acquire class common shares resorts international inc spokesman for trump estate late resorts chairman james crosby owns class shares resorts class common shares outstanding each class share times voting power class share giving class stock pct resorts voting power earn iomega iomg sets management labor layoffs iomega corp laid quarter professional and management staff and half direct labor force part restructuring and downsizing business company will receive qualified opinion auditors financial statement subject outcome two suits company defendant consolidated class action law suit seeks damages unspecified amount and defendant related shareholder action iomega auditors state opinion letter that actions early stages discovery and likely outcome can not determined this time company corporate wide reduction professional management and indirect labor will result permanent elimination positions functional areas company business this represents pct professional management and indirect employees added addition iomega announced layoff employees principally manufacturing direct labor force affected represent pct direct labor commenting layoffs iomega direct labor force affects personnel building alpha inch disk drive and bernoulli boxes this action required bring finished goods inventory and inventory distribution channels acceptable levels explained company stated this layoff not affect production inch beta product built backlog orders reuter ship brazil seamen continue strike despite court hundreds marines alert key brazilian ports seamen decided remain indefinite strike even higher labour court saturday ruled illegal union leaders halt national strike seamen years started february and union leaders not return work pct pay rise shipowners offered per cent raise seamen rejected nothing lose want lay workers fine determined carry protest end union leader had decided meeting that marines ships seamen abandon vessels and marines handle situation spokesman for rio janeiro port order send marines ports navy minister henrique saboya grounds that ports areas national security incidents strike cut exports and imports and made estimated ships idle petrol station owners states continued shutdown and fears that combination two stoppages lead fuel shortage reuter acq chrysler renault stake american motors renault earn southern mln dlr charge projected vogtle cost rise acq applied circuit acrt sells electronics business applied circuit technology inc act agreed principal sell primary computer electronics business sanpao group san francisco act not disclosed deal terms added that pct sale price cash remainder paid two year period deal expected close march act act made move concentrate resources pharmaceuticals subsidiaries reuter acq usair acquires pct piedmont pie usair group inc acquired piedmont aviation inc shares pct fully diluted basis norfolk southern corp nsc acquisition piedmont usair approved directors companies usair advised norfolk southern that company supports proposed merger and intends tender remaining piedmont common shares response usair tender offer began today this total includes shares issuable conversion piedmont preferred usair noted usair piedmont mln common shares fully diluted basis adding offer conditioned tender shares representing pct oustanding shares diluted basis usair shares option buy represent pct piedmont outstanding shares reuter acq gencorp sell los angeles television station walt disney acq nationwide cellular ncel completes purchase nationwide cellular service inc completed previously announced acquisition privately held nova cellular chicago reseller mobile telephone service subscribers for common shares nova cellular accumulated deficit dlrs and had revenues dlrs for reuter interest national westminster bank cuts base rate national westminster bank plc cut base lending rate percentage points pct today national westminster responding general easing money market rates move signal bank england earlier this afternoon that endorse half point cut base rate surprise move strong signals last week that such move premature since pound continued gain strongly reuter ship hutchison unit buys container cranes japan container port operator hong kong international terminals pct held unit hutchison whampoa hwhh mln dlr order for quayside container cranes tons each japan mitsui engineering and shipbuilding mset for august delivery hong kong international terminals operates cranes reuter ship bosphorus shipping moves istanbul offices close istanbul remained virtual standstill today snow meter deep shipping moving narrow bosphorus waterway linking sea marmara and black sea officials authorities ordered government offices closed wednesday banks businesses and schools stayed shut workers struggled main roads and supply lines open this city mln people second blizzard hit istanbul week stopped yesterday afternoon and international airport reopened today two day closure shut earlier last week reuter crude ecuador export oil for months official suspension ecuador crude oil shipments earthquake cut oil pipeline will last months senior energy ministry official official ecuador resume exports repairing section pipeline links jungle oil fields lago agrio balao pacific coast mln dlrs repair pipeline official not want named told reuters ecuador had oil meet domestic demand for days and import crude supplement stocks earthquake last thursday night registered six point international mercalli scale damage pipeline severe economic blow ecuador oil accounts for two thirds total exports and pct government revenues financially pressed ecuador member organisation petroleum exporting countries opec recently pumping barrels per day bpd crude bpd output quota assigned cartel another energy ministry spokesman last year exported average bpd central bank ecuador build emergency pipeline costing mln dlrs hook colombian pipeline official estimated days build ecuador squeezed slide world oil prices had mln dlrs net international reserves end january equal month imports suspended interest payments january billion dlrs owed private foreign banks country total foreign debt billion dlrs eighth largest latin america caracas president jaime lusinchi venezuela loan mln barrels crude ecuador months make for losses damage pipeline ecuador asked for loan guarantee domestic supplies and ship equivalent volume back venezuela repayment lusinchi commission headed venezuelan investment fund minister hector hurtado and including representatives interior and defence ministries and state oil company petroleos venezuela will travel ecuador tuesday evaluate and ordinate emergency relief program reuter acq mcdowell merger interpharm inc mcdowell enterprises inc signed definitive agreement acquire pct interest privately held interpharm inc for pct interest mcdowell company subject contigencies including future sales and profit levels mcdowell year period acquire pct interpharm exchange for pct mcdowell voting stock transaction expected completed days time mcdowell board restructured include interpharm management reuter acq renault chrysler accord for chrysler buy amc regie nationale des usines renault rena and chrysler corp signed letter intent chrysler plans buy american motors corp amo pct owned renault renault president raymond levy statement issued french state car group agreement important stage renault redeployment will renault continue export programme and opens perspective cooperation major american constructor statement terms letter intent chrysler will purchase renault stake held form bonds and shares renault statement quoted chrysler chairman lee iacocca amc shareholders into chrysler family added that accord renault and chrysler study development future products destined distributed renault and chrysler north american and world markets renault leader industry and happy working iacocca quoted chrysler will pay for renault amc interests held bonds mln dlr bond and will pay mln dlrs for renault share interests depending amc sales and future profits renault statement statement agreement principle gave each side days put together definitive accord approval renault chrysler and amc boards amc shareholders and relevant government authorities deal ahead statement amc shareholders renault will receive chrysler shares for each shares valued dlrs amc shareholders convertible preferential shares will possibility exchange for chrysler shares conditions had exchanging for amc shares reuter acq boston affiliate acquire allegheny int for dlrs shr earn southern charge vogtle cost southern will tax charge mln dlrs earnings january projected cost vogtle nuclear power plant risen abover amount retail customers georgia will asked pay company largest subsidiary georgia power budget for plant increased pct mln dlrs billion pledge made last year georgia public service commission increased cost will not included utility retail electric rates geogia power board delayed scheduled completion vogtle unit two june september unit two pct complete added utility fuel loading completed unit and unit put series low power tests nuclear regulatory commission asked for full power license nuclear power plant located waynesboro owned oglethorpe power corp municipal electric authority georgia and city dalton georgia power revised vogtle budget estimate due factors including additional labor costs incurred plant unit schedule for commercial operation june figure represents change plant budget since august estimated billion dlrs march utility told georgia regulators cap price vogtle customers asked pay billion dlrs company share projected billion dlr total budget georgia power share amounts billion dlrs noting that georgia power share vogtle increase mln dlrs southern this will result charge earnings mln dlrs taxes addition company georgia power contracts joint owners require utility buy back significant amounts vogtle capacity plant initial years operation terms cap costs will not attempt recover portion budget increase that applies buybacks this bings total amount that charged earnings mln dlrs taxes southern southern rules financial accounting standards board effective january require costs that determined nonrecoverable charged earnings once that determination made company board approved capital budget billion dlrs including work vogtle project billion dlr capita budget for year period outlined board meeting noting this mln dlrs below comparable figure for years reuter acq stora close completing papyrus takeover sweden stora kopparbergs bergslags skps had acquired pct shares rival pulp and paper makers papyrus passing threshold can compulsorily buy rest company remaining shareholders this month sell shares stora company statement stora announced last september acquire papyrus price billion crowns forming europe second largest forest group london based reed international plc reed reuter money-fx money market late worth mln stg bank england provided market unspecified late assistance worth mln stg market total assistance mln stg today compared liquidity shortage estimated revised mln stg reuter acq white engine bought private investor white engine manufacturer industrial and automotive diesel and gasoline engines mln dlrs sales sold group group investors white engine purchase led donald stewart private investment banker white senior executives source close transaction purchase prices set mln dlrs company will change name hercules engines inc and stewart will majority interest owner president and chief executive officer addition john lennon current chairman and chief executive officer will remain chairman company and joseph scheetz president will vice chairman company reuter acq stora close completing papyrus takeover sweden stora kopparbergs bergslags skps acquired pct shares rival pulp and paper makers papyrus passing threshold can compulsorily buy rest company remaining shareholders this month sell shares stora company statement stora announced last september acquire papyrus price billion crowns forming europe second largest forest group london based reed international plc reed reuter acq allegheny int boston set merger allegheny international inc entered into agreement merge affiliate boston inc fpc boston corp transaction valued mln dlrs allegheny agreement calls for holders common receive dlrs share holders company dlrs cumulative preference shares will receive dlrs share and owning dlrs convertible preferred will receive dlrs share allegheny international agreement calls for boston affiliate start cash tender offer for outstanding shares allegheny common cumulative preferred and convertible preferred company boston committed provide financing acquire such securities tender offer estimated mln dlrs agreement subject waiver march conditions company existing bank credit agreement allegheny international statement not name describe boston affiliate involved agreement offer for company stock will conditioned valid tender securities representing majority voting power for election directors company and valid tender two outstanding cumulative preferred and convertible preferred shares reuter acq chrysler amc holders chrysler stock worth dlrs share buyout plan earn continental bank canada sets distribution continental bank canada subsidiary lloyds bank plc lloy intends redeem existing preferred shares and distribute stock dividend common shareholders initial distribution will cumulative redeemable retractable floating rate class preferred shares series will carry retraction enabling holders receive dlrs for each share continental mln dlrs existing outstanding preferred shares will paid par accrued dividends continental notes will carry dividend rate pct prime and expects that shares will trade dlrs enabling shareholders receive cash bank expects distribution will made early subject approvals continental that march had cash mln dlrs and equity mln dlrs allowing for final total distribution dlrs per common share continental bank continues expect that final distribution shareholders will range dlrs dlrs per share and will place late early initial stock distribution takes place regular dividend payments will maintained existing preferred shares bank distribution part terms continental bank canada sale banking assets lloyds bank canada subsidiary lloyds bank plc continental bank lloyds bank canada paid balance purchase price that lower originally anticipated since continental unable transfer income tax deductions lloyds bank continental not give details trade study canada pact spur economies free trade pact united states and canada spur economies sides substantially study released institute for international economics study paul wonnacott successful conclusion free trade talks raise canada gross national product pct and expand export pct pact resolve knotty issue government subsidies end curbs trade services and investments and pave for global talks general agreement tariffs and trade united states and canada world two biggest trading partners cross border shipments billion dlrs year opened free trade talks last june aiming for pact october wonnacott economics professor univerity maryland agreement include elimination tariffs two countries phased year period equal access federal government procurement two countries replacing current buy america and buy canada provisions buy north america provision fewer restrictions trade services chiefly finance and transportation commitment not screen foreign investments favor domestic producers commission resolve bilateral trade disputes wonnacott that resolve subsidy problem two sides permit export subsidies exports pct imposing coutervailing duties limit subsidies pct proposed that attempt impose duties offset subsidies special disputes commission for resolution early stage wonnacott bilateral free trade contribute efficiency north american economies and competitiveness facing overseas producers open markets canadian goods and enable benefit economies mass production benefits united states fewer canada proportionately large gross national product wonnacott that canada pact such areas export subsidies and creation dispute commission set example for current attempt gatt write and liberal global trading regulations reuter earn gulf resources gre gain stock sale gulf resources and chemical corp sold shares imperial continental gas association for pence share mln stg private transaction for pretax gain mln dlrs gulf resources owns mln shares imperial continental pct interest and continues study alternatives reuter acq donald trump agreed purchase crosby estate resorts shares acq bsn bsn share sale advances bsn corp agreement sell common shares pct interest unaffiliated european institutional investors for mln dlrs become definitive company closing expected shortly filing registration statement securities and exchange commission expected made this month reuter acq gencorp unit sell los angeles station gencorp rko general subsidiary agreed sell khj los angeles walt disney dis for mln dlrs cash working capital and adjustments closing company agreement principle rko application renew station broadcast license dismissed and competing application fidelity television granted disney acquire privately held fidelity for mln dlrs and adjustments renewal khj license challenged regulatory proceedings for years deal subject prior approval federal communications commission company late gencorp cut deal fidelity los angeles investor group and westinghouse electric corp settle license proceedings and sell khj for mln dlrs pct westinghouse and remainder fidelity jan westinghouse withdrew deal fcc not approve early gencorp and rko agreed sell wor secaucus mca inc mca for mln dlrs fcc approved transaction parties appealed fcc not rule appeals spokemsan for akron ohio based gencorp fidelity television originally filed competing application for rko license for khj independent station fcc disqualified rko licensee wnac boston citing anti competitive trade practices and inaccurate financial reporting agency causing renewals previously granted rko york for wor and los angeles for khj denied reuter interest barclays bank cutting base lending rate pct pct interest midland bank cutting base rate pct pct acq imatron imat sells stake mitsui mitsy imatron inc mitsui and japan purchased two mln dlr equity interest imatron market price and granted day option make another two mln dlr investment price imatron mitsui exclusive importer imatron ultrafast computed tomography scanners into japan scheduled delivery scanner month for installation large cardiology center entered into preliminary discussions mitsui formation joint venture finance accelerated development imatron technology and commercialization japan reuter earn robins qrah january earnings robins drug company bankruptcy proceedings due litigation dalkon shield contraceptive device reported consolidated net earnings for month ended january mln dlrs year ago period reported net earnings mln dlrs robins filings made trustee overseeing chapter bankruptcy case reuter interest barclays midland follow natwest base rate cut barclays bank plc bcs and midland bank plc mdbl cutting base lending rates pct pct cuts follow similar move national westminster bank plc nwbl rate effect tomorrow reuter acq control data cda buy peripherals stake control data corp agreed acquire unisys inc uis pct stake magnetic peripherals inc letter intent that unisys converts owner magnetic peripherals customer control data data storage products group two year period agreement control data will continue furnish disk drives unisys details proposed agreement magnetic controls managed data storage products group control data founded joint venture maintain technological base data storage and supply peripheral equipment for computer systems owners venture become developer and manufacturer high performance high capacity data storage products sold control data computer systems manafacturers worldwide conversion unisys interest control data will pct honeywell inc hon pct and bull france six pct reuter acq donald trump buy crosby resorts rtb stock casino hotel operator and real estate developer donald trump agreed purchase class common stock resorts international inc held family and estate late resorts chairman james crosby for dlrs per share trump tender offer for remaining class shares price interest resorts class shares trump shares agreed buy represent pct interest class stock estate owns class shares class shares outstanding trump interest class shares each class share times voting power class share atlantic city resorts statement that class shares sold trump represents pct combined voting power resorts closing dependent receipt regulatory approvals and matters and closing trump will tender for remaining class shares price reuter acq usair wins court order twa twa usair group inc district court pittsburgh issued temporary restraining order prevent trans world airlines inc buying additional usair shares usair order issued response suit charging twa chairman carl icahn and twa violated federal laws and made misleading statements twa last week owned pct usair shares offered buy company for dlrs share cash billion dlrs acq grease monkey gmhc gets rejects merger offer grease monkey holding corp received and rejected unsolicited merger offer jiffy lube international inc lube company proposal involved exchange grease monkey common stock for combination jiffy lube securities estimated current substantially below grease monkey current market price will not disclosed details reuter acq chrysler deal buy amc amo chrysler corp agreed principle french state owned renault acquire american motors corp renault controlling shareholder deal amc stockholders renault receive chrysler common stock market dlrs for each amc common share hold chrysler letter intent for deal government and amc shareholder and board approval that amc holders will receive not share chrysler common for each share amc common hold interest barclays midland follow natwest base rate cut barclays bank plc bcs and midland bank plc mdbl cutting base lending rates pct pct cuts follow similar move national westminster bank plc nwbl rate effect tomorrow base rate reductions bank england cut dealing rates this morning signal money markets that not resist half percentage point drop bank base lending rates market sources end last week central holding staunchly market pressures for lower rates apparent effort preserve expected rate cuts for time government annual budget march sterling remained firm dlrs compared close friday dlrs reuter acq dixie yarns dxyn acquire caro inc dixie yarns inc and caro inc jointly signed merger agreement calling for dixie acquire caro stock exchange for mln dixie common companies previously announced merger approved caro board and expected close early april revenues combined companies will mln dlrs and dixie merger will not dilute results caro private management led leveraged buy reuter ship gale force winds buffet great lakes national weather service warnings gale force winds remained effect lakes erie huron and michigan warnings posted for large waves and beach erosion shores lakes winds gusting mph caused six foot waves western and southern shores lake michigan morning advisories for low wind chill temperatures posted across portions upper michigan and northern lower michigan early morning gusty winds brought wind chill and degrees below freezing rain scattered central colorado mid morning central kansas and northeast illinois snow reached south central montana across wyoming western nebraska and western kansas snow extended across northern wisconsin upper michigan and northern lower michigan rain reached northern pacific coast across northwest utah maryland deleware virginia carolinas georgia and northern alabama reuter interest issues billion stg bond tranche bank england taking books billion stg tranche pct treasury loan stock due payable stg pct application stock issued bank stg pct and will for dealings march remainder amount payable bank bonds yield pct issue price and free tax residents overseas issue designated pct treasury loan mln stg reserved for national debt commissioners market dropped point bank announcement treasury pct stock due quoted full point lower stg pct minutes news dealers announcement had viewed backdrop intense pressure for lower interest rates had built past two weeks result sterling strength bank this morning finally signalled prepared lower rates and clearing banks this afternoon announced cuts base lending rates pct pct bank had initially reluctant countenance rate cut dealers authorities had wished delay reduction time budget march thereby preserving full impact chancellor exchequer nigel lawson package measures face sterling apparently inexorable climb authorities today decided cede pressure and half point cut today billion stg tap issue viewed market move bank eradicate hopes for early rate cut arise result strong sterling market participants that lawson will foster half point interest rate reduction time budget two not surprised full point decline this stage dealers noted that part authorities attempts last week ease pressure for lower rates bank had issued billion stg tap stock view subduing government bond market surprise participants issue sold hours for trading and market pushed register sharp gains dealers that this stage that issue announced today absorbed market rapidly last week noted that sterling had edged highs base rate cut had closed trade weighted basis ahead friday final and beneath peak touched gmt reuter acq amc studying chrysler buyout proposal and will comment crude petro canada drill two terra nova test wells petro canada canada state owned oil company will drill two delineation wells this summer terra nova oil field offshore newfoundland evaluation test results and preliminary engineering work put petro canada position propose development plan for terra nova field company depending time required for regulatory approvals construction begin oil production early petro canada high degree confidence that western portion terra nova field contains mln cubic meters recoverable oil mln barrels and that produce economicly floating production system petro canada terra nova field lying kilometers east john and kilometers southeast hibernia field discovered petro canada had encouraging results eastern portion field and hope this summer drilling will prove additional reserves company petro canada believes terra nova field good commercial prospect and company move resources development can start generating return investments petro canada petro canada will act operator two wells pct interest western portion graven block terra nova field and pct interest field east flank block company spokesman field participants include canterra energy mobil oil canada gulf canada resources inc icg resources trillium exploration corp and general partnership parex petro canada estimates reserves terra nova field graven block mln and mln barrels oil company spokesman bob foulkes petro canada calgary office combined reserves for graven block and field east flank block estimated mln and mln barrels added petro canada expects spend mln canadian dlrs bring field production and development budget double company builds production system combining blocks field petro canada estimates terra nova field graven block produce and barrels average daily production production system that maximum capacity bpd company spokesman foulkes answer query company estimates production system combining graven and east flank blocks terra nova field produce bpd average daily production reuter earn charan sees pct rise profit charan industries inc distributor toys and consumer products expects net profit rise pct last year mln dlrs president earl takefman told reporters annual meeting grew basically pct last year not grow pct this year will grow pct last year takefman charan reported profit mln dlrs takefman expects sales rise mln dlrs this year mln dlrs fiscal ended september fiscal ended november takefman company actively for acquisitions consumer products industry likely canada company expects resolve delivery problems this year last year hindered growth toy distribution business accounts for revenues charan exclusive distributor canada for worlds toys include teddy ruxpin voice activated talking plush bear takefman products this year will shelves for christmas include smaller version teddy ruxpin talking mickey mouse toy dancing plush toys doll voice activated sound touch light and heat and talking books company marketing extended line laser tag kits shoot rays light and you you hit products include recorder device students leave taped messages each school lockers retailing for dlrs reuter earn mayfair super markets myfra sales increased mayfair super markets sales for second qtr ended feb mln dlrs increase pct compared sales mln dlrs comparable quarter last year company sales for six months year mln dlrs pct mln dlrs reported period last year this consecutive quarterly gain company company expects release earnings april reuter interest barclays midland follow natwest base rate cut barclays bank plc bcs and midland bank plc mdbl cutting base lending rates pct pct cuts follow similar move national westminster bank plc nwbl rate effect tomorrow base rate reductions bank england cut dealing rates this morning signal money markets that not resist half percentage point drop bank base lending rates market sources end last week central holding staunchly market pressures for lower rates apparent effort preserve expected rate cuts for time government annual budget march sterling remained firm dlrs compared close friday dlrs reuter acq united auto workers union supports chrysler amc merger interest lloyds bank matches base rate cut pct lloyds bank plc lloy cutting base lending rate pct pct effective tomorrow reduction follows similar moves british clearing banks national westminster bank plc nwbl led this morning bank england lowered dealing rates signal that tolerate half percentage point reduction central bank surprise signal strenuous efforts last week prevent market forces bringing base rates budget march reuter acq norcros breaks merger talks williams norcros ncro plc intention proceeding talks williams holdings plc suggestion that benefits arising merger two groups norcros such benefits achieved normal trading and not warrant closer formal association norcros shares firmed news investor speculation hostile bid williams dealers williams rose williams earlier informed norcros that holds ordinary shares pct issued reuter interest lloyds bank matches base rate cut pct lloyds bank plc lloy cutting base lending rate pct pct effective tomorrow reduction follows similar moves british clearing banks national westminster bank plc nwbl led this morning bank england lowered dealing rates signal that tolerate half percentage point reduction central bank surprise signal strenuous efforts last week prevent market forces bringing base rates budget march reuter interest lloyds bank matches base rate cut pct lloyds bank plc cutting base lending rate pct pct effective tomorrow reduction follows similar moves british clearing banks national westminster bank plc led this morning bank england lowered dealing rates signal that tolerate half percentage point reduction central bank surprise signal strenuous efforts last week prevent market forces bringing base rates budget march reuter interest french week bill average rate falls pct pct official acq amc amo studying chrysler proposal american motors corp studying proposed merger chrysler corp american motors received letter chrysler corp advising proposal enter into merger transaction american motors corp statement company studying proposal will comment reuter acq wall street stocks american express axp american express stock fell sharply reflecting part investors disappointment that company not make announcement plans for brokerage unit shearson lehman brothers traders company studying options for shearson unit traders investors anticipated announcement this weekend that spin shearson lehman flurry arbitrage related sell programs that pounded general market today accelerated selloff american express component dow industrial average american express fell part programs and part that anticipation announcement spinoff shearson this weekend and that announcement never happened trader last minutes trading friday another trader stock jumped close largely anticipation that company make weekend announcement reuter crude amoco south china sea exploratory flows barrels oil daily acq uaw back chrysler amc amo merger united auto workers uaw union supports chrysler corp proposal buy american motors corp creating good match that potentially points secure future for workers companies members interests can served chrysler family and committed making that happen uaw president owen bieber and vice president marc stepp statement chrysler purchase logical and sound step for concerned union uaw negotiating amc carmaker demand for economic concessions covering workers wisconsin operations amc cease vehicle production kenosha wisconsin assembly plant reuter acq twa twa declines comment usair transworld airlines inc official airline comment usair group inc planned buyout piedmont aviation inc twa pursued application department transportation for takeover usair mark buckstein twa general counsel and vice president twa filed revised application today dot rejection friday incomplete application filed last week earlier usair agreed buy piedmont for dlrs cash per share acq moody downgrade piedmont aviation pie moody investors service inc downgrade mln dlrs debt piedmont aviation inc airline agreement acquired usair group inc rating agency review focus effect acquisition piedmont financial leverage and debt service requirements moody examining potential use airline borrowing capacity finance merger piedmont carries baa preferred stock and prime commercial paper reuter acq usair and unit remain moody review moody investors service inc mln dlrs debt usair group inc and usair inc unit remain review for downgrade rating agency cited usair group proposed acquisition piedmont aviation inc pie trans world airlines inc twa proposed cash merger usair status twa bid for usair group uncertain transportation department rejected twa application acquire usair deficiency grounds twa will file revised application moody noted moody review for downgrade usair group baa senior debt and baa subordinated debentures usair unit senior debt and baa subordinated debentures moody examine effects proposed mergers usair group financial measurements potential damage company financial flexibility probability increased debt service requirements reuter money-fx fed sets billion dlr customer repurchase fed earn bally bly mln dlr qtr charge bally manufacturing corp expects charge earnings quarter this year mln dlrs result deal buy back mln common shares real estate developer donald trump filing securities and exchange commission chicago based hotel casino gambling and amusement concern anticipated charge quarter earnings will not deductible for federal income tax purposes february deal bally agreed buy mln mln shares held trump dlrs share mln dlrs trump agreed not seek control bally agreement calls for bally pay trump another mln dlrs for agreements claims and expenses related purchase bally common stock bally trump agreed not buy bally stock seek control company for years bear stearns and inc signed similar standstill agreement bally for years bally can deal bally stock broker deal obligates bally buy trump remaining stake company for dlrs share stock price not reach that level february reuter crude shell canada raised crude prices canadian cts barrel today acq court rejects buitoni appeal iri food unit appeal buitoni spa court ruling that accord acquire italian state food firm sme societa meridionale finanziaria not contractually binding rejected court officials appeal court rejected buitoni claim that billion lire accord state industrial company iri istituto per ricostruzione industriale binding contract decision upholds court ruling last july buitoni controlled cir compagnie industriali riunite investment company controlled ing olivetti spa oliv chairman carlo benedetti reuter acq allegheny aims divest businesses allegheny international inc consumer products concern that today announced merger agreement boston corp fbc affiliate deal worth mln dlrs intends divest units increase profits reduce size consistent financial resources chairman oliver travers made conscious strategic choice become smaller financially sound consumer products company operates predominantly stable political and economic environment north america acq advanced tobacco atpi merger talks end advanced tobacco products inc ended talks acquired sterling drug inc sty resumed acquisition talks parties company had previously announced that major based company that not identify evaluating nicotine technology advanced sterling board decided not enter nicotine product market received dlr payment deal exclusively sterling march six advanced had suspended merger talks parties result exclusivity agreement reuter acq fitness rfit buys livingwell unit fitness inc agreed buy livingwell inc manufacturing unit powercise international inc for mln fitness shares valued mln dlrs this acquisition includes livingwell rights recently announced powercise fitness equipment separate transaction livingwell inc operator health clubs six mln dlrs order powercise international install powercise equipment clubs reuter acq bankamerica bac completes mortgage unit sale bankamerica corp bank america unit completed previously announced sale bankamerica finance bank ireland for expected pre tax gain mln dlrs bankamerica finance residential mortgages south east england total assets end mln dlrs reuter acq supermarkets general gets unsolicited bid for dlrs shr cash crude shell canada shc raised crude oil postings shell canada wholly owned subsidiary royal dutch shell group that raised crude oil prices canadian cts barrel today increase riased posted price for light sweet crude oil dlrs barrel march level light sour crudes raised dlrs barrel company reuter interest world bank bring borrowing forward this year world bank intends bring borrowing forward into half expects global interest rates rise year end world bank vice president and treasurer eugene rotberg told news conference that rates japan west germany and switzerland lows weight opinion that year higher probability will pct higher pct lower interest rates world bank had not issued floating rate notes this year expectation higher interest rates policy world bank maintain liquidity level that gave bank flexibility decide and borrow rotberg cash hand pct years anticipated net requirement and comprised pct outstanding debt and pct debt maturing years world bank had pioneered swap market not intend launch financial instruments for sake innovation rotberg total billion dlrs debt outstanding billion had swapped into another currency recent innovations unfair investors unfair borrowers world bank confident that this not case not adopt instruments world bank raise pct funds needed year methods used rotberg for pct requirements bank instruments such bonds warrants world bank had publicly offered bonds germany since issue launched earn servicemaster svm sets quarter distribution servicemaster approved second quarter cash distribution cts payable april record march previously servicemaster pay cash distribution dlrs share including cts share paid april action company set date annual shareholders meeting reuter acq wall street stocks chrysler amc amo proposed mln dlr deal chrysler corp acquire american motors corp described analysts reasonable deal for companies ronald glantz montgomery securities amc common stock fairly valued dlrs share brought tax reform and that chrysler offer pay dlrs share chrysler stock amc holders renault good price for chrysler amc common shares opened dlrs this morning renault chrysler announcement chrysler shares lost amc issued statement that studying proposed buyout and had comment glantz regarded proposal deal can make bid reasonable deal for sides analyst told reuters chrysler gets jeep franchise and amc bramalea ontario plant and renault premier mid sized car and amc sales will buyers will confidence that manufacturer will service products glantz analyst thomas grady chrysler getting manufacturing capacity including brand plant canada for bargain price and renault getting return prolonged loss making investment amc reuter trade koreans buy billion dlrs goods south korean foreign trade minister rah woon bae country firms agreed buy billion dlrs worth goods two week buying trip united states rah purchases represented shifts japanese firms firms part south korea effort reduce billion dlr trade surplus united states south korea billion dlr trade deficit japan reuter crude fitzwater reagan strongly tax hike white house spokesman marlin fitzwater president reagan record opposing tax hikes long and strong and not change opposed tax increases will fight tax increases will deal politically forum fitzwater questioned whether change administration position fitzwater reagan strong feelings tax hike included opposition oil import fee president position that opposed reuter acq supermarkets general sgl gets unsolicited bid supermarkets general corp received unsolicited proposal party acquire company dlrs per share cash supermarkets retained shearson lehman brothers inc advise board directors proposal supermarkets general mln shares outstanding stock trading york stock exchange woodbridge supermarket operator supermarkets and specialty retail stores convenience food stores and drug stores for months ended november supermarkets reported net income mln dlrs reuter acq sharon steel corp extends exchange offer sharon steel corp extended march six march expiration date for debt exchange offer time complete sale mueller brass unit and meet conditions offer exchange offer covers sharon outstanding pct subordinated sinking fund debentures due and pct subordinated sinking fund debentures due sharon that march six pct pct notes and pct pct notes tendered mueller sale conditioned receipt pct notes reuter ship ferry disaster claims top mln stg insurers face mln stg insurance claims zeebrugge ferry disaster spokesman for lloyds london weeks extent compensation claims for passengers crew and cargo and ship salvaged david larner lloyds hull and machinery herald free enterprise valued mln stg and insured townsend thoresen parent company peninsular and oriental steam navigation plc porl vessel turn reinsured london market lloyds and companies larner passengers crew and cargo insured standard steamship protection and indemnity association shipowners mutual insurance funds worldwide underwritten lloyds and companies larner claims passengers expected total mln stg number deaths and normal level liability set athens convention stg and case death shipping sources that claims soar court found negligence design faults involved larner estimates compensation claims pure guess work this time ship not salvaged claims total mln stg shares insurances london stock exchange fell across board generally weak market general accident fell royal insurance dropped and prudential fell and shares stood late lower day reuter interest citibank follows base rate cut pct citibank cut british base lending rate pct pct effect tomorrow this move follows similar cuts major british clearing banks led national westminster bank plc nwbl lower rates signalled bank england this morning attempt curb recent upward pressure pound market sources reuter money-fx bank zambia pays foreign currency arrears bank zambia paid foreign exchange arrears auctions conducted last year bank spokesman cleared auctions and left worth mln dlrs spokesman amount paid bank had not paid foreign exchange private firms since suspended weekly auctions january auctions suspended planned introduce modified system talks world bank and international monetary fund president kenneth kaunda announced last month that auction retained for allocating foreign exchange approved private sector bidders not used determine kwacha exchange rate last week auction had run into trouble shortage foreign exchange government fixed exchange rate kwacha per dollar effectively revaluing kwacha pct reuter acq investors pct datarex systems drx small investor group led melvyn gelch providence surgeon told securities and exchange commission acquired shares datarex systems inc pct total outstanding common stock gelch group bought stake for dlrs for investment purposes reuter acq investor technology development tdcx stake leon greenblatt chicago investor told securities and exchange commission acquired shares technology development corp pct total outstanding common stock greenblatt bought stock for dlrs soley investment and intention seeking control company reuter acq analyst dart group likely bidder for supermarkets general acq harris cuts cyclops cyl stake pct harris associates chicago investment advisory firm cut stake cyclops corp shares pct total outstanding common stock shares pct filing securities and exchange commission harris sold cyclops common shares jan and march prices ranging dlrs share harris dealings cyclops common stock made behalf advisory clients reuter acq chrysler values amc amo mln dlrs chrysler corp valued proposed buyout american motors corp mln dlrs not counting effect contingent payment that reach mln dlrs based amc future profits chrysler spokesman told reuters that letter intent signed renault amc controlling shareholder pct direct stake includes provision for renault paid mln dlrs cash for amc finance subsidiary and mln dlrs form pct note not maturity note reuter earn advo system inc advo sees break even qtr advo system inc report break even second quarter ending march compared loss mln dlrs cts share fiscal second quarter ended march advo previously announced report net loss for quarter reuter earn canadian pacific qtr oper net cts cts acq grandview acquires control ticket group consolidated grandview inc acquired pct stake ticket group plc london for undisclosed terms seller undisclosed ticket special events travel company exclusive european rights ual inc ual united airlines apollo system booking united airlines flights britain and europe ticket and subsidiaries will sponsor events this year including british open golf tournament and rowing henley regatta revenues totaled mln canadian dlrs reuter acq united cities ucit makes acquisition united cities gas acquired lyle propane gas cairo propane gas distributor for undisclosed terms lyle sales mln gallons annually and serves customers counties southwest georgia and north florida reuter interest bill auctions pct treasury weekly auction expected produce average rate pct for month bills and pct for six month bills dealers shortly auction time bills rate outstanding month bills unchanged pct bid rate six month bills basis point higher pct bid reuter earn medical properties mpp sets monthly dividend board medical properties inc declared initial monthly cash dividend cts share and adopted monthly dividend policy initial dividend will payable april shareholders record march reuter ship london grain freights wheat ria luna norrkoping and djuron mexico dlrs option loading uddevalla cents continental reference york grain freights march brokers charterer saturn gulf japan reported nordstrom and thulin antigone reported arranged tilbury black sea soviet charterers reuter earn immucor blud splits stock immucor inc board directors declared for stock split form pct stock dividend payable april shareholders record march reuter ship bermuda star line bsl make acquisition bermuda star line inc agreed principle acquire passenger liberte barnstead shipping for use york montreal northeast passages cruises starting this summer company working conclude lease financing financing for purchase ton vessel delivered early april and renamed canada star terms not disclosed reuter acq talking point caesars world caw mts acquisition corp dlr per share offering price for caesars world inc thought low and likely attract suitors for hotel casino company industry analysts will come mts will raise bid marvin roffman analyst janney montgomery scott inc mts company formed martin sosnoff caesars world largest shareholder today began tender offer valued mln dlrs for shares sosnoff doesn offer low points roffman described caesars world operator finest casinos world sosnoff york investor owns pct caesars world mln shares news tender offer caesars world shares trading caesars world spokesman company declining comment sosnoff move for moment caesars issue public statement studied offer roffman caesars world considerable growth potential and forecasting fiscal earnings two dlrs per share caesars world owns casino hotels nevada and honeymoon resorts pennsylvania pocono mountains controls caesars jersey inc cjn owns atlantic city casino hotel for fiscal year ended july caesars world reported net income mln dlrs dlrs per primary share company reported second quarter net income mln dlrs cts per share compared income mln dlrs cts per share year earlier daniel lee analyst drexel burnham lambert inc that sosnoff relatively low bid attract suitors willing pay higher price for caesars likelihood that competing bid start battle for company acq allegheny officers run company allegheny international inc chairman and chief operating officer will remain positions merger company affiliate boston corp expected that oliver travers will continue chairman president and chief executive officer and thomas albani will continue chief operating officer allegheny spokesman allegheny today agreed buyout boston dlrs per share transaction valued mln dlrs stock rose active trading reuter acq gas makes recommendation tractebel offer imperial continental gas association icgs gas board not making recommendation partial tender offfer per share announced tractebel and groupe bruxelles lambert time board not recommend general offer for shares price statement added shareholders wondering whether tender tractebel consortium rival per share partial offer shv holdings consult professional advisers reuter acq nat healthcare nhci sell hospitals national heathcare inc signed agreement sell rural hospitals private corporation for mln dlrs including assumption six mln dlrs debt company plans complete sales subject regulatory approvals end july national healthcare expects material gain loss sales and that substantially proceeds will used reduce debt reuter earn canadian pacific confirms earnings canadian pacific fourth quarter operating profit rose mln dlrs cts share mln dlrs cts share year ago statement confirmed released preliminary earnings figures company released february mln dlr gain sale cominco interest helped raise final fourth quarter profit mln dlrs cts share company drop full year operating profit mln dlrs restated mln dlrs due lower world oil prices company rail division reported net income mln dlrs compared mln dlrs grain traffic recovered drought affected levels year ago offset weakness traffic areas and increased expenses net loss soo line increased mln dlrs loss mln dlrs loss due restructuring charges canadian pacific favorable developments year included reduced bulk shipping losses result recovery tanker markets and turnaround forest products sector reuter earn ford shares rise higher earning estimate ford motor stock rose analyst maryann keller furman selz mager dietz and birney raised earnings estimates company traders keller that expects company earnings rise dlrs share compared dlrs share earned last year ford good market share expected remain favorable and earnings overseas expected improve addition keller company selling expensive model cars profitable automotive operations including ford motor credit expected post improved earnings this year keller expects company split stock and raise dividend dlrs share this year noted that chrysler corp announcement merger proposal for american motors corp amo short term effect ford cut into ford share truck market long term reuter earn dutch retailer ahold sees unchanged profit dutch food retailer ahold ahln expects unchanged profits will advantage lower dollar expand turnover will grow net profits expected remain level mln guilders due higher dutch taxes and year expansion plan ahold chairman albert heijn told news conference profit forecast for dollar rate current levels guilders turnover and net profit hit dollar fell average guilders reuter earn pitt des moines pdm gets qualified audit pitt des moines inc will receive qualified opinion auditors and financial statements qualification related inability determine effects final resolution suit filed washington public power supply system suit dismissed lower court action ultimate outcome matter uncertain since washington public power appealed court appeals reuter acq reading rdgc sell philadelphia properties reading agreed principle convey properties owns and philadelphia convention center site city philadelphia and philadelphia convention center authority exchange will receive mln dlrs cash rights acquire acres adjacent philadelphia international airport and option acquire development rights gallery shopping mall market street downtown philadelphia reading will responsible for demolition and cleanup properties for portion cash proceeds will escrowed company will continue and operate reading terminal market philadelphia land giving amounts acrease and includes part reading terminal train shed reuter acq montedison acquires arco research unit montedison spa moni acquired pct stake plant cell research institute pcri california atlantic richfield arc for tens millions dollars senior montedison executive renato ugo member montedison management committee told reporters that stanford research institute international menlo park california had acted partner purchase acquiring stake pcri pct pcri based dublin california biotechnology research laboratory ugo price paid included outlays for laboratory technology and staff negotiations biotechnology companies health care and diagnostics sectors montedison health care subsidiary erbamont gave details hope will concluded year end montedison invests billion lire year biotechnology research and expects increase this figure billion lire years reuter ship europe shipping exports africa pct volume european exports south africa carried container line vessels declined pct last two years british shipping executive antony butterwick butterwick told reporters that despite drop and low freight rates shipping conference heads will increase frequency sailings south africa strong act faith and confidence country future chairman europe south and south east african conference lines and joint managing director and containers statement issued conference frequency southern africa europe container service sailings increased days this positive development shipping front south africa and main trading partners europe for years service last operated weekly reuter acq mathematical applications sets operations sale mathematical applications group inc signed letter intent sell operating business and will propose plan liquidation sale company unsuccessful obtaining approvals needed for sale and liquidation company required initiate reorganization proceedings federal bankruptcy law facilitie distribution assets mathematical applications tentatively agreed sell direct marketing business pagex inc for dlrs amount equal working capital business closing mln dlr note payable installments six years mathematical applications business working capital estimated dlrs pagex formed paul goldner owner pagex systems inc engaged direct marketing computer service business mathematical applications tentative agreement calls for pagex buy substantially assets and liabilities related direct marketing business and continue use mathematical applications name sale subject renegotiation real estate lease and approval definitive agreement company board stock holders and debenture holders company obtained waivers holders six mln dlrs principal amount debentures due march defer interest payments aggregating dlrs march company will seek waivers defer interest payments and due march for time enable company accomplish proposed sale operations mathematical applications talking debenture holders landlord lessor equipment marketing operation and holders liabilities not assumed pagex arrange distribution assets proposed sale adding that assets will significantly liabilities company obtained waivers holders six mln dlrs principal amount debentures due march defer interest payments aggregating dlrs march company will seek waivers defer payments and due march for time accomplish proposed sale operations mathematical applications talking debenture holders landlord lessor equipment marketing operation and holders liabilities pages not assuming arrange distribution assets proposed sale adding assets will significantly liabilities part distribution assets company expects shareholders receive amount based bid price company stock march reuter acq financial corp fin unit completes purchase financial corp america american savings and loan association completed previously announced purchase retail savings branches great western financial corp gwf great western savings american savings purchases boost deposits mln dlrs not affect asset base reuter acq johnson products jpc sells two subsidiaries johnson products inc completed sale debbie school beauty culture inc and assets ultra precise beauty boutique inc management sale price dlrs consisted dlrs cash secured promissory note for dlrs and forgiveness debt dlrs owed johnson products debbie school reuter acq usair seeks two billion loan for takeovers usair group inc seeking two billion dlrs bank debt complete takeover piedmont aviation inc pie and pending acquisition group inc pacific southwest airlines filing securities and exchange commission that details proposed dlr share cash tender offer for piedmont usair manufacturers hanover trust mhc willingness march letter provide mln dlrs financing manufacturers hanover act agent for bank group raise rest financing usair usair manufacturers hanover affiliate agent for mln dlrs revelving credit facility replaced proposed two billion dlr financing usair put total cost completing tender offer billion dlrs pacific southwest takeover received federal approval and due come for shareholder approval this month for dlrs share mln dlrs total usair bought mln piedmont common shares pct total outstanding norfolk southern corp nsc for mln dlrs tender offer made usair subsidiary usag acquisition corp not valid usair left half piedmont total outstanding common stock april expiration negotiations terms and interest rates bank loans not complete usair expects form billion dlr two year term loan and billion dlr year revolving credit facility company expects repay two year loan equity preferred and debt offerings and possibly internal funds and sale and leaseback aircraft reuter acq jannock acquires pct intercon security jannock acquired pct interest intercon security for mln dlrs and intercon founders brian legge and richard grange will hold remaining pct and will continue manage company intercon security employing people full range security equipment and services jannock reuter crude canadian oil companies raise crude prices petro canada state owned oil company raised contract price will pay for crude oil canadian cts barrel effective march six petro canada posted price for benchmark light sweet grade edmonton swann hills api gravity stands canadian dlrs bbl light sour grade posted canadian dlrs bbl earlier today shell canada shc raised crude postings canadian cts bbl bringing edmonton light sweet canadian dlrs bbl and light sour crude canadian dlrs bbl imperial oil imo pct owned subsidiary exxon corp that effective march raised light sweet crude posting canadian dlrs bbl reuter acq dart group offers buy supermarkets general dlrs shr acq bci holdings sell bottled water division bci holdings corp beatrice food corp retained shearson lehman brothers inc assist sale national bottled water business products subsidiary based monterey park calif sold arrowhead brand name california and arizona ozarka name texas and great bear name northeastern states reuter grain usda estimates ussr grain imports mln tonnes feb grain usda estimates soviet grain crop mln tonnes feb year ago acq dart darta makes offer for supermarkets sgl dart group corp offered buy supermarkets general corp for dlrs per share cash earlier supermarkets general unsolicited party had made offer analysts estimated billion dlrs based mln shares outstanding kidder peabody and inc told dart that kidder affiliate will prepared advance mln dlrs subordinated basis acq caesars world caw bid valued mln dlrs mts acquisition corp will mln dlrs acquire caesars world inc shares not owned owner martin sosnoff estimate mts acquisition proxy statement caesars world shareholders describing offer dlrs share for stock announced this morning that announcement mts acquisition bank and investor bankers felt provide financing totaling mln dlrs for offer sosnoff caesars world largest shareholders company shares that pct outstanding stock fully diluted basis proxy sole owner mts acquisition sosnoff owns pct atalanta sosnoff capital corp atl stock and chairman that investment management and brokerage firm reuter ship seaman strike continues marines unload ships brazilian marines today working unloading ships local port national strike seamen entered day signs agreement halt national strike seamen years started february and union leaders not return work received pct pay rise shipowners offered pct raise seamen rejected television reported that port operating full speed that not true striking seaman told reuters marines don manpower experience control situation such quick period port officials national halt had caused losses estimated mln dlrs despite presence marines reports incidents reuter crude ecuador quake cut oil revenues mln dlrs people feared dead and people left homeless thursday earthquake will cost ecuador close mln dlrs lost petroleum revenues authorities estimated cost repairing damaged oil pipeline mln dlrs magnitude damages caused earthquake gigantic president leon febres cordero inspecting damages napo hardest hit jungle province miles quake damaged oil pipeline forcing this opec nation suspend crude exports for months president febres cordero statement issued today presidential press office country lose estimated mln dlrs crude exports pipeline repaired president cost mln dlrs repair pipelline carries oil jungle oil fields andes balao pacific ocean port crude traditionally accounts for two thirds ecuador exports quake triggered landslides swelling aguarico river burst banks carrying homes and huts napo province health minister jorge brancho told reuters fear that people died napo knowing exact figure people disappeared estimates ranged high dead corpses recovered bracho information minister marco lara told reporters number dead and injured not not people lived homes hit landslides bracho left homeless cayambe district reuter acq business editor theodore cross offers dlrs share for harper and row acq business editor offers dlrs for harper hpr theodore cross editor business and society review business publication investor group heads offered buy harper and row publishers inc for dlrs share cash filing securities and exchange commission cross proposed takeover board york publishing house today cross investor group includes wife mary hold harper and row common shares pct total outstanding common stock spent mln dlrs stake cross proposed letter harper and row that company merged into company cross forming suggesting that total cost completing merger mln dlrs cross use mln dlrs money for deal and mln dlrs borrowed national bank boston revolving credit facility bank agreed provide crude usx unit raises crude postings marathon petroleum company subsidiary usx corp raised contract price pays for grades crude oil effective march illinois sweet and indiana sweet raised cts barrel dlrs bbl and southern michigan grade raised cts bbl dlrs bbl west texas intermediate grade unchanged reuter earn united brands inc qtr shr profit six cts loss cts earn national fuel gas nfg sets split higher payout national fuel gas board approved two for stock split and will increased cash dividend june meeting company management will recommend june board meeting increase cts per share current annual dividend rate dlrs share raising dlrs per share dlrs share split national fuel gas split will paid holders record spokeswoman distribution date for split not determined company split subject approval securities and exchange commission public utility holding act company shares outstanding reuter acq sensormatic snsr ups checkrobot ckrb stake sensormatic electronics corp upped investment checkrobot inc form mln dlrs convertible preferred stock raising stake checkrobot pct pct fully diluted basis reuter ship union shippers agree cut port costs york shipping association and international longshoremen association agreed cut cargo assessments port york and jersey pct labor intensive cargos charges cargo handled union workers will reduced dlrs ton dlrs ton effective april agreement union and shippers assessments used fund workers benefits lowering price bulk cargo flowing spokesman for york shipping association ship csx csx unit sets improved shipping service csx corp sea land corp unit will offer improved containership services puerto rico and east coast and gulf coast united states beginning march carrier will provide shorter door door transit times convenient cargo availability and rail connections for traffic moving puerto rico and north america reuter crude conoco raises crude oil prices dlr barrel wti dlrs acq viacom nat amusements seek fast merger chiefs viacom international inc and national amusements inc met and agreed work together complete previously announced merger two companies expeditiously spokeswoman for viacom declined executives had set timetable for closing deal viacom last week agreed acquired national amusements for combination cash and stock estimated dlrs share total billion dlrs earn general cinema corp qtr oper shr cts cts interest bank board mortgage rates february federal home loan bank board interest rates fixed rate and adjustable rate home mortgage loans substantially early february bank board average effective commitment rate for fixed mortgages maturity years for home purchases dropped pct early february basis point decline early january commitment rate adjustable rate mortgages declined basis points period bringing average rate pct bank board average effective interest rate loans closed major lenders declined basis points early january pct early february lowest rate since march bank board average effective rate for fixed mortgages pct basis points early january level average effective rate for adjustable rate mortgages declined basis points pct bank board reuter acq noranda spin forest interests into separate company crude api president sees options avert oil crisis american petroleum institute president charles dibona options rejected combat growing dependence foreign oil action ruled import fees quotas floor prices tax incentives alternatives national dialogue issue continues dibona paper institute conference york today dibona unanimity industry stimulate energy production consensus removing government policies that hinder investments prospects dibona windfall profit tax abolished immediately and current proposals for increased environmental regulations acid rain and waste disposal not adopted suggested that arctic national wildlife refuge alaska opened for leasing oil companies dibona this battle industry cannot afford lose nation continue benefit alaskan oil dibona since oil production fallen consumption rose and that raised dependence imported oil opec dibona reuter interest sells bills pct stop pct pct stop pct acq national distillers closes almaden sale national distillers and chemical corp completed sale almaden vineyards inc heublein inc for mln dlrs heublein subsidiary rjr nabisco inc rjr recently acquired grand metropolitan plc almaden based san jose calif makes and sells table wines champagnes and brandies premium wines charles lefranc cellars label reuter acq ceasars world studying unsolicited dlr per shr offer martin sosnoff interest bill auction rates average pct treasury weekly auction month bills produced average rate pct pct rate six month bills rates compared averages pct for and pct for six month bills sold last week bond equivalent yield month bills pct accepted bids ranges pct pct and pct bids high stopout rate for six months yield pct and bids ranges pct pct pct bids accepted treasury received billion dlrs bids for month bills including billion dlrs competitive bids public accepted billion dlrs bids including billion dlrs federal reserve and mln dlrs foreign and international monetary authorities billion dlrs bids for six month bills received including mln dlrs competitives treasury accepted billion dlrs including billion dlrs fed and mln dlrs foreign and international authorities average price for month bills and prices ranged average price for six months bills and prices ranged average yield month bills highest since pct feb average yield six month bills highest since pct feb reuter acq canada mulling selling petro canada mulroney prime minister brian mulroney government selling petro canada and sale proceed national interest mulroney told house commons assets huge oil company examined decision made state run companies studied sold ottawa privatization program government examine assets this nature ascertain continue play role public policy and will make determination cases mulroney told daily question period asked opposition members clairify finance minister michael wilson statement friday that petro canada longer pubilic policy role mulroney government long promised sell companies that run private sector house energy minister marcel masse petro canada worth and billion dlrs and size difficult sell prefer canadians participating privatization not give details timing sale reuter acq news corp nws completes purchase newspaper news corp south china morning post hong kong become wholly owned subsidiary march previously announced reuter acq richmond hill rich riverhead end merger talks richmond hill savings bank and riverhead savings bank fsb terminated previously announced merger negotiations banks gave reason for ending talks began january reuter earn general cinema gcn poor season lowers net general cinema corp lower attendence theatres last year record christmas season lowered fiscal quarter operating earnings pct mln dlrs not good start fiscal business picked last weeks chairman richard smith that company expected net pricing higher and unit volume improve remaining quarters fiscal year company added that operating earnings theatre unit will higher fiscal important summer season film releases perform addition key business general cinema beverages expected achieve record operating results for full year smith company superstar video business rents video cassettes supermarkets continues operate expected loss company added general cinema financing costs associated purchase mln carter hawley hale stores inc chh shares for mln dlrs and mln sterling investment cadbury schweppes plc lowered quarter net loss offset mln dlr gain sale common shares sea land corp unit csx corp csx reuter acq ceasars world caw studying sosnoff offer ceasars wold inc board studying unsolicited and conditional tender offer for common shares dlrs per share martin sosnoff company spokesman board expects make recommendation shortly not time period ceasars world chairman henry gluck statement urged shareholders not action respect offer prior board recommendation sosnoff made offer directly shareholders newspaper advertisement company formed called mts acquisition corp expires april reuter earn americus trust byu byp initial qtrly div americus trust for bristol myers shares announced initial dividend cts payable for shareholders record april reuter acq united security unse buy robert brown unit united security financial corp illinois signed letter intent buy robert brown and inc rcbi magic insurance group unit robert brown and receive newly issued united security stock united security anticipated that such stock represent substantial majority shares outstanding merger united security principal subsidiary united security life insurance illinois magic group owns pilgrim life insurance america and middle atlantic life insurance reuter acq warrington sells shoe divisions warrington inc sold shoe divisions montreal based taurus footwear inc for undisclosed terms divisions manufacture and distribute greb hush puppies kodiak and santana brand shoes and had revenues mln dlrs last year warrington sale shoe divisions and previous sale ski boot businesses will result unspecified net gain warrington plans concentrate canstar sports group inc skate and athletic footwear division largest ice skate manufacturer and distributor western world warrington decided rationalize balance ski businesses expected result divestment loss outweigh net gains sales shoe and ski boot divisions taurus acquisition expected increase annual sales mln dlrs and make canada largest footwear manufacturer reuter crude dupont unit raises crude oil prices conoco inc subsidiary dupont corp increasing contract prices for crude oil cts and dlr barrel effective today conoco increase brings price for benchmark crude west texas intermediate dlrs barrel dlr south louisiana sweet dlr dlrs west texas sour cts dlrs barrel conoco last company raise prices series increases initiated last week sun sun reversed posted price cuts made end february reuter grain cbt discusses major for renovation chicago board trade cbt agricultural and financial futures markets for period major upheaval this year exchange ahead planned renovation cbt spokesman told reuters exchange number options identify cost effective and efficient proceed including involve moving entire grains floor building and into nearby midamerica commodity exchange cbt chairman karsten mahlmann agenda items proceed renovation financial futures room spokesman another cbt official executive vice president george sladoje issue discussed this friday special meeting exchange floor number presentations made regard renovating financial futures room sladoje looked six alternatives involving such things flip flopping trading rooms added conceivable that couple plans use midamerica exchange temporarily for cbt markets sladoje move floor construction period will year adding that issue likely membership vote and drawing board for months year cbt spokesman stressed that discussions preliminary this stage and nothing likely begin this summer earliest order renovate crowded financial futures pits exchange officials discussed providing temporary home door present grains dominated area this involve moving cbt markets treasury bond futures treasury notes muni bonds and options bonds and notes adjoining corridor utilizing midamerica floor for such cbt futures contracts corn wheat soybeans soybean products and agricultural options such moves meet opposition cbt members senior floor trader financial futures room badly renovating talk grains floor will shift midam and financials will move grains area cbt spokesman another option discussed renovate financial floor quadrants quarter time step deciding effective proceed architectural and engineering drawings added that difficult present determine exact time frame for moves this major undertaking and process that spread year floor traders midamerica commodity exchange merged cbt year ago preparing vacate floor end this month space recently cleared for cbt moving major market index pit into area once reserved for lightly traded cbt gold and silver futures share trading area midam specializes mini contracts grains livestock metals financials and foreign currencies options contracts rumor that cbt grains coming bonds crowded midam trader another source midam this change place july august reuter acq group seeks prime medical pmsi holder list group investment firms led hills investor natalie koether seeking information shareholders prime medical services inc seeking control filing securities and exchange commission group includes shamrock associates included march letter prime asks for complete list shareholders and addresses group information can contact shareholders issues including election opposition slate directors board and proxy contests koether group letter company days respond request response prime medical group demand refused and proper steps information group holds prime medical shares pct total legal action force company set annual meeting and require directors stand for election previous sec filing group decided seek control prime medical tender offer exchange offer proxy contest ways reuter acq grand metropolitan plc unit sell business grand metropolitan plc grandmet usa inc unit decided sell physical fitness and exercise equipment business company morgan stanely and inc advising sale business reuter acq chrysler amc buyout valued billion chrysler corp proposed acquisition american motors corp valued billion dlrs including cost acquisition and mln dlrs american motor debt that chrysler will assume analysts chrysler cost acquisition valued mln dlrs paid cash notes and chrysler shares analysts told reuters that york briefing chrysler treasurer fred zuckerman outlined company agreement renault assume amc debt mln dlrs unfunded pension liabilities not included valuing transaction analysts generally positive chrysler proposed purchase smaller rival expected transaction carry short term dilution chrysler earnings chrysler financial source speaking anonymously told reuters that proposed purchase price smaller had deal struck last year impact tax law removes chrysler ability assume amc large reserve tax loss carryforwards accumulated losses since discussions last fall didn pull source reference assassination november renault chairman georges besse bad tax benefits fell floor and renault price end last year addition amc debt and pension liabilities source chrysler assume liability lawsuits safety jeeps called overhang company analysts quoted chrysler officials told that deal includes payment renault mln dlrs principal form year note pct interest mln dlrs cash for renault equity amc finance subsidiary mln dlrs cash for transaction fees connection acquisition and mln dlrs worth chrysler stock paid amc shareholders big number mln dlrs debt assumption analyst jack kirnan kidder peabody and told reuters moody investors service inc downgrade billion dlrs chrysler corp and unit debt due deal chrysler source that assuming amc liabilities company will refinance lower rate amc debt that carried market rates difficulties negotiating previous renault management acquisition committed group business plan amc integral part management didn that problem amc wasn baby reuter acq washington nat wnt buys united presidential washington national corp washington national insurance bought remaining pct united presidential corp upco outstanding shares dlrs share cash acquisition shares part plan exchange approved united presidential shareholders special meeting march purchase remaining united presidential stake follows washington national buying pct united presidential dlrs share tender offer terminated december reuter acq conagra cag completes merger trident conagra inc completed merger sea alaska products unit and trident seafoods corp conagra company holds pct stake will called trident seafoods corp charles bundrant president trident merger named president company conagra conagra completed previously announced acquisition bristol monarch corp and that trident completed purchase remaining pct stake san juan seafoods inc reuter earn atco sees gain sale atco atco development unit agreed sell canadian utilities center edmonton alberta and canadian western center calgary sales together previously announced sale atco australian operations will gross mln dlrs and result tax gain mln dlrs will reflected atco fiscal year results fiscal year ends march company addition sales will produce mln dlrs cash debt reduction mln dlrs atco reuter acq lindner tells sec had talks taft seeking control company acq bancroft bcv files suit zico bancroft convertible fund inc filed lawsuit federal court newark seeking block hostile dlr share takeover offer zico investment holdings inc bancroft suit names michael javett principal officer zico and fidelity bancorp ffb fidelity bank unit depositary for zico offer bancroft suit names georgeson and inc zico information agent and luthie intercontinentale inc panamanian corporation bancroft complaint alleges that zico tender offer materials include false and misleading information and that offer violates investment company act company stockholders approved proposals that will insure that remains independent reuter acq lindner discussed control taft tfb financier carl lindner holds pct stake taft broadcasting told securities and exchange commission discussed company possibility seeking control lindner cincinnati ohio investor controls american financial corp talks taft managers and directors aimed achieving increased ownership position company lindner increase ownership made making offer acquire control taft taking part group acquire company lindner holds taft stake american financial and subsidiaries buying taft stock open market private deals not whether talks taft officials led agreements understandings lindner intends review investment taft and involved talks steps future control and direction taft lindner investor group recently raised taft stake shares pct shares pct buying shares for total mln dlrs recently received clearance federal trade commission raise stake company pct lindner previous sec filings stressed that interest taft for investment and not not seeking control company investor group headed members wealthy bass family fort worth texas holds pct taft common stock reuter acq investors set deadline for japan fund jpn investor group that includes boone pickens iii set deadline est march for offer acquire japan fund inc group includes sterling grace capital management inc and anglo american security fund willing deposit escrow japan fund shares worth two mln dlrs insure ability obtain financing japan fund approves offer group japan fund not responded offer worth mln dlrs current market prices reuter acq investor firms pct symbion symb group affiliated firms led warburg pincus capital york venture capital and investment partnership acquired shares symbion inc pct total outstanding filing securities and exchange commission warburg pincus group bought stake for investment purposes group buying shares symbion plans seek control company reuter acq offshore investor pct hauserman hasr kindness bahamas based firm owned investor and bahamas resident john templeton acquired shares hausereman inc pct total outstanding common stock filing securities and exchange commission templeton bought shares for investment purposes and intention seeking control company reuter acq investment firms stake mcgill mftg mgll group affiliated investment firms led bermuda based fidelity international and boston based fmr corp told securities and exchange commission raised stake mcgill manufacturing inc group raised stake shares pct total outstanding common stock buying mcgill common shares jan and march prices ranging dlrs share reuter earn cts cts increases loss cts corp increased loss continuing operations mln dlrs previously announced mln dlrs loss figure increased include expenses involved settlement dispute dynamics corp america dya settlement involved takeover bid for cts dynamics corp had offered buy shares cts that not cts made profit mln dlrs continuing operations cts charged additional mln dlrs special expenses operations result dynamics corp settlement additional expenses include obligation reimburse dynamics corp subject approval cts shareholders total mln dlrs for dynamics corp expenses and costs relating cts reuter acq investment firm raises certron crtn stake louart corp los angeles investment firm raised stake certron corp shares pct total outstanding common stock shares pct filing securities and exchange commission louart bought certron shares sept and march total dlrs share dealings certron for investment increase stake plans seek control company reuter acq hogan systems hogn acquisition hogan systems inc acquired systems inc durango colo for mln dlrs hogan systems integrated applications software and processing services community banks systems revenues mln dlrs year hogan reuter crude pickens sees continued slump working rigs boone pickens texas oilman and financier believes heady days oil service industry had early oil rigs once reported operating will not return lifetime pickens told reuters expects rig count drop below recovering added that oil prices will eventually rise dlrs dlrs oil rigs operating sharply oil prices slipped dlrs late dlrs prices dlrs highest number working rigs december rigs won back work price oil gets dlrs adding that expects dlr barrel oil not expect rigs operating lifetime pickens pickens touring country promoting autobiography boone not impose oil import fee order stimulate domestic oil industry reuter money-fx miyazawa paris accord helping stabilise rates finance minister kiichi miyazawa paris currency accord contributed stability exchange rates miyazawa told press conference agreement reached last month paris six major industrial nations cooperate bringing currency stability prevented speculative concerns active money centres decision paris understood market yen dollar exchange rate moving narrow range since finance ministers britain canada france japan and west germany reached accord reuter money-fx australian reserve bank buying intervention reserve bank local time offering buy short dated government securities short term money market bank action purchase short dated government stock and six day repurchase agreements earlier session money market traders move aimed easing cash market interest rates had risen demand for funds meet paye tax and treasury note settlement commitments reuter ship search for british ferry toxic cargo continues search continued for cargo poisonous chemical substances loaded herald free enterprise ferry capsized zeebrugge harbour friday total drums toxic materials loaded trucks ship hold recovered belgian authorities warned essential recover containers cyanide based solution net thrown gaping loading doors front ship prevent drums floating salvage workers moved cranes into place alongside wreck ton roll roll ferry lies partly submerged sandbank harbour ferry owner european ferries plc majority owned peninsular and oriental steam navigation plc porl operation vessel began yesterday divers abandoned search for bodies experts months refloat ship and free bodies estimated trapped amid debris problem that waters you can expect working day daan kaakebeen dutch salvage experts smit tak international rotterdam estimated job require working days reinforced cables salvage experts intend raise ship and set into trench dug alongside salvage work pinpoint exact loss ferry sister vessels plying cross channel routes england continental europe suspicion present focused ferry main vehicle loading doors set close water level london transport secretary john moore told parliament yesterday that ship keeled water gushed bow doors major government inquiry into disaster will held similar ferries sailing britain will inspected and owners will asked fit lights give warning bow doors not properly closed experts carrying tank and computer tests determine accident occurred will focus attention ship doors ballast system and crew procedures added two investigations into disaster begun belgian and ferry owners reuter trade soviet economist sees gains trade chance soviet exports united states will rise moscow current trade reforms result trade manufactured goods future soviet economist sergey frolov chief economist amtorg trading corp agent for soviet trade organisations and industries told ussr business meeting soviet union produces items that western nations want reforms including upgrading quality goods and allowing joint ventures foreign firms will encourage modest export gains future frolov soviet union exported mln dlrs worth goods united states and imported billion dlrs worth gave trade forecast for that even obstacles removed total trade two countries remain two and billion dlrs year post detente embargoes taught ussr limit trading reuter money-fx china nationwide foreign exchange saving people china can open foreign exchange accounts bank china official shenzhen economic zone daily previously residents guangdong and fujian provinces this paper minimum for opening fixed deposit account had cut yuan equivalent yuan minimum for current account yuan equivalent paper depositors withdraw part account subject branch reserves fixed amount previously paper deposits opened french francs dollar hong kong dollar sterling yen and marks bank china branches hainan island accept deposits singapore dollars and wenzhou zhejiang province accept deposits dutch guilders paper gave details reuter trade economic spotlight japan pushes chipmakers japanese microchip makers strong armed into compliance japan pact semiconductors halting predatory pricing and opening japan market foreign chips industry analysts doubts remain whether ministry international trade and industry miti pressuring firms can successfully battle market forces and whether industry geared advantage breathing space threats scrap agreement signed last september pushed miti harder recalcitrant japanese chipmakers abide pact analysts miti moving hot and heavy industry things bache securities japan associate vice president peter wolffe last month miti told chipmakers cut production for january march period pct dry inexpensive chips that escaped japan grey markets not subject pact price controls ministry asked electronics firms provide distributors certificates designating authorised exporters effort close loopholes grey marketeers sneak chips japan market analysts trade negotiators last week pact jeopardy continued dumping american markets and sign increased foreign sales japan major japanese firms agreed production cuts analysts last week nec corp cut production line miti request nec aggressive resisting miti demands david keller analyst james capel and once nec cuts production means pressures remain production high japanese firms high output cut unit prices for sales that commerce department assigns pact lower cost produce salomon brothers asia analyst carole ryavec preparations for upturn demand spur higher production quarter merrill lynch analyst matt aizawa grey marketeers outfox restrictions industry officials tax avoidance schemes steve donovan head mmi japan you close route another opens miti pressure annoyed makers had earlier shrugged miti guidance getting communism analysts output cuts making easier increase prices planned april and forcing firms stop extending market share selling loss start running businesses businesses bache wolffe miti conducting highly public campaign urging chip users buy foreign made chips industry officials response mixed change not across board spokesman companies varying degree urgency ultimate impact efforts miti troubled industry remains doubt analysts added pressure cut production kilobit dram dynamic random access memory chips speed transition megabit chips japan leads analysts whether firms stage comeback memory chips interested remains unclear analysts watching interest fate consortium hopes challenge japan developing advanced technology for microchip manufacturing even thorny area access depends commitment japanese openness sia semiconductor industry association doesn even office source close industry you question committed addition industry analysts question effectiveness bilateral agreement that leaves country chipmakers such south korea south korea gaining market share analyst real winners agreement reuter interest sumita room for bank japan ease credit policy interest sumita room for bank ease policy bank japan governor satoshi sumita room left for central bank ease credit policy interest rates levels approaching lower limit government seek ways making use fiscal policy told press conference remarks concerned comprehensive economic stimulative package government plans adopt coming days recent talks six major industrialised nations paris japan promised work comprehensive economic package boost domestic demand turn increase imports and reduce trade surplus sumita economy will show gradual upturn second half year yen remains stable caution foreign exchange market rise yen and mark and this explains recent stability currency markets conflicting economic indicators dampening market activity added reuter crude iranian oil minister uae talks iranian oil minister gholamreza aqazadeh united arab emirates uae discuss oil prices and general market situation iranian officials accompanying will meet uae president sheikh zaid bin sultan nahayan and oil minister mana oteiba aqazadeh arrived last night stopover riyadh met saudi arabia oil minister hisham nazir official saudi press agency quoted talks riyadh nazir had constructive and good aqazadeh organisation petroleum exporting countries opec members agreed holding production stable and reiterated importance maintaining oil prices opec members agreed december limit production mln barrels per day for half this year and benchmark price dlrs barrel february aqazadeh visted opec members gabon algeria and libya iranian news agency irna quoted leaving tripoli that opec make oil prices permanently stable reuter crude saudi arabia king fahd stable oil prices king fahd today saudi arabia oil price stability and called opec producers avoid harmful competition nation group plea interview reuters and television news agency visnews ahead state visit will make britain this month king fahd asked whether saudi arabia prepared reduce oil output below opec quota mln barrels per day bpd defend dlr benchmark price agreed opec last december king replied saudi arabia doesn decide prices desires price stability opec countries framework common interest that type competition prove harmful asked dlr per barrel benchmark step higher world oil prices king fahd not for saudi arabia for opec countries determine such issues iran and algeria called for higher benchmark recent weeks dlr level come pressure due partly quota violations opec members king fahd saudi arabia world largest oil exporter adhering decisions made opec december conference set mln bpd output ceiling for half major opec producer britain resisted group pleas curb north sea oil output king urged world community palestinians return homeland and called for peaceful end iran iraq war year war not resolved battlefield reuter earn hillsdown holdings plc hldn year shr div making adjusted for for capitalisation pre tax profit mln stg mln turnover billion billion tax mln mlnprofit attributable mln mln cost sales billion mln gross profit mln mln distribution costs mln mln adminstrative expenses mln mln operating income mln nil interest payable mln mln minority interests mln mln extraordinary credit sale share and berisford plc mln nil operating profit includes poultry eggs and animal feed mln mln food processing and distribution mln mln furniture and timber distribution mln mln fresh meat and bacon mln mln reuter acq kaufhof taking stake hapag lloyd west german retail group kaufhof kfhg taking stake shipping and transport group hapag lloyd hplg reach final decision spokesman response queries press reports kaufhof wanted stake pct hapag lloyd kaufhof spokesman noted decision purchasing shares shipping group approved supervisory board due hold meeting tomorrow late last year gevaert group belgium and west germany veba vebg had each acquired pct stake hapag lloyd deutsche bank dbkg and dresdner bank drsd industry sources estimate deutsche and dresdner hapag lloyd majority shareholders held pct hapag lloyd share capital selling portions gevaert and veba two banks eventually wanted reduce stake shipping group pct each reuter money-fx hungary devalue forint western units hungary devalue forint average pct western currencies official news agency mti mti not devaluation become effective expected rates announced today hungary devalued forint similar amount last september western bankers forint realistically valued currencies hungary comecon allies reuter earn hillsdown early results encouraging hillsdown holdings plc hldn early results for encouraging and combination investment and acquisition strategies enabled forward confidently for excellent result for year company commenting results showed pre tax profit rising mln stg mln previously turnover that lifted billion billion figures initially boosted share price last night eased back gmt hillsdown capital expenditure rose mln stg mln and continue this high level placing mln shares last year raised mln stg and enabled shareholders funds double mln year end net borrowings pct shareholder funds and group had listed investments mln company had bought total companies year for total price mln stg had made minor contribution profits real benefits come and reuter earn nippon oil sees sharply lower sales and profits nippon oil npol predicted parent company net profit billion yen year ending march pct year earlier president yasuoki takeuchi told press conference current profit for year estimated billion yen pct year earlier takeuchi sales expected fall pct billion yen for consecutive year year drop this year fall due lower selling prices for end users offset yen appreciation company will retain six yen dividend for reuter earn bejam group plc bjam weeks january shr div pre tax profit mln mln tax mln mln turnover mln mln note company second half profits will show rate increase had great confidence prospects for future growth reuter ship work chittagong port halted strike cargo handling remains halted bangladesh chittagong port since workers walked monday pay dispute port workers association today fourteen ships stranded port port officials meet association leaders today resolve dispute reuter earn creditanstalt bankverein cabv year cons banking net profit mln schillings mln cons banking balance sheet total year end billion schillings billion parent bank net profit mln mln parent bank balance sheet total billion billion parent bank dividend pct pct parent bank div payout mln schillings mln reuter earn ultramar net loss mln stg mln profit acq tesco associate buys pct hillards tesco plc tsco that county had yesterday bought behalf mln shares pct hillards plc for and share tesco yesterday launched mln stg bid for north england supermarket chain hillards promptly rejected hillards shares last quoted compared last night close reuter earn ultramar plc umar year shr loss earnings div making net loss mln stg mln profit operating profit tax mln mln turnover billion billion cost sales billion billion gross profit mln mln distribution costs and administrative expenses mln mln share profits associates mln mln operating income mln mln financing charges mln mln tax mln mln exceptional items mln debit mln debit net results discontinued operations mln debit mln debit loss ordinary activities minority interest mln mln profit minority interest mln mln extraordinary debits mln nil reuter earn gkn pretax profit mln stg mln money-fx money market shortage forecast mln stg bank england forecast liquidity shortage mln stg market today main factors bank bills maturing official hands and treasury bill drain mln stg system below target bankers balances and rise note circulation mln and mln stg partially offsetting exchequer transactions add mln stg bank added reuter money-fx belgian central bank buys currency repay debt belgian national bank bought foreign currencies francs open market week ended march bank spokesman line central bank policy declined give details amount bought foreign currency purchased used treasury repay foreign debt and not affect bank foreign exchange reserves slipped mln francs billion due sales dollars for special drawing rights spokesman reuter earn gkn plc gknl year shr final div making pre tax profit mln stg mln net profit befire minorities mln mln sales billion stg billion extraordinary debit mln mln trading surplus depreciation mln stg mln investment and interest income mln mln interest payable mln mln profits related companies losses mln mln tax mln mln profit attributable shareholders interests mln mln note extraordinary debit included charge for restructuring auto parts distribution france and loss mln stg sale steel stock business trading surplus comprised automotive components and products mln stg mln industrial services and supplies mln mln wholesale and industrial distribution mln mln steels and forgings mln mln region britain contributed mln stg mln continental europe mln mln mln mln rest world mln mln reuter earn ultramar fourth quarter showed improvements ultramar plc umar that fourth quarter had improved operational point view special charges adversely affected results year had not good upstream operations dramatically hit fall crude oil prices and downstream operations affected half large losses inventories margins improved second half and refining and marketing eastern canada showed good recovery company commenting results that showed net loss for year mln stg mln profit fourth quarter charges included mln stg provision retroactive price agreement recently initialled pertamina and japanese buyers company liquid natural gas and mln for early months ownership gulf canada marketing assets ultramar had included estimated cost reorganisation programme partly offset withdrawal surplus funds pension schemes and mln stg provision for estimated cost selling flag shipping operation outlook for crude oil prices uncertain sizeable increase term ultramar optimistic prices strengthen longer term substantial reserves crude oil and natural gas put good position benefit price recovery meantime ultramar objectives improve profitability selling restructuring weak operations strengthening core businesses and developing sound operational and financial base proven probable and reserves end totalled mln barrels net oil equivalent basis ultramar shares firmed announcement last night close reuter acq queensland press board recommends murdoch offer queensland press qpl board unanimously recommended billion dlr takeover bid cruden investments pty family company news corp ncpa chief executive rupert murdoch dlrs share cash offer double market price news announced completed bid for herald and weekly times hwta early december and offer likely statement independent adviser wardley australia had concluded offer fair and reasonable added qpl owned pct hwt reuter interest belgium cuts discount rate pct official earn preussag payment dividend not spokesman for preussag prsg not whether company pay dividend results commenting preussag statement results lower preussag frequently results pressure difficult year managing board chairman guenther sassmannshausen december board prefer stick policy not dipping into reserves pay dividends spokesman noted final dividend decision rests supervisory board preussag statement results fell compared declines earnings metals oil and shipping not compensated positive trends group divisions spokesman not clear whether domestic group show net profit adding this depend partly level provisions preussag cut dividend marks marks results parent company net profit dropped mln marks mln year preussag world group made net loss mln marks net profit mln year domestic group net profit fell mln mln statement results affected unsatisfactory selling prices for metals and oil poor use capacity supply ship sector reduction natural gas prices fourth quarter reflect earlier falls oil prices additional factor drop results preussag rationalization measures introduced not begin full effect this year preussag domestic group turnover rose billion marks billion helped time consolidation mln marks turnover majority owned oil and gas subsidiary deilmann domestic group turnover fourth quarter alone billion marks giving comparison figures preussag domestic crude oil production fell pct tonnes foreign oil production rose tonnes tonnes preussag amalgamated metal corporation plc amc subsidiary results included world group accounts made unspecified profit fourth quarter last year amc large losses caused principally international tin crisis reason world group losses that year reuter crude oil firms cut indonesian exploration spending foreign oil companies will spend exploration indonesia this year last budgeting billion dlrs for calendar spending billion dlrs state oil company pertamina actual spending last year fell short budgeted figure billion dlrs oil companies slashed expenditure crash world oil prices jumardi jukardi head pertamina coordinating board for foreign contractors foreign companies will drill exploration wells and development wells this year and last year reuter crude indonesia oil contract negotiations end this month negotiations indonesia state oil company pertamina and foreign oil contractors extension standard year production sharing contract will concluded end this month pertamina official jumardi jukardi head pertamina foreign contractors coordinating board gave details outcome talks pertamina president abdul rachman ramly priority will extending contracts for companies exploration and production contracts expire years jukardi speaking indonesian reporters negotiations determine whether production sharing split favour pertamina adhered altered cases oil companies asking for hardjoko seputro spokesman for mines and energy ministry that president suharto agreed principle extension standard year production sharing contract reflect current depressed conditions international oil market reuter money-fx german call money eases liquidity injection call money eased pct yesterday net injection billion marks rate pct fresh funds this week securities repurchase agreement dealers rates expected rise end week major tax payment period banks behalf customers payments for federal railways loan stock and repayments mark liabilities incurred foreign central banks bundesbank framework european monetary system ems likely significantly burden system banks built minimum reserves today ahead expected outflow bundesbank credited banks gross billion marks billion left system time earlier securities repurchase pact matured dealers estimated ems related outflow high six billion marks bundesbank declined comment spokesman yesterday funds due allowed roll possibility that central banks choose redeem meant net infusion needed dealers forecast tax payments and billion marks expected burden system week banks minimum reserve holdings bundesbank totalled billion marks monday averaging billion days march dealers figure expected requirement billion marks expected outflow funds large that banks find difficult meet requirement end march securities repurchase agreement expiring week dealers bundesbank offer fresh liquidity conditions significantly tighten bundesbank rates pct dealer reuter earn btr plc btrx year shr div making pretax profit mln stg mln turnover billion billion tax mln mln operating profit mln mln operating profit includes income mln mln financial costs mln mln minorities mln mln earnings mln mln extraordinary credit mln mln debit reuter money-fx hungary devalue forint western units hungary devalue forint average pct western currencies official news agency mti mti not devaluation become effective expected rates announced today hungary devalued forint similar amount last september western bankers forint realistically valued currencies hungary comecon allies reuter interest sumita room for bank ease policy bank japan governor satoshi sumita room left for central bank ease credit policy interest rates levels approaching lower limit government seek ways making use fiscal policy told press conference remarks concerned comprehensive economic stimulative package government plans adopt coming days recent talks six major industrialised nations paris japan promised work comprehensive economic package boost domestic demand turn increase imports and reduce trade surplus sumita economy will show gradual upturn second half year yen remains stable caution foreign exchange market rise yen and mark and this explains recent stability currency markets conflicting economic indicators dampening market activity added reuter money-fx bank england not intervene money market bank england not operate money market morning initially bank forecast liqudity shortage mln stg for market today overnight interbank sterling traded pct level for morning period rates eased strength sterling dealers gmt sterling trade weighted index reuter interest urges banks weigh philippine debt plan urging reluctant commercial banks accepting philippine proposal for paying interest bill and believes innovation fully consistent world debt strategy reagan administration official official comments suggest that debtors pleas for interest rate concessions treated commercial banks cases developing nations carrying genuine economic reforms addition signaled that banks want reconsider idea megabank world debt pooled and suggested administration support such plan even not formally proposing time official expressed reservations that such scheme ground philippine proposal together argentine suggestions that exit bonds issued end troublesome role small banks debt strategy underpin flagging role private banks plan official interview reuters things fit definition initiative asked and and unique approach such considered official asked not named october washington outlined debt crisis strategy commercial banks and multilateral institutions such world bank and international monetary fund imf urged step lending major debtors nations return america called debtor countries enact economic reforms promoting inflation free economic growth multilaterals performing debtors performing official admitted that largest world debtor brazil exception official played key role developing debt strategy and administration economic policymaker ideas commercial banks improve role resolving world debt crisis called beginning for bank syndications find procedures processes operate effectively official ideas official suggestions that commercial banks create megabank swap world debt paper for called exit bonds for banks regional american european institutions such bonds theory rid banks lend money debtors time money package assembled and suggested argentina current negotiations for loan billion dlrs emphasised that megabank not administration plan people suggested officials japanese commercial banks examining creation consortium bank assume world debt this plan actively consideration differ slightly official described official expressed deep misgivings that such plan work united states banks thought that that suitable fine don will pointed that banks swap world loans for capital megabank and reluctant provide money debtors institution meanwhile official praised philippine plan make interest payments debt cash pct libor philippine proposal interesting quite unique and don that categorically rejected hand official banks found this level unacceptably low offered alternative libor payments cash and margin that pct form philippine investment notes tradeable dollar denominated notes six year life and banks swapped for cash maturity country guarantee payment point libor bankers criticised spreads low talks second week aimed stretching repayments billion dlrs debt and granting easier terms billion rescheduled debt country enjoyed strong political support washington since corazon aquino power early last year owes billion dlrs debt official denied plan amounts interest rate capitalisation development unacceptable banks interest rate capitalisation you write spread libor existed official comments suggesting granted rate concessions seek people argue that cutting spread debt forgiveness narrowing spread money added debt strategy sufficiently broad initiative include plans philippines reuter earn world pictures gain sale pct taft broadcasting interest jamaica agrees draft bank debt rescheduling jamaica agreed principle bank advisory committee rescheduling mln dlrs foreign commercial bank debt falling due and jamaican information service repayments debt will stretched years years grace percentage points london interbank offered rate libor margin previously restructured debt will cut point package save jamaica mln dlrs year prime minister edward seaga led jamaican delegation called terms favourable country agreement principle bank advisory committee led bank nova scotia bno comes days jamaica successfully concluded mln dlr rescheduling accord paris club creditor nations that pact turn international monetary fund imf approval march mln special drawing rights standby arrangement and mln sdr drawing compensatory financing facility jamaica foreign debt billion dlrs pct owed commercial banks and seaga yesterday reaffirmed government policy not seeking bank loans reuter interest brazil gros meet banks trade line issue brazil central bank governor francisco gros will meet senior commercial bankers today attempt defuse anger generated country unilateral suspension interest payments billion dlrs foreign commercial bank debt bankers gros will meet representatives citibank head brazil bank advisory committee and heads morgan guaranty trust and lloyds bank plc high agenda will banks complaints brazil accompanying freeze billion dlrs short term trade and interbank lines bankers brazil hundred creditor banks worldwide agreed last march extend credit lines march part billion dlr financing package bankers looming expiry this commitment coupled brazil freeze raised spate technical and legal questions that banks want discuss gros face problems freeze requirement that payment due made brazilian bank trade facility deposited central bank this means foreign bankers cannot easily switch credit lines borrower another requirement deposit central bank meant brazilian banks negotiate lower interest rate spreads foreign banks accept reduced margin money deposited central bank caused lot ill will banking community banker gros expected banks results day tour europe and japan that and finance minister dilson funaro completed seek official support for brazil debt stance reuter earn service resources corp src qtr net oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss sales mln mln avg shrs year oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss sales mln mln note net excludes losses discontinued operations dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs mln dlrs year net excludes extraordinary loss dlrs quarter and gain dlrs year year net includes gain mln dlrs sale building and gain dlrs termination pension plan reuter earn telephone and data systems inc tds qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note net excludes discontinued operations gain dlrs loss dlrs quarter and gain dlrs loss dlrs year net periods includes charge dlrs repal investment tax credits reuter acq world pictures nwp sells taft tfb stake world pictures sold shares pct taft broadcasting common stock for gain mln dlrs company statement that acquired stock late gave details and company officials not immediately for comment friday taft vice chairman dudley taft and narragansett capital inc narr offered acquire taft for dlrs per share dudley taft and family owned pct company investment group leds robert bass bass brothers fort worth texas reported owning pct taft stock and american financial corp chairman carl lindner reported pct bass and linder acquired taft shares recent months reuter trade soviet economist sees gains trade chance soviet exports united states will rise moscow current trade reforms result trade manufactured goods future soviet economist sergey frolov chief economist amtorg trading corp agent for soviet trade organisations and industries told ussr business meeting soviet union produces items that western nations want reforms including upgrading quality goods and allowing joint ventures foreign firms will encourage modest export gains future frolov soviet union exported mln dlrs worth goods united states and imported billion dlrs worth gave trade forecast for that even obstacles removed total trade two countries remain two and billion dlrs year post detente embargoes taught ussr limit trading reuter money-fx swiss sight deposits fall billion francs sight deposits commercial banks swiss national bank fell billion swiss francs days march billion national bank foreign exchange reserves rose billion francs billion sight deposits major indicator money market liquidity switzerland national bank banks paid back billion francs central bank credit end february for end month liquidity requirement this drain offset part currency swaps had effect increasing national bank foreign exchange holdings bank notes circulation fell mln francs billion and deposits call basically government funds rose billion billion reuter crude ecuador crude oil exports stopped for months ecuador mln dlrs repair damage oil export pipeline caused last week earthquake will stop crude exports for months energy and mines minister javier espinosa teran espinosa yesterday pipeline carries crude jungle fields pacific ocean coast balao repaired texaco inc and mexican and argentine firm president leon febres cordero two days ago that ecuador opec member suspend crude exports for months due quake oil traditionally accounts for two thirds ecuador total exports and pct government revenues deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite ecuador import six mln barrels crude oil meet line repaired ecuadorean minister presidency patricio quevedo told reporters that venezuela will lend ecuador mln barrels crude repaid kind day period added caracas based andean development corp had granted loan mln dlrs repairing pipeline had damaged quake quito foreign minister rafael garcia velasco yesterday summoned ambassadors countries issued appeal for emergency aid for country countries colombia and venezuela had offered assistance reuter earn southlife holding slhc qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note net excludes realized gains investments dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year reuter crude talking point oil services turnaround oil services industry verge recovery rising crude prices oil industry analysts analysts issued buy recommendations stocks recovery oil services begin second half drilling activity bottoms half and continue into decade people cannot afford wait for drilling start buying sandi haber sweeney senior research analyst sanford bernstein and inc recommended buys schlumberger slb halliburton hal dresser industries baker international bko and mcdermott international inc mdr target takeover harold simmons dallas based investor analysts major oil companies increasing exploration and development overseas expect pickup oil services will begin activity depressed move faster vishnu sharp goldman sachs number active oil drilling rigs last week compared rigs year ago huges tool figures show average number working rigs for projected versus ike kerridge vice president stockholder relations hughes tool significant pickup drilling activity will occur second half kerridge overseas drilling activity expected follow similar pattern kerridge halliburton jeffrey freedman vice president smith barney harris and upham inc adding company controls greatest amount liquidity common stock market diversifed oil field businesess and lowest multiple stock price operating cash flow including debt schlumberger freedman second favorite oil service stock schlumberger expected continue dominant technical leader industry freedman schlumberger management shift asset restructuring including pending merger fairchild semiconductor and considerable cash horde sets stage for company maximize significant industry advantage and capitalize project upturn exploration and development activity report george gaspar vice president robert baird and inc gaspar estimates earnings per share for schlumberger cts for and dlrs compared cts excluding fourth quarter special charge billion dlrs bernstein sandi sweeney recommending group oil service companies and choosing difficult favorite baker international involved merger hughes tool dresser industries will benefit recovery possibly not companies not pure service company sweeney dresser expected improve profitability owing cost reductions and streamlined operations including sale and leaseback headquarters swarup reuter earn creditanstalt sees higher dividend creditanstalt bankverein cabv likely raise dividend payment pct share capital deputy general director guido schmidt chiari dividend pct unchanged previous year and schmidt chiari noted that parent bank share capital had risen billion schillings end billion year earlier schmidt chiari made forecast news conference bank announced consolidated banking group net profit mln schillings for mln schmidt chiari not elaborate dividend forecast banking group consolidated balance sheet total rose billion schillings year end billion general director hannes androsch higher investment lead continuing growth profits future last year profits had resulted improvements services provided bank and profits schilling lending schilling lending had grown last year and interest rate margins had improved remained unsatisfactory compared countries increased provisions for bad debts home and abroad latin america had lowered profits androsch declined give exact figure schmidt chiari that foreign lending business had fallen significantly due exchange rate fluctuations removing billion schillings balance sheet total attempt generate foreign business representative offices opened this year tokyo hong kong moscow and prague androsch welcomed government plans abolish legal controls foreigners buying voting shares and drawing dividends preference shares state controlled creditanstalt rose schillings vienna bourse today brokers improved results had widely expected investors androsch industrial holdings had performed previous years giving return investment pct compared pct creditanstalt austria largest bank holds majority interests medium sized and large austrian companies forecast biggest industrial subsidiary steyr daimler puch sdpv return result similar expected operating loss mln schillings reuter acq cpc cpc sell unit port hipt cpc international inc agreed principle sell peterson puritain inc subsidiary port industries inc cpc sale not expected significant impact earnings and subject approval boards companies terms not disclosed peterson purittan contract packager personal care and household products reuter earn pulitzer publishing pltzc qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note interest expense dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year year net reflects undisclosed amount expenses for defense takeover effort reuter acq hughes tool approves revised terms for merger baker international crude opec reaffirms commitment fixed prices ceiling opec reaffirmed commitment fixed crude oil prices dlrs barrel and output ceiling mln barrels per day bpd defend prices president rilwanu lukman told news conference due consultation colleagues opec hereby emphasize that nigeria and member countries opec remain determined uphold december agreement adhering strictly quotas and official selling prices lukman added extraordinary opec conference planned position confirm that despite misleading news foreign media contrary opec member countries produced below agreed quota month february lukman nigerian oil minister lukman put opec output shortfall february bpd and this result firm determination defend official selling prices dlrs agreed last december geneva december agreement set output ceiling for opec mln bpd for half and restored fixed prices february reference point dlrs oil prices rallied immediately geneva accord fell last month reports that opec producing agreed level idea suggest that opec agreement not hold and this caused customers hold back purchases opec oil and resort destocking meet lukman bpd shortfall last february based verified figure for opec members adding that nigeria alone had shortfall production bpd iraq disassociated december agreement production figures ecuador and united arab emirates needed verified lukman that price pay make agreement succeed ready opec not changing price level dlrs group president opec price differentials committee meeting postponed april had put indefinitely extraordinary meeting conference moment contemplated since agreements reached december adhered asked committee not meet narrow gaps prices opec crudes fixed relation dlr benchmark lukman replied defence prices crucial differentials lukman opec aware that consumers had heavily drawn stocks crude oil and refined products levels below this time last year and return market search crude don that difficulty maintaining dlr price rest year lukman opec president praised opec oil producers had contributed group efforts stabilise prices criticised britain for maintaining long held view not market quite confident that long term two thirds world reserves opec hands future ours will use that advantage responsibly lukman described disruption ecuador output earthquake tragic refused south american country allowed higher output quota recovered disaster reuter ship dutch port union meet parliamentarians today dutch port and transport union fnv presenting case planned redundancies rotterdam general cargo sector parliament standing committee social affairs today union spokesman strong workforce strike union will committee government duty solve dispute that disrupting general cargo sector for weeks spokesman added union will case redundancies planned for this year court amsterdam tomorrow added reuter acq qintex extends princeville pvdc offer qintex america extending offer dlrs share for mln princeville development corp shares today yesterday midnight yesterday princeville shares had tendered shares hours earlier qintex extending offer princeville comply federal law restricting ownership airlines citizens and finalize terms and conditions letter credit bank guarantee required previously announced acquisition agreement reuter earn novell novl sets two for stock split novell inc board declared two for stock split payable holders record close business march shareholders annual meeting approved doubling authorized common shares mln mln and limitation directors liability reuter earn heart federal hfed sets two for split heart federal savings and loan association board declared two for stock split payable april holders record april company split subject shareholder approval april annual meeting increase authorized common shares mln mln reuter earn novo industri nvo year pre tax income mln danish crowns mln sales billion crowns billion income tax mln crowns mln earnings per crown share crowns dividend pct unchanged reuter earn overmyer corp omco regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable march record march reuter earn uniforce temporary personnel inc unfr qtr shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs year shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs note share data adjusted reflect for two stock split effective june reuter money-fx money market mln stg assistance bank england gave money market assistance worth mln stg this afternoon buying bank bills rates established monday bank bought mln stg band bills pct and mln stg band two paper pct this time that intervened today bank revised estimate liquidity shortage market mln stg mln initially reuter earn pic save corp picn qtr net shr cts cts net mln mln sales mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales mln mln note share adjusted for for two split june reuter acq goodyear tire receive mln dlrs for goodyear aerospace loral corp acq hughes tool board approves merger hughes tool board voted special meeting last night approve agreement regulators that company complete proposed merger baker international corp bko agreement approved department justice yesterday will give merged company baker hughes six months sell assets pact month extension warranted and limits obligation company give financial support businesses divested pending sale company board recommended that shareholders approve merger oilfield service companies previously adjourned meeting hughes tool stockholders will resumed this afternoon hughes will work baker and justice department negotiating final form consent decree and filing company statement closing merger occur immediately filing assets sold consent decree consist baker domestic oilfield drilling bit business and domestic submersible electric pump business baker agreement sell pump business trico industries inc tro financial terms merger unchanged hughes spokesman terms each baker common share and hughes common share converted into share and share baker hughes inc formed holding company reuter acq hanson trust plc unit sell kaiser cement terminal and plant for mln dlrs crude triton energy oil affiliate canadian find triton energy corp pct owned canadian worldwide energy affiliate lasmo tableland saskatchewan flowed barrels degree gravity oil inch choke depths feet and barrels oil per day inch choke depths feet triton status deep exploratory production qualifies for year royalty holiday saskatchewan drilling incentive products initial production expected restricted allowable level barrels day capable sustaining higher rates company london and scottish marine oil plc owns pct interest and spacing unit canadian worldwide pct saskatchewan oil and gas corp pct interprovincial pipeline home oil pct and scurry rainbow oil srb pct triton royal dutch shell group shell canada shc affiliate retains convertible overriding interest reuter crude ecuador deputy minister seeks oil aid venezuela ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite arrived last night for talks venezuelan assistance country oil industry last week earthquake officials ecuador obliged suspend crude oil exports for expected months result damage miles pipeline linking jungle oil fields pacific port balao oil accounts for pct exports fellow opec member venezuela agreed lend ecuador mln barrels crude repaid kind days meet domestic consumption officials confirm deny reports that venezuela will temporarily produce ecuador entire opec quota set barrels per day for half options open this moment context cooperation oil production venezuelan energy and mines ministry source discussions arrive formula compensate ecuador for loss oil export revenue pipeline repaired officials santos alvite last night met venezuelan energy and mines minister arturo hernandez grisanti and will today hold talks technical level officials industry sources that options for venezuela produce ecuador entire quota for venezuela and opec mexico share and for supply ecuador eastern clients ministry source that decision reached matter and that announcement made due santos alvite earlier quito that ecuador import six mln barrels crude oil meet line repaired ecuador energy and mines minister javier espinosa teran last night country mln dlrs repair damage export pipeline caused earthquake reuter acq goodyear receive mln dlrs for unit goodyear tire and rubber will receive mln dlrs cash loral corp lor for business goodyear aerospace corp goodyear previously announced acquisition loral expected completed march loral announced transaction january company paying mln dlrs for goodyear aerospace goodyear price will receive adjustments for such items pension and benefits provision allocation liabilities and asset valuations last year goodyear aerospace had revenues mln dlrs reuter earn veba raab karcher raises operating profit raab karcher trading subsidiary veba vebg increased operating profit despite sharp decline turnover and added good chances this profit level held operating profit rose mln marks mln group party sales fell sharply billion marks billion year largely due lower prices for energy products oil and coal managing board chairman klaus giesel told news conference reuter earn hovnanian enterprises hov splits stock hovnanian enterprises inc board directors declared two for split outstanding common stock company shareholders will receive additional share for each share held close business march and additional shares will distributed april reuter acq british aerospace raises system designers stake british aerospace plc bael increased stake systems designers plc pct mln ordinary shares purchase mln ordinary shares british aerospace pension fund holds mln ordinary shares systems representing stake pct spokesman for british aerospace present future intention making full bid for systems designers system designers shares pence higher prior share stake announcement and showed movement since reuter earn esselte business systems inc esb ups payout qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn katy industries inc qtr net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln year oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln note earnings exclude losses discontinued consolidated operations dlrs cts share dlrs cts share quarter and dlrs dlrs share dlrs dlrs share for year earnings exclude loss sale discontinued consolidated operations dlrs cts share quarter and loss dlrs cts share gain dlrs cts share for year note earnings exclude losses discontinued unconsolidated operations dlrs cts share each period earnings exclude gain termination defined benefit pension plan dlrs cts share quarter and dlrs cts share for year reuter earn pmi fund inc sets monthly dividends pmi fund inc board declared monthly dividends six cts for april cts for cts for june cts for july and six cts for august fund customarily omits dividends march and september last paid six cts february dividends declared today payable april six june july and august six holders record march april june and july reuter earn merry round enterprises inc mgre qtr jan end shr cts cts net sales mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net sales mln mln reuter earn tenera tlpzv sets initial quarterly tenera will make initial quarterly distribution cts per unit april holders record march partnership dividend greater had expectd pay and warranted fourth quarter results and anticipated results for this year quarter tenera expects comparable distribution for second quarter cts per share quarter amount will taxable income reuter acq hanson han unit sell kaiser terminal plant hanson industries arm hanson trust plc han proposed sell separate transactions kaiser cement northwest terminals and montana city plant lone star industries inc lce and ash grove cement west inc for total mln dlrs hanson deals subject normal conditions closing hanson industries completed purchase kaiser cement march for mln dlrs hanson kaiser cement indirect wholly owned unit hanson trust and forms part building products group sales continuation asset redeployment program kaiser cement and will kaiser concentrate efforts california marketplace largest cement producer and holds premiere market position hanson industries chairman gordon white reuter crude ecuador official seeks oil aid venezuela ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite arrived last night for talks venezuelan assistance country oil industry last week earthquake officials ecuador obliged suspend crude oil exports for expected months result damage miles pipeline linking jungle oil fields pacific port balao oil accounts for pct exports fellow opec member venezuela agreed lend ecuador mln barrels crude repaid kind days meet domestic consumption reuter money-fx money market late mln stg bank england provided money market unspecified late assistance mln stg this brings total assistance day mln stg compared liquidity shortfall estimated revised mln stg overnight interbank sterling offered pct shortly bank announcement reuter earn bayer usa bayry affiliates increased sales bayer usa inc sales affiliated operating cmpanies based increased pct previous year combined sales billion dlrs billion dlrs company company net income mln dlrs pct below bayer operating companies include mobay corp miles laboratories inc agfa gevaert inc compugraphic corp haarmann and reimer corp deerfield urethane inc and helena chemical bayer mobay primary chemicals company reported net income mln dlrs pct miles pharmaceutical and healthcare company recorded net income mln dlrs pct increase reuter earn deb shops inc debs sets stock split deb shops inc board declared pct stock dividend and will increase quarterly dividend cts cts adjustm ent for split company split payable april holders record march dividend increase will effective april payment reuter acq continental health cthl purchases marketech continental health affiliates inc that acquired marketech inc pct partner diatronics nutrition services continental diantronics nutrition services joint venture physicians providing patient ready home infusion therapy products and services outpatients northern jersery hospitals representing inpatient beds continental terms deal not disclosed reuter earn visual graphics sets dividends visual graphics corp vgca vgcb board declared quarterly dividend cts per share class common stock and cts per share class common stock payable april shareholders record march company set two classes common stock february previously company had paid cent per share quarterly dividend class common stock reuter earn deb shops inc debs qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln year shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales mln mln reuter earn regency cruises inc ship qtr net shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs avg shrs mln mln year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln avg shrs mln mln note company began operations nov reuter earn seaman furniture inc seam qtr jan shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln sales mln mln reuter earn novo industri earnings fall despite increased sales danish based insulin and enzymes producer novo industri nvo pre tax earnings fell almost pct sales rose two pct pre tax figure fell mln crowns mln sales increased billion billion giving net earnings mln crowns mln earnings per crown share crowns crowns company proposed unchanged pct dividend foreign exchange fluctuations significant factor developments result and tax novo statement not dollar currencies essential novo fell relation danish crown statement added november novo purchased pct shares ferrosan heads group specialising research and development cns central nervous treatment treatments and sale pharmaceuticals and vitamins scandinavia mln crowns paid goodwill had limited effect result novo statement reuter earn scs compute inc scom qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln mths shr loss dlr loss dlrs net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln reuter acq securities dealer leaseway ltc stake alpine associates cresskill securities dealer told securities and exchange commission acquired shares leaseway transport corp pct total outstanding common stock alpine limited partnership bought stock for mln dlrs investment ordinary business securities dealer left open possibility that buy leaseway stock sell current stake plans seek control company reuter earn empire carolina inc emp year net shr dlrs cts net revs mln mln avg shrs note results restated include deltona corp dlt investment equity method reuter earn vhc vhcl qtr oper net oper shr profit cts loss oper net profit loss revs year oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln avg shrs note excludes gains dlrs cts and dlrs cts current qtr and year benefit tax loss carryforwards year ago excludes losses dlrs cts qtr and dlrs cts year discontinued operations restated reuter earn transtech industries inc trti year net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note net excludes dlr loss discontinued operations reuter earn anova ventures sets dividend duevel shares anova ventures corp board declared dividend payable form registered shares stock duvel corp blind public pool anova describes publishing and financial services firm specializing arranging revers acquisitions and mergers blind pools shells and private companies anova created duvel act blind pool and will seek operating private company merger duvel duvel sold common shares private investor group finance expenses registration and shares will paid anova stockholders dividend added reuter acq chrysler deal leaves uncertainty for amc workers chrysler corp billion dlr bid takeover american motors corp amo bolster small automaker sales leaves future employees doubt industry analysts business usual yesterday american motors headquarters day proposed merger unveiled chrysler and amc french parent renault company spokesman edd snyder amc future discussed board meeting today radically chrysler subsidiary had continued state run french car group controlling shareholder industry analysts future amc car assembly plant kenosha wis and toledo ohio jeep plant doubt overcapacity predicted north american auto industry early comes pass plants state art for car manufacturing sites and amc history poor labor relations each chrysler doesn that plants michael luckey automotive analyst for wall street firm shearson lehman brothers will close toledo plant and move jeep production canada ronald glantz montgomery securities that owner toledo plant wring concessions united automobile workers union local representing jeep workers uaw won hold for ransom amc year chrysler will underutilized facilities transfer production analysts foresaw major complications that abort combination historians auto industry biggest merger since american motors formed amc financial savior losses mln dlrs since and pressures france for renault cut backing company had not forecast consistent profitability earliest announcing takeover agreement chrysler chairman lee iacocca cited amc jeep division mln dlr assembly plant bramalea ontario and network dealers major attractions analysts reasoned that chrysler feel moved eventually sell close older plants cut overhead costs view debts and liabilities incur amc buyout reuter earn nucor corp nue raises quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record march reuter earn kelsey hayes canada year net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln note shr restated reflect january stock split pct owned kelsey hayes reuter earn riggs national corp rigs sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq pacer systems make acquisition pacer systems agreed principle acquire assets sea data corp maker low powered electronic systems including undersea intelligent recording sensors and high density digital data recorders for mln dlrs reuter earn telephone support systems inc tssi qtr nov end shr cts cts net sales year shr cts six cts net sales reuter earn network video inc nvid qtr feb net shr cts net revs avg shrs mths shr cts cts net revs avg shrs reuter earn comtech inc cmtl qtr jan net oper shr profit profit two cts oper net profit profit sales half oper shr profit two cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales backlog mln mln note current year net excludes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs half reuter earn baltek corp btek qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs year oper shr dlrs cts oper net revs mln mln notel net excludes tax credit dlrs reversal credit dlrs quarter and credits dlrs dlrs year reuter acq sahlen and associates salnu completes purchase sahlen and associates inc completed purchase gleason securities service inc york and gleason plant security inc connecticut sahlen deal terms not disclosed added that acquired companies had combined annual revenues mln dlrs sahlen private invetigation company gleason companies provide security guard services corporations tri state area reuter earn mem inc mem declares qtly div qtly div cts cts prior pay record march reuter earn insituform north america inc insua qtr shr cts cts net revs avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln avg shrs note year net includes dlr tax credit reuter earn major realty corp majr qtr loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs year shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs reuter earn nutmeg industries inc nutm year jan net shr cts net sales mln note share adjusted for for stock split january backlog mln dlrs dlrs company began operating january reuter acq henry ansbacher pct adams and porter inc henry ansbacher holdings plc acquired pct interest retail and general corporate insurance broker adams and porter inc move step building international insurance broking group appointment management team for seascope insurance holdings unit ansbacher and exciting growth potential east coast and annual revenue mln dlrs ansbacher shares helped announcement earlier today pretax profit rise mln stg mln reuter earn natwest rabo unit reports pct profit growth dutch bank van lanschot bankiers owned national westminster plc nwbl and rabobank rabn net profit rose pct mln guilders pct higher balance sheet total billion van lanschot bankiers subsidiary van lanschot beleggingscompagnie britain national westminster bank plc and dutch cooperative bank rabobank nederland each pct stake commercial union dutch insurance unit delta lloyd verzekeringsgroep pct stake van lanschot lowered risk provisions mln guilders money-fx fed expected add reserves federal reserve expected intervene government securities market add temporary reserves customer system repurchase agreements economists economists fed will inject reserves indirectly customer repurchases added that fed opt for direct injection reserves overnight system repurchases federal funds opened pct and eased pct early trading funds averaged pct yesterday reuter earn ben and jerry homemade inc bjic qtr net shr cts two cts net sales avg shrs year shr cts cts net sales mln avg shrs reuter earn bonneville pacific corp bpco qtr jan shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter earn penney jcp smith barney opinion penney stock rose sharply analyst william smith smith barney recommended stock based company strong earnings momentum and possibility stock buyback dividend hike stock split traders impressed strong basic earnings story analyst smith noting that company fine tuned buying and inventories and admirably controlled costs time that needed stock jumped smith company ended strong cash position mln dlrs compared mln dlrs year this implies possibility share buyback significant dividend increase stock split addition company gradually adjusting merchandise mix and gross margins improving smith expects company earn dlrs share compared dlrs share earned last year last year results include cent charge for buyback debt reuter interest bankers trust raises broker loan rate bankers trust raised broker loan rate pct pct effective immediately trust quotes broker loan rate publicly posting pct rate reuter acq moore mccormack mmc sell globe unit moore mccormack resources inc agreed principle sell globe metallurgical inc unit cyprus minerals cypm for undisclosed terms sale expected close mid april subject conditions including board approval companies globe produces silicon metals and magnesium ferrosilicon products used chemical aluminum iron rubber and semiconductor industries reuter acq justice department reviews icahn usair filing department justice doj reviewing whether trans world airlines inc twa and chairman carl icahn violated federal antitrust law failing seek advance clearance doj federal trade commission for extensive open market purchases usair group inc stock doj official told senate panel this matter that looked into charles rule acting assistant attorney general antitrust told senate judiciary committee antitrust subcommittee rule declined comment review continuing rule responding panel chairman howard metzenbaum ohio had asked department not acting appears clear violation law metzenbaum icahn had failed file pre merger notification form ftc prior purchasing mln dlrs worth usair stock rule that for airline companies purchaser exempt requirement had filed merger application department transportation icahn filed such application dot filing thrown dot friday dot threw application late friday grounds lacked data for government review proposed usair takeover bid icahn refiled complete application form monday rule pledged act icahn and twa violation found reuter earn cell sciences inc tcel qtr jan loss shr loss loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mths shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs reuter earn mitchell energy and development corp mnd net qtr jan shr cts cts net mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year shr cts dlrs net mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter money-fx fed sets two billion dlr customer repurchase fed earn groundwater technology inc gwti qtr jan shr cts cts net sales avg shrs mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn oaks international inc qpon payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter money-fx fed adds reserves customer repurchases federal reserve entered government securities market arrange two billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements fed spokesman dealers federal funds trading pct fed began temporary and indirect supply reserves banking system reuter earn property trust america ptras year net ope shr cts cts oper net revs mln avg shrs note net excludes gains sale investments dlrs dlrs reuter earn chi chi inc chic qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss mln profit revs mln mln mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit mln revs mln mln note current year net periods includes mln dlr pretax charge for disposition underperforming company owned restaurants current year net includes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year reuter acq chemlawn corp talking suitors acquired earn chi chi chic takes mln dlr charge chi chi inc mln dlr pretax charge earnings for quarter ended january cover cost disposing underperforming company owned restaurants company agreed repurchase mln common shares open market company mln shares outstanding chi chi today reported loss for quarter ended january pretax charge and dlr tax credit mln dlrs compared year earlier profit dlrs chi chi believes disposition restaurants potential increasing pretax earnings two mln dlrs fiscal year company will use existing cash resources for share repurchases reuter earn dupont recommendations shares pont rose today accumulating recommendations shearson lehman brothers and boston traders pont opened two point gain stood boston analyst not for comment analyst theodore semegran shearson raised earnings estimates for company dlrs share and dlrs share company earned dlrs share good domestic demand higher operating earnings and strng export business benefitting lower dollar and effects reduced imports chemicals will continue aid pont noted that energy earnings quarter expected rise crude prices semegran expects quarter earnings dlrs share dlrs last year expects company raise annual dividend cts share current dividend dlrs share and stock split low probablility reuter acq chemlawn chem talks acquired chemlawn corp started talks sale company parties that not identify company talks began considred and rejected waste management inc wmx dlr per share tender offer for sharesd chemlawn gave details talks reuter acq shv withdraws gas offer shv holdings withdrawing bid for imperial continental gas association icgs failing gain minimum number pledges sought gas shareholders shv statement had sought gain gas shares offer for gas ordinary stock informed that level not reached deadline expired tender offer void shv offered pence for stg nominal gas loan stock bid made shv united kingdom holding reuter earn lord abbett and declares mutual fund divs lord abbett appreciation fund annual div cts cts prior long term capital gain cts prior short term capital gain cts cts prior pay april record march lord abbett government securities fund daily div cts cts prior pay april record april lord abbett tax free income national series daily cts prior pay april record april lord abbett tax free income fund series daily cts cts prior pay april record april lord abbett tax free income fund texas series daily cts cts prior pay april record april lord abbett california tax free income fund daily cts prior pay april record april reuter earn associates corp north america qtr net qtr ended jan net mln dlrs mln dlrs revs mln mln note revs include investment and income mln dlrs mln dlrs company wholly owned gulf and western corp reuter earn newport pharmaceuticals nwph qtr loss period ended january shr loss six cts profit net loss profit revs avg shrs mths shre loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs note full name newport pharmaceuticals international inc reuter earn raymond corp raym declares qtly div qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter acq investor control river oaks roi river oaks industries inc agreed principle give control company benson seizer york investor return for mln dlrs capital company maker mobile homes terminated merger discussions nursing centers america river oaks will place mln dlr convertible note seizer turn will name six additional members company member board directors will chairman and chief executive officer river oaks river oaks note will convertible into two mln shares common stock dlr share company mln shares outstanding company will grant seizer option buy additional mln shares years dlrs share year and dlrs share thereafter company money raised seizer will strengthen balance sheet and enhance ability seek selective expansion opportunities seizer experienced turnaround situations and expected direct involvement river oaks management charles degroot will remain director company giving post chairman seizer board nominees don manning will cede post chief executive will remain president company reuter earn gevaert gevn year consolidated group net profit billion francs billion net financial and operating profit billion mln extraordinary earnings mln mln net dividend francs reuter interest national savings move points lower rates interest rates set move lower even monday half point cut bank base rates pct analysts citing evidence suspension british national savings issue yesterday department national savings effectively treasury department unit yesterday suspended issue launched october and paying high tax free pct year private investments and stg spokesman suspension reaction yields national savings bonds line rest market move surprise sell minutes today bank england billion stg tap issue second such issue weeks analysts noted instant sale entire gilts issue for bank england had required high pct downpayment clear evidence that market thought rates had drop sooner sale tranche pct treasury bonds due occurred active bullish gilts market downward pressure money market rates remained intact bellwether month interbank rate point pct coincided another strong sterling rally pushed pound year highs dollar that government stock disappeared quickly stephen lewis head economic research stockbrokers phillips and drew indication that market believes rates fall half point immediately budget march and people hope for stockbrokers james capel comment move national savings department considerable significance real message that decks quickly cleared facilitate speedy decision building societies cut rates inevitable cut bank base rates pct materialises building societies drop bank base rates exceed half point give rise reduction mortgage lending rates lewis phillips and drew believed national savings issue suspension reflect treasury policy point building societies mortgage rate cut national savings competing effectively building societies late building society income depressed recent months and analysts chancellor exchequer nigel lawson keen mortgage rates fall lid inflation underlying upward pressure prices stronger britain western economies inflation rising pct this year and pct last year pct emphasising impact mortgage rates consumer prices lewis point cut building society rates reduce inflation britain pct lewis and noted that building societies had complaining government intense competition national savings argued reduced scope for early mortgage rate cuts chancellor not worried losing psbr funding national savings taking building societies criticism heart national savings move reflects this senior dealer savings department spokesman refused comment this interpretation suspension issue reaction recent fall interest rates had pushed yields national savings bonds line rest market not politically motivated funding expensive and don that money told reuters adding department had suspended issues twice past offered interest rates below market rates demand for issue had risen sharply late money market rates continued steady decline and income threatening overshoot unofficial billion stg target set for fiscal ending march months fiscal national saving contribution government funding totalled billion stg compared billion stg period previous year official figures show figures for february monday expected show increase and mln stg pushing total for months target government officials reuter earn nicor inc gas regular dividend set qtly div cts cts previously pay record march reuter earn handleman hdl sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn perini corp pcr sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay june record reuter acq jones and vining vulcan corp offers dlrs share for jones earn international banknote inc ibk qtr loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs mln mln year oper shr profit cts profit two cts oper net profit revs mln mln note net excludes extraordinary tax charges dlrs dlrs quarter and credits dlrs dlrs year year net includes pretax gain dlrs termination pension plan net includes pretax charge dlrs quarter and gain dlrs year restructuring and consolidation quarter net includes dlr tax credit year net includes pretax gain mln dlrs sale foreign subsidiary reuter trade concerned textile import moves european community expressed disquiet protectionist moves united states limit imports textiles and retaliate immediately exports hit spokeswoman for commission external trade commissioner willy clercq had written counterpart special trade representative clayton yeutter outlining concerns nation community draft legislation consideration congress impose permanent quotas products entering and seek limit increase growth trade reuter earn speed print business sbm qtr net shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs year shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs note results include operations radio stations wjye for full year and wnnr for last six months speed print business machines corp full name company reuter earn asbestec industries asbs sets stock split asbestec industries inc board declared for two stock split payable april record april reuter earn quaker oats oat regular dividend qtly div cts cts previously pay april record march reuter acq jones and vining jnsv gets vulcan vul bid jones and vining inc vulcan corp main competitors production shoe lasts offered acquire jones and vining for dlrs share jones and vining management effort company private will ahead dlrs per share form buyout not determined and buyout subject nunber conditions jones and vining board believes that transaction vulcan difficult complete asked vulcan for information explore bid january jones and vining board had recommended that shareholders aprove management buyout dlrs share february six vulcan initially offered acquire jones and vining for dlrs share jones and vining dismissed offer frivolous and substance and bid failed comply provisions securities act reuter earn ppg industries ppg sees growth ppg industries inc will continue show earnings growth despite difficult economic climate company annual report mailed shareholders today for company earnings rose pct mln dlrs revenues that increased pct billion dlrs earnings per share dlrs compared dlrs company added that return equity reached pct pct and close goal pct reuter acq belgian minister unveils privatisation plan belgian budget minister guy verhofstadt proposed plan sell shares state owned enterprises including national airline sabena and postal and telecommunications authority government sources plan raise billion francs revenue years verhofstadt projections helping government reduce huge budget deficit targetted this year billion francs scheme had received guarded reception social christian parties belgium centre coalition verhofstadt unveiled cabinet meeting yesterday discussion plan likely long and difficult sources verhofstadt proposes beginning selloffs last quarter sale pct state investment company sni expects sale raise billion francs added pct share sabena sold mid for billion francs pct postal and telecommunications authority sold two stages mid and early raising billion francs verhofstadt list maritime transport authority leading gas distributor distrigaz cger savings bank cger and credit institutions soir daily quoted cger vice president paul henrion expressing strong opposition privatisation bank public company and public company stay henrion told paper reuter earn science dynamics corp sidy year net shr cts cts net revs reuter earn foodarama supermarkets inc fsm qtr jan shr cts cts net sales mln mln notel prior year net includes pretax charge dlrs for reopening stores reuter earn engineering measurements emco qtr net qtr ends jan shr cts cts net revs mths shr cts cts net revs note excludes discontinued operations gain dlrs quarter fiscal and loss dlrs months fiscal reuter earn boothe financial corp bcmp qtr net shr cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note restated reflect tax loss carryforwards reuter earn consolidated natural gas cng payout qtly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn sandusky plastics inc spi sets quarterly qtly div six cts six cts prior pay march record march reuter acq rexnord rex sell railway equipment unit rexnord signed definitive agreement sell railway maintenance equipment subsidiary banner industries inc terms withheld railway maintenance had sales mln dlrs and employs people rexnord sale part major program divest businesses representing mln dlrs net assets divested process machinery division sales mln dlrs and mathews conveyer sales mln dlrs reuter acq meese sees chrysler amc merger attorney general edwin meese benefit proposed purchase american motors amo chrysler corp that return smallest auto manufacturers american hands meese told house appropriations subcommittee that consideration part justice department review proposed merger agency not received formal notice merger start review process chrysler made billion dlr bid buy amc french parent renault things that recognized that merger that appears that good portion ownership american motors overseas hands will put back american hands meese told subcommittee that factors that weighed judgment added renault holds pct amc reuter ship dutch parliament offers port row dutch members parliament resolve dispute redundancies rotterdam port general cargo sector and urged union and employers sort differences sides gave evidence party standing committee social affairs today committee members chance parliamentary intervention dispute began january protest employers plans for redundancies strong workforce starting this year port and transport union fnv challenge redundancies amsterdam court tomorrow reuter acq sosnoff caesars caw offered stock buyback martin sosnoff offered buy caesars world inc for dlrs share senior officials company offered buy back caesars stake holds pct total outstanding filing securities and exchange commission sosnoff york investor and money manager offers buy back stock occurred occasions past year offers made caesars world representatives including chairman henry gluck sosnoff rejected proposals caesars world official suggested forms payment for sosnoff stake including securities company and cash sosnoff not detail proposed compensation suggested deal involving put and call option sosnoff caesars world holdings proposed deals included standstill agreement restricted sosnoff buy caesars world stock action adverse incumbent management sosnoff report offers received for caesars world shares amended official offer purchase company reported sec sosnoff holds mln caesars world shares pct company mln shares outstanding sosnoff offer buy shares company not hold valued mln dlrs reuter earn for living inc qtr net shr profit primary cts loss cts shr profit diluted cts loss cts net profit loss sales mln mln year shr profit profit dlrs profit cts shr profit diluted dlrs profit cts net profit profit sales mln mln note prior qtr and year figures include gains disposal discontinued operations dlrs and dlrs reuter earn newport electronics inc newe qtr net oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss sales year oper shr profit cts profit cts oper net profit profit sales mln mln avg shrs note current qtr and year figures exclude operating loss carryforward gain dlrs gain dlrs prior year periods reuter earn transco exploration partners exp payout qtly div cts cts prior pay june record reuter earn transco energy sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay june record reuter earn total erickson resources tlexf year net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs note net includes mln dlr shr writedown pct stake trans canada resources results reflect six mths mining operations due merger erickson gold mines and total eastcan exploration june reuter acq versar vsr buy marietta unit versar inc agreed principle acquire martin marietta corp martin marietta environmental systems unit for dlrs versar use working capital and established life credit find purchase subject approval boards and expected completed april marietta environmental had revenues mln dlrs versar acquisition moderately favorable effect earnings this year reuter interest banks offer fixed rate mortgages pct two major clearing banks announced will offer total mln stg mortgages fixed interest rate pct for years below current bank base lending rates pct midland bank plc mdbl initially allocated mln stg for home loans this rate lloyds bank plc lloy will offer mln stg earlier this week midland cut standard rate mortgage payment pct april half percentage point reduction leading banks base lending rates pct building society and bank mortgage rates largely base rate level last year lloyds offered fixed rate pct home loans midland spokesman bank calculated that current level billion stg existing mortgage book accounts for pct total british home loan market lloyds billion stg outstanding mortgage loans had not estimated total market share major clearing banks barclays plc bcs and national westminister bank plc nwbl had plans announce similar fixed rate schemes reuter acq jim walter jwc busy owens corning ocf plant jim walter corp completed acquisition owens corning fiberglas corp mineral ceiling and fiberboard plant meridian miss terms not disclosed plant operations will complement existing ceiling materials production jim walter building material group last year generated income mln dlrs sales mln dlrs reuter ship american president aps lease ships american president cos american president lines shipping subsidiary obtained final approval and japanese authorities lease ships lykes bros move will will enable boost service pacific pct american president company will lease ships for years and hold two additional year options american president lines operating capacity pacific and ships will arrive time for normal demand surge spring and summer seasons reuter earn bowne and inc bne sets stock split bowne and inc board declared two for stock split payable holders record april reuter acq investment firm boosts amerford amrf stake louart corp los angeles investment firm raised stake amerford international corp shares pct total outstanding shares pct filing securities and exchange commission louart bought amerford common shares march and jan prices ranging dlrs share bought shares for investment purposes and increase stake future reuter acq boston fbc swiss affiliate boosts stake boston swiss affiliate boston inc raised stake company shares pct total shares pct filing securities and exchange commission financiere credit suisse bought boston common shares feb and prices ranging dlrs share mln dlrs total bought shares part agreement raise minority stake boston pct stake level boston holds financiere credit suisse reuter earn numac oil and gas nmc year net oper shr cts cts oper net mln revs mln mln note cash flow mln dlrs cts shr mln dlrs dlrs shr net excludes shr loss discontinued operations gross proven and probable reserves crude oil and natural gas liquiids mln barrels pct year reuter earn farah fra omits quarterly dividend farah inc omitted quarterly common stock dividend for second consecutive quarter company last paid quarterly common dividend cts share december will future dividend payments basis improved profitability and cash flow farah expects turn profit for balance for quarter ended january farah lost dlrs cts share sales mln dlrs addition farah received shareholder approval change name farah inc farah manufacturing reuter crude jordan petrocanada agree oil exploration project two year project search for oil and gas jordan agreed amman jordan natural resources authority nra and canadian company petrocanada international assistance corporation pciac mln dlr assistance agreement signed jordan minister energy hisham khatib and pciac chairman peter towe pciac canadian government corporation providing assistance countries jordan reduce dependence oil imports towe reuter earn numac oil nmc sees results improving numac oil and gas expects significant improvement operating performance company today reported earnings continuing operations dlrs mln dlrs yuear earlier due lower prices for crude oil and pipeline capacity constraints numac introduced federal and provincial governments results reuter earn heinz qtr shr cts cts earn heinz raises quarterly cts cts earn ranchmen resources year loss shr loss cts loss dlrs net profit loss revs mln mln note current shr preferred dividends mln dlrs prior shr and net includes mln dlr writedown oil properties reuter acq oak industries oak buy rexnord rex unit oak industries signed definitive agreement buy stock rexnord inc railway maintenance equipment unit for undisclosed sum company railway maintenance had revenues mln dlrs oak acquisition part two tier strategy buying releated and unrelated businesses oak had tax loss carryforward mln dlrs end reuter earn sumitomo bank sumi declares stock dividend sumitomo bank california declared pct stock dividend addition regular quarterly cash dividend cts per share dividends payable april shareholders record march company reuter earn lsb bancshares inc lxbk raises payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter earn heinz hnz qtr jan net shr cts cts qtly div cts cts prior net mln mln revs billion billion mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion billion note dividend payable april shareholders record march reuter acq wall street stocks tenneco inc tgt tenneco inc company that long rumored takeover candidate rose sharply today speculation surfaced that investor boone pickens targeting company for acquisition traders and analysts tenneco spokesman joseph macrum comment make whatsoever pickens not for comment traders noted that activity stock increased today published report linked pickens tenneco tenneco rose two points paul feretti analyst orleans based howard weil labouisse friedrichs inc not surprised market rumors that tenneco target takeover attempt pure market speculation that boone pickens and group interested feretti tenneco challenge run sheer size and diversity pickens man likes challenge pickens made unsuccessful attempt dallas based diamond shamrock corp dia last winter made secret plans acquire additional natural gas reserves belief that gas prices will stabilize sooner oil prices tenneco holds natural gas reserves estimated excess trillion cubic feet analysts feretti conservatively estimated tenneco breakup dlrs share and company generated cash flow dlrs share attractive pickens analysts estimate breakup into dlr share range strongly doubt that hostile takeover drexel burnham lambert inc houston based analyst john olson putting credence rumors tenneco gargantuan enterprise billion dlrs long term debt and preferred stock outstanding buyer deal intractable problems tenneco faces farm equipment unit and energy businesses analysts suggested that tenneco use number defensive strategies fend unwanted buyer such spin energy businesses directly shareholders buy back shares create limited partnership natural gas pipeline interests analyst asked remain unidentified discouraged pickens rumor pickens plateful holdings burlington northern and amerada hess don willing tenneco problems case farm equipment unit losing mln dlrs annually and worth billion dlrs market today reuter earn software saga sees weak results software systems inc expects report earnings for quarter substantially weaker earnings prior periods due unexpected shortfall domestic license revenues for second quarter ended november software earned dlrs dlrs year last year quarter software earned dlrs reuter earn miles laboratories inc qtr net net sales mln mln year net sales billion billion note company subsidiary bayer west germany figures exclude miles bayvet animal health business sold jan mobay corp another bayer affiliate reuter earn intelligent systems mlp inp qtr dec net shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit rev mln mln avg shares months shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss rev mln mln note qtr net includes gain discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share two cts share fiscal qtr months net includes gain discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share dlrs cts share months fiscal earn shadowfax resources shfxf year loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs note year includes dlr writedown utah oil and gas properties reuter acq paralax vido agrees acquire american video paralax video enterprises inc agreeed acquire american video group inc exchange for paralax restricted common shares and year warrants buy restricted shares six dlrs share paralax holders american video convertible debentures elected exchange for paralax restricted common market dlrs that determined days american video closely held company operating video rental concessions post and base exchanges army air force navy and coast guard installations recent year company had revenues mln dlrs paralax acquisition scheduled close march company mln shares outstanding reuter earn kurzweil music systems inc kurm qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs year shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs avg shrs reuter earn morgan and inc jpm sets quarterly dividend cts cts previously pay april record march reuter acq bayly bayl buys majority chutes bayly corp acquired pct chutes corp maker denim oriented sportswear headquartered seattle wash terms not disclosed reuter earn intelligent systems mlp inp makes cash payout intelligent systems master limited partnership will make cash distribution cts unit early april unitholders record march company continued strength results prompted move intelligent systems added that current plans sell assets previously announced successful make distributions estimated cts cts unit earlier company reported fiscal quarter ended december net income mln dlrs cts share fiscal quarter results dlrs cts share addition reported fiscal months net income mln dlrs cts share versus loss mln dlrs cts share fiscal quarters reuter earn kurzweil kurm reduced work force kurzweil music systems inc steps this year reduce costs including pct reduction work force spokesman company employees reductions include use professional services administrative costs manufacturing overhead and essential development services adding cuts expected significant impact beginning second quarter earlier today kurzweil reported loss cts share compared loss dlrs share reuter earn heinz hnz higher net despite higher costs heinz net income for quarter rose pct despite pct increase marketing expenses meanwhile company raised quarterly dividend cts share cts share part expectation that tax rate tax law will result greater cash flow for quarter ended january heinz earned mln dlrs cts share earnings mln dlrs cts share for year ago quarter for months company posted profit mln dlrs dlrs share compared profit mln dlrs dlrs share for year ago period based company performance for months expect achieve consecutive year growth records anthony reilly heinz newly elected chairman reuter earn wall street stocks ich corp ich ich corp stock continued pressure lower earnings expectations wall street analysts stock today and since thursday ich announced reporting lower expected fourth quarter net income company report full year net income dlrs per share compared dlrs per share analysts had estimated net dlrs and for dlr dlr range ich officials unavailable for comment reuter earn invacare corp ivcr qtr net shr profit cts profit cts net profit dlrs profit dlrs rev mln dlrs mln dlrs mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit dlrs loss dlrs revs mln dlrs mln dlrs reuter earn renaissance energy year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter earn invacare ivcr expects higher sales invacare corp chairman president and chief executive officer malachi mixon iii expects home healthcare equipment company post sales increases pct range mixon increases come internal growth potential acquisitions invacare aggressively seeking acquisitions complement company existing product lines mixon earlier company reported fourth quarter net mln dlrs cts share mln dlrs cts share fourth quarter invacare reported net income mln dlrs cts share loss mln dlrs cts share reuter earn lamson and sessions lms qtr loss oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln year oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln note excludes discontinued operations loss dlrs share versus loss cts quarter and loss dlrs share versus loss cts year excludes extraordinary loss six cts share fourth quarter and gain dlrs share full year excludes full year gain cts per share accounting change reuter trade south korea trade surplus years south korean trade minister rha woong bae nation maintain trading surplus for years cut foreign debt interview reuter that years likely south korea drop barriers foreign goods and move balanced trade position present trade surplus vital nation reduce billion dlr foreign debt rha that year south korea had trade surplus billion dlrs deficit mln dlrs rha made remarks end two week trade mission team led agreed buy products valued billion dlrs mln dlrs purchases goods type south korea bought japan rha leaves today for ottawa for trade talks canadian officials and businessmen asked south korea retaliate goods congress closed markets products this moment thought retaliation south korea major exporter textiles and apparel and electronic goods such television sets video cassette records and personal computers purchases united states include electronic testing equipment grains and cotton reuter earn resturant associates industries inc raa qtr shr cts cts shr diluted cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs year shr cts cts shr diluted cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs note results for and week periods ended january and week periods ended december net periods includes gain dlrs tax loss carryforward spokeswoman average shares outstanding diluted basis not reuter earn southern england telecom sng declares div qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march note company full name southern england telecommunications corp reuter earn empire carolina inc emp qtr net shr cts cts net dlrs dlrs revs mln dlrs mln dlrs mths shr dlrs cts net dlrs dlrs revs mln dlrs mln dlrs note empire investment deltona corp reported equity method beginning fourth qtr amounts for and qtrs restated reflect retroactive application pct debentures and dlrs preferred stock redeemed converted resulting common shares outstanding december compared common shares outstanding december reuter earn enseco inc ncco qtr loss oper shr loss six cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs avg shrs mln mln year oper shr loss six cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note excludes extraordinary credit cts share fourth quarter and cts year reuter acq corrected rexnord rex sell railway unit rexnord inc signed definitive agreement sell railway maintenance equipment subsidiary oak industries inc terms withheld participating agreement banner industries inc previously agreed acquire rexnord railway maintenance had sales mln dlrs rexnord sale part major program divest businesses representing mln dlrs net assets divested process machinery division sales mln dlrs and mathews conveyer sales mln dlrs corrects mame purchaser reuter acq wall street stocks supermarkets general sgl dart group corp darta acquire supermarkets general corp for billion dlrs not likely give fight target seeks another buyer arbitrageurs speculation that dart offer dlrs per share beginning bidding contest helped supermarkets shares gain mln shares rumor had federated department stores inc fds taking supermarkets general policy that not comment rumors speculation this nature federated spokeswoman arbitrageur noted that dart controlled chairman herbert haft and son robert last year raised initial bid for safeway stores approximately pct safeway resisted that company sold buyout group that topped hafts history repeats hafts raise bid dlrs rebuffed supermarkets general arbitrageur another arbitrageur hafts present bid quite fair offer amounts times tax cash flow fully priced reuter acq american motors amo weighs takeover proposal american motors corp directors met wednesday review takeover proposal corporation received monday chrysler corp amc board retained independent investment and legal advisers and expects meet periodically weeks proposal reuter earn bangor hydro electric bang sets dividend qtly div cts cts pay april record march reuter acq kansas city southern ksu merger response kansas city southern industries inc attempt santa southern pacific sfx reopen proposed merger atchison topeka and santa railway and southern pacific transportation offers nothing letter shippers kansas city chairman landon rowland stated this proposed merger plainly anti competitive found icc and urged department justice nothing changed landon kansas city southern continuing efforts acquire transportation operation santa railway reuter acq coke affiliate sell delaurentiis deg stake laurentiis entertainment group inc embassy communications californai general partnership affiliated coca cola plans sell pct stake company filing securities and exchange commission for secondary offering laurentiis embassy will offer entire stake company shares common stock public sale laurentiis mln shares outstanding painewebber inc will underwrite offering reuter earn herley microwave hrly qtr jan net shr cts cts net rev mln mln six months shr cts cts net rev mln mln note company full name herley microwave systems inc reuter acq williams cos wmb completes sale unit williams cos completed sale agrico chemical unit freeport mcmoran resource partners frp for initial mln dlrs cash company will receive additional mln dlrs years based operating performance unit cash proceeds will used lower debt costs reuter trade south korea maintain trade surplus years south korean trade minister rha woong bae nation maintain trading surplus for years cut foreign debt interview reuters that years likely south korea drop barriers foreign goods and move balanced trade position present trade surplus vital nation reduce billion dlr foreign debt rha that year south korea had trade surplus billion dlrs deficit mln dlrs asked south korea drop trade barriers once foreign debt substantially reduced rha made remarks end two week trade mission team led agreed buy products valued billion dlrs mln dlrs purchases goods type south korea bought japan rha leave today for ottawa for trade talks canadian officials and businessmen interview purchases reduce country billion dlr surplus united states and cut billion dlr shortfall japan rha due shift exchange rates dollar and yen that made cheaper buy goods japanese goods south korea heavily relied foreign trade and hoped leaders major trading nations find resolve growing trend protectionist legislation rha hope leaders can together find solution making mutually satisfactory concessions added leaders hesitant make concessions domestic political reasons speaking country made lot concessions cited regulations permitting foreign investment industrial firms allowing increased foreign banking activity and cracking piracy intellectual property strengthening protection copyrights and patents rha south korea had lowered tariffs asked south korea retaliate goods congress closed markets products this moment thought retaliation south korea major exporter united states textiles and apparel and electronic goods such television sets video cassette records and personal computers puchases united states include electronic testing equipment and grains and cotton trade mission purchases included boeing passenger planes for mln dlrs mcdonnell douglas planes for mln dlrs and machinery worth mln dlrs reuter acq hong kong firm ups calmat czm stake pct industrial equity pacific hong kong investment firm raised stake calmat shares pct total outstanding common stock shares pct filing securities and exchange commission industrial equity principally owned brierley investments publicly held zealand firm bought calmat common shares feb and march for mln dlrs bought stock for investment purposes raise stake pct reuter acq paralax video vido buy american video paralax video enterprises inc signed definitive agreement buy american video group inc for stock merger proposal american video shareholders will receive restricted paralax shares and warrants buy another restricted shares six dlrs share warrants run for years addition holders american video convertible debentures agreed exchange holdings for dlrs worth paralax stock american video operates stores military bases reuter earn lamson sessions lms drops rail parts operations lamson and sessions decided discontinue operations youngstown steel door maker components and equipment for railroad freight cars company unit sold this year included discontinued operations results announced earlier today company reported loss continuing operations mln dlrs for year profit mln dlrs for discontinued operations reported loss mln dlrs compared year earlier loss dlrs reuter acq rochester telephone rtc buy canton phone rochester telephone corp agreed buy canton telephone for undisclosed terms canton serves customers northeastern penn had operating revenues mln dlrs company reuter earn wallace computer services inc wcs dividend qtly div cts cts previously pay june record june reuter earn iroquois brands ibl qtr loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs mln mln mths oper shr loss dlrs loss dlrs oper net loss loss revs mln mln note excludes gain dlrs share versus gain cts quarter and gain dlrs share versus gain dlrs year discontinued and disposed operations reuter acq alabama investor ups penobscot shoe pso stake donaldson bramham lee investor birmingham alabama raised stake penobscot shoe shares pct total outstanding common stock shares pct filing securities and exchange commission lee bought penobscot common shares feb and march prices ranging dlrs share lee bought penobscot stock for investment purposes and plans seek control company buy stock reuter earn aero services aeroe sees aero services international inc expects achieve improvements operations year ending september earlier aero reported year end net loss mln dlrs compared profit dlrs company loss attributable costs associated acquisition costs and operating losses beckett aviation fixed base operations purchased august and discontinued weather service and flight simulator segments reuter earn aero services international inc aeroe year shr loss cts profit cts net loss mln profit revs mln mln note net loss includes loss mln dlrs cts share discontinued operations revenues include revenues for last months beckett aviation acquired september year ended september reuter earn vista resources inc vist qtr net shr dlrs dlr net revs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln reuter earn brae corp brae qtr dec loss shr loss dlrs profit two cts net loss profit revs mln mln mths shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note includes losses discontinued operations dlrs loss dlrs qtr and dlrs loss dlrs loss mths reuter crude marathon raise crude prices cts bbl tomorrow wti dlrs acq general electric sell datel unit general electric semiconductor business agreed sell datel unit group led unit president nicolas tagaris terms not disclosed tagaris founded company produces precision data acquisition conversion and control components and subsystems sold reuter acq trico tro sets date for acquisition vote trico industries inc set march date for special shareholders meeting for vote proposed acquisition company paccar inc pcar january two companies announced agreement covering proposed acquisition paccar trico approximately mln shares outstanding for dlrs per share cash reuter acq hughes tool shareholders approve merger baker international earn canadian gypsum year net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter acq crew union sets pact pacific southwest psg pacific southwest airlines reached agreement southwest crew controllers association needed satisfy conditions usair group proposed acquisition psa psa this unions agreement needed for usair acquisition consummated agreement psa crew controllers received assurances will provided labor protective provisions and seniority integration process reuter earn southernnet inc sout qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter ship senator lugar calls for cargo preference repeal senior republican senate agriculture committee richard lugar indiana called for repeal cargo preference law that aids american shipping industry hurts farmers cargo preference costly special interest operated expense american farmers and dockworkers lugar signing sponsor cargo preference repeal legislation law requires shipment goods american ships foreign vessels costly reuter crude eia distillate stocks mln gasoline crude mln earn sylvan learning corp slvn months dec shr loss cts profit cts net loss mln profit revs mln mln note net includes negative effect accounting change cts share reuter crude eia distillate gas stocks week distillate fuel stocks held primary storage fell mln barrels week ended march six mln barrels energy information administration eia weekly petroleum status report department energy agency gasoline stocks barrels week mln barrels and refinery crude oil stocks fell mln barrels mln eia residual fuel stocks fell mln barrels mln barrels and crude oil stocks strategic petroleum reserve spr rose barrels mln total crude refined product and spr stocks fell mln barrels reuter interest philippine debt talks delayed for consultations today debt rescheduling talks philippines government and bank advisory committee postponed thursday give banks time manila proposal for paying part interest bill notes cash bankers committee banks met briefly earlier today and decided that needed time news report quoted reagan administration official urging that proposal consideration banks felt that this information and that consultation called for banker despatch yesterday washington reuters quoted official manila plan pay interest notes that converted into equity investments philippines fully consistent reagan administration strategy for handling developing country debt philippine proposal interesting quite unique and don that categorically rejected hand official key role plays debt crisis foreign banks wanted time analyze significance policymaker comments bankers reuter acq harper and row gets bid harcourt brace jovanovich for dlrs shr acq hughes approves merger baker bko overwhelming majority hughes tool shareholders approved merger agreement baker international corp based revised terms that companies additional time sell drilling bit business required justice department hughes chairman william kistler revised terms proposed consent decree set mln dlr cap funding newly combined companies will spend disputed drilling bit business sold earlier proposed consent decree not establish funding limit baker hughes merger create billion dlr oilfield services company almost fell earlier this month hughes balked terms proposed justice department consent decree that companies months find buyer for reed business baker today withdraw billion dlr lawsuit had filed force hughes follow merger hughes kistler speaking reporters pct hughes shareholders approved merger revised terms agreement give companies six months find buyer for reed drilling bit business previous agreement had proposed month period kistler government had granting additional month extension complete sale people domestic drilling bit business companies kistler decided voluntarily sell reed plant singapore kistler estimated that merger completed two weeks will result annual cost savings mln dlrs expects substantial cutbacks member workforce baker hughes inc name merged company will kistler cost savings and greater efficiencies put company profitable that fourth quarter merger close breakeven fourth quarter hughes earned mln dlrs sales mln dlrs baker fiscal quarter ended december lost mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs reuter crude usx unit raise crude postings usx subsidiary marathon petroleum will raise contract prices for eleven grades crude oil cts barrel effective tomorrow increase brings marathon posted price for west texas intermediate and west texas sour grades dlrs barrel light louisiana grade raised cts dlrs barrel reuter earn dollar general corp dolr qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr cts cts net mln revs mln mln reuter acq broad acquires vogt and conant unit broad corp acquired construction activities vogt and conant cleveland combined companies called broad vogt and conant inc will largest structural steel erection company combined sales two operations mln dlrs reuter acq harper hpr gets bid harcourt hbj harper and row publishers inc received acquisition offer harcourt brace jovanovich inc acquire harper and row shares dlrs share cash harper will proposal including such concerns anti trust and legal considerations monday harper and row received surprise dlr share bid investor theodore cross owner six pct shares for stock not harcourt made clear offer that will step harper directors and shareholders reject bid harper harper board previously expressed strong determination remain independent publishing enterprise harper that world pictures shareholder requested copy harper shareholder list used soliciting proxies world shares total mln shares harper and row stock closed rising points yesterday shareholders due vote april shareholders rights plan designed thwart hostile takeovers ivan obolensky analyst investment banking for sterling grace and harper and row remaining independent publishers back list authors stretching back years long company maintains copyrights estates deceased authors controls motion picture and television rights stories and printing technologies make editions profitable business harcourt brace back list that nature and willing pay for obolensky harper and row plenty beef warrant dlr bid reuter acq goldman sells pennsylvania fpa stock goldman sachs and told securities and exchange commission sold entire stake pennsylvania corp shares pct total outstanding common stock goldman sachs pennsylvania common shares remaining february company redeemed convertible debentures common stock once increased goldman stock holding and total outstanding goldman sachs originally bought stake part arbitrage business marine midland banks agreement principal acquire pennsylvania reuter earn lionel corp lio qtr jan oper net oper shr dlr cts oper net mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs mln note prior year qtr and year oper net excludes mln dlrs and mln dlrs for income discontinued operations prior year qtr and year oper net excludes mln dlrs and mln dlrs for operating loss carryforwards and reogranization items prior year qtr and year ended january reuter earn montreal city district savings bank qtr shr cts cts net mln mln loans not deposits not assets billion not note full name montreal city and district savings bank period ended january reuter acq businessman pct del webb dwp john cotton arizona businessman told securities and exchange commission acquired equivalent shares class common shares del webb investment properties pct total cotton president finalco group inc paradise valley ariz data processing equipment maker bought stake includes warrants buy shares for dlrs warrants exerciseable dlrs share cotton bought stock for investment purposes reuter earn astec industries inc aste qtr dec shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln year shr profit cts profit cts net profit mln profit revs mln mln note net includes loss cts mln dlrs qtr and loss cts dlrs year discontinued operations reuter earn bank british columbia qtr jan net oper shr loss two cts profit cts oper net profit dlrs profit year period ended october oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit assets billion billion note qtr net excludes extraordinary loss mln dlrs six cts shr net excludes extraordinary loss mln dlrs dlrs shr involving mln dlrs costs sale bank assets hongkong bank canada mln dlrs for contingent liabilities respect litigation and potential tax reassessment govt and mln dlrs deferred tax debits bank assets sold hongkong bank canada unit hong kong and shanghai banking corp nov shr preferred divs reuter earn restaurant associates inc qtr jan shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln year shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln note qtr includes loss carryforward shares restated give effect stock split form pct class dividend august reuter earn michigan general corp mgl qtr shr loss dlrs dlr net loss mln mln revs mln mln year shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss mln mln revs mln mln note qtr year loss includes mln dlrs mln dlrs discontinued qtr and year include loss mln mln dlr reuter earn bank revises share payout estimate bank british columbia revised estimate shareholder distributions last november sale bank assets hongkong bank canada cts and dlrs share cts dlrs share bank estimate rise dlrs and dlrs share full pension surplus obtained not distributions made earlier reported that operating profit for quarter ended january fell dlrs mln dlrs previous year for full year ended october bank posted operating loss mln dlrs year earlier profit mln dlrs bank posted mln dlr extraordinary loss fiscal bank british columbia sold assets last november hongkong bank canada unit hongkong and shanghai banking corp hong kong for mln dlrs efforts wind bank affairs proceeding quickly bank expected report positive earnings future periods barring unforeseen circumstances loan losses bank previously figured move sell assets rose mln dlrs fiscal year earlier mln dlrs bank mln dlrs total represented downward adjustments portfolio syndicated sovereign risk loans required sale hongkong bank since november bank confined activities winding affairs bank british columbia reuter earn kiena gold mines qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr dlrs cts net revs mln mln reuter earn kiena plans two for stock split kiena gold mines planned two for common stock split pending shareholder approval april approval require pct votes cast kiena pct owner campbell red lake mines crk expected vote favor split reuter earn rowe furniture corp rowe sets qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter trade house panel takes trade bill votes house trade lawmakers votes measures designed toughen trade laws held tomorrow difficult votes controversial plans protect american industries meeting closed session house ways and means trade subcommittee failed resolve sensitive issues bill whether will force major foreign trading partners severely cut trade surpluses united states subcommittee toned version democratic sponsored trade legislation that aims open foreign markets drops last year effort force president reagan retaliate quotas tariffs congressional aides asked not identified lawmakers intend wrap proposals tomorrow and will proposal mandate retaliation setting specific trade penalties legislation faces another hurdle full ways and means committee week full house votes rep richard gephardt missouri democrat seeking party presidential nomination offer amendment call for reductions trade surpluses countries barriers imports goods this moderated version earlier plan force mandatory ten per cent annual cut trade surplus united states japan south korea taiwan west germany and countries largest trade imbalances criteria for good amendment sets standard for getting trade deficit told reporters trade law become part major congressional and administration effort turn record trade deficit billion dlrs last year opening foreign markets and making products competitive house speaker james wright texas democrat today expects full house will approve trade bill and that reagan will accept final congressional bill expect reported ways and means committee will pass will good bill and effective bill told reporters comprehensive trade bill will include work committees ease export controls high technology aid workers displaced foreign competition stimulate research and development remove foreign trade barriers and improve education and worker training lawmakers agreed that for time industry charge foreign producers unfair competition deny basic worker rights such collective bargaining safety rules and payment minimum wage country economic development transferred trade representative clayton yeutter powers held reagan decide whether retaliate foreign violations fair trade rules and whether injured industry deserves import relief agreed make easier for company temporary relief import competition agreed industry provide plan become competitive administration not announced support yeutter yesterday cautiously optimistic that democratic led house will come acceptable bill reuter trade soviet minister trade boost french soviet deputy prime minister vsevolod murakhovsky end visit country wanted boost joint business france that reduction france trade deficit soviet union depended french murakhovsky chairman state agro industrial committee gosagroprom told news conference had discussed variety deals french companies rhone poulenc pechiney and imec declining put figures contracts had discussed plant protection and processing highly sulphuric gas rhone poulenc packaging technology for agricultural products pechiney and fruit and vegetable juice processing imec official for pechiney agreement intent packaging signed not give details two companies not immediately for comment asked whether foresaw reduction this year france trade shortfall billion francs months billion for murakhovsky told reuters depends france meeting paris last january french and soviet foreign trade ministers committed increased efforts reduce deficit estimates time showed french mln franc surplus for december murakhovsky soviet union prepared talk interesting proposals offering latest technology and assuring mutual advantage soviet union had tasks ahead and deal rapidly proposals considered interesting encouraged companies advantage laws guaranteeing interests foreign partners joint ventures agreements had finalised joint venture laws concrete deals had not finalised result billion dollar accord signed moscow last month french businessman jean baptiste doumeng doumeng interagra company preparing proposals for examination soviet union doumeng last month agreement exchange billion dollars worth goods murakhovsky agreement intent and designed primarily renew and increase soviet union food production capacity reuter crude venezuela lend oil ecuador for export venezuela will supply ecuador undetermined amount crude oil meet export commitments affected last week earthquake energy and mines minister arturo hernandez grisanti gave details deal crude oil loan agreement will made state oil companies petroleos venezuela pdvsa and ecuador cepe ecuador forced suspend oil exports for expected months earthquake damaged pipeline oil accounts for per cent export income hernandez speaking reporters miraflores palace results talks ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite arrived last night volume lent ecuador discounted opec quota and not affect venezuela august produce quota and sell additional amounts that ecuador repaying not elaborate quota arrangements ecuador notify opec telex that venezuela lending amount days venezuela opec output quota million barrels day and ecuador set bpd reuter earn eagle clothes inc egl qtr jan shr profit cts profit cts net profit mln profit revs mln mln six months shr profit cts loss cts net profit mln loss revs mln mln note six months includes increase provision for doubtful accounts mln dlrs shares give effect issuance mln shares exchange for outstanding series preferred shares reuter trade britain calls japan increase imports britain today called japan increase foreign imports risk rise protectionism and harm bring and trading nations british trade and industry secretary paul channon japan heed report issued japanese government advisory body december calling for faster domestic demand cut trade surplus and restructure economy recognise that strong yen brought problems japan domestic economy told group japanese businessmen london short term difficulties not allowed deflect japan fundamental reforms not domestic issue for japan import propensity not expand real risk protectionist lobbies japan massive surplus succeed securing action governments highly injurious trading nations japan and channon had substantial growth volume trade japan and britain amounting billion sterling billion dlrs last year added regrettably direction japanese selling billion sterling billion dlrs sold reuter acq taft broadcasting rejects dlr per share buyout offer theta corp acq taft tfb rejects dlr shr offer taft braodacasting board directors unanimously decided not accept pending proposal theta corp investor group led dudley taft decision based things advise financial advisors goldman sachs and that offer dlrs per share inadequate taft board concluded that offer failed recognize fully future propsects company and directed management explore alternatives including financial restructuring reuter money-fx treasury secretary baker declines comment treasury secretary james baker declined comment february paris accord six major industrial nations agreed foster exchange rate stability asked reporters speech national fitness foundation banquet currency intervention levels had set paris baker replied never talk intervention baker declined comment views foreign exchange markets reaction accord reuter crude ecuador opec raise export quota ecuador will opec raise oil export quota barrels per day compensate for lost output due last week earthquake deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite santos alvite arrived caracas last night discuss aid plan for ecuador not organisation petroleum exporting countries opec approached additional output related plans discussion for venezuela and mexico lend ecuador crude repairs pipeline damaged quake earlier venezuelan energy and mines minister aturo hernandez grisanti country supply unspecified part ecuador export commitments santos alvite told reporters hoped cargo barrels leave maracaibo this weekend supply refineries guayaquil added ecuador wanted make for bpd shipped caribbean destinations mexico supply ecuador south korean market ecuador unable export oil for months due extensive damage mile stretch pipeline linking jungle oilfields pacific port balao reuter crude china closes second round offshore oil bids china closed second round bidding foreign firms for offshore oil exploration rights china daily reported quoted spokesman for china national offshore oil corp cnooc china signed contracts foreign firms for blocks pearl river mouth and south yellow sea covering total area second round bidding began end and produced results lufeng south east shenzhen output barrels day drilled group japanese companies spokesman added cnooc ready enter into contracts for offshore blocks round bidding began not this added contracts not bound restrictions imposed second round china signed oil contracts and agreements companies countries since offshore exploration open foreigners eleven contracts terminated oil discovered foreign firms invested billion dlrs offshore china since reuter acq amc imposes hiring freeze due takeover bid american motors corp amo management ordered hiring freeze view chrysler corp billion dlr takeover bid spokesman for amc analysts merger virtually ahead american motors directors met for hours wednesday review takeover proposal board expects meeting periodically weeks chrysler proposal amc formal statement since acknowledged chrysler proposal monday chrysler number automaker merger motivated principally desire acquire amc profitable jeep business and dealers modern car assembly plant bramalea ontario that means guaranteed future for amc leaves question fate employees industry analysts amc toledo ohio jeep plant hourly workers indefinite layoff kenosha wisconsin car plant another layoff reuter trade taiwan relaxes foreign goods import curbs taiwan relax import controls foreign items including stationery and books effort trading partners greater access markets taiwan announced easing import curbs farm and industrial products last month council for economic planning and development spokesman told reuters move intended balance trade taiwan and trading partners island trade surplus reached record billion dlrs last year billion january taiwan cut import tariffs foreign products and allowed imports wine beer and cigarettes hope measures will reduce trade surplus this year that spokesman washington pressing taiwan open markets wider cutting trade deficit island rose billion dlrs two months billion year earlier period reuter ship bangladesh port workers end strike cargo handling resumed bangladesh chittagong port today workers ended day walk triggered pay dispute port officials loading and unloading ships stranded strike started this morning and will completed quickly strikers returned work agreement reached last night port authorities and port workers association giving details reuter acq leigh pemberton opposes takeover protection rules bank england not favour introduction rules shield companies hostile takeover attempts governor robin leigh pemberton merchant banks advising bidding companies show restraint and responsibility avoid excesses that marred recent takeovers told yorkshire and humberside regional confederation british industries annual dinner leigh pemberton called companies improve ties institutional investors suggesting representatives institutions granted seats boards directors companies invest boards cannot expect protection unwelcome predators for that short step that protected shareholders proprietors company leigh pemberton added takeovers and mergers had important role play furthering economies scale integration and efficient market penetration degree success failure takeover not experience depended whether not takeover contested leigh pemberton noted had excesses takeover activity recent past aim pressurise company management into action dedicated solely favourable impact share price short term partly even primarily expense future such bids depend for success creating highly charged and artificial situation share market and give rise temptations sides battle engage aggressive even manipulative tactics that immensely damaging interest shareholders clear reference recent events city act for companies individuals suggest ready accept full measure responsibility even entails opprobrium for transactions that result exercise careful judgment outset respect clients for act and activities contenplated sow wind cannot expect whirlwind visit added reuter acq japanese purchase high tech firm opposed commerce secretary malcolm baldrige asked white house blocking planned japanese acquisition major computer and semiconductor maker officials yesterday officials told reporters baldrige had concerns national security grounds sale schlumberger slb unit fairchild semiconductor inc fujitsu itsu officials sale leave united states overly dependent foreign company for equipment used advanced missiles aircraft electronics and intelligence gathering officials added sale worsen strained relations two countries stemming huge japanese trade surplus white house economic policy council sale coming weeks defence secretary caspar weinberger position not past opposed transfer high technology foreign governments companies computers made manufacturers widely used world tokyo told negotiators recently prefers local manufacturers and not buy supercomputers reuter ship striking brazil seamen threaten mass resignation striking seamen offer collective resignation end day national strike management terms seamen spurred decision marines occupied ship docemarte santos harbour tuesday night seamen vessel forced work duress president jose sarney government despatched troops brazil ports and oil installations tuesday seamen santos brazil main port defiant mood leaders orlando dos santos told reuters that seamen port offered resignations wednesday national strike headquarters rio janeiro seamen offering resign country main ports strike seamen comes brazil faces debt crisis brought sharp deterioration trade balance country foreign exchange can and shipowners quick denounce seamen for harm strike exports advertisement newspapers shipowners association read seamen strike illegal irrational and unpatriotic seamen respond that cannot live present salaries officical pay lists union office basic pay for ordinary seamen cruzados month allowances can bring total pay cruzados month end scale captains earn cruzados month basic pay brought cruzados allowances brazil seamen second worst paid world ghana dos santos seamen had not received pay increase since february and prices doubled since collapse government cruzado plan price freeze talks rio janeiro wednesday involving labour minister almir pazzionotto seamen and employers failed resolve dispute seamen demanding pay raises pct offered half that reuter acq renouf sells pct nzi stake brierley renouf corp sold pct stake nzi corp brierley investments bil for mln dlrs renouf managing director mike cashin statement had renouf intention build long term strategic position nzi clear that interests nzi and ourselves for brierley investments acquire holding renouf built nzi holding past six months sale comprised mln shares dlrs share and warrants dlrs each warrants attached mln swiss franc note issue each bond francs carries detachable warrant entitling bearer nzi shares annual report bil reported that held pct stake nzi nzi mln ordinary shares issue total capital including shares attached warrants mln shares cashin sale will result significant profit and places renouf good position consolidate recent transactions and pursue opportunities nzi shares dlrs bil and renouf close trading bil executives unavailable for comment reuter earn boliden blds results group loss financial income and expenses billion loss mln crowns sales billion crowns billion proposed dividend crowns note company this year consolidated wholesale and investment conglomerate ahlsell reuter earn saudi banks face lean period saudi arabia commercial banks reporting decline profits for increasing provisions set cover burden performing loans bankers saudi capital build reserves for bad and doubtful debts start decline this year kingdom sluggish economy and legal problems hampering traditional lending operations mean earnings will remain vulnerable senior bank credit officer work largely terms identifying bad loans and making provisions banks face difficulties earning money sudden decline saudi arabia corporate sector culminating number debt reschedulings heavy toll bank profits results appearing for showing fourth successive year broad decline cumulative net earnings kingdom banks had sunk mln riyals billion world oil prices tumbled kingdom joint venture banks operate gregorian calendar year reported and revealed profits decline net loss for expense increased provisions newest and smallest joint ventures united saudi commercial bank uscb reported net loss mln riyals marginally shortfall mln profits provisions sharply higher part reflecting pct staff cut last year bank trebled amount set bad and doubtful loans mln riyals mln results released show saudi american bank samba reporting pct fall net profit mln riyals bank saudi fransi saudi french slid pct mln riyals saudi american owned pct citicorp cci citibank and saudi french pct owned banque indosuez increased provisions sharply arab national bank net profit fell pct mln riyals and provisions doubled mln riyals bankers signs that number performing loans stopped growing decline saudi economy bottoms willing predict sharp upturn economic activity banker top pct saudi banks close international levels provisions kingdom largest bank national commercial bank ncb stashed billion riyals provisions pct total loans and advances private sector bankers calculated and riyad bank ncb rival second biggest two saudi shareholding banks had covered pct loans and advances banks operate islamic year that not coincide saudi arabian monetary agency sama tightening supervision standardised rule for declaring loans performing bankers this makes comparison profit figures difficult banks book accruing interest revenue follow conservative practices force major world financial centres bankers generally ncb riyad bank and joint ventures samba saudi french and arab national bank rank strongest earners banks such saudi british bank pct owned british bank middle east disadvantaged relatively low deposit base saudi british slashed profit pct mln riyals and accounts due expected show another low figure bank traditionally conservative making provisions bankers sama proved not prepared saudi bank and not supported saudi cairo bank troubled accounts light made cheap deposits saudi investment bank and uscb banks can lend generate profit generally banks awash liquidity since unwilling risk incurring fresh performing loans and banks liberal financial markets can attempt diversify traditional lending conservatism saudi banking made difficult generate fee income investment banking products banker operating earnings kingdom not good reflecting caution lending amount advances showing declining trend days banks had ample funds interest free current accounts invest disappearing saudi customers seek return money ratio interest bearing accounts current accounts pct today pct customer funds held current account reuter acq guinness challenges mln stg payment lawyer guinness plc guin brewing group challenged mln stg payment lawyer organised controversial takeover scotch whisky maker distillers plc attorneys for lawyer thomas ward member guinness board told court yesterday channel island jersey that ward payment reward for services last year billion stg takeover britain department trade and industry investigating takeover guinness chairman ernest saunders and ward breached fiduciary duty authorising payment ward jersey based company marketing and acquisitions consultants and jersey court recover mac defence documents that ward main negotiator battle for distillers rival bidder argyll ayll group plc bid not successful for services ward mac attorneys documents submitted court payment circumstances reasonable proper and fully earned reuter earn japanese corporate earnings recovery predicted japanese corporate earnings will rise pct fiscal for year year increase years partly yen stable exchange rate nomura research institute sales industries predicted rise pct year starts april research arm nomura securities statement recurrent profits estimated fall pct current fiscal year sales forecast drop pct forecast assumes average rate yen dollar compared yen current year corporate efforts cope yen appreciation such cutting production costs expected bear fruit fiscal year institute economy benefit pump priming expected government and halt rising prices manufactured goods recurrent profits manufacturing industries projected rise pct fiscal year estimated pct fall current year manufacturing sector profits will decline pct estimated pct rise current year reuter earn boliden results burdened loss writeoff swedish mining and metals group boliden blds forecast return profitability recording billion crown loss burdened massive write company consolidated swedish wholesale and investment conglomerate ahlsell this year result included restructuring costs and write offs mln crowns costs arisen results change direction for group burdened annual accounts company statement boliden company liquid assets billion crowns year end together investment portfolio billion made liquid swedish companies result losses board proposed cancelling dividend for year predicted return profitability statement added swedish tyres process equipment and components firm trelleborg majority stake boliden since beginning this year trelleborg had plans for consolidating boliden reuter earn rowntree reports pretax profit mln stg rowntree mackintosh plc rwnt announced made pretax profit mln stg weeks ending january compared mln stg previous year turnover billion stg billion final dividend proposed final last year earnings per share rose results broadly line market expectations leaving shares early trading pence yesterday close slightly pre announcement opening levels profit ordinary activities tax mln stg previous year mln remained rowntree largest centre for trading profits accounting for mln stg mln profit second largest geographical area north america slipped mln stg mln north american profits affected fall dollar operations continental europe made mln stg trading profit mln mln stg made australasia mln and mln stg rest world mln previous year extraordinary items amounted mln debit mln debit previously company spokesman this represented additional provisions for cost rationalisation plans announced earlier years rowntree expects north american operations will this year ahead company expectations order and rest europe combined statement spokesman specific figures had forecast acquisitions will continue sought worldwide including moves speciality retailing business rowntree entered statement rising profit europe this year forecast chairman kenneth dixon statement added performance businesses bought last year encouraging confectionery side gained market share and increased trading margins sun pat british grocery concern increased profit and rowntree small health food business holgates raised earnings fold statement offsetting factors included currency movements cost company mln stg sales tax hurt canadian profits confectionery operations and company faced strong competition snack and mid east export markets reuter trade china trade deficit falls january china trade deficit january fell mln dlrs mln january china daily business weekly quoting customs figures paper exports fell billion dlrs billion and imports fell billion billion reuter earn jacobs suchard jacz year net mln swiss francs mln turnover billion billion dividend per bearer francs francs per registered francs francs per participation certificate francs cash flow mln mln note confirms forecast results issued january operating profit mln mln depreciation mln pct capital spending mln pct reuter earn british telecom quarter pre tax profit mln stg mln money-fx bank england offers early money market bank england had invited discount houses make early round bill offers offset large liquidity shortage money market estimated shortage billion stg adverse factor unwinding sale and repurchase agreement market buy back bills worth mln stg bank bills maturing official hands and treasury bill drain mln stg wile exchequer transactions and note circulation rise mln and mln target bankers balances add mln reuter earn british telecom qtr ended dec shr making for months pre tax profit mln stg mln making billion stg billion net profit minorities mln mln making mln mln note company full name british telecommunications plc bty quarter turnover billion stg billion making billion billion for months operating profit mln mln making billion billion net interest payable mln mln making mln mln tax mln mln making mln mln minorities nil nil making two mln nil reuter earn rowntree mackintosh plc rwnt year end january shr div final div pretax profit mln stg mln net tax mln mln turnover mln mln trading profit mln stg mln consisting mln europe mln mln north america mln mln australasia mln mln rest world mln mln reuter earn glynwed international plc glyn year shr net basis div making pretax profit mln stg mln net tax mln mln extraordinary items debit mln debit mln interest payable mln mln net borrowings mln mln turnover mln mln reuter earn glynwed sees progress glynwed international plc glyn statement accompanying results that present indications that started and confident that year will progress company added that results poor and deterioration south african economy left falkirk industries unit loss mln stg continuing improvement core businesses extraordinary items debit mln stg arose closure and disposal businesses reuter earn british telecom sees satisfactory results british telecommunications plc bty expects announce satisfactory results for financial year ending march chairman sir george jefferson quarter statement full year results will published june financial year pre tax profit rose billion stg billion previous period jefferson good progress made latest months customers maintain normal level calls recent strike company engineers statement positive cash flow mln stg for months will diminish final quarter due corporation tax and dividend payments earlier company reported quarter pre tax profit for period ended december mln stg compared mln year earlier month pre tax billion stg billion british telecom shares last quoted level late yesterday wake results line market expectations dealers reuter earn plc nexl months end january shr div pretax profit mln stg mln net interest payable mln stg net tax mln turnover excluding vat mln mln note company intends issue second interim statement for six months july and pay related dividend early reuter earn ste lyonnaise des eaux lyoe year ended dec consolidated attributable net profit mln francs mln parent company net profit mln mln reuter earn lyonnaise des eaux forecasts profit rise consolidated attributable net profit ste lyonnaise des eaux lyoe likely rise pct this year mln francs reported for chairman jerome monod told news conference group turnover rise pct mln reported for this year group investments total billion francs somewhat billion annual average past years added investments will aimed developing group leisure industry health and communications activities monod leisure sector group planned joint development club mediterranee cmi club med hectare pleasure park puisaye yonne department eastern central france wholly owned subsidiary lyonnaise developpement touristique carry construction work and financial planning development leased club med operator complex gave financial details leisure sector investments total mln francs years investments communications industry develop group cable television activities and pct owned metropole television affiliate metropole recently won concession operate sixth television channel france financing requirement metropole mln francs years lyonaise des eaux provide mln monod monod metropole aimed win pct audience share and capture pct national television advertising market total investment group communications sector including cable activities mln and mln francs years concentrated coming year investment cable operations total mln and mln years aim widening audience subscribers and boosting turnover mln francs year mln reuter acq gus makes mln stg agreed offer for pantherella great universal stores plc gus made agreed offer for pantherella plc valuing company mln stg and each pantherella ordinary share pence offer based voting ordinary shares gus stg for ordinary pantherella gus shares will not receive pence per share interim dividend respect year ending march statement gus received irrevocable undertakings accept offer respect pct pantherella shares company directors and families pantherella board estimates company manufactures socks will show pretax profit stg reuter earn bond corp international mos dec shr loss cents comparison dividend nil comparison net loss mln dlrs notes net excluded extraordinary losses mln dlrs property valuation reserve surplus mln dlrs results reflected trading subsidiary humphreys estate group excluded influence bulk properties firm bought late last year hongkong land hkld for billion dlrs company controlled bond corp holdings australia reuter trade canada january trade surplus mln dlrs december mln dlrs surplus trade canada january trade surplus mln dlrs canada had trade surplus mln dlrs january compared upward revised mln dlrs surplus december statistics canada december surplus originally reported mln dlrs january surplus last year billion dlrs january exports seasonally adjusted billion dlrs billion december and billion january january imports billion dlrs billion december and billion january reuter earn kidston higher net reflects gold sale rise kidston gold mines attributed rise net profit higher prices and increase gold sales ounces ounces placer development offshoot operates australia largest gold mine north queensland earlier reported net profit rose mln dlrs mln period months start production sales silver rose ounces kidston statement will spend mln dlrs upgrade mill grinding circuit mill ball mill crushing circuit boost output pct end reuter earn kidston gold mines year shr cents div cents net mln dlrs mln turnover mln mln income mln shrs mln note company paid total cents previously declared quarterly divs net tax dlrs interest mln mln and depreciation mln mln reuter crude china closes second round offshore oil bids china closed second round bidding foreign firms for offshore oil exploration rights china daily reported quoted spokesman for china national offshore oil corp cnooc china signed contracts foreign firms for blocks pearl river mouth and south yellow sea covering total area second round bidding began end and produced results lufeng south east shenzhen output barrels day drilled group japanese companies spokesman added cnooc ready enter into contracts for offshore blocks round bidding began not this added contracts not bound restrictions imposed second round china signed oil contracts and agreements companies countries since offshore exploration open foreigners eleven contracts terminated oil discovered foreign firms invested billion dlrs offshore china since reuter acq leigh pemberton opposes takeover protection rules bank england not favour introduction rules shield companies hostile takeover attempts governor robin leigh pemberton merchant banks advising bidding companies show restraint and responsibility avoid excesses that marred recent takeovers told yorkshire and humberside regional confederation british industries annual dinner leigh pemberton called companies improve ties institutional investors suggesting representatives institutions granted seats boards directors companies invest boards cannot expect protection unwelcome predators for that short step that protected shareholders proprietors company leigh pemberton added takeovers and mergers had important role play furthering economies scale integration and efficient market penetration degree success failure takeover not experience depended whether not takeover contested leigh pemberton noted had excesses takeover activity recent past aim pressurise company management into action dedicated solely favourable impact share price short term partly even primarily expense future such bids depend for success creating highly charged and artificial situation share market and give rise temptations sides battle engage aggressive even manipulative tactics that immensely damaging interest shareholders clear reference recent events city act for companies individuals suggest ready accept full measure responsibility even entails opprobrium for transactions that result exercise careful judgment outset respect clients for act and activities contenplated sow wind cannot expect whirlwind visit added reuter crude ecuador opec raise export quota ecuador will opec raise oil export quota barrels per day compensate for lost output due last week earthquake deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite santos alvite arrived caracas last night discuss aid plan for ecuador not organisation petroleum exporting countries opec approached additional output related plans discussion for venezuela and mexico lend ecuador crude repairs pipeline damaged quake earlier venezuelan energy and mines minister aturo hernandez grisanti country supply unspecified part ecuador export commitments santos alvite told reporters hoped cargo barrels leave maracaibo this weekend supply refineries guayaquil added ecuador wanted make for bpd shipped caribbean destinations mexico supply ecuador south korean market ecuador unable export oil for months due extensive damage mile stretch pipeline linking jungle oilfields pacific port balao reuter earn jacobs suchard expects another excellent year jacobs suchard jacz hopes for another excellent year pct increase net profit results months show heading direction company president klaus jacobs group reported net profit mln swiss francs compared mln and raised dividend per bearer share francs francs jacobs increase profit exceeded company target pct real annual growth had made restructuring measures introduced january had made major acquisitions last year hermann pohl general director charge economic affairs pct decline group turnover billion francs due currency factors pct negative currency influence partially offset growth operations and structural group turnover coffee business fell billion francs billion turnover chocolate sector rose billion francs billion tonnage sold sectors declined due higher prices and lower consumer demand france and west germany jacobs suchard increased market share west germany pct pct largely result acquisitions market share france changed pct pct pohl group average tax rate rose pct pct higher profits and despite write offs losses acquisitions increase tax levels expected future taxes jumped pct mln francs mln previous year reuter acq taft tfb rejects dlr shr offer taft broadacasting board directors unanimously decided not accept pending buyout proposal theta corp investor group led dudley taft decision based things advice financial advisors goldman sachs and that offer dlrs per share inadequate taft board concluded that offer failed recognize fully future propsects company and directed management explore alternatives including financial restructuring reuter money-fx treasury secretary baker declines comment treasury secretary james baker declined comment february paris accord six major industrial nations agreed foster exchange rate stability asked reporters speech national fitness foundation banquet currency intervention levels had set paris baker replied never talk intervention baker declined comment views foreign exchange markets reaction accord reuter earn bel fuse inc belf qtr net shr cts cts net sales year shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter earn southwest realty swl year loss shr loss cts profit dlrs net loss profit note cash flow dlrs cts shr dlrs cts shr reuter earn southwest realty swl liquidity problems southwest realty believes make scheduled montly debt service payments for despite falloff rental operations making payments severely impair liquidity and restrict ability maintain quality properties company today reported loss dlrs compared profit dlrs southwest addition monthly scheduyled debt service payments dlr loan houston properties due mature april southwest commitment reduce interest rate and extend houston loan for year accepted talks underway lenders houston properties obtain partial debt service moratoriums granted cut cash deficits levels loan renegotiations involve bankruptcy litigation connected specific properties involved and involve suspension interest and principal payments lenders southwest attempts restructure debt not succeed lose properties southwest houston properties made pct current equity december dlrs per share dlrs year company depending success talks and operating results for two properties become subject similar negotiations two additional properties comprised pct current equity year end southwest reuter earn holmes hlme sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq pope evans per repurchases shares pope evans and robbins inc repurchased common shares putnam mills corp principals sidney and peter kaplan for dlrs per share purchase price will applied dlrs putnam mills owes pope evans for merchandise pope evans mln shares outstanding company agreed principle acquire privately held pat fashions industries inc for mln dlrs cash and notes financing come partly bank borrowings subject approval pope evans board and pat shareholders pat fashions imports apparel east and makes apparel domestically year ended november pat earned dlrs pretax sales mln dlrs reuter acq baird batm gets temporary restraining order baird corp massachusetts state court for suffolk county granted temporary restraining order prohibiting mark industries inc purchases baird stock mark complies massachusetts anti takeover statute company mark owns pct baird stock and that attempt acquire baird baird district court boston denied mark application for temporary restraining order prevent enforcement massachusetts takeover law reuter acq dudley taft and narragansett capital pursue taft broadcasting bid earn general mining union corp genm year net shr cts final div cts making pre tax mln rand mln net mln mln tax mln mln attrib shareholders mln mln reuter acq dudley taft pursue taft broadcast tfb bid taft broadcasting vice chairman dudley taft and narragansett capital inc narr intend pursue effort acquire taft broadcasting despite rejection yesterday dlr per share offer taft broadcasting board dudley taft and narragansett joint statement intend explore alternatives achieve acquisition including talks taft broadcasting confident that taft broadcasting board will conclude that resolution company current unstable situation quickly interests parties taft board not conclude that offer not fair taft shareholders taft broadcasting yesterday financial advisor goldman sachs and found offer inadequate reuter earn harper group harg qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note year net excludes dlr loss discontinued operations share adjusted for for two stock split reuter trade canada leaders fail set pact free trade prime minister brian mulroney held frank discussions canadian province premiers pace free trade talks united states longstanding issue provincial ratification remains settled speaking reporters hours meetings premiers mulroney discussions held june and september discuss role provinces approving trade deal maintained progress made sweeping talks unites states that two years ago appears reasonable progress made talks mulroney alberta premier don getty agreed things running pretty quickly talks launched mulroney progressive conservative government concerns protectionist sentiment aimed reducing remaining barriers world largest trading partnership provinces expected play major role trading arrangement and provincial leaders complained lack progress reaching ratification formula view that thinking things questions substance agreement commented ontario premier david peterson highly critical talks past newfoundland premier brian peckford agreement likely emerge consensus and for hard and fast formula peckford appears canada prepared make concessions united states financial services order make inroads bargaining areas such agriculture canadian published reports quoting government sources two countries close reaching trade deal and will involve eliminating border tariffs and tariff barriers years rough draft accord expected presented premiers june meeting finished document hoped presented congress october tight time frame ontario peterson last night this moment tough will transpire reuter earn healthsouth rehabilitation corp hsrc qtr shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln reuter acq union func acquisition advances union corp shareholders north port bancorp northport fla approved merger into union for dlrs per share dlrs company acquisition subject regulatory approvals and expected completed second quarter reuter earn sand technology sndcf mulling reverse split sand technology systems inc reverse stock split for and expects report second quarter profit compared loss last year stock consolidation discussing not definite sand technology president jerry shattner told reuters interview private placement recently brought number outstanding shares mln mln shares july fiscal yearend company had aura penny stock shattner adding that sand plans time apply for listing montreal stock exchange shattner company expects report profit pct dlrs sales mln dlrs for second quarter ended january results for quarter second added last year sand lost dlrs revenues dlrs second quarter disastrous quarter sand hopes break even current fiscal year shattner company scaled back sales forecast mln dlrs mln dlrs projected december rapid appreciation japanese yen and canadian dollars last year led sand loss mln dlrs two cts per share sales mln dlrs fiscal quarter this year company lost dlrs per share sales dlrs shattner believes company will post results this year due factors last year biggest problems buying products japanese yen buy products hitachi dollars and results starting show second quarter sand technology sells trademark computer accessories such disk drives solid state memory enhancement devices and printers manufactured hitachi hit japan shattner sand affiliate detroit systems inc developing software that lets large maniframe computers handle large databases and share applications distributing product called sapiens artificial intelligence computer language for use major corporations company reduced costs staff cutting and switch profit sharing plans for sales staff straight commissions shattner and sand plans market laser printer fourth fiscal quarter shattner reuter acq concorde ventures inc merger agreement concorde ventures inc signed letter intent acquire englewood colo homebuilder winley inc for mln common shares investment company merger combined company will mln shares outstanding for year ended january winley earned dlrs pretax revenues mln dlrs reuter acq borg warner sell industrial products business for mln dlrs acq qintex extends princeville pvdc offer qintex america extending offer dlrs share for mln princeville development corp shares today yesterday reported yesterday qintex mln princeville shares had tendered response offer qintex extending offer princeville comply federal law restricting ownership airlines citizens and finalize terms and conditions letter credit bank guarantee required previously announced acquisition agreement reuter earn corrected network video inc nvid qtr feb end shr cts net revs avg shrs mths shr cts cts net revs avg shrs note corrects reversed figures march item reuter money-fx bankers oppose strict taiwan currency controls taiwan imposed currency controls today bankers called desperate move prevent speculation taiwan dollar appreciated currency strict controls will require proof that large remittances taiwan connected commercial transactions currency speculation bankers attacked controls ineffective panic reaction pressure washington for faster appreciation taiwan currency dollar slow exports united states remittances exceeding mln dlrs earned exports shipping insurance bank lending will government approval remittances dlrs source reuter trade taiwan relax import curbs goods taiwan will relax import controls foreign goods government spokesman today move greater access taiwan markets overseas trading partners united states official council for economic planning and development told reuters import curbs foreign goods including stationery and books relaxed taiwan announced ease curbs farming and industrial products last month official moves intended balance trade taiwan and united states and trading partners taiwan trade surplus reached record billion dlrs last year billion reuter crude japan firms not renewing iran term contracts japanese companies decided not renew term contracts lift iranian crude oil spot prices remain considerably lower opec official levels industry sources cargo mideast benchmark crude dubai traded yesterday dlrs barrel compared official price dlrs japanese company renewed term contract for iranian crude oil for second quarter sources sources japanese companies had lifting total barrels per day bpd iranian crude term contracts firm agreed lift second quarter lifting bpd this move inspire iran offer discounts cargoes loading april likelihood discounts depended largely levels spot prices spot price dubai dlrs buy iranian crude official price japanese refiner don intend put pressure added buyers incentive renew contracts lift oil official opec prices spot prices grades considerably lower oil traders spot prices move higher will problem finding opec crude purchase official prices qatar chartered floating storage for crude oil finding buyers official prices march problem likely recur april adding that country surplus traders added that iraq had dissociated opec december production agreement agreeing fixed prices oil analysts opec group output close half ceiling mln bpd supply and demand balanced end second quarter opec holds official price structure based reference price dlrs spot price fluctuations limited dlrs range for dubai and dlrs range for north sea brent blend japanese refiner moment lot pressure opec qatar hold will problem and beginning trust ability nigerian oil minister and opec president rilwanu lukman told news conference lagos yesterday nigeria and member countries opec remain determined uphold december agreement adhering strictly quotas and official selling prices opec believed consumers had drawn heavily stocks crude oil and refined products reducing levels below this time last year consumers return market search crude japanese refiner european and markets beginning opec quite lucky earn possis poss votes pct stock dividend possis corp board approved pct stock dividend payable record march company annual meeting wednesday possis shareholders approved proposal increase authorized common shares mln mln company mln shares outstanding reuter earn seal inc sinc qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales reuter earn dow chemical dow regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn telco telc delays defensive rights offering telco systems inc plan distribute dividend common stock purchase rights shareholders record march delayed pending completion regulatory approvals reuter acq clayton and dubilier joint unit buy firm clayton and dubilier inc and senior management unit borg warner corp bor will form company buy borg warner industrial products group for mln dlrs borg warner industrial products sales mln dlrs divisions provide advanced technology fluid transfer and control equipment systems and services worldwide clayton company will employees and headquartered long beach calif company peter valli vice president borg warner corp and president industrial products division will become president and chief executive officer company clayton clayton private investment firm this mangement buyout divestiture completed since december reuter earn health inc ushi qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln half shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn mart corp qtr shr dlrs cts earn environmental systems esc qtr jan shr cts cts net revs mln mln note share preferred dividends reuter earn general mining genm cautions profits general mining union corp chairman derek keys cautioned that profits not rise this year rand stays current level cents repeat last year results rand stays depressed keys level dividend not affected added discussing outlook general mining earlier reported that per share earnings rose pct cts reuter earn colgate palmolive sets payout qtrly div cts cts pay record april reuter earn isco inc isko qtr ends jan net shr cts cts net revs six mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter acq borg warner bor sell unit for mln dlrs borg warner corp agreed sell industrial products group clayton and dubilier inc and senior management group for mln dlrs clayton and dubilier york based private investment firm completed two management led buyout transactions since december borg warner industrial products group based long beach california sales mln dlrs and employs staff businesses include standard and custom engineered centrifugal pumps and mechanical seals for petroleum industry and advanced controls for aerospace and defense industries sale part borg warner planned restructuring proposed sale subject approval borg warner directors reuter acq guardian morton shulman agrees takeover bid guardian morton shulman precious metals inc morton shulman and guardman investment management services inc agreed principle for andrew sarlos make takeover bid for special shares and series warrants guardian morton subject regulatory approval and completion definitive documentation guardman investment current manager and owner common shares guardian morton agreed sell common and management agreement company controlled sarlos takeover bid successful guardian morton price offered for guardian morton special shares takeover bid will pct net asset special shares time bid and two dlrs for each series warrant company guardian morton takeover bid will conditional sarlos acquiring pct special shares and pct series warrants combined number special shares and warrants owned offeror time bid investment companies managed sarlos slightly pct guardian morton special shares reuter earn mart corp qtr jan net shr dlrs cts net revs billion billion avg shrs year shr dlrs dlrs net revs billion billion avg shrs note latest year earnings include loss each period mln dlrs cts share for premium paid early call mln dlr pct year debenture earnings include gain discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share loss mln dlrs dlrs share quarter and gain mln dlrs cts share gain mln dlrs dlrs share for year reuter earn dorchester hugoton dhulz raises payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq international american home sets acquisition international american homes inc contracted acquire diversified shelter group for dlrs paid pct cash and pct international american common stock valued day trading average prior closing price based diversified estimated mln dlrs pro forma pre tax earnings for adjustment for continuing expenses diversified developer single family housing atlanta market had revenues mln dlrs acquisition subject international american arranging financing reuter earn precision aerotech inc par qtr jan net oper shr cts two cts oper net sales avg shrs mths oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs note current year net periods excludes dlr gain retirement notes backlog mln mln start fiscal year reuter earn guardian national insurance garj year shr cts cts final div cts making cts pre tax mln rand mln net mln mln tax mln mln gross premiums mln mln net premiums written mln mln underwriting loss mln loss mln div pay april register march note period year december reuter earn datametrics corp dmcz qtr jan net shr diluted cts cts net revs avg shrs diluted note net includes tax credits dlrs dlrs reuter earn wiener enterprises inc wpb year jan net shr cts cts qtly div cts cts prior net sales mln mln note dividend pay april record april reuter earn mart record net turning point mart corp record fiscal net earnings mln dlrs rise mln dlrs year ago marked major turning point for world second biggest retailer mart earnings rise for fourth quarter ended january mln dlrs mln dlrs resulted merchandising refurbishing and expense control year ago mart charge mln dlrs for discontinued operations earnings continuing retail operations quarter totalled mln dlrs dlrs share compared mln dlrs dlrs year ago mart chairman bernard fauber success programs illustrated strong pct increase income continuing operations income taxes billion dlrs time mart corp reached this milestone sales for fiscal year reached record billion dlrs pct rise billion dlrs prior year mart restated account for discontinued operations comparable store sales rose pct fauber sales growth greater consumer acceptance mart apparel merchandise marked increase hardline merchandise sales and growing contribution specialty retailing operations mart fourth quarter pre tax income continuing operations mln dlrs pct gain mln dlrs last year sales period grew pct billion dlrs restated billion dlrs comparable store sales pct mart effective tax rate rose pct pct selling general and administrative expense eased pct sales pct performance marks major turning point for mart fauber statement years immediately prior focused changing stores and structure company mart committed billion dollars for store remodeling and installing centralized point sale system upgraded merchandise mix acquired large specialty retailers divested underperforming businesses and restructured long term debt forced pay temporary price form slower earnings growth and lower rating investment community beginning fourth quarter improved performance proof that approach correct for long term mart chairman reuter acq dainippon ink invest quixote quix quixote corp dainippon ink and chemicals inc japan will buy shares quixote common stock pct stake for mln dlrs dlrs share two companies agreed share results research and development activities optical disc technology dainippon inc optical disc technology focuses development direct read write optical disc and advanced erasable optical disc quixote wholly owned subsidiary laservideo inc making advancements art mastering and manufacturing compact discs roms and laser read videodiscs quixote agreement dainippon annual sales two billion dlrs for dainippon representative sit laservideo board directors reuter earn circuit city stores inc sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter acq knoll buy american savings aaa shares american savings and loan association florida knoll international holdings inc offered purchase shares american savings for mln dlrs and board accepted knoll offer knoll owns shares pct american savings american savings purchase will resolve previously announced disagreement american savings and federal home loan bank atlanta replacement capital american savings used repurchase common shares january chairman marvin warner completion transaction give knoll pct ownership american savings american savings knoll had talks chairman executive committee shepard broad and chairman morris broad purchase american savings shares dlrs each agreement reached american savings company knoll offer buy shares not conditioned purchase common stock person entity previously announced engagement salomon inc evaluate alternatives enhance shareholder values including sale american savings actively pursued reuter acq merrill lynch mer canada mulls buying broker merrill lynch canada inc wholly owned merrill lynch and acquiring another canadian securities company result federal and provincial government moves lift investment dealer ownership restrictions june published report talking number people merrill lynch canada deputy chairman duff scott told toronto star whether don merrill lynch canada spokesman declined comment newspaper report queried scott not disclose investment dealers merrill lynch canada acquiring toronto star quoted unidentified industry sources discussions held burns fry burns fry chairman jack lawrence told newspaper investment dealer not made final decision examining alternatives discussions brokers mergers expected pending industry deregulation investment industry source asked not named told reuters silly not making merger acquisition you businessman you industry source federal and provincial government regulations expected place june banks trust companies and foreign companies will allowed acquire existing investment dealers establish securities subsidiaries reuter acq american aggregates amag stock acquired consolidated gold fields plc arc america corp subsidiary acquired american aggregates corp shares pct outstanding result tender offer expired february practicable arc america will acquire american aggregates converting company remaining shares into receive dlrs share reuter acq biotech capital bitc buy magazine biotech capital corp agreed buy high technology magazine goldhirsh group boston terms not disclosed magazine publishes information emerging technologies and impact business circulation and largest kind world company reuter trade pakistan trade deficit narrows february pakistan trade deficit narrowed billion rupees provisional february billion final january and compared billion february federal bureau statistics figures show exports fell billion rupees provisional february billion final january and compared billion february imports fell billion rupees provisional february billion final january and compared billion february reuter earn corrected insituform north america inc insua qtr shr cts cts net revs avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln avg shrs note year net excludes dlr tax credit corrects march item exclude tax credit reuter earn colgate palmolive sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn operative bancorp cobk raises quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn wilcox and gibbs inc sets payout semi div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter crude saudi output year low opec saudi arabian oil output fallen lowest level year giving fresh evidence kingdom determination oil prices dlrs barrel agreed opec last december oil industry sources saudi output days march averaged mln barrels per day bpd including oil neutral zone shared kuwait compared february average mln bpd saudi arabia selling oil crude oil stocks tankers world opec counted member production quota saudi arabia quota mln bpd lower production levels saudi arabia world largest oil exporter insisting getting opec official prices even cost lower production sources king fahd reiterated yesterday interview reuters and television news agency visnews saudi commitment opec december pact boost oil prices average dlrs saudi arabia completely sticking opec decisions sources kingdom exports gulf ports averaged mln bpd days ending last sunday february average mln bpd saudi arabia allowing production fluctuate lifting nominations and not maintain artificially high levels putting oil into storage kingdom main buyers oil firms past stakes national oil company aramco mobil exxon texaco and chevron enjoy considerable flexibility timing and volume liftings bound pay official prices sources spot market prices firmed past two weeks remain below opec levels and major buyers delayed liftings hope improve sources expected low early march output pick end month buyers sought fulfill contractual obligations reuter acq leader ldco buys petrosurance stake leader development corp purchased shares convertible preferred stock petrosurance inc for dlrs cash and real estate petrosurance specializes property and casualty insurance for oil industry leader stock convertible into petrosurance common leader owns pct petrorusrance and conversion give pct company petrosurance will use sale proceeds support growth and improve structure reinsurance treaties retain larger part premiums written reuter earn federal realty investment trust frt payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn beauticontrol cosmetics inc buti qtr net qtr ends feb shr cts cts net revs reuter earn dominion systems inc odsi qtr jan shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs reuter trade sweden sets october deadline for africa boycott sweden announced promised program unilateral economic sanctions south africa and gave firms october deadline cut trading links foreign trade minister anita gradin trade boycott south africa and neighbouring namibia effect july month period grace give companies time wind operations october direct trade allowed direction exceptions covering medical supplies and printed matter gradin told news conference exceptions granted cases swedish trade boycott benefit south african firms and disadvantage south africa black ruled neighbours front line states gradin cautioned that legislation boycott based not impossible round parliamentary committee investigate ways closing bigger loopholes including indirect trade south africa swedish subsidiaries countries reuter earn fidelity national financial inc fnf qtr jan end shr profit cts loss not net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs reuter earn british telecom cautious earnings prospects british telecommunications plc bty profit growth prospects for coming years will reduced increasing competition and continued costs for replacing telephone systems deputy chairman graeme odgers speaking news conference quarter results released earlier today odgers company faced heavy costs for installing digital telephone systems britain for years mercury communications cable and wireless plc cawl subsidiary significant competitor odgers mercury seeking make inroads into british telecom profitable areas company official privately estimated that british telecom had pct share telecommunications market feared that this slip pct recent two and half week engineering strike lead disruption service encouraged clients mercury system odgers forecast that last quarter results not adversely affected walkout calculated salary savings result strike mln stg and loss income telephone calls limited revenue dropped peripheral activities balance odgers that group financial strength economies scale and fact that operates growth industry will produce annual profit increases for forseeable future british telecom will seek expand into manufacturing adding that research and development expenditure will rise terms and compared current proportion two pct turnover analysts company downbeat forecasts helped shares dip mid afternoon yesterday close and early high philip augar stockbrokers wood mackenzie and market expects slower profit growth forecast pct rise earnings per share and pretax profit two years financial year pre tax profit rose billion stg billion augar noted that government imposed formula linking charges inflation meant that company scope for raising prices limited long inflation remains low reuter earn tenney engineering inc tny qtr net shr two cts cts net revs mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn modern controls inc mocon qtr net shr cts cts net sales mln mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter acq instinet inet sets meeting merger instinet corp board scheduled special shareholders meeting for vote proposed merger into reuters holdings plc rtrsy shareholders record april will eligible vote meeting instinet meeting date subject adjustment based length time needed for securities and exchange commission complete review filing merger proxy materials instinet expects make end march instinet filing preliminary merger proxy materials tied finalization audited financial statements instinet and reuters for merger agreement entered into november reuters tendered for mln instinet common shares pct not owned reuters result tender reuters owns pct instinet shares merger holders remaining instinet shares will receive dlrs reuters american depositary shares for each instinet share ads will valued average closing prices trading days effective date merger instinet expects merger become effective shareholder approval special meeting reuter earn dayton hudson corp qtr oper shr dlrs dlrs acq union pacific will sign pact caracas march for sale half corpus christi refinery acq cyacq offers raise cyclops buyout dlrs shr dlrs acq waste management waiting period ends chemlawn bid earn petrie stores corp pst regular payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter earn unilever fragrance unit lower earnings flavours and fragrances firm naarden international acquired anglo dutch food and detergents group unilever plc last year net profits for fell pct mln guilders naarden earnings hit fall dollar and sterling noting figure line prior expectations net profit mln guilders earnings per share fell guilders turnover mln mln naarden set cash dividend guilders unchanged last year last year share option for payment reuter earn eagle pitcher industries inc epi qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter earn rpt insituform north america inc insua net qtr shr cts cts net revs avg shrs year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln avg shrs note year net excludes dlr tax credit reuter money-fx fed sets two billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements acq waiting period ends waste management wmx bid waste management inc received notice early termination hart scott rodino waiting period for mln dlr takeover bid for chemlawn corp chem waiting period terminated march waste management chemlawn rejected waste management dlrs share bid talking parties selling business reuter earn asa asa qtr feb net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln note net asset per share dlrs dlrs reuter acq investors raise cyclops cyl tender price cyacq corp investor group bidding for cyclops corp raise outstanding tender offer price for cyclops common dlrs share dlrs conditions met increased offer exceed dlrs share price offered dixons group plc tender offer for cyclops that part definitive agreement acquire pittsburgh based maker carbon tool and specialty steel products cyacq includes audio video affiliates inc and citicorp capital investors and investors cyclops mln shares outstanding for tender price raised cyclops provide cyacq public information provided dixons group and cyacq satisfied financial projections made offering material dixons based information cyacq additionally dixon group rights buy cyclops common and rights fees expenses dixon cyclop merger agreement broken rescinded cyacq cyacq financial projections developed for cyclops materially lower financial projections provided cyclops dixons group cyclops spokeswoman company had details cyacq proposal and not comment nothing hand addition making specialty metal products cyclops operates specialty stores that sell consumer electronics products stores located states concentrated northeast northwest and southwest cyclops employs people pennsylvania ohio and states interests residential construction cyclops earned mln dlrs dlrs share sales billion dlrs compared earnings mln dlrs dlrs sales billion spokeswoman agreement dixons group calls for cyclops steel and construction businesses sold unit alleghany corp for mln dlrs once merger completed cyacq spokesman conditional tender price cash had comment whether cyacq plans withdraw current offer scheduled expire midnight march six dixon group offer extends march reuter earn dayton hudson corp qtr jan oper net oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net revs billion billion year oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net revs billion billion note period ended february note results exclude earnings discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share mln dlrs cts share quarter and mln dlrs two cts share mln dlrs cts share for year earnings exclude gain sale dalton bookseller mln dlrs cts share each period earnings exclude extraordinary charge purchase and redemption debt mln dlrs cts share quarter and mln dlrs cts share for year reuter earn vse corp vsec qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr dlr dlr net revs mln mln note qtr and year net includes income loss metcap subsidiary dlrs and dlrs cts per share qtr and year net includes loss metcap unit dlrs and dlrs cts per share reuter acq security pacific spc buys orbanco orbn security pacific corp completed previously announced acquisition orbanco financial services corp receiving federal approval deal security pacific federal reserve board approved wednesday purchase portland ore based bank holding company and financial services concern purchase orbanco for mln dlrs cash and common stock will effective days security pacific spokeswoman terms call for each share orbanco common stock exchanged for dlrs security pacific common stock dlrs cash each share orbanco dlr par preferred stock will exchanged for dlrs cash accrued dividends orbanco billion dlrs assests holding company for oregon bank orbanco real estate service american data service inc and orbanco securities corp security pacific major regional bank purchases california completed pending security pacific bought arizona bank assets billion dlrs fourth quarter pending approval purchase rainier bancorporation rban assets billion dlrs anticipation legislative that effect security pacific negotiated future purchase nevada bank assets mln dlrs security pacific sixth largest bank holding company assets billion dlrs reuter earn dranetz technologies inc dran year dec net shr cts cts qtly div six cts six cts prior net revs mln mln note net includes time charge dlrs cts share discontinuation boat sentry and lakontek products qtly div payable april shareholders record march reuter earn lands end inc leys year jan net shr dlrs dlrs net sales mln mln avg shrs note earnings pro forma including increase common shares that place last october company public initial offering mln shares avg shrs assume shares sold public and employees outstanding entire period reuter acq bancroft bcf sues zico zico investment holdings inc that bancroft convertible fund inc filed suit seeking enjoin zico dlr share tender offer for bancroft shares complaint bancroft tender offer materials and letters shareholders false and misleading and that tender offer violates investment company act zico suit totally merit and vigorously intends contest motion scheduled heard march reuter earn seaboard corp seb week year net shr dlrs net mln revs mln note company changed reporting period dec prior year comparisons not applicable reuter ship turkish ship headed for florida explosion turkish ore bulk oil vessel obo engin tonnes dwt had explosion boiler yesterday lloyds shipping intelligence service reported vessel retained power and yesterday evening position lat long diverting jacksonville florida cargo tons coal vessel bound for iskenderun turkey lake charles reuter earn reuter inc reut qtr shr cts six cts net mln revs mln mln year shr cts cts net mln revs mln mln note net includes mln dlrs tax loss carryback reuter inc spindle maker not connected reuters holdings plc reuter earn centel corp cnt regular payout set qtly div cts cts previously pay april record april reuter crude mobil mob restructure exploration unit mobil oil corp will restructure dallas based mobil exploration and producing services inc operations april provide stronger technological support and overseas operations mobil operation will consist two units technical services and application technology existing drilling and exploration ventures groups mills president and general manager exploration and producing southeast inc named vice president and general manager operation reporting hoenmans president exploration and producing division reuter earn equity oil eqty qtr loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs year shr loss six cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln note per share figures reflect pct stock dividend paid december reuter earn results hit strikes dollar fabrique nationale herstal fnhb suffered net loss billion francs last year hit strikes falling dollar and declining oil prices statement loss compared mln franc profit previous year included considerable charges for restructuring and net loss billion francs added that restructuring plan firm return long term profitability once had approved local authorities banks and workforce reuter acq millipore mili acquires equity protein protein databases inc millipore corp venture capital subsidiary millicorp acquired equity position company protein and millipore intend establish interactive relationship details disclosed amount millipore investment protein reuter crude wildlife unit proposes alaska refuge oil study national wildlife federation rejected interior department draft plan open wilderness lands northern alaska oil and gas exploration federation nation largest conservation group study needed assess damage that development wildlife area coastal plain arctic national wildlife refuge jay hair federation executive vice president called interior research into effects development fundamentally flawed that basis make public policy decision hair called department proposal reflection largely political decision adding confidence interior represent broad public interest this area interior open million acre coastal plain oil and gas exploration tough safeguards protect area caribou and musk oxen preliminary survey showed region hold billions barrels oil and gas and that potential energy resource never exploration interior oil coastal plain match billion barrels found prudhoe bay west plain existing law congress agree oil and gas exploration and not act land will remain wildlife refuge protected commercial development hair interior report failed stress probability that finding recoverable oil pct interior study failed weigh oil gas fish and wildlife information state alaska had gathered had department consulted environmental protection agency effects exploration federation letters congressmen proposed that member commission set study aspects issue and report back congress two years hair federation not opposed exploration oil that interior study inadquate make sound judgement congressional observers that present sentiment congress open wildlife area for commercial exploitation dispite increasing concern that united states overly dependent foreign oil reuter earn gemini food corp six mths january net shr profit loss net profit loss revs mln mln reuter acq merrill lynch mer fires vaskevitch merrill lynch and inc fired head mergers department london office today had unable provide satisfactory explanation response insider trading charges filed yesterday securities and exchange commission merrill had suspended official nahum vaskevitch yesterday time disappointed and angry sec charges true merrill lynch statement midday today firm will continue cooperatie fully authoriteis and london investigating vaskevitch activities reuter earn lincoln national corp lnc votes dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr pay record april reuter ship lawrence seaway open schedule lawrence seaway and welland canal linking lakes erie and ontario expected open scheduled march and april lawrence seaway official entire seaway free ice due mild winter and open for navigation today doesn demand shipping companies warrant early opening canadian official repairs continuing stepped pace welland canal and completed april start date added reuter earn lvi group inc lvi qtr net oper shr profit two cts loss cts oper net profit loss mln revs mln mln mths oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit mln loss mln revs mln mln note and last two months include results nico inc acquired oct prior year excludes discontinued operations loss cts per share quarter and loss cts share year excludes extraordinary gain two cts per share quarter and cts per share year reuter earn protocomdevices prcm sees profit erosion protocomdevices inc erosion general financial condition since december and actively engaged negotiations secure additional financing undergone restructuring management and instituting staff reductions ramon morales relinquished role president and chief operating officer and assumed position executive vice president charge international sales rafael collado assumed positions president and chief operating officer addition role chief executive officer for year ended january company had net loss dlrs cts share revenues mln dlrs reuter earn paradise fruit inc parf year net shr cts cts net sales mln mln note year net penalized cts shr loss investment tax credits reuter earn samson energy limited partnership sam year net loss loss revs mln mln notes loss includes write mln dlrs carrying oil and gas properties quarter cash flow operationswas dlrs dlrs per unit dlrs dlrs per unit reuter earn acceleration corp acle qtr shr cts cts net mln year shr cts cts net mln mln note net includes tax loss carryforward gain dlrs reuter earn energy optics inc qtr jan net shr profit nil loss cts net profit loss revs half shr profit loss cts net profit loss revs reuter acq blue gass breeders blgr completes acquisition blue grass breeders inc completed acquisition equine enterprises inc for mln common shares obligated deliver another shares attainment level shareholders equity fiscal quarter months closing contingent shares issued blue grass owners equine will pct interest blue grass equine mexico quarter horse breeding and racing company reuter earn digimed corp qtr dec loss shr loss two cts loss cts net loss loss sales avg shrs six mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss sales avg shrs reuter earn flight international group inc flti qtr periods ended january shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note year ago revenues include dlrs quarter and dlrs months operations subsidiary sold april reuter earn nord est plans mln franc bond issue financial and industrial holding company nord est plans make convertible bond issue for total mln francs president gustave rambaud told news conference nord est expected receive approval bourse supervisory body cob two week terms set market conditions issue meant boost capital ahead investments rambaud company pay dividend francs unchanged parent company net profit last year rose mln francs mln provisional consolidated profits lower mln francs compared mln mln mln attributable group lower profit due losses made steel tube maker vallourec nord est pct stake rambaud forecast parent company net profit provisions mln francs reuter crude solv solv shell canada shc pact complete solv corp successfully completed oil sands pilot testing program agreement shell canada limited shc and received dlr bonus payment that shell canada exercised option solv pct working interest construction oil facility relieving obligation raise mln canadian dlrs for plant construction pct that loan guaranteed government alberta exchange for shell participation solv shell obligated pay front royalty and running royalty based operating profits oil sands facility shell canada barrel per day oil sands project will built shell oil sand lease miles north fort mcmurray athabasca region northern alberta solv project will cost mln canadian dlrs that final feasibility study plant open early oil prices expected exceed dlrs per barrel reuter acq purolator pcc director quits buyout purolator courier corp director resigned company board plans steps make find offer that tops mln dlr buyout deal accepted purolator board company director doresy gardner resigned march letter purolator board included filing made company securities and exchange commission gardner noted that terms merger agreement company bought group managers and hutton lbo inc bar directors taking action solicit initiate encourage acquisition proposals shareholder solicit initiate encourage such offer indication interest and that resign director corporation gardner letter accordingly hereby resign director purolator courier corp effective immediately gardner believes shareholders deal buyout offer company agree sold entity sell part courier division march another purolator shareholder rodney shields filed class action suit behalf company shareholders charging company and board breaching fiduciary duty failing steps ensure that shareholders highest price buyout deal give shareholders dlrs share cash pct purolator mln shares tendered tendered receive dlrs cash and six dlrs debentures and warrant buy stock company exchange for each share reuter earn unr industries inc unriq qtr net shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit sales mln mln year shr profit dlrs loss dlrs net profit loss sales mln mln reuter acq century telephone ctl sell properties century telephone enterprises inc accepted offer sell cable television properties michigan tennessee florida arkansas and louisiana for substantial gain company details not disclosed reuter earn volt information sciences inc volt qtr shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg mln mln note net includes mln dlr pretax gain settlement dlrs gain securities sale interest expense net investment income mln dlrs and dlrs fiscal change european operations method resulted pre tax translation losses mln dlrs period ended january reuter earn paradise fruit parf sets lower dividend paradise fruit inc board declared dividend cts per share payable march holders record march company last paid cts per share january and that paid cts january paradise commercial bank lending agreements entered into june include retained earnings requirements that limit amount earnings for distribution shareholders reuter earn canada malting year net oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net mln mln sales mln mln note excludes extraordinary loss mln dlrs dlrs per share reuter earn north american holding corp nahl qtr net dec end shr profit nil loss cts net profit loss revs avg shrs mln mln mths shr profit six cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln avg shrs mln mln reuter earn general host corp sets quarterly qtly div six cts six cts prior pay april record march reuter earn grow group inc gro sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter earn digimed corp qtr dec loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales six mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss sales reuter crude powerine refinery resume operations powerine oil refinery will resume operation today initial crude oil runs barrels per day powerine privately held company expects refinery become fully operational crude oil throughput bpd initial oil products deliveries scheduled for monday powerine refinery had closed due change ownership company reuter earn trinity industries inc trn sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter earn coastal bancorp csbk sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn idaho power ida sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn united stationers inc ustr sets dividend qtly dividend six cts six cts pay april record march reuter earn lincoln national corp lnc sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn petrie stores corp pst sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter acq desoto dso sells industrial chemical assets desoto inc sold plant inventory and assets industrial chemical operations plastic specialities and technologies inc privately held company headquartered parsippany jersey terms not disclosed desoto industrial chemical operations based fort worth texas and annual sales mln dlrs reuter earn safeguard health sfgd qtr loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln year shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln note full name safeguard health enterprises inc current qtr and year figures include mln dlr reserve for estimated loss proposed divestment existing offices reuter acq cytrx cytr unit buys swedish company cytrx corp pct owned cytrx biopool subsidiary acquired biopool umea sweden for undisclosed terms shareholders biopool remaining pct cytrx biopool biopool develops cardiovascular and fibrinolytic products for diagnostic applications company cytrx biopool studying combination cytrx corp rheothrx drug reduce platelet aggregation and viscosity blood biopool drug for dissolving blood clots reuter interest canada day bills average pct making bank rate pct earn north american nahl sees record fourth qtr north american holding corp expects record fourth quarter earnings and for sales exceed mln dlrs for fourth quarter ended march company reported net income dlrs sales mln dlrs expects revenues for year exceed mln dlrs for fiscal north american reported net loss dlrs sales mln dlrs reuter acq investors intermedics itm stake pct group investment firms told securities and exchange commission raised stake intermedics inc shares pct total outstanding shares pct bessemer securities corp york investment firm cilluffo associates york investment partnership and related entities bought intermedics common shares february and march for mln dlrs reuter earn wal mart stores inc wmt raises quarterly qtly div six cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn optrotech optkf year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note net includes gain dlr gain quantity discount rebates purchases materials prior years reuter earn north atlantic technologies natt qtr shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs note full name north atlantic technologies inc reuter crude montedison refineries shut for work selm societa energia montedison close priolo crude refining units march march for maintenance company spokesman throughput refinery estimated bpd total capacity nearer bpd mediterranean refineries shutdown for maintenance scheduled months ago industry sources that shutdowns rearranged avoid running negative netback crude tighter availabilities products result shutdowns med helping products markets bullish for march deliveries oil traders garrone refinery san quirico capacity bpd due shutdown march for weeks and jointly owned isab garrone refinery mellili capacity bpd due start march closure for maintenance month ago company spokesman esso italiana refineries augusta and siracusa will not closing this spring spokesman for company france distillation unit societe francaise lavera refinery closed for maintenance since march and due restart early april total capacity bpd operating pct capacity company spokesman shell francaise berre etang refinery will shut early april mid june company spokesman capacity bpd compagnie francaise raffinage cfr will close visbreaker mede refinery early april not affect crude throughput refinery company spokesman current capacity bbl day despite current bullish sentiment med traders noted that crude netbacks beginning attractive and maintenance shutdowns finished two weeks result oil industry sources suggest that situation ease mid april reuter crude attacks affect colombia oil outlook ecopetrol continuous rebel raids oil pipelines and foreign exploration camps endanger colombia present oil bonanza franciso chona manager state run oil company ecopetrol subversion end oil bonanza told reporters speaking meeting defense minister rafael samudio military chiefs and mines and energy minister guillermo perry review security situation light recent upsurge leftist guerrilla attacks oil rich arauca region bordering venezuela ecopetrol chief security retired general carlos narvaez security measures stricter and that armed forces closely collaborating gave details samudio plans had designed and hoped effective samudio stressed that despite recent attacks cost mln dlrs damage situation had improved compared last december initial measures combat wave attacks repeated bombings vital pipeline cano limon oilfield caribbean led loss barrels crude reuter earn parker drilling suspends quarterly dividend acq granite bancorp inc agrees acquired magna group inc for stock earn parker drilling pkd suspends payout parker drilling board directors voted suspend payment dividends shareholders parker drilling paying quarterly dividend share common stock company expects save mln dlrs year dividend suspension reuter earn eqk realty investors ekr qtr net shr cts cts net revs avg shrs mln mths shr cts net revs mln note mth figures not for since company started operations march reuter earn masco corp mas regular dividend set qtly div cts cts previously pay record april reuter earn eqk realty investors ekr sets payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay july record june crude sun raises crude postings cts effective today wti dlrs bbl earn ipco corp ihs sets regular payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter acq granite fgbi agrees acquired granite bancorp inc agreed principle become wholly owned subsidiary magna group inc magi terms agreement granite shareholders will receive shares magna for each granite share held granite shareholders will asked approve tranaction late summer granite shares outstanding dec had assets mln dlrs owns granite city national bank and colonial bank granite city ill magna groups dec had assets billion dlrs owns banks data services company mortgage company and trust company serving louis springfield centralia and decatur ill reuter interest canadian imperial bank commerce cuts prime rate pct tomorrow earn thermwood corp thm qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales six mths shr cts cts net sales avg shrs reuter earn perini investment properties pnv raises payout qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable june record reuter crude sun sun raises crude postings cts sun raised contract price will pay for crude oil cts barrel effective today increase brings sun posted price for west texas intermediate and west texas sour grades dlrs bbl light louisiana sweet grade raised cts dlrs bbl sun last changed crude postings march reuter earn petroleum and resources corp peo dividend interim income dividend cts last paid dlrs february including capital gains cts pyable april record april reuter interest royal bank canada lowers prime rate pct earn line cinema corp nln qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter interest ottawa seeks explanation credit card rates minister state for finance tom hockin asked canadian bankers association industry lobby group for explanation level credit card interest rates hockin hopes association response important issue hockin responding questions house commons credit card rates run high pct per year remain high rates falling today canadian bank rate fell pct pct last week and canadian imperial bank commerce cut prime rate effective tomorrow pct pct reuter earn ipco corp ihs regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable record apreil reuter earn asamera inc year oper shr loss cts profit cts crude diamond shamrock raised crude cts bbl today wti dlrs acq alleghney international faces added count alleghney international inc plaintiffs existing lawsuits opposing sale requested amendment complaint include class action count alleghney suit filed district court for western district pennsylvania aimed blocking sale alleghney affiliate boston inc allegheney additional count sought plaintiffs alleges price offered for common stock dlrs grossly unfair and purposes proposed sale absolve individual defendants liability lawsuit additional count forms relief requests injunction defendants taking steps accomplish proposed sale alleghney reuter crude phillips raises crude postings cts effective today wti dlrs bbl earn bull and bear equity income fund bulax div york march qtly div cts cts prior payable march record march reuter earn rose stores inc rsto qtr jan shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln year shr dlrs cts net mln mln revs billion billion reuter crude phillips raises crude postings cts phillips petroleum raised contract price will for grades crude oil cts barrel effective today increase brings phillip posted price for west texas intermediate and west texas sour grades dlrs bbl phillips last changed crude oil postings march price increase follows similar moves usx subsidiary marathon oil and sun sun earlier today reuter earn asamera inc asm year loss oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss mln profit mln revs mln mln note net excludes tax gain mln dlrs cts shr ago gain mln dlrs cts shr net includes mln dlr charge for reduction carrying refinery and related assets net includes mln dlr gain sale canadian natural gas property dlrs reuter earn lvi group inc lvi qtr oper net oper shr profit two cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln note qtr and year oper net excludes gain dlrs and dlrs for carryforwards and loss dlrs and dlrs for early extinguishment debt qtr and year oper net excludes loss dlrs cts per share and loss dlrs cts per share for discontinued operations reuter acq talking point purolator courier corp pcc purolator courier corp stock rose specualtion that disgruntled purolator director find suitor for company traders purolator agreed late february dlr share mln dlr offer hutton lbo inc and members purolator courier division management stock today hit today purolator revealed filing securities and exchange commission that director doresy gardner resigned board directors letter dated march letter gardner resigned board merger agreement hutton barred directors soliciting offers and believes shareholders deal gardner believes offer found company agree sold entity sell part courier division basically courier division company that mln dlrs revenues large company and sold for mln dlrs gardner telephone interview reuters gardner official kelso management firm associated fidelity international group fidelity companies owns pct purolator and gardner personally owns shares purolator official company comment letter gardner arbitragers speculated another overnight messenger service emerge likely bidder for purolator transaction hutton lbo announced analysts had speculated another courier company likely suitor arbitrager acknowledged fact bidders possibility pushed stock into play shortage possibilities question management willingness process continue arbitrager arbitragers buyer found hutton lbo risk transaction hutton begun tender for pct purolator dlrs cash per share balance purolator stock will bought for securities and warrants company holding courier operations arbitragers tender offer documents show that hutton not use cash transaction and will emerge giant majority equity interest purolator can public documents deal that table hutton basically putting likes situation that you can this deal risk world that higher arbitrager firm supplying temporary financing and sources close transaction disputed claim that firm will not end paying for equity position scenario mentioned tender offer document note that hutton group subsidiary not cash transaction sources risk firm variety contingencies and restricted cash and sorts things that make speculative sources adding severance payments employees hutton group subsidiary supplying mln dlrs called bridge financing for transaction bridge financing temporary loan hutton financing replaced permanent financing expected come banks time replace financing source resulting substantial expense firm gardner hutton stands gain fees mln dlrs transaction sources close transaction fees low end scale complex transaction basically happens ostensibly put money fees recapture investment once merger takes place gardner reuter trade volcker sees clearcut evidence that trade deterioration reversed crude diamond shamrock dia raises crude postings diamond shamrock raised contract price will pay for crude oil cts barrel effective today increase brings company posted price for benchmark grade west texas intermediate dlrs bbl diamond shamrock last changed postings march reuter interest toronto dominion bank cuts prime rate pct pct tomorrow interest bank montreal cuts prime rate pct pct effective friday acq weinberger opposes fujitsu buying firm defense secretary caspar weinberger will join commerce secretary malcolm baldrige fighting fujitsu itsu plan buy pct fairchild semiconductor corp pentagon officials weinberger opposes not interests country micro electronics business leaving united states pentagon officials asked not identified told reuters commerce department officials told reuters yesterday that baldrige opposed planned sale and that white house economic policy council will matter weeks commerce and defense officials baldrige and weinberger feared military leaning heavily foreign electronic support defense department today that weinberger and baldrige differed proposed sale computer equipment iran commerce department advised pentagon recently that defense objections two proposed sales iranian power company and islamic republic iran news agency not valid and sales small and medium computers evidence presented reuter acq safeguard scientific sfe equity deal safeguard scientifics inc made mln dlr equity investment sanchez computer associates inc private computer software firm based malvern safeguard investment major ownership position sanchez specializes software products for financial institutions reuter earn core industries inc cri qtr feb net shr cts cts net sales mln mln six mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln note results include gain sale land dlrs six cts share results include loss discontinued operations dlrs cts share quarter and dlrs six cts share six months reuter earn financial ffmc stock split financial management corp board declared for two stock split common stock split will effected pct stock dividend for shareholders record march distributed april six reuter interest bank nova scotia cuts prime rate pct pct effective tomorrow earn circon corp ccon qtr shr loss two cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mths shr profit two cts profit cts net revs mln reuter earn brown transport btcu declares payout brown transport inc board declared initial quarterly dividend cts share payable april stockholders record march reuter trade key house trade subcommittee approves bill toughen trade laws acq summit petroleum corp sells shares summit petroleum corp sold mln shares pct common stock halbert and associates inc company shares previously held consolidated energy corp and harken oil and gas inc hogi addition david halbert president and chief executive officer halbert abilene investment firm named chairman and chief executive summit company halbert charles bruce and james burke named directors expanding board summit added company burke president and chief executive allied comprehensive health inc abilene bruce partner washington law firm butler and binion summit intends actively seek acquisitions increase asset base reuter trade clear evidence trade gap reversed volcker federal reserve board chairman paul volcker current data not give clear sign that deterioration trade balance reversed data hand not provide clearcut evidence that deterioration trade balance reversed volcker remarks prepared for delivery luncheon for community leaders volcker encouraging signs rising volume exports past year achieved despite relatively slow growth abroad volcker warned not sustainable economic perspective pile foreign debt failing make investment needed generate growth and earn money service debt process restoring external balance economy requires dealing budget deficit needed economic adjustment will require relative shift financial and real resources into internationally competitive industry growth will reflected net exports and business investment and consumption volcker reuter earn tony loma inc tlam qtr shr profit nil loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note net includes extraordinary gain dlrs cts per share reuter acq allied lyons sees change hiram walker stake allied lyons plc alld and canada reichmann brothers working together partners and not plan change joint ownership distiller hiram walker gooderham and worts allied lyons chairman derrick holden brown allied lyons pct control hiram walker gooderham last year for mln dlrs reichmanns gulf canada corp acquired pct court pact hostile battle for wine and spirits division hiram walker resources getting partners hope won change holden brown told reporters speech toronto allied lyons two year call option that force gulf canada sell pct stake allied lyons and gulf canada two year put option that obligate allied lyons buy pct and gulf hope will occasion for put call exercised holden brown answer reporter question holden brown for gulf canada sell part pct public offering allied lyons consent don objection added allied lyons maintains control hiram walker gooderham board directors and total responsibility for management cannot contemplate giving control holden brown not disclose big profit contribution distiller will make allied lyons financial results will substantial not give profit forecasts holden brown allied lyons finance hiram walker gooderham acquisition cash and borrowings and current plans for stock issue company not negotiating acquisitions canada team officials evaluating purchases wines spirits soft drinks food concerns don brewery scene highly concentrated added holden brown allied lyons plans list shares canadian stock exchanges possibly this year reuter earn eaton vance corp eavn qtr jan net shr cts cts net avg shrs reuter earn adams express adx sets regular payout div cts cts pay april record april note company pays dividend cts times annually bulk payment end fiscal year equal annual dividend cts reuter grain cargill official defends certificate programs use generic kind commodity certificates helped ease storage problems and part export promotion programs senior executive for world largest grain company testifying house agriculture subcommittee wheat soybeans and feedgrains robbin johnson vice president cargill inc disputed claims that grain companies made huge profits certificate trading certs program not windfall trade johnson that cargill dealing two pct spread certificate transactions and that this normal grain marketing levels johnson recognized current concern cost certificates compared cash that critics closely savings caused certs noting for example that widespread use certs pik and roll marketing technique last summer helped ease storage costs certificates important part export promotion program you ways expand export markets you ways expand certs put grain into market meet demand subcommittee chairman dan glickman kans committee certificate program this year and studying general accounting office report certificate costs reuter crude house speaker backs oil import forecast plan house speaker jim wright endorsed proposal require president action reduce oil imports threaten top pct consumption wright told reporters plan sen lloyd bentsen fellow texas democrat positive and oil imports peaked pct short pct last year and this year pct bentsen bentsen proposal supported senators require president issue annual year oil import forecasts year threatened top pct ordered propose quotas solution reuter acq princeville pvdc sell air operation princeville development corp and aloha inc parent aloha airlines inc jointly agreed terms for sale princeville airways inc aloha terms agreement not disclosed proposed sale companies aloha acquire entire princeville airways commuter operation and access princeville airport island kauai princeville airways expected operate subsidiary aloha inc and will continue use princeville aiways name reuter acq hampshire savings nhsb buy bank hampshire savings bank corp agreed buy seashore bankshares inc exchange stock terms deal seashore shares will exchanged for mln dlrs hampshire savings stock seashore bankshares assets mln dlrs reuter earn amvestors financial avfc sets stock dividend amvestors financial corp declared pct stock dividend payable june holders record june subject increase authorized shares shareholders will vote april annual meeting increase authorized shares mln mln company plans pay initial quarterly dividend cts share shares reuter trade house panel approves trade bill house ways and means trade subcommittee unanimously approved toned version legislation designed toughen trade laws and wedge open foreign markets goods measure full house ways and means committee week major not expected congressional sources this product toughening trade policy and manner that opens markets this frightening word protectionism ways and means chairman dan rostenkowski illinois democrat trade subcommittee backed mandating specific retaliation foreign countries for unfair foreign trade practices house had approved trade bill last year held for full ways and means committee debate controversial plan rep richard gephardt mandate reduction trade surpluses countries such japan south korea and taiwan gephardt missouri democrat not decided exact form amendment aide last year house approved idea force annual ten pct trade surplus cut countries trade bill will wrapped legislation committees dealing relaxation export controls incentives for research expanded worker training and education and efforts increase competitiveness comprehensive trade bill considered full house late april and will considered senate committees requires president reagan retaliate foreign unfair trade practices not mandate quotas tariffs and exemption economic security harmed actions countries bill make easier for industries win relief surges imports competitive products extends january administration authority negotiate trade agreements part round multilateral talks general agreements tariffs and trade and includes provisions tighten trade rules copyrights patents and telecommunications goods reuter earn standard logic inc stdl qtr loss qtr ends jan oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs note oper net excludes loss discontinued operations loss for prior qtr excludes tax carryforward for prior qtr reuter crude unocal raises crude prices cts today wti dlrs earn shawmut corp shas sets regulary dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn anglo american aivj year dec shr cts final div making pre tax mln rand mln net mln mln tax mln mln att shareholders mln mln pref div mln turnover billion billion div pay register march note full name anglo american industrial corp reuter earn anglo american aivj year dec shr cts final div making pre tax mln rand mln net mln mln tax mln mln att shareholders mln mln pref div mln turnover billion billion div pay register march note full name anglo american industrial corp reuter crude unocal ucl raises crude oil postings unocal corp raised contract price will pay for grades crude oil cts barrel effective today increase brings unocal posted price for benchmark grade west texas intermediate dlrs barrel brought price for west texas sour dlrs bbl light louisiana sweet raised cts dlrs bbl unocal last changed crude postings march and brings price line major companies raising prices steadily recent weeks increase represents latest series increases that began usx corp marathon petroleum corp notification yesterday evening that effective today raised crude postings cts barrel bringing contract price for wti dlrs barrel earlier today sun sun phillips petroleum and diamond shamrock dia raised crude postings cts barrel bringing wti contract price dlrs barrel contract prices risen response higher spot market prices oil traders reuter crude citgo raises crude postings cts today wti dlrs bbl acq court lifts restraining order mark baird corp batm massachusetts state court for suffolk county lifted temporary restraining order prohibiting mark industries inc purchases baird stock filings securities and exchange commission mark owns pct baird stock and attempt acquire baird baird baird court issued order enjoining baird enforcing massachusetts anti takeover statute mark industries reuter earn cji industires inc cjiia qtr net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year oper shr loss dlrs loss cts oper net profit profit revs mln mln note per share figures come preferred dividends excludes fourth quarter and full year extraordinary gains cts and cts per share reuter earn counsel corp sets for two stock split counsel corp plans for two stock split pending shareholder approval april annual meeting company recently reported profit mln dlrs dlrs share extraordinary items compared mln dlrs cts reuter crude southland slc unit raises crude postings southland corp citgo petroleum corp raised contract price will pay for crude oil cts barrel effective today increase bring citgo posted price for west texas intermediate and west texas sour grades dlrs barrel light louisiana sweet south onshore grade raised cts dlrs barrel and light louisiana sweet north increased dlrs barrel citgo last changed postings march reuter earn cannon can audit show significant loss cannon group inc financial statements will show substantial losses for fiscal and significant downward adjustments previously reported stockholders equity company audit conducted arthur young and will cover year ended january month period ended september previously announced anticipates results audit will mid late april reuter acq eager technology acquires nuclad eager technology inc signed letter intent acquire nuclad inc private colorado corporation and subsidiaries terms acquisition not disclosed reuter acq interconnect offers buy gates learjet glj interconnect capital corp letter board gates learjet corp offering buy company for dlrs share gates corp owns pct gates learjet agreed earlier this week sell shares partnership formed privately held cobey corp and unit bear stearns cos inc bsc for dlrs share mln dlrs proposal subject approval gates learjet board spokesman for privately held interconnect made proposal gates learjet board not had held talks parent company board reuter acq seal sinc acquires ademco seal inc acquired ademco united kingdom company distributes mounting and laminating equipment and supplies for combination cash and stock valued mln dlrs based current exchange rates seal will pay additional mln dlrs contingent market price seal common december and earnings targets acquired business reuter crude brazil cancels oil purchase saudi arabia brazil state oil company petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase saudi arabia saudis refused accept credit guarantees bank brazil petrobras official export director carlos santana told press conference saudis suppliers oil impose such conditions brazil decision halt interest payment commercial debts last month shipment mln barrels represents two days oil consumption brazil santana saudis change minds and decide respect terms contract petrobras will lift order cancel shipment santana saudis not accept brazil terms monday petrobras will negotiate petrobras saudi arabia traditional client since not accept conditions will for market prices buying iraq and china advantage iraq and china barter deals brazil importing brazilian goods exchange for oil saudis buy nothing brazil santana despite strike threat oil industry workers and two week stoppage brazilian seamen petrobras oil stocks balanced saudi arabia brazil second biggest oil supplier average bpd iraq main supplier bpd china comes bpd saudis stop trade relationship fine that will getting dozens offers santana added reuter trade house panel approves trade bill house ways and means trade subcommittee unanimously approved toned version legislation designed toughen trade laws and wedge open foreign markets goods measure full house ways and means committee week major not expected congressional sources this product toughening trade policy and manner that opens markets this frightening word protectionism ways and means chairman dan rostenkowski illinois democrat trade subcommittee backed mandating specific retaliation foreign countries for unfair foreign trade practices house had approved trade bill last year held for full ways and means committee debate controversial plan rep richard gephardt mandate reduction trade surpluses countries such japan south korea and taiwan gephardt missouri democrat not decided exact form amendment aide last year house approved idea force annual pct trade surplus cut countries reuter crude india gets mln dlr world bank loan world bank approved mln dlr loan for india lessen that country dependence imported oil and spur development petroleum resources bank loan will used boost production injecting gas partially depleted assam oil fields and assist exploration areas including drilling exploratory wells bank recipient year loan will oil india oil smaller two public indian petroleum exploration and production companies reuter crude india gets mln dlr world bank loan world bank approved mln dlr loan for india lessen that country dependence imported oil and spur development petroleum resources bank loan will used boost production injecting gas partially depleted assam oil fields and assist exploration areas including drilling exploratory wells bank recipient year loan will oil india oil smaller two public indian petroleum exploration and production companies reuter acq cannon can sells library weintraub weintraub entertainment group inc agreed acquire cannon group screen entertainment film library library purchased part cannon acquisition screen entertainment bond corp holdings library theatrical motion pictures terms call for price established appraisal process beginning immediately and not exceed mln dlrs below mln dlrs reuter acq gerber grb buys gerber systems gsti shares gerber scientific inc gst acquisition corp purchased shares pct owned gerber systems technology pursuant january tender offer purchase gerber made capital contribution gst shares owned resulting pct ownership gst reuter crude venezuela lend ecuador bpd crude venezuela will lend ecuador barrels per day crude oil months meet export commitments energy and mines minister arturo hernandez grisanti today that terms this loan agreed visit this week ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite ecuador will begin repaying loan august hernandez grisanti loan will part offsetting loss ecuador exports caused earthquake damage miles pipeline last week ecuador forced suspend exports pipeline connecting jungle oil fields pacific port balao put action venezuela output quota bpd ecuador bpd santos alvite ecuador will opec produce bpd quota pipeline repaired offset present production losses hernandez grisanti barrels shipment venezuelan crude oil will leave for ecuador this weekend meet domestic consumption oil part mln additional crude oil loan venezuela will processed guayaquil refineries had not supplied oil ecuador life this country ground halt reuter earn adelaide steamship adsa half half ended december shr cents int div cents net mln dlrs mln turnover mln mln revenue mln mln for rights issue dlrs share for bonus issue capital enlarged rights issue shrs mln mln note shr applies total net mln dlrs mln extraordinaries loss pre extraordinaries net shr cents div pay april div and rights issue reg march bonus reg net equity accounts share associates earnings pre equity pre tax earnings mln dlrs mln pre equity net mln dlrs mln tax mln mln minorities mln mln interest mln mln and depreciation mln mln net extraordinary loss mln mln reuter earn bryn mawr bank corp bmtc ups dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable record april note bryn mawr reorganized holding company january resulting each share bryn mawr trust converted into shares holding company stock cts dividend represents pct increase prior quarter reuter acq price pclb buy pct tss seedman price agreed buy pct stock tss seedman inc for mln dlrs terms envision purchase entire company transaction expected close end april reuter ship two brazilian shipping firms settle strikers two small shipping companies reached pay deal striking seamen union leaders brazil seamen strike union spokesman rio janeiro seamen had accepted pct pay offer companies globo and flumar employees each two week strike comes brazil faces debt crisis and delaying exports badly needed earn foreign exchange labour minister almir pazzionotto government will not force settlement strike ruled illegal last friday reuter earn chock full nuts corp qtr jan loss york march oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln six mths oper shr loss cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln note year ago oper excludes loss discontinued operations dlrs for qtr and dlrs for six mths reuter earn adsteam rights issue raise mln dlrs adelaide steamship adsa adsteam for rights issue dlrs share will raise mln dlrs for general working capital and investment australia and overseas group announced issue half earnings and statement that rights issue will for bonus issue adsteam equity accounted net earnings rose mln dlrs half ended december mln year earlier and interim dividend cents adsteam shares eased dlrs opening and yesterday close issue announcement issue will underwritten morgan grenfell australia and mccaughan dyson apart shares adsteam associate and largest shareholder department store retailer david jones shares will not rank for interim dividend will rank equally thereafter adsteam expects maintain annual dividend rate cents capital enlarged mln shares issues mln adsteam diverse industrial interests generally performed and results ultimate holding company and beneficiary reflected this solid performance david jones owned pct adsteam earned largest associates net mln dlrs half mln year earlier adsteam figures show wholly owned and joint venture companies apart timber building supplies and real estate returned below budget profits due housing downturn adsteam sees year reconstruction and consolidation capital base boosted issue reuter acq hearst buys houston chronicle for mln dlrs hearst corp buying houston chronicle houston endowment inc for mln dlrs announcement made jointly frank bennack president and chief executive officer hearst and richard johnson president chronicle houston endowment selling paper comply federal tax laws requiring charitable institutions divest profit making subsidiaries chronicle daily circulation and competition houston post owned toronto sun publishing corp circulation acquisition hearst biggest newspaper holding texas california based publisher owns papers san antonio beaumont and laredo chain owns flagship san francisco examiner los angeles herald examiner and seattle post intelligencer reuter acq iel acmex unit bid for cheetham industrial equity iel unit acmex holdings proposed make formal takeover offer for issued capital cheetham producer salt animal feed and seeds acmex statement offer share for two cheetham shares dlrs cash for each share acmex presently entitled mln cheetham shares pct mln issued shares scrip offer values cheetham mln dlrs based acmex current price dlrs and cash offer mln cheetham last traded dlrs reuter trade japan denies breaking semiconductor trade pact japan denied breaking pact semiconductor trade prices set pact high and acknowledged difficulties implementing accord faithfully abiding agreement problems spokesman for international trade and industry ministry told reuters high semiconductor prices recommended agreement leaving japanese manufacturers piling stocks unsellable products aiming reduce production japan this takes time spokesman japanese companies selling chips europe and asia below stipulated prices added matter time solve this problem month pact aims stop japan selling large quantities chips knock prices united states and countries and increase semiconductor sales japan senate finance committee this week called president reagan binding resolution retaliate japan for violating agreement reuter trade swiss feb trade deficit mln francs jan deficit mln official grain china january grain exports fall china grain exports january totaled tonnes pct january customs figures show gave detailed breakdown official china economic news quoted figures showing tea exports rose pct tonnes month imports wool rose pct tonnes period figures show reuter trade swiss february trade deficit mln francs switzerland had trade deficit mln swiss francs february compared revised mln deficit january and mln shortfall february federal customs office february imports billion francs exports billion imports rose real terms pct february exports rose real pct office improvement terms trade left deficit smaller last year last february figure had hit import two passenger aircraft reuter ship japan shipbuilders seek cartel restrict output japanese shipbuilders applied state fair trade commission form cartel restrict tonnage built half total capacity for year starting april officials shipbuilders association japan plan yards capable building ships gross tons will curtail operations mln compensated gross registered tonnes cgrt year capacity six mln cgrt transport ministry estimates orders mln cgrt year march and mln year industry curtailed production due oversupply year since cartel transport ministry guidelines latest guidelines call for ceiling mln cgrt year march cartels imposed and regulated not legally binding industry finds interest stick slowdown orders caused strong yen and protracted worldwide shipbuilding slump reuter earn kubota kub quarter january group shr yen net profit billion profit billion pretax profit billion loss mln operating profit billion profit mln sales billion billion months ended january group shr yen net billion billion pretax billion billion operating billion billion sales billion billion reuter earn sandoz sanz year group net profit mln swiss francs mln dividend francs per francs nominal share francs per franc nominal participation certificate group turnover billion francs billion cash flow mln francs mln parent company net profit mln francs mln reuter earn alusuisse group net loss mln swiss francs loss mln trade bank japan calls for long term efforts trade short term effect foreign exchange rate movements correcting international trade imbalances appears waning and long term efforts required cut japan chronic dependence external demand bank japan monthly report japan trade surplus nominal terms likely remain high future central bank fundamental adjustments will needed long japan hopes benefit international allocation resources and maintain free trade system added reuter interest london floating rate note prices open sharply lower dealers earn alusuisse aluz year net loss mln swiss francs loss mln gross sales billion billion operating income mln francs mln net extraordinary charges mln mln note company plans pct capital reduction banks convert mln francs credit facilities subordinated loans plans for capital increase company full name schweizerische aluminium reuter crude opec deliberately mln barrel ceiling defend price subroto acq county increases tesco stake hillards county acting concert tesco plc tsco mln stg for supermarket chain operator hillards plc purchased hillards ordinary shares per share statement purchases together made county march represent pct hillards issued ordinary share capital tesco offer made march values each hillards ordinary share pct premium previous day closing price cash alternative will made reuter crude subroto sees oil market continuing bullish indonesian energy minister subroto sees oil market continuing bullish underlying demand expected rise year told press conference jakarta end two day meeting south east asian energy ministers that prices stabilizing dlrs barrel sentiment market bullish and will continue that demand will fourth quarters subroto asked prospect for oil prices will stabilise dlrs turbulence spot price will fluctuate official price will remain dlrs added reuter crude opec defending dlr price subroto indonesian energy minister subroto opec deliberately production ceiling mln barrels defend dlr barrel price target told reporters energy conference jakarta that opec had decided maintain price level dlrs deliberately defending price opec production mln moment stated asked opec increase production prices dlrs barrel this decided opec meeting june will discuss market situation added meeting opec differentials committee had postponed for meeting not elaborate committee had originally due meet vienna this week reuter acq japan rejects objections fairchild sale foreign ministry official dismissed arguments made senior government officials seeking block sale microchip maker japanese firm linking completely unrelated issues shuichi takemoto foreign ministry north american division told reuters commerce secretary malcolm baldrige asked white house blocking sale fairchild semiconductor corp japan fujitsu itsu officials yesterday baldrige expressed concern that sale leave military dependent foreign company for vital high technology equipment pentagon officials defence secretary caspar weinberger opposes sale officials sale give fujitsu powerful role market for supercomputers japan supercomputer market remains closed sales takemoto national security not issue since planned purchase fairchild current owner schlumberger slb not include fairchild main defence related division addition takemoto tension supercomputer trade not affect sale fairchild not make supercomputers analysts noted that fairchild make sophisticated microchips used supercomputers fujitsu makes similar chips and supplies supercomputer makers takemoto dismissed fears that proposed takeover violate antitrust law purchase not result fujitsu monopolising semiconductor market two separate issues come together boost pressure block purchase industry analysts move part attempt force japan open domestic market supercomputer sales officials repeatedly charged that japanese public sector closed supercomputer sales despite firms technological lead field united states believes japan will react bullied and this bullying ploy salomon brothers asia analyst carole ryavec analysts stake supercomputer sales fears losing vital semiconductor industry japanese competitors real issue xenophobia silicon valley tom murtha brokerage james capel and japanese tension semiconductor trade failed subside despite recent efforts japan ministry international trade and industry miti japanese firms abide bilateral pact aimed halting predatory pricing and opening japan market miti official that japan faithfully abiding agreement problems remain halting sale microchips europe and southeast asia prices below set pact matter time solve this problem told reuters despite furore fujitsu will proceed talks acquisition line basic agreement reached schlumberger last year fujitsu spokeswoman told reuters reuter money-fx bank england offers early money market bank england invited early round bill offers ease tight conditions money market bank estimated today liquidity shortage billion stg bills maturing official hands and treasury bill drain billion stg system rise note circulation and below target bankers balances mln and mln bank this exchequer transactions add net mln stg reuter earn alusuisse shares suspended capital cut news trading shares schweizerische aluminium alusuisse aluz suspended zurich stock exchange today announcement company that cut share capital pct bourse bourse trading resume monday alusuisse bearer shares closed francs yesterday registered shares francs and participation certificates reuter crude petrobras cancels oil purchase saudi arabia brazil state oil company petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase saudi arabia saudis refused accept credit guarantees bank brazil and not disclose reasons petrobras official export director carlos santana told reporters saudis suppliers oil impose such conditions brazil decision halt interest payment commercial debts last month shipment mln barrels represents two days consumption saudis reported longer accept letters credit bank brazil even saudi banks and that brazil obtain credit guarantees leading international banks february brazil had contracted buy bpd saudis june saudi arabia brazil second biggest oil supplier average bpd iraq main supplier bpd china comes bpd saudis stop trade relationship that will getting dozens offers santana added santana saudis change minds and decide respect terms contract petrobras will lift order cancel shipment saudis had put similar conditions previous shipment added telexed that insisted cancel contract and buy product santana petrobras threatened cancel contract saudis changed minds and decided accept bank brazil credit guarantees reuter acq mannesmann majority stake fichtel mannesmann mmwg spokesman company lodged application federal cartel office for approval majority stake car parts company fichtel und sachs described application precautionary move and agreement buying majority stake had reached mannesmann that wanted buy pct stake fichtel heirs ernst wilhelm sachs grandson firm founder spokesman declined buy shares create majority stake firm fichtel principal shareholders commerzbank cbkg pct and salzgitter islg pct spokesmen declined comment directly possibility selling fichtel shares mannesmann mannesmann january hoped pct stake fichtel holding company sachs quarter last week spokesman mannesmann had letter intent pct stake completion delayed legal questions surrounding inheritance reuter earn schweizerhalle fire hit sandoz profits sandoz sanz reported percentage rise net profits close double figures actual two pct had not for november warehouse fire senior company official official declined identified told reuters sandoz had made substantial addition reserves cope consequences accident schweizerhalle caused severe pollution rhine sandoz today reported comment rise net profits mln francs previous mln and pct increase dividend francs per franc nominal share this year began performance january and february equal period last year official company expected give fuller details results news conference april sandoz insisted that adequately insured cover liability arising accident official addition reserves cover pct claims not covered and voluntary gestures wanted compensate for effects pollution fire sandoz not figure for claims flowing switzerland and countries bordering rhine since accident official final figure that cited earlier comments gave details line fellow chemical giant ciba geigy cigz reported last month sandoz profit and turnover hit falling dollar official sales local currency terms pct market share increases united states and japan this offset pct negative foreign exchange effect produced reported pct drop turnover billion francs sandoz official net profit ciba geigy dropped pct billion francs sales fell pct billion francs major swiss chemical company hoffmann roche and hofz not reported results reuter earn alusuisse sees break even schweizerische aluminimum aluz alusuisse break even this year cleansing balance sheet for chief executive hans jucker threshold profitability returned foreseeable future expect approximately break even that presupposes that industrial environment not worsen alusuisse longer face burden past losses alusuisse made net loss mln swiss francs restated mln loss gross sales billion francs billion and net turnover billion billion alusuisse had originally reported mln francs loss for jucker and finance director hermann haerri told news conference management installed year ago had decided restate previous years accounts eliminate rights australian bauxite previously books asset together charges alusuisse gross extraordinary charge mln francs mln had mln extraordinary income remaining provisions sale maremont corp subsidiary united states extraordinary gains jucker losses carried forward had wiped company remaining reserves and exceeded legally allowed levels forcing alusuisse adopt pct capital cut approved shareholders april jucker knew shareholders find this radical elimination mortgages past painful foundation had laid for successful company strategy haerri despite losses company liquidity strong bank debt had cut billion francs end level billion cash flow improved substantially mln francs mln and represented pct turnover mere pct addition reassure creditors alusuisse had arranged major swiss banks union bank switzerland sbgz swiss bank corp sbvz and credit suisse crsz convert mln francs credits into subordinated loan main sources losses book losses and not cash losses haerri existing credit lines used small extent and parent company had granted credit line mln francs consortium swiss banks that cover loans falling due haerri company had criticized for maintaining bauxite rights asset and had restated accounts that left account mln franc loss mln mln profit mln mln loss mln and mln loss mln accounts show shareholders equity billion francs billion and similar alternations made for previous years losses shareholder equity stood mln francs reuter earn japan corporate profits last quarter current profits japan major firms october december quarter rose pct year earlier billion yen pct year year rise preceding quarter finance ministry improved earnings resulted pct profit increase manufacturing industries supported pct rise for construction firms and pct gain real estate ministry survey total sales firms capital mln yen responded poll fell pct billion yen pct fall previous quarter current profits manufacturing industries fourth quarter dropped pct billion yen pct fall preceding quarter ministry plant and equipment investments firms polled fell pct billion yen compared percent fall previoius quarter ministry officials survey showed that japanese economy delicate stage hard economic growth stopped deteriorating economy heading for recovery reuter ship two brazilian shipping firms settle strikers two small shipping companies reached pay deal striking seamen union leaders brazil seamen strike union spokesman rio janeiro seamen had accepted pct pay offer companies globo and flumar employees each two week strike comes brazil faces debt crisis and delaying exports badly needed earn foreign exchange labour minister almir pazzionotto government will not force settlement strike ruled illegal last friday reuter money-fx miyazawa exchange rates will stay stable finance minister kiichi miyazawa told press conference thinks exchange rates will remain stable due currency accord reached paris last month six major industrialised nations not for long dollar hovered yen since six agreed cooperate bring currency stability asked comment remarks officials calling for decline dollar miyazawa president and treasury secretary can make official statements exchange rates reuter crude subroto sees oil market continuing bullish indonesian energy minister subroto sees oil market continuing bullish underlying demand expected rise year told press conference jakarta end two day meeting south east asian energy ministers that prices stabilizing dlrs barrel sentiment market bullish and will continue that demand will fourth quarters subroto asked prospect for oil prices will stabilise dlrs turbulence spot price will fluctuate official price will remain dlrs added reuter crude opec defending dlr price subroto indonesian energy minister subroto opec deliberately production ceiling mln barrels defend dlr barrel price target told reporters energy conference jakarta that opec had decided maintain price level dlrs deliberately defending price opec production mln moment stated asked opec increase production prices dlrs barrel this decided opec meeting june will discuss market situation added meeting opec differentials committee had postponed for meeting not elaborate committee had originally due meet vienna this week reuter trade bank japan calls for long term efforts trade short term effect foreign exchange rate movements correcting international trade imbalances appears waning and long term efforts required cut japan chronic dependence external demand bank japan monthly report japan trade surplus nominal terms likely remain high future central bank fundamental adjustments will needed long japan hopes benefit international allocation resources and maintain free trade system added reuter earn aep industries inc aepi qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn holmes hlme qtr net shr cts dlrs net sales mln mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln note share adjusted for pct stock dividend january pretax net profits dlrs dlrs quarter and loss dlrs profit dlrs year latest year net includes pretax gains dlrs quarter and dlrs year pension plan reversions prior year net includes gain dlrs sale property reuter acq boston fbc starts allegheny bid boston inc started previously announced tender offer for common shares dlr cumulative preference shares and dlr convertible preferred shares allegheny international inc dlrs dlrs and dlrs newspaper advertisement company offer and withdrawal rioghts will expire april extended offer conditioned receipt majority allegheny voting power fully diluted basis and receipt two thirds each preference and preferred shares merger approved allegheny board remaining common preference and preferred shares acquired tender prices follow offer receipt minimum amounts offer give boston sufficient voting power assure approval merger affirmative vote shareholder company reuter ship court puts injunction dutch port redundancies employers rotterdam port strike hit general cargo sector served injunction preventing continuing plans for redundancies this year employers organisation spokesman amsterdam court yesterday ruled had legal fault employers redundancy procedure employers spokesman likely restart redundancy procedure afresh week attempt pre empt final court ruling port and transport union representative paul rosenmuller described court ruling victory for union added long dispute that hit general cargo sector for past weeks resolved rosenmuller meeting sector workers this afternoon decide action campaign lightning strikes that began january protest planned redundancies starting this year employers plans for meetings union proposed redundancies work practice agreement sector meanwhile discussions work agreement port grain sector due resume week stalemated agreement close coal and ore sector employers spokesman added reuter ship strike close zealand ports monday harbour workers will strike for hours monday effectively closing zealand ports strike deadlocked wage negotiations harbour employees workers union spokesman told reporters will ship movements and ports midnight sunday hrs gmt march will loading unloading involving harbour board workers and cook strait ferries provide vital link zealand north and south islands will not run added reuter ship two brazilian shipping firms settle strikers two small shipping companies reached pay deal striking seamen late yesterday union leaders brazil seamen strike union spokesman rio janeiro seamen had accepted pct pay raise offer companies globo and flumar employees each two week strike comes brazil faces debt crisis and delaying exports badly needed earn foreign exchange labour minister almir pazzionotto government will not force settlement strike ruled illegal last friday reuter crude weather closes alexandria port sumed oil terminal strong winds and high seas forced closure egypt main port alexandria and nearby oil terminal port officials tanker loading suez mediterranean arab petroleum pipelines sedi kerir southwest stopped and officials tankers anchorage awaiting improved weather reuter earn farwest corp ffws qtr loss shr loss dlrs profit nil net loss profit revs mln mln year shr loss dlrs profit dlrs net loss profit revs mln mln note net periods includes dlr loss discontinued operations due settlement lawsuit and redemption preferred reuter earn hemotec inc hemo qtr net shr two cts net sales year shr cts cts net sales note net includes tax credits dlrs dlrs quarter and credit dlrs provision dlrs year reuter acq service control bids for american service service control corp started tender offer for shares american service corp dlrs each newspaper advertisement company offer and withdrawal rights expire april extended american service board approved offer merger price service control offer conditioned receipt shares holders shares agreed tender shares offer and granted service control option buy dlrs each reuter earn dreyer grand dryr restates rth quarter loss dreyer grand ice cream restated previously reported fourth quarter loss dlrs cts per share decided charge dlrs provide for losses midwest distributing acquired december dreyer restatement reduces net income for full year dlrs cts per share company restatement not change thinking benefits acquisition future prospects midwest distributing markets dreyer grand previously reported earnings dlrs cts per share dlrs dlrs share for months year had earned dlrs cts per share dlrs cts share year reuter earn turbo resources year net oper shr cts cts oper shr diluted cts cts oper net mln mln revs mln mln note oper net excludes extraordinary income mln dlrs mln tax loss carryforward offset writedowns mln dlrs mln oil and gas properties and assets reuter earn comment seat loss reports volkswagen vowg spokesman group had comment reports greater expected losses spanish subsidiary sociedad espanola automoviles turismo seat german newspapers reported that werner schmidt seat supervisory board chairman had told journalists that seat losses for billion pesetas mln marks almost double original expectations boersen zeitung newspaper schmidt invest billion pesetas seat this year and years spend billion spanish unit reuter acq beneficial corp sell western national life for mln dlrs earn general mills inc qtr shr cts cts acq caesars world inc board rejects martin sosnoff tender interest top discount rate bill tender falls pct earn mdi mobile data international inc year net oper shr cts cts oper shr diluted cts cts oper net revs mln mln note current oper net excludes writedown dlrs cts share unidentified investment reuter money-fx money market deficit revised billion stg bank england revised estimate today shortfall billion stg taking account mln stg morning assistance reuter acq caesars world caw rejects sosnoff offer caesars world inc board unanimously rejected dlr share takeover offer york investor martin sosnoff caesars sosnoff offer outstanding shares common stock inadequate and not interests shareholders company recommended that shareholders reject sosnoff offer made mts acquisition corp and not tender shares caesars will explore variety alternative transactions not elaborate caesars statement not whether seek buy back shares held sosnoff caesars spokesman company not comment decision wednesday sosnoff told securities and exchange commission that controls pct company stock sosnoff informed sec that caesars had offered buyout holdings times past year sosnoff organization immediately for comment caesars financial advisor drexel burnham lambert inc had determined that sosnoff offer financially inadequate for shareholders sosnoff company factors considered rejecting offer financial condition future prospects current market conditions and numerous conditions sosnoff bid conditioned caesars stock opened point that point sosnoff offer price reuter earn esselte esb results group profit net interest items mln crowns mln sales billion crowns billion estimated profit per share crowns proposed dividend crowns reuter acq conseco cnc buy beneficial bnl unit conseco inc signed definitive agreement acquire western national life insurance beneficial corp for mln dlrs cash western national had assets billion dlrs end and premium and investment revenues western issues structured settlement annuities for settlement personal injury and damage claims and sells tax sheltered annuities acquisition subject regulatory approval conseco acquisition raise assets billion dlrs and annual revenues mln dlrs beneficial had previously announced plans leave insurance business march agreed principle sell american centennial insurance beneficial international insurance consolidated marine and general insurance consolidated life assurance wesco insurance and service general insurance subsidiaries management led group for mln dlrs notes contingent performance units and mln dlrs cash conseco had operating earnings dlrs revenues mln dlrs reuter earn great american bancorp grtb qtr net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss mths shrs loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss assets mln mln deposits mln mln loans mln mln reuter earn koninklijke nederlandse papierfabrieken knpn net profit mln guilders mln turnover billion guilders earnings per share guilders capital expanded pct mln outstanding shares proposed dividend per share guilders note full company name koninklijke nederlandse papierfabrieken reuter earn general mills inc gis qtr feb net shr cts cts net sales billion billion avg shrs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net sales billion billion avg shrs mln mln note period ended february prior year amounts restated reflect discontinued furniture operations earnings include gains discontinued operations mln dlrs two cts share quarter and gains mln dlrs cts share fiscal months mln dlrs cts share year earlier reuter earn novell novl sets payment date for stock split novell inc dividend effect previously announced two for stock split will distributed april stated time original announcement company payment will made holders record march reuter earn nortek inc ntk sets quarterlies qtly div common cts cts prior qtly div special common pay record april reuter ship dutch port union calls general cargo strikes dutch port and transport union fnv called strikes planned redundancies that hit rotterdam port general cargo sector for past weeks strike leader paul rosenmuller told mass meeting decision yesterday ruling amsterdam court preventing sector employers continuing current plans for redundancies this year court sits rosenmuller told meeting general cargo sector workers today court ruled employers had made mistake complicated legal procedure for obtaining official permission for redundancies and not proceed continue strikes for moment pressure redundancies lifted rosenmuller added that strikes began january protest plans for redundancies resume time employers made moves apply for permission for redundancies svz labour relations manager gerrard zeebregts meeting lawyers today view applying for this permission week hope gaining approval for redundancies month reuter earn nova alberta corp qtr shr loss cts loss dlrs earn healthco international inc hlco qtr net oper shr cts cts oper shr diluted cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs avg shrs diluted year oper shr dlrs dlrs oper shr diluted dlrs dlrs oper net mln revs mln mln avg shrs avg shrs diluted note net periods excludes charge dlrs distribution system restructuring costs year net excludes dlr debt retirement gain and gain mln dlrs sale hpsc inc hpsc stock net periods includes charge dlrs reversal investment tax credits reuter earn wilfred american educational corp wae qtr shr two cts cts net revs mln mln year shr cts cts net revs mln mln note net periods includes gain dlrs cancellation debt quarter net includes reversal dlrs investment tax credits reuter earn laboratories inc bmd qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln note net for qtr and and adjusted reflect retroactive effect for two stock splits distributed shareholders july and august net includes results operations parmed pharmaceuticals inc acquired reuter earn med inc nums qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln current year net periods includes gain dlrs change inestimation lives used depreciation property and equipment reuter earn alusuisse plans pct capital cut schweizerische aluminium alusuisse plans reduce share and participation certificate capital pct cover losses and carried forward previous year chief executive hans jucker jucker told news conference that greatest drain financial resources had stopped extraordinary charges net loss mln francs slightly mln loss previous year losses and carried made reduce capital pct jucker company improved liquidity recovery cash flow and conversion mln swiss francs credit into subordinated loan trading alusuisse shares suspended zurich stock exchange today announcement company that cut share capital pct bourse trading resume monday reuter earn davis water dwws releases pre split earnings davis water and waste industries inc restated earnings pre stock split basis for fiscal quarter and months ended january reported march post for stock split basis company earnings per share for quarter pre split basis converts cts cts post split versus cts pre split two cts post split for fiscal quarter for months davis earnings per share convert cts and cts for fiscal and cts and cts reuter earn nova alberta corp qtr loss shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss mln loss mln revs mln mln year shr profit cts loss dlrs net profit mln loss mln revs billion billion avg shrs mln mln reuter acq elder beerman eldr gets offer dlrs share elder beerman stores corp owners pct stock offered company private offerring dlrs per share for remaining pct stock company proposal will considered regularly scheduled board meeting march offer made members beerman family holding pct company stock chairman max gutmann and members board reuter earn echlin inc ech dividend increased pct qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable april record april two reuter earn national entertainment corp nent qtr net jan end shr six cts cts net revs mths shr cts cts net revs note prior year net periods includes dlr tax credit reuter earn national entertainment nent reverse split set national entertainment corp shareholdersapproved for reverse stock split and name change major video corp effective march ticker symbol will majv company expects add company owned and franchised major video stores days operates reuter earn pembina resources year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter acq computer memories cmin sets film firm merger computer memories inc ended disk drive operations june agreed acquire hemdale film corp transaction will give hemdale owner control resulting company computer memories principal asset mln dlrs cash and cash equivalents agreed exchange newly issued shares equaling pct aggregate issued acquire hemdale that company owner john daly become chief executive officer combined company renamed hemdale film corp computer memories proposed transaction subject results corporate reviews and approval shareholders will hold special meeting practicable company shares outstanding held intel corp intc anticipated fintel shares will purchased for dlrs share connection merger hemdale computer memories reuter acq klm seeks stake british courier service klm royal dutch airlines klm negotiating for minority stake british and commonwealth shipping plc bcom courier service transaction include convertible loan issue klm active fast growing door door delivery market pct stake dutch courier service seeking buy iml air services group british and commonwealth two companies agreed earlier this month for klm pct stake british and commonwealth commuter airline air deal worth two mln stg reuter money-fx economic spotlight ems marks eighth birthday european monetary system marks eighth anniversary vulnerable turmoil world money markets despite creating island currency rate stability europe economists economists system holds european community currencies narrow fluctuation bands remains infancy currency european currency unit ecu runaway success investors and borrowers alike seeking alternative volatile dollar and wednesday long term vision ecu europe common currency step nearer reality belgium minted world ecu coin economists members such west germany blocked second stage development envisaged system founding fathers west german chancellor helmut schmidt and french president valery giscard estaing this phase originally due started two years ems set decision making transferred national governments and central banks autonomous european monetary fund members jealously guarded sovereignty economic and monetary matters basic problem ems that governments not prepared make quantum leap situation decisions common economist closely watched system development result that divided policy currencies accentuating economists system greatest weakness vulnerability weak dollar past months dollar plunged and investors moved into strong currencies resulting sharp rise west german mark severely strained system mark soared dollar rose ems currencies favoured international investors and west germany last year refused give pressure partners and united states cut interest rates slow mark rise ems had realigned twice ease financial and trade strains community two months ago mark and dutch guilder revalued pct and belgian and luxembourg francs two pct currencies system french franc italian lira irish punt and danish crown another frustration britain failure lend ems political support keeping pound major world currency system change british government attitude expected country general elections due mid meanwhile system last realignment since set prompted european finance ministers highly secretive monetary committee and committee central bank governors come suggestions for reinforcing ideas due unveiled finance ministers hold informal meeting belgium early month economists proposals involve tinkering technical details sceptical chances for fundamental change technical measures won protect ems external factors such dollar weakness for that step forward institutional level leo corel kredietbank economic research department economists system fortunes will depend largely success agreement last month major industrial nations stabilise exchange rates dollar resumes slide ems for turbulence predict reuter earn general mills gis sees strong qtr results general mills inc reporting stronger results for quarter ended february expects momentum continue fourth quarter company expects report strong earnings per share growth and record return equity fiscal this achieved despite expected operating charges final quarter general mills charges will likely offset operating gains included six cts share half general mills end quarter return average equity pct major factors contributing quarter improvement pct gain unit volume consumer foods continuing good profit growth red lobster usa and strong performance specialty retailing company reported quarterly earnings mln dlrs cts share mln dlrs cts share year ago sales rose billion dlrs billion dlrs year ago data reflect two for common stock split reuter acq packaging systems paks buy label firm packaging systems corp agreed acquire walter richter labels inc privately held maker woven labels based paterson terms acquisition expected completed days not disclosed reuter earn manufactured homes inc mnh year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note net includes dlr provision for credit loss net includes charge dlrs cumulative effect accounting change reuter acq holiday corp hia comsat close sale holiday corp and communications satellite corp closed previously announced sale comsat holiday pct interest net communications joint venture that room video entertainment hotels satellite terms deal comsat paid holiday mln dlrs cash and assumed half venture mln dlrs outstanding debt company net added will continue provide programming holiday hotels reuter earn consumers financial corp cfin net shr cts cts net rev mln mln note net includes investment gains cts share versus six cts share for and extraordinary gain cts share reuter earn chicago rivet and machine cvr qtr net shr cts cts net sales year shr dlrs dlrs net sales mln mln reuter earn filtertek inc ftk sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay record reuter earn transact int inc tact qtr jan net shr cts net rev mln mln months shr two cts cts net rev mln mln note months period includes gain dlrs sale meston lake resources shares and credit dlrs favroable settlement state income tax assessment months period includes gain dlrs two cts share sale ferrotherm reuter money-fx france repays currency intervention debt france today repaid billion francs short term currency intervention debt european monetary cooperation fund emcf finance ministry debt part billion franc liability incurred activation emcf swap facilities defend franc january european monetary system realignment realignment weeks speculative pressure produced pct revaluation west german mark and dutch guilder french franc and two pct revaluation belgian franc reuter crude shell canada raises crude prices canadian cts bbl today edmonton ship correction two brazil shipping firms settle today sao paulo story headlined two brazilian shipping firms settle strikers read second para offer companies global and flumar offer companies globo and flumar corrects name company reuter trade german bank sees good soviet trade prospects soviet west german trade expected develop favourably due moscow increasing openness east west economic relations dresdner bank moscow representative michael stein told bank presentation soviet union last year hit fall world oil prices cut export revenue oil related products and natural gas and overseas buying power adversely affected lower dollar dresdner bank economist alfred apholte soviet union large currency and gold reserves had softened impact dollar weakening and oil price drop reuter acq national pizza piza acquire restaurants national pizza reached agreement principle buy straw hat pizza restaurants and related real estate for approximately mln dlrs cash acquisitions will converted pizza hut restaurants national pizza and expected generate annual sales approximately mln dlrs sale complete will bring number restaurants operated national pizza company reuter earn citicorp placing brazil loans cash basis cut qtr net mln dlrs ship singapore spend billion dlrs ports port singapore authority psa will spend billion dlrs develop port facilities and cargo handling equipment years communications minister yeo ning hong told parliament yeo improvements needed cope expected growth ship tonnage and cargo handled port gave details psa handled mln gross registered tonnes cargo latest statistics port authority reuter crude ors seeks canadian funds for heavy oil test ors corp dominion securities alberta inc appointed offer common shares canadaina company organized exploit heavy oil production opportunities canada and western europe ors offer for private sale stock made efforts basis designed raise mln canadian dlrs company will invest properties and projects electromagnetic stimulation process developed iit research institute sponsorship ors reuter acq chrysler unit buys beneficial bnl unit chrysler corp chrysler inc acquired major portion commercial lending portfolio beneficial business credit corp subsidiary beneficial corp acquisition involves mln dlrs net receivables chrysler subsidiary chrysler financial corp had receivables billion dlrs end reuter crude petrobras asks army withdraw troops brazil state oil company petrobras asked army withdraw troops occupying oil installations since tuesday petrobras statement statement request for withdrawal troops made calmness reigning refineries request due end seamen strike and willingness oil industry workers sit negotiating table statement even petrobras statement seamen strike union spokesman two small shipping companies had reached pay agreement overwhelming majority brazil seamen remained strike statement meeting petrobras and oil industry leaders set for wednesday rio presence labour minister almir pazzionotto mediator petrobras request for withdrawal troops made local hours gmt company spokesman not troops had removed reuter interest italian interbank rate rises february italy average interbank rate rose provisional pct february pct january figures bank italy show weighted average rate bank lending provisional pct february compared january average weighted rate paid deposits eased provisional pct pct italy today announced that official discount rate cut pct pct effective tomorrow reuter acq paint company metex mtx stake buy metropolitan consolidated industries inc york paint company acquired shares metex corp pct total and left open possibility that acquire merger filing securities and exchange commission metropolitan bought metex stock investment buy additional shares sell current stake buys shares metropolitan open market private deals exchange offer tender offer merger metropolitan acquire option buy metex shares owned william hack metex director together this wife holds company common shares pct total metropolitan option buy another metex common shares dlrs each option not exercisable april metropolitan exercise option and acquire hack stake metex common shares pct total metropolitan sec filing made shareholder group hack metropolitan spent mln dlrs acquire metex stake listed recent stock purchases common shares march dlrs each and shares march dlrs reuter acq bpi systems bpii talks sell company bpi systems inc holding discussions that lead sale outstanding shares for mln dlrs bpi president and chief executive officer david fernald declined identify party involved talks for months ended december bpi lost dlrs sales dlrs reuter acq bally manufacturing sale six flags theme parks acq telemedia buy harrowsmith equinox magazines telemedia inc telemedia publishing inc subsidiary agreed buy privately owned harrowsmith and equinox magazines for undisclosed amount cash telemedia acquisition expected small positive impact short term earnings harrowsmith alternative life style magazine canada seventh largest paid circulation english language magazine equinox country eighth largest each circulation copies magazine group had revenues mln dlrs last year and employs people telemedia telemedia will acquire pct interest company recently launched edition harrowsmith magazine editiion begun last year paid circulation company final deal expected mid april telemedia magazines founder agreed continue provide editorial and publishing direction for magazines reuter earn divi hotels dvh qtr net shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln mths shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note months fiscal includes extraordinary gain cts per share reuter acq bally bly sale six flags bally manufacturing corp sale six flag theme amusement park unit and use proceeds pay debt addition sale amusement parks bally plans sell minority stake health club chain public company will register proposed offering securities and exchange commission for pct health clubs spokesman william peltier told reuters selling six flags consideration peltier response inquiry company use income amusement park chain sold repay debt six flags sell for mln dlrs analysts health club chain nation largest valued mln dlrs bally reportedly approached six flags prospective buyers company cash begin paying back mln dlrs mountain debt bally recently completed mln dlrs acquisition golden nugget casino hotel atlantic city golden nugget inc gng purchase pushed long term debt billion dlrs almost times equity mln dlrs bally unit health and tennis clubs had revenues mln dlrs pct bally total revenues billion dlrs bally acquired six flags for mln dlrs january penn central corp bally bought great america theme park gurnee ill for mln dlrs marriott corp mhs parks had pretax operating profit mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs clubs and equipment unit combined post operating profit mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs mln clubs company earlier this month will charge earnings quarter mln dlrs result deal buy back mln common shares real estate developer donald trump february deal bally agreed buy mln mln shares held trump dlrs share mln dlrs mln dlrs related expenses exchange for trump not seeking control company for years deal requires bally buy trump remaining shares for dlrs share stock price not reach that level february reuter acq franklin resources ben net double franklin resources inc believes earnings double this year compared year ago company reported income mln dlrs mln dlrs revenues franklin resources financial services company fiscal year ends september reuter earn helmerich and payne inc increases div qtly div cts cts payable june record reuter earn holly corp hoc qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln six mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit mln revs mln mln note six months fiscal includes loss cts per share discontinued operations per share figures reflect partial for stock split effected december reuter trade white house trade bill generally good white house spokesman marlin fitzwater administration had disagreements trade bill that cleared house subcommittee yesterday generally felt good bill generally feel good bipartisan consideration trade legislation progressing told reporters wide areas agreement areas disagreement reuter acq sunter acquisition begins tender for allegheny international inc acq irish oil concern boosts cenergy crg stake bryson oil and gas plc belfast northern ireland oil company seeking control cenergy corp raised stake company shares pct total filing securities and exchange commission bryson bought cenergy common shares march dlrs each previously had held shares pct bryson request detailed shareholder information cenergy case decided communicate shareholders cenergy made legal challenges request reuter acq sunter begins tender for allegheny allegheny international inc sunter acquisititon corp formed boston inc began cash tender offer accordance previously announced merger agreement for outsanding shares allegheny common stock dlr cumulative preference stock and dlrs convertible preferred stock offer expires april extended terms agreement tendering shareholders will receive dlrs per common share dlrs per preference share and dlrs per preferred share allegheny offer conditioned valid tender stock representing majority voting power and two thirds outstanding shares preference stock and preferred stock merger agreement announced earlier this week reuter earn transit financial holdings inc qtr net shr cts cts net revs not year shr cts cts net revs reuter earn sporting life inc splf qtr jan net oper shr loss six cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs half oper shr profit six cts profit cts oper net profit profit revs note prior year net excludes extraordinary credits dlrs quarter and dlrs half current quarter net includes dlr tax credit reuter acq investment firms cut cyclops cyl stake group affiliated york investment firms lowered stake cyclops corp shares pct total outstanding shares pct filing securities and exchange commission group led mutual shares corp sold cyclops common shares since february reuter earn argyll energy corp year loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit revs note shr and net dlr writedown property and assets reuter earn transit financial sees share profit rise transit financial holdings inc earlier reporting higher fourth quarter and full year earnings expects share profit increase dlrs cts company share forecast based mln shares outstanding mln common share issue december and earnings based mln shares outstanding company earlier reported profit rose dlrs cts shares year earlier dlrs cts share reuter interest san paolo torino cuts prime rate pct pct official earn holly corp hoc qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs half oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note current half net excludes dlr loss discontinued oil and natural gas operations share adjusted for for stock split and recapitalization december prior year net periods includes pretax charge dlrs recapitalization costs reuter acq cyclops cyl will not give data group cyclops corp board rejected request cyacq corp investor group for public information cyclops maker specialty steels and electronics retailer cyclops cited agreement acquired britain dixons group plc for dlrs share tender offer that expires midnight march cyacq comprising audio video affiliates inc citicorp capital investors and investors yesterday increase tender offer for cyclops dlrs share dlrs subject conditions conditions that cyclops provide cyacq public data dixons and that cyacq satisfied financial projections made dixons offer cyclops board determined that cyacq announcement not offer cyacq press release not amend cyacq outstanding tender offer remains dlrs per share and not state that cyacq financing commitments carry original offer increased offer that make cyclops statement agreements dixons binding and dixons will not rescind waive provisions pacts cyclops company advised that dixons shareholders approved merger satisfying that condition agreement reuter earn san juan racing association inc sjr qtr shr cts cts net revs mln mln months shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln note qtr and months include extraordainry gain dlrs and dlrs sale land reuter acq edelman cuts lucky stores lks stake pct group led york investor asher edelman lowered stake lucky stores inc lks shares pct total outstanding common stock shares pct filing securities and exchange commission edelman group sold lucky stores common shares march and prices ranging dlrs share long edelman stake below pct not required report dealings lucky stores stock reuter acq interconnect prefers friendly gates glj offer interconnect capital seeks acquire gates learjet corp friendly terms late yesterday company offered dlrs per share for gates learjet shares interconnect capital intends purchase gates corp loan gates learjet for mln dlrs bid successful interconnect capital controlled interconnect inc gates corp owns pct gates learjet reuter earn infinite graphics inc infg qtr jan net shr profit two cts loss cts net profit loss sales mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss sales reuter acq mindscape buys harcourt brace hbj unit mindscsape inc agreed buy educational software unit holt rinehart and winston inc subsidiary harcourt brace jovanovich inc for undisclosed terms sales division had purchased holt rinehart cbs peaked mln dlrs mindscape reuter earn health mor inc hmi sets dividend qtly dividend cts cts pay april record march reuter acq caesars world considers restructuring and sale company earn fairchild industries inc qtr oper shr loss cts loss cts acq arco sells two agricultural research operations atlantic richfield sold plan cell research institute unit and arco seed operations two transactions for undisclosed prices company sold dublin calif based plant cell research montedision spa milan italy and arco seed genetics hollister calif atlantic richfield divestitures line policy focusing resources oil gas chemical and coal operations reuter acq caesars world caw mulls restructuring caesars world inc rejecting dlr share takeover bid york investor martin sosnoff alternatives that include restructuring company and sale filing securities and exchange commission caesars world board decided special meeting yesterday explore and investigate alternatives effort thwart sosnoff takeover attempt acq chemlawn chem seeks bids march chemlawn corp asked potential purchasers company submit proposals est march chemlawn waste management inc wmx intends participate bidding process will submit confidentiality agreement chemlawn financial advisor smith barney harris upham and inc waste management dlr per share tender offer for chemlawn underway that chemlawn rejected inadequate chemlawn holding talks parties sale company and informed potential purchasers that mnust sign confidentiality agreemnents receive confidential information chemlawn chemlawn waste management sign such agreement chemlawn supply information supplied potential purchasers will not make exception for waste management give that company advantage bidding process reuter earn gts corp gtsc qtr dec loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs year shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs note net periods includes dlr writedown seismic laboratory and dlr increase reserve for doubtful accounts reuter earn fairchild industries inc fen qtr loss oper shr loss cts oper loss cts oper net loss profit rev mln mln year oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net profit loss rev mln mln note per share results provision for pfd dividends fourth qtr earnings exclude loss discontinued operations mln dlrs dlrs share and loss mln dlrs dlrs share tax reverse versus gain discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share qtr oper earnings excludes loss discontinued operations mln dlrs dlrs share versus loss mln dlrs dlrs share reuter acq smartnames buy american information network smartnames inc reached agreement principle buy american information network terms agreement not disclosed company purchase american will meet broader range direct mail industry customers reuter acq arco acr sells two operations atlantic richfield sold plan cell research institute unit and arco seed operations two transactions for undisclosed prices company sold dublin calif based plant cell research montedision spa milan italy and arco seed genetics hollister calif atlantic richfield divestitures line policy focusing resources oil gas chemical and coal operations reuter crude ecuador begins work oil pipeline colombia construction workers today began building mile pipeline link ecuador jungle oilfields pipeline colombia ecuadorean crude pumped pacific coast ecuadorean energy minsitry officials two months and mln dlrs build pipeline lago agrio ecuador puerto colon colombia for connection colombian pipeline port tumaco colombia pacific ocean coast lago agrio puerto colon pipeline designed transport barrels day bpd ecuadorean crude colombian pipeline colombian pipeline tumaco ample room for ecuadorean crude transporting bpd bpd capacity ecuadorean energy ministry official ecuadorean crude reaching tumaco will shipped boat ecuador for refining into oil products meet domestic demand completion pipeline ecuador resume production paralysed since march six earthquake night tremor ruptured country main pipeline jungle oilfields ecuadorean port balao pacific ocean ecuador pumping bpd earthquake months repair pipeline balao government officials ecuador estimates that will cost mln dlrs repair oil installations damaged earthquake energy ministry javier espinosa reuter trade dutch trade fully balance january netherlands recorded flat trade balance january exports and imports totaling billion guilders modestly lower compared december sharply january last year economics ministry spokesman quoting official statistics january exports compared december figure billion guilders and pct below last year level billion january imports compared billion guilders december and fell pct billion january last year reuter earn desoto inc dso regular dividend set qtly div cts cts previously pay april record march reuter earn methode electronics inc methb regular payout qtly div class cts cts prior class two cts two cts prior pay april record april reuter earn general cinema corp gcn common stock dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april recrod april reuter earn stephan ftc year net shr cts cts net revs reuter acq plm plma unit ends merger talks plm cos inc plm power unit broke merger discussions sunlaw energy corp beverly hills calif january plm power entered into letter intent negotiate potential acquisition sunlaw subject substantial due diligence company two companies not agree mutually satisfactory final terms and conditions reuter earn met pro corp mpr pay regular dividend qtrly cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn aileen inc aee qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln reuter earn wolverine world wide inc www qtr loss shr loss six cts profit cts net loss profit sales mln mln year shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit sales mln mln note year results include mln dlr restructuring charge qtr reuter earn hurco companies inc hurc qtr net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss rev mln mln avg shares reuter acq maxtor mxtr agrees acquire design maxtor corp and design corp usdc reached definitive agreement covering acquisition design maxtor arrangement subject number conditions including design shareholder approval calls for maxtor issue mln dlrs worth common stock exchange for design number maxtor shares issued will determined average closing price maxtor stock trading day period prior day acquisition becomes effective companies reuter earn shared medical systems corp smed sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn weigh tronix inc wght qtr net shr cts cts net sales year shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn monarch avalon inc mahi qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit rev mln mln months shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit rev mln mln note per share information adjusted for for two stock split january reuter earn bnl announces net profits bank sector state owned banca nazionale del lavoro bnl profits for banking activities equalled billion lire billion lire consolidated results for bnl interests tourism public works industrial credit and sectors expected announced this year results for banking sector presented shareholders meeting scheduled for april reuter earn applied dna systems inc adna qtr loss shr loss nil net loss loss revs avg shrs year shr loss cts loss six cts net loss revs note amounts include losses pct owned scientific development affiliate analytical biosystems corp reuter acq oilman pct qed exploration qedx kansas oilman nicholas powell told securities and exchange commission acquired shares qed exploration inc pct total outstanding common stock powell heads prairie resources corp and mack colt inc kansas oil and gas exploration companies bought stock for investment purposes powell spent dlrs qed stock plans buy shares long considers undervalued reuter earn john labatt qtr shr diluted cts cts earn lifestyle restaurants inc lif qtr jan shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note current qtr loss included gain dlrs and dlrs sale restaurant leases reuter earn sierra health services inc sie qtr loss shr loss cts profit six cts net loss profit revs mln mln year shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln reuter earn firecom inc frcm qtr jan loss shr loss two cts profit two cts net loss profit sales mths shr loss cent profit cts net loss profit sales reuter earn wheeling and lake erie railway wle div qtly div dlrs dlrs pay record april note dividend paid shareholders norfolk southern corp nsc norfolk and western railway reuter earn general cinema corp gcn class dividend qtly div class cts cts pay april record april reuter earn john labatt qtr jan net shr cts cts shr diluted cts cts net revs billion mln mths shr dlrs dlrs shr diluted dlrs dlrs net revs billion billion avg shrs mln mln reuter trade trade bill change agriculture trade laws house ways and means committee moving passage trade bill that sponsors intended open foreign markets agricultural goods and modify agricultural trade laws trade subcommittee voted require president reagan into account potential harm agricultural exports trade retaliation impose for foreign unfair trade practices domestic industries bill agricultural producers seek government monitoring imports reasonable chance industry harmed import surge full ways and means committee bill week and congressional sources expect will approved investigations involving processed agricultural product trade associations processors producers petition for relief foreign dumping unfair duties bill sets trade negotiating objectives for uruguay round talks general agreement tariffs and trade seek fair trade agriculture seek discipline restrictive trade distorting import and export practices eliminate tariffs subsidies quotas and tariff barriers president reagan authority negotiate gatt agreement extended january and authority negotiate free trade zone canada extended january bill extends reagan authority negotiate international coffee agreement october refund import duties paid raw sugar imported november march for production sugar products containing sugar and destined for export export sugar products occur octoer presently qualify for refund sugar processed years import and exported years agriculture benefit rapid decisions complaints unfair foreign trade practices injury imports reuter earn american city ambj sets initial preferred div american city business journals inc declared initial dividend cts share recent issue mln shares convertible exchangeable preferred stock dividend payable march shareholders record march american city adding that future dividends will paid quarterly basis preferred stock issued february reuter earn weyerhaeuser sees significant increases earnings earn varity expects report qtr and full year loss money-fx round central banks central banks easily beaten back foreign exchange market test industrialized nations recent pact stabilize currencies analysts active trading this week market pushed dollar sterling canadian dollar and australian dollar higher operators fingers burned central banks signalled displeasure roaring success james neill financial markets economist marine midland bank central banks sending strong signals that won tolerate kind momentum building currencies added senior corporate trader bank february finance ministers and central bank governors japan west germany france and group canada signed accord agreed cooperate closely foster stability exchange rates prevailing levels agreement viewed market attempt put floor dollar sizeable two year decline major world currencies and initially traders respect for accord refraining pushing dollar lower wednesday dollar climbed marks pfennigs levels friday accord move aided indications that economy picked steam february time west german economy regressing dealers federal reserve bank york gave traders sharp reminder that pact had encompassed idea limiting inordinate dollar gains declines dealers differed whether central bank intervened sell dollars marks simply telephoned dealers for quotes and enquire trading conditions dollar quickly backed hovered today marks market surprised that fed showed face marine midland neill wednesday london dealers bank england intervened open market sell sterling currency rose dlrs compared dlrs pact sterling high yield currencies australian dollar and canadian dollar favor traders surmised that chance intervention pursuant paris currency accord left limited room for profit plays dollar mark and dollar yen pound boosted suggestions improving economy anticipation popular british budget march and public opinion polls showing good chances for incumbent conservative party general election real run sterling anne mills shearson lehman brothers inc sterling traded today dlrs dlrs last night slid marks yesterday and peak recently heavy profit taking sterling mark ahead tuesday budget james mcgroarty discount corp speculators detected presence and british central banks acclerated shift into canadian and australian dollars stymied bank canada acted slow currency rise canadian dollar traded per dollar today yesterday and australian reserve bank fed agent sold australian dollars yesterday dealers australian dollar fell low cents today high thursday analysts central banks moves stifle sudden upward movement leave market uncertain step today focus shifted yen held tight range dollar for months dollar fell yen last night analysts yen gained traders unwound long sterling short mark positions established change perceptions health german economy funds unwinding operations ending yen dealer bank recent west german data shown falling industry orders lower industrial output and slowing employment gains yen benefitting japanese entities invested heavily overseas for example australian financial instruments repatriate profits ahead end japanese fiscal year march noting that dollar yen rate sense controversial large trade deficit japan analysts stage set for another test dollar downward scope japanese currency latest review foreign exchange market end january federal reserve revealed that intervened protect dollar yen january that day dollar fell low yen fed bought dollars yen level january market bear mind that time marches and situation mcgroarty discount reuter earn weyerhaeuser sees higher earnings weyerhaeuser significant increases earnings and another good year weyerhaeuser reported earnings mln dlrs dlrs per share billion dlrs revenues anticipated improved cash flows will company invest and acquire aggressively past years weyerhaeuser weyerhaeuser principally lumber products company forecast made company chief financial officer meeting institutional investors tokyo expects opportunities building products area composite panels and engineered products directed specific commodity end use markets growth higher added products financial services and diversified businesses addition company rising product prices and demand for pulp and paper reflected major world markets case light weighted paper grades overcapacity remains problem weyerhaeuser stated that lowered manufacturing cost structure and obtaining significant productivity increases reuter earn ldbrinkman corp ldbc qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln six mths shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln reuter earn acs enterprises inc acse qtr loss shr loss two cts profit cts net loss profit revs avg shrs year shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs avg shrs notes revenues exclude hospital television rental business sold dec losses periods include gain dlrs sale discontinued business reuter acq tony lama tlam buy coulson texas inc tony lama inc signed letter intent buy coulson texas inc maker heels and leather components company exact terms deal not determined that not expect acquisition material effect financial position addition buying substantially coulson assets tony lama assume company liabilities reuter earn fitness inc tfit year dec loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs reuter acq tribune trb completes cable system sale tribune completed sale danville cable television system cablevision industries partnership affiliated cablevision industries inc liberty danville system two systems acquired tribune september part purchase daily press inc publisher newport news daily press and times herald agreements sell systems for total mln dlrs reached october sale newport news system completed december reuter acq gte gte unit sell infortext products infortext systems inc finalized two year agreement gte services corp and affiliates will sell infortext line personal computer based telephone call accounting systems gte services unit gte corp evaluated competitive call accounting systems company reuter acq sheppard resources merge cancer clinic sheppard resources inc signed letter intent merge breast centers inc owner operator and franchiser clinics that provide services for early detection breast cancer terms not disclosed merger breast centers shareholders become majority shareholders combined company approved sheppard will change name breast centers reuter earn firstier inc frst sets regular quarterly div qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter earn zondervan corp zond qtr net shr profit nil profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter earn unibancorp inc ubcp regular dividend set qtly div cts cts previously pay april record march reuter earn second national building snbl raises dividend qtrly cts six cts pay april record march note full name company second national building and loan reuter earn broadview financial corp bdvf qtr loss shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss mln loss mln year shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss mln loss mln note qtr and year net includes mln dlr and mln dlr provision for land and real estate losses qtr and year net includes mln dlr and mln dlr provision for losses reuter earn enzo biochem inc enzo qtr jan net shr cts net revs avg shrs mln mln six mths shr cts six cts net revs avg shrs mln mln reuter acq tender for allegheny int underway boston inc fbc sunter acquisition corp began previously announced dlr per share tender offer for allegheny international inc common stock company offering dlrs for each dlr cumulative preferred share and dlrs for each share dlr convertible preferred stock company offer and withdrawal rights will expire midnight april extended reuter earn varity vat expects qtr full year loss varity corp massey ferguson expected report march loss for fourth quarter and full year ended january company spokesman specific figures unavailable varity posted net profit mln dlrs for previous fiscal year ended january and mln dlr net profit for previous fourth quarter net loss for months ended october totaled mln dlrs mln dlr quarter loss tied strikes and plant shutdowns british and french operations varity seek shareholder approval special shareholders meeting april authorize transfer values contributed surplus account balance sheet stated capital account for common shares spokesman move raise company values required pay dividends canadian law reuter acq cablevision buy valley cable for mln dlr cablevision industries corp cablevision industries california inc subsidiary entered into agreement buy substantially assets valley cable for mln dlrs company will buy system california limited partnership wholly owned toronto based hollinger inc valley cable operates subscriber cable television systems passing homes west san fernando valley area los angeles cablevision nation largest cable company and ownnd alan gerry chairman president and chief executive officer company agreement subject regulatory approval reuter earn anthes industries inc qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs not year oper shr cts six cts oper net revs mln mln note qtr excludes extraordinary loss dlrs cts share versus gain dlrs cts shr note continued year excludes extraordinary loss dlrs cts share versus extraordinary loss dlrs two cts share reuter acq borg warner bor board oks sale unit borg warner corp directors approved sale for mln dlrs industrial products division york based private investment firm clayton and dubilier inc and senior management group yesterday company agreed sell division annual sales mln dlrs and based long beach california reuter earn autrex inc qtr january net shr cts two cts net revs reuter acq southam unit acquires winnipeg community papers southam inc flyer force unit acquired community newspapers winnipeg combined circulation for undisclosed terms southam newspapers herald lance and metro will printed canadian publishers division winnipeg flyer force intends expand distribution newspapers begin improved service winnipeg market southam reuter earn mlx corp mlxx qtr loss shr loss cts profit net loss profit revs mln avg shrs mln year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln avg shrs mln reuter acq forest city feca completes sale forest city enterprises inc completed previously announced sale assets retail store division excluding real estate handy andy home improvement centers inc private gurnee ill firm sale for cash and notes exact terms not disclosed reuter acq minn bank okla thrift actions beaver creek state bank beaver creek minn failed and bank insured assets transferred citizens state bank silver lake minn federal deposit insurance corp separately federal home loan bank board victor federal savings and loan association muskogee okla into receivership beaver creek two offices will open branches citizens monday transfer arranged bids buy beaver creek fdic citizens will pay premium dlrs fdic and purchase beaver creek assets for mln dlrs bank failure nation this year fhlbb victor federal savings insolvent and assets transferred newly chartered federal mutual association directors named fhlbb victor stock association mln dlrs assets association victor savings and loan association and assets continue insured federal savings and loan insurance corp fhlbb reuter earn lifestyle restaurants lif adjusts revenues lifestyle restaurants inc revenues for quarter ended january mln dlrs and not mln dlrs had reported earlier company note attached earnings gain sales incorrect and disregarded reuter acq investor disappointed caesars caw response investor martin sosnoff statement that disappointed caesars world inc response dlrs share offer buy company company had offer inadequate and that exploring restructuring sale company another party sosnoff believes offer fair shareholders primary desire sit management negotiate friendly acquisition reuter crude venezuela lend mln barrels oil venezuela will lend ecuador mln barrels crude oil meet export commitments and domestic energy demand ecuadorean energy and mines minister javier espinosa today statement ecuador forced suspend exports pipeline connecting jungle oil fields pacific ocean port balao damaged last week earthquake venezuela lend barrels per day crude for total mln barrels ecuador meet export commitments espinosa venezuela will sell crude and provide foreign exchange earnings ecuador ecuador repay venezuela crude once resumed exports repairing pipeline balao task that estimated months venezuela lending ecuador mln barrels crude for refining this country meet domestic demand ecuador repay that loan crude once oil pipeline repaired countries latin american members organisation petroleum exporting countries opec ecuador exporting bpd earthquake energy ministry officials total output bpd reuter crude pdvsa sign champlin refinery deal march petroleos venezuela will sign contract march buy half interest corpus christi texas refinery and related operations contract signed pdvsa and champlin petroleum parent company union pacific corp unp will create joint venture called champlin refining state oil company pdvsa will pay order mln dlrs for half interest champlin energy minister arturo hernandez grisanti wednesday cost mln dlrs cash additional mln crude and refined oil shipments pdvsa and union pacific sought line credit group north american and japanese banks finance company working capital venezuelan company deal pdvsa will supply barrels day refinery option place bpd gasoline and distillates champlin distribution system states company will directed six member board representatives each pdvsa and union pacific reuter acq pratt prat offer for resorts expires acquisition unit pratt hotel corp mln dlrs per share tender offer for shares class common stock resorts international inc expired today shares tendered insufficient number shares satisfy condition that pct voting power tendered earlier this week york developer donald trump made competing bid for class shares reuter crude saudis drop condition for oil sale brazil saudi arabia dropped condition that brazil secure international bank guarantees saudia arabia ship oil state oil company petrobras statement petrobras saudis will accept banco brasil credit guarantees petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase saudis yesterday refused accept letter credit official bank brazil saudis had demanded that brazil credit guarantees leading international banks petrobras saudis had advised that not change mind monday petrobras negotiate purchase oil producers petrobras statement shipment mln barrels will made saudis march scheduled shipment part contract signed february for saudis supply brazil barrels per day june reuter crude saudi arabia decides accept brazil credit saudi arabia lifted condition imposed sale oil brazil and will accept banco brasil credit guarantees state oil company petrobras statement petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase saudis yesterday refused accept letter credit bank brazil demanding guarantees leading international banks advised saudis company negotiate oil purchases changed mind monday mln barrels shipment will made saudis march scheduled statement bpd contract signed february saudis agreed supply oil brazil june reuter earn micron technology dram sees qtr loss micron technology inc expects record net loss mln dlrs second quarter compared loss mln dlrs quarter and mln dlrs year ago second quarter revenues quarter ended march increased mln dlrs mln preceeding quarter and mln dlrs year ago quarter company makes semiconductors memory components and related products reuter interest trading range likely continue debt futures economic data due week hold surprises that will shake interest rate futures relatively narrow trading range last months financial analysts people don firm conviction current strength economy federal reserve drexel burnham lambert analyst norman mains narrow range trading taking toll trading volume noted had decline activity recent economic statistics not greatly changed people viewpoints interest rates mains data provided not clear cut view economy coupled dampened activity foreign exchange markets paris initiative made for ebullient market action mains added that treasury bond futures for retracement recent rise top trading range view that economy remains relatively strong and market participants will that current prices unjustified mains refco inc senior vice president michael connery noted that market showing momentum and lacks retail interest movement occurs opening afterwhich volume dwindles and momentum fades connery data week mildly positive for bond prices small rise february producer prices and downward revisions january retail sales and industrial production not real exciting prudential bache analyst fred leiner factor that will push highs this moment leiner week revision fourth quarter gross national product likely interest market kleinwort benson chief financial economist sam kahan forecasts for quarter gnp play role direction bond prices month kahan early estimate for quarter growth pct due largely buildup inventories reflected january inventory data friday showed largest increase since key question will not whether large increase quarter gnp whether increase sustainable shot deal kahan that sizable increase quarter gnp stemming increase inventories will drag second quarter growth that case gnp second quarter ease back two pct growth rate kahan reuter earn agra industries six mths jan net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note net excludes extraordinary loss dlrs cts shr ago loss dlrs cts shr net includes cash loss dlrs cts shr ago loss dlrs cts shr depreciation and amortization allowances cable operation fewer shrs outstanding reuter acq acquisition raises toll federal home loan bank board fhlbb announced acquisition home savings and loan association seattle washington interwest savings bank oak harbour washington fhlbb home savings troubled savings institution requiring federal action this year home savings had assets mln dlrs assets and interwest had assets mln dlrs reuter trade swedish trade surplus rises february sweden trade surplus rose billion crowns february billion january and billion february central bureau statistics trade surplus for two months year rose billion crowns billion period report february imports stood billion crowns exports billion reuter ship iran anti ship missiles gulf paper iran deployed six large missiles strait hormuz increase threat shipping gulf york times paper quoted intelligence sources missiles appeared chinese design based soviet ssn styx missile styx missiles range miles missiles had deployed two sites and quoted naval analyst used sink supertanker and block strait hormuz missiles used iran had fraction explosive power styx and sink supertanker lucky hit paper missiles had fired added cbs television network reported friday that iran had installed missiles gulf and washington had warned tehran not use civilian shipping reuter trade baldrige warns world trade war danger commerce secretary malcolm baldrige predicted congress will pass reasonable trade bill this year and tough protectionist legislation prompt trade war mood congress tough trade six years washington baldrige television interview reasonable trade bill spite that congress work together administration hardening trade attitude president reagan opposes protectionist legislation agreed support trade bill apparent that opposition democrats pass such legislation baldrige warned measures that penalise trading partners such japan south korea and taiwan for failing cut trade surpluses lead retaliation and urge reagan veto such bill asked rising danger worldwide trade war baldrige don question that reuter acq delors quoted favouring franco german bid for cgct european commission president jacques delors quoted monde newspaper favoured franco german candidate cie generale constructions telephoniques pct stake french public telephone switching market for european solution that will enable germany and france move closer together quoted situtation european community and importance for future connunications audiences and cooperation undertaken community level that choice delors added groups including alliance west germany siemens sieg and france schneider schn subsidiary jeumont schneider applied buy france second largest telephone switching firm french privatisation law foreign companies restricted pct stake privatised companies reuter crude saudi oil minister foresees for opec measures june crude saudi oil minister sees alter opec pact saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer opec december agreement stabilise oil prices dlrs barrel implemented satisfactorily and change nazer interview reuters and television news agency visnews saudi arabia producing mln barrels per day bpd crude oil below opec quota saudi arabia world largest oil exporter will continue restrain production long opec members adhere pact nazer nation opec agreed december cut production ceiling pct mln bpd and abide fixed prices averaging dlrs barrel february nazer interview since succeeding ahmed zaki yamani last october not foresee for measures june opec meeting will place scheduled nazer opec producing below mln bpd and members abiding agreements heard news and violations not verified opec production curbs boosted world oil prices year low dlrs barrel last august dlrs announcement december pact spot market prices slipped two dlrs february firmed past two weeks opec levels traders gained confidence opec price and output discipline nazer saudi arabia continue produce below mln bpd quota defend dlr price long opec members adhere program devised december saudi arabia will continue adhere agreement current production mln bpd includes oil neutral zone shared kuwait not sales floating storage nazer king fahd saudi arabia interview reuters and visnews march kingdom wanted oil price stability and called opec producers avoid harmful competition opec saudi arabia doesn decide prices desires price stability nazer output level not mean kingdom had returned role swing producer opec saudi arabia allowed output sink low two mln bpd august compensate for slack demand and production opec states saudi arabia not playing that role played opec membership reduction mln bpd share opec market shared members opec nazer nazer opec estimated demand for oil quarter this year mln bpd circumstances changed opec members will consult each and measures oil analysts opec pact come strain demand for petroleum products generally falls northern hemisphere spring and summer nazer satisfied extent cooperation opec producers norway egypt and soviet union agreed opec restraining production exports visited opec behalf earlier this year not country programmes thought stabilise market conditions and attain pricing conditions nazer countries that declined cooperate such britain come proposals fit reuter crude saudi businessmen discuss private sector saudi arabian business leaders assembled for conference aimed thrashing problems facing private sector kingdom oil dependent economy meeting top businessmen across saudi arabia comes time guarded optimism industry and commerce opec pact boost world oil prices day conference this resort town high mountains tihamah plain stretching red sea organised saudi arabia chambers commerce finance minister mohammed ali abal khail and commerce minister suleiman abdulaziz salim will attend day bankers and businessmen conference will air problems facing commerce and industry last year slide oil prices and examine ways promote higher investment private sector sorely short finance government planners long recognised that saudi arabia world largest crude exporter foster private enterprise diversify oil based economy fledgling private sector hard hit middle east recession early and big manufacturing and trading companies ran into problems repaying loans renewed optimism this year stems largely accord reached opec last december curb oil output and boost prices benchmark level dlrs per barrel oil prices recovering saudi arabia ahead turn year long delayed budget plans incorporating billion riyal deficit bridged drawing foreign reserves simple act publishing budget restored measure confidence business community share prices risen pct since last november banks generally reporting slowdown number performing loans not bankers convinced senior corporate finance manager riyadh banks reluctant lend optimism air not firmly based businessmen and bankers point that government spending tight control and oil economy contracting capital expenditure large projects cut sharply embassy report saudi arabia published budget industrialisation continued government highest priorities recession payments problem and lack financing reduced saudi and foreign investor interest industry lack fresh investment that expected major issue businessmen gathered official figures show number licences for industrial ventures fell pct six months march compared period lending saudi industrial development fund major source industry backing fallen steadily since trading companies hit caught huge inventories construction equipment recession bit firms laid workers and cut bloated inventories effectively liquidated reached agreement bankers extend debt repayments latest rescheduling for shipping hotels conglomerate redec negotiators initialled draft accord restructure payments billion riyals bank debt bankers and businessmen conference likely discuss apparent reluctance and british firms step investment kingdom british government delegation left riyadh holding preliminary talks ways offsetting huge saudi outlay defence contract supply fighter aircraft worth billion stg reuter earn citroen expects higher profits helped automobiles citroen expects rising sales compact car boost profits significantly this year continuing financial recovery six straight years losses president jacques calvet speaking reporters weekend trials for sports model budgetary forecasts that make show relatively significant improvement compared added citroen part private peugeot peup group increased share french car market pct two months pct year earlier aiming for average pct share year pct firm believes target raise share european market excluding france pct this year pct problem produce vehicles meet demand calvet this relatively problem for citroen lost close two billion francs cut deficit mln helped moves modernise range and improve productivity calvet last december expected citroen profit and million francs this weekend that profit estimates remain perhaps even optimistic this optimism due early success launched french market last october will western europe months car registered sales built citroen large plant aulnay sous bois northern paris rennes brittany and vigo spain production reaching target level cars day car citroen markets intermediate model long running and visa designed compete renault volkswagen polo and opel corsa had built market share france pct last month calvet hope that once fully developed will and per cent national market reuter money-fx leading industrial nations meet april leading industrial nations will meet month review accord currency stability officials financial markets convinced for countries will live commitments speed economic growth narrow currency movements recent weeks strongly suggests six leading industrial countries tamed unruly financial markets and month talks likely build that stability reagan administration official paris agreement last month main reason markets calm interview that financial markets understood that six countries concluded that measures period time future foster stability exchange rates current levels that fact happened since paris monetary analysts stability helped part decision industrial nations bury hatchet and cease quarrel short term policy objectives focused medium term policy goals left room adjust agreements periodic meetings official refused comment whether agreement included secret pact coordinated interest rate cuts measure industrial nations jointly times past year february united states japan west germany france britain and canada agreed that major currencies ranges broadly reflecting underlying economic conditions commitments washington cut budget deficit and toyko and bonn boost economic growth shake strengthen position future international talks will strengthen president hand politically and stronger politically congress and international fora official administration economic policymaker beneficial continued conduct initiatives official administration resist calls for tax increase cut budget deficit target europeans crucial curb economic instability last week dealers federal reserve intervened stop dollar rising mark had breached dollar british authorities understood intervened curb sterling strength international monetary sources finance ministers and central bankers will review market performance and economic prospects will reassemble washington april policymaking meeting international monetary fund sources italy refused join paris pact invited back treasury secretary james baker since paris signs west german growth slowing officials giving japan april show that economic stimulus package offing signs concern german prospects emerged recently bundesbank central bank president karl otto poehl told bankers cutting west german interest rates fed ready follow suit reagan administration official this show had change approach part central bank germany declined comment prospects for action fed and bundesbank such provision private and talked longer private official asked not identified public comments fed officials suggest central bank keeping credit conditions broadly unchanged major economies continue show sluggish growth and trade deficit remains stubbornly high coordinated action april agenda reuter acq harper and row hpr mull options bids harper and row publishers inc board directors decided action two takeover bids that company received appointed committee independent directors study strategic alternatives for year firm alternatives include continuation company existing business plans business combinations sales stock restructuring and sale part company kidder peabody and inc retained advise alternatives harper and row added private investor theodore cross last week offered dlrs share for harper and row prompting rival bid dlrs share another publishing firm harcourt brace jovanovich inc hbj two offers meeting friday harper and row board decided not act directors unanimously expressed strong desire preserve company independence and advantage considerable future prospects director winthrop knowlton chief executive and chairman newly established independent committee significant current interest company feel that carefully review options committee will pertinent facts and alternatives intend make careful and informed decision will proceed expeditiously conclusion knowlton pending deliberations harper and row board postponed indefinitely special meeting stockholders that had scheduled for april discuss proposal recapitalize company stock create two classes shares voting rights reuter money-fx taiwan taiwan dollar united states taiwan currency faster reduce taiwan trade surplus senior trade official board foreign trade director vincent siew told reporters saturday officials told washington last week that taiwan allowed dollar rise faster face retaliation siew returned washington friday responded taiwan request increase textile export quotas promising talks taiwan surplus hit record billion dlrs washington signed year accord taipei last year limiting textile export growth pct year siew taiwan dollar had risen pct dollar since september surged last week amid indications washington seeking major rise rose cents dollar saturday close western trade sources told reuters taiwan and holding talks currency issue added not clear washington taiwan dollar rise reuter earn national bank zealand year december net profit mln dlrs mln pre tax profit mln mln total assets billion billion notes company pct owned lloyds bank plc lloy results include for time pre tax profit mln dlrs australian unit lloyds bank nza reuter money-fx zambia imf talks hit problems food subsidies zambia talks world bank and international monetary fund imf financial rescue package run into difficulties issue food subsidies official newspaper times zambia run ruling united national independence party unip quoted official sources imf and world bank had refused continue financing food subsidies and pressing government explain proposes pay for president kenneth kaunda abolish maize subsidies last december line imf recommendations move caused maize meal prices double overnight and led riots people killed subsidies immediately restored part moves quell disturbances estimated cost government mln kwacha per year times zambia another major issue government current talks imf and world bank remodelling zambia foreign exchange auction central bank weekly auction foreign exchange private sector suspended since end january pending modifications slow rate devaluation and dampen fluctuations exchange rate kwacha slid per dollar auction system losing pct months since end january revalued fixed rate per dollar banking sources zambia persuaded world bank and imf lift proposed ceiling kwacha per dollar currency devaluation once auctions restart times zambia imf team led assistant director for africa paul acquah due conclude talks government schedule march imf mission arrived lusaka february and talks government longer expected reuter ship japan line selling tankers and bulkers major tanker operator japan line jlit selling vlccs and bulk carriers for scrap trading industry sources tanker disposals include japan orchid dwt japan lupinus dwt sovereign dwt rosebay dwt saffron dwt and cattleya dwt reported london sale and purchase market refused give details japan line officials declined comment reuter money-fx german banking authorities weigh swap regulations german banking authorities weighing rules for banks balance sheet activities attempt cope growing volume sophisticated capital market instruments banking sources interest rate and currency swaps and currency options closest scrutiny and revisions made resemble regulation jointly proposed and japan juergen becker director bundesbank division banking law and credit supervision british proposals interesting declined elaborate banking sources west germany likely produce conclusions adopt foreign proposals formal plan talks stages representative german banking association cologne bankers expect rule this year alterations approved bundesbank west germany major banking associations and federal banking supervisory office talks slowed fact that fundamental require revision germany credit law effect since authorities favour reinterpreting credit law fit present circumstances order avoid long parliamentary political process changing banking sources since beginning banking law limited banks lending times shareholders equity reserves consolidated basis lending ratios not extend newer instruments such spot and forward currency contracts currency and interest swaps commercial paper programs currency options interest rate futures foreign currencies and innovative types interest rate hedges sources main proposals lay differentiating types risk factor and for instance placing greater weight currency swaps interest swaps even german banking authorities agree assessments swaps disagree find balance sheet equivalents for risk british proposals include complicated series formulae for assessing stream payments involved swaps ultimate risk borne financial intermediary counterparties remain anonymous this called market market german authorities likely this complex and base evaluation schedule lending ratings assigned creditworthiness borrowers involved sources weightings likely lending ratios extended include banks securities portfolios for public authorities pct for domestic banks pct for foreign banks and pct for foreign and bank borrowers complication that flexible definitions equity allowed and put german banks competitive disadvantage sources stricter definitions mean use version proposals exceed intent and british authorities sources specialist for dresdner bank long dated foreign exchange forward transaction for instance brought rule cross currency swap despite fact that risk regulations will affect foreign banks uncertain converted full subsidiary status and applied for full banking licence last two years order lead manage mark eurobonds equity capital fairly small tight lending ratios will severely hamper foreign banks freedom movement growing business currency swaps required include transactions balance sheet sources added reuter acq bhp merge bhp minerals and utah international broken hill pty brkn will merge bhp minerals division and utah international inc into single business unit common management structure merger will effective june coinciding retirement utah international chairman and chief executive bud wilson bhp statement bhp utah minerals international group will headed jim curry executive general manager and chief executive officer curry executive vice president utah international bhp bhp petroleum americas inc part utah international will become subsidiary bhp renamed bhp petroleum international bhp petroleum pty company bhp will bring queensland coal operations management structure and consolidate minerals marketing and sales offices markets world bhp acquired utah general electric utah assets include stakes pct large central queensland coking mines pct samarco iron ore operation brazil pct escondida copper deposit chile island copper mine port hardy canada pct coal mine and pct gold mine south africa and coal and mines bhp minerals assets include wholly and partly owned iron ore mines coal mines manganese and base metal operations prospects and pct tedi gold copper project papua guinea reuter earn japan business decline bottoming extended decline japan business performance likely bottom current january march quarter finance ministry improved corporate earnings and prospects for stability yen had made companies optimistic carrying quarterly survey survey conducted february based questionnaires returned large and small firms sectors finance and insurance industries survey corporate earnings expected turn positive estimated pct year year increase second half fiscal ending march pct decrease half corporate earnings will grow half fiscal rising estimated pct added manufacturers earnings hit hard yen steady rise dollar will rise pct half fiscal falling pct second half fiscal earnings manufacturing companies will rise pct year year half fiscal growing pct second half fiscal survey this figure bolstered profits firms such electric power and gas companies benefitted yen appreciation reuter acq carlton buys stake central independent carlton communications plc ccml statement had purchased pct stake mln shares central independent television ladbroke group plc ladb per share consideration mln stg will met mln stg cash and issue million ordinary carlton shares central showed pretax profits pct mln stg for year ended september reuter earn pearson plc pson ended dec shr final div making pre tax profit mln stg mln net profit minorities mln stg mln turnover mln mln pre interest profit mln mln net interest mln mln tax mln mln minority interests mln mln extraordinary debit mln credit mln note extraordinary debit reflected full provision for discontinuing financial times printing operations bracken house partly offset gains disposals reuter trade china reports mln dlr two month trade deficit china trade deficit totalled mln dlrs two months this year figures released state statistics bureau china news agency quoted bureau foreign trade totalled billion dlrs period exports worth billion dlrs bureau total trade volume pct period exports pct gave comparative figures china trade deficit totalled billion dlrs official figures show reuter earn poclain offers par rights issue french machinery maker poclain pct owned tenneco inc will raise capital mln francs mln for rights offering shareholders priced par francs share offer march and april second stage capital restructuring plan announced december tenneco will become poclain majority shareholder stage poclain reduced capital mln mln reducing nominal shares francs poclain traded friday paris bourse francs reuter money-fx money market offered early assistance bank england invited early round bill offers discount houses forecasting shortage system billion stg main factors affecting liquidity bills maturing official hands and treasury bill will drain billion stg exchequer transactions will mln stg and bankers balances below target mln stg partly offseting outflows fall note circulation will add mln stg system today reuter acq manila government san miguel board government commission that controls pct san miguel corp smc stock will increase nominees firm member board six want correct business practices ramon diaz chairman presidential commission good government pcgg told reuters lot companies that things shareholders and san miguel san miguel spokesman declined comment diaz york investment bank allen and inc told pcgg interested tendering for outstanding smc stock subsequent dispersal pct stock filipino investors comply investment laws australian businessman and brewer alan bond and brewing company elders ixl elxa interested buying pct each smc stock added that pcgg wanted foreign input not foreign control brewing and food conglomerate philippines biggest manufacturing concern diaz pcgg not plan remove smc president andres soriano family company tremendous prestige run company diaz management practices corrected reuter earn cie bancaire for bonus share issue cie bancaire subsidiary recently privatised banking group cie financiere paribas pari issuing mln francs nominal shares basis for held operation will begin march spokesman cie bancaire increased capital billion francs billion incorporation mln francs reserves reuter acq bond defers rights issue mulls project partners bond corp international subsidiary australian based bond corp holdings bona defer planned rights issue issue made july date set for issue announced january document shareholders bond corp delay follows receipt mln dlr loan parent company meet payment newly acquired bond centre commercial complex central hong kong partners pct project company january announcement rights issue finance bond corp billion dlr acquisition pct stake tvb tvbh film magnate run run shaw company reached agreement consortium led sino land sino buy commercial complex that construction for billion dlrs bond international document that for mln dlr loan deal financed internal resources and selling interest building payments completed end bond international sold residential buildings hong kong mid levels district for total mln dlrs statement flats properties bought last year hongkong land hkld for billion dlrs analysts bond international heavily geared relied bank borrowings purchase hongkong land properties and tvb shares bond international document that plans sell interest complex will hold tvb shares long term investment reuter interest philippines sees government revenue pct philippine government revenue expected rise pct billion pesos this year billion finance secretary jaime ongpin report president corazon aquino department performance year ended february ongpin billion pesos expected accrue tax reform measures announced last year goal for official development assistance oda this year two billion dlrs adding that aid donors committed oda inflows billion dlrs pct billion ongpin steps planned provide sound revenue base included added tax vat system due introduced gave details treasury bill maturities interest rate levels and volume government securities sold private sector improved significantly short term prime interest rates had pct pct ongpin government debt equity scheme introduced august last year had attracted mln dlrs worth applications selective evaluation had resulted approvals mln dlrs end february department aims accelerate privatisation program and sale performing assets owned associates president ferdinand marcos achieve sales target billion pesos finance land reform aquino earlier this month that billion pesos government hopes raise sale failed companies will used finance land reform plan ongpin government pursue efforts obtain mln dlrs concessional funding for program world bank led consultative group multilateral and bilateral aid donors government land reform plan aims distribute mln hectares land poor peasants reuter trade norway trade deficit widens february norway trade deficit widened february mln crowns mln crowns january and mln crowns february last year central bureau statistics exports dropped billion crowns last month compared billion january and billion february added crude oil and natural gas exports totalled billion crowns february billion january and billion year ago reuter interest uae government paper yields unchanged yields certificates deposit issued united arab emirates central bank unchanged pct bank yield applies maturities two and six months reuter crude mees second week march opec output mln bpd opec produced mln bpd oil second week march mln bpd below ceiling largely pipeline problems turkey and ecuador middle east economic survey mees estimated landslide breached iraq mln bpd pipeline turkey march for week and earthquakes ecuador shut export pipeline for months ecuador opec quota bpd mees put saudi arabian output mln bpd week march and mln bpd second addition output neutral zone saudi arabia and kuwait mees saudi arabia pumping bpd total production into floating storage saudi oil minister hisham nazer told reuters and television news agency visnews yesterday that saudi output including neutral zone production mln bpd cyprus based newsletter authoritative libyan oil sources libya producing bpd compared bpd quota and that actual liftings lower that major libyan equity producer had partially stopped lifting bpd equity entitlement for march libya insisting official prices lifting bpd debt crude official prices and bpd purchase crude small equity producers entitlements bpd had told tripoli not lift official prices mees iraq had telex opec and member countries calling for formation committee study inequalities marketing potential members newsletter iraqi letter baghdad difficulty selling crude official prices iraqi telex pointed that member countries export substantial volumes oil that not subject opec price regulations exports refined products equity crude margins equivalent covert discounts and forms hydrocarbons marketed package deals crude oil reuter earn pearson concentrates sectors pearson plc pson recent sale fairey engineering companies mln stg management buy part policy concentrating key sectors statement results company information and entertainments sector financial times newspaper had record sales and profits subject mln stg investment programme printing and publishing operation moving plant london docklands year key sectors merchant banking oil and china commenting camco inc oil service subsidiary pearson believes oil business setback temporary group acquiring oil properties and britain will begin make significant impact profits east operations fine china subsidiary royal doulton expanded wake record recent sales japan added pearson reported pre tax profit mln stg mln turnover fell mln mln reuter earn transport development group plc tdgl year shr final dividend making pre tax profit mln stg mln turnover mln stg mln operating profit mln stg mln net interest mln mln tax mln mln profit tax mln mln minority interest net tangible assets per ordinary shr reuter earn mai plc mlll six months december shr div pretax profit mln stg mln net tax mln extraordinary credit mln stg nil turnover mln note extraordinary item comprises profit losses sale subsidiaries related tax and minority interests pretax profit comprises securities and money broking mln stg mln personal financial services mln stg media mln mln market reserch stg net interest mln reuter crude ecuador will pay debt can president leon febres cordero ecuador honour debt had capacity make payments foreign banks had calculated oil dlrs barrel for ecuador meet commitments ecuador friday that last week earthquake forcing reaffirm earlier decision based slide world oil prices suspend debt payments private foreign banks hold two thirds billion dlr foreign debt legitimate debt commitment honour president visit quake zone government sovereign entity dignity and prestige maintain private foreign banks and world bank had calculated oil dlrs barrel for quito meet commitments febres cordero added that ecuadorean crude selling for dlrs barrel sold for months dlrs barrel and low dlrs that meanwhile ecuador announced austerity program and price freeze key consumer goods result earthquake killed people presidency minister patricio quevedo budget cut pct government hiring frozen and salaries top officials including president and cabinet reduced price freeze imposed basic consumer items food staples price gasoline rise and pct and bus fares rise pct gasoline supplies limited reuter money-fx money market deficit forecast revised upwards bank england had revised estimate shortage money market today billion stg taking account early operations earlier bank forecast deficit billion stg and gave mln stg assistance early round bill offers reuter crude paribas seeking adjust ecuador oil facility banque paribas arranged mln dlr loan for ecuador last year pre finance oil exports adjust terms facility country recover devastating earthquake bankers french bank plan effectively postpone repayment mln dlrs loan for months running into stiff resistance members loan syndicate pipeline that carries ecuador oil exports ruptured march tremor and will months repair cost mln dlrs repair president leon febres cordero friday estimated total damages caused quake billion dlrs and that ecuador result maintain january suspension interest payments foreign commercial bank debt payments halted january drop price oil accounts for two thirds ecuador export earnings and pct government revenue sympathetic ecuador plight banks paribas facility feel that emergency financial relief job for international financial organizations and not for commercial banks bankers month oil financing facility signed last october purely voluntary credits for latin american nation since region debt crisis erupted august voluntary deal bankers feel strongly that orginal terms adhered fear gradual establishment normal market conditions for latin borrowers will set back lot reluctance banks feel facility and kind suggestion restructuring bad banker commented reuter acq bank china takes stake baii holdings bank china stake luxembourg based finance company baii holdings spokesman for baii stake and pct details deal announced simultaneously paris london and hong kong immediately baii pct arab owned expand activities east and recently established wholly owned merchant banking subsidiary hong kong spokesman group had earnings mln dlrs reuter crude saudi oil minister sees alter pact saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer opec december agreement stabilize oil prices dlrs barrel implemented satisfactorily and change nazer interview reuters and television news agency visnews saudi arabia producing mln barrels per day bpd crude oil below opec quota saudi arabia world largest oil exporter will continue restrain production long opec members adhere pact nazer nation opec agreed december cut production ceiling pct mln bpd and abide fixed prices averaging dlrs barrel february nazer interview since succeeding ahmed zaki yamani last october not foresee for measures june opec meeting will place scheduled nazer opec producing below mln bpd and members abiding agreements heard news and violations not verified opec production curbs boosted world oil prices year low dlrs barrel last august dlrs announcement december pact spot market prices slipped two dlrs february firmed past two weeks opec levels traders gained confidence opec price and output discipline nazer saudi arabia continue produce below mln bpd quota defend dlr price long opec members adhere program devised december saudi arabia will continue adhere agreement current production mln bpd includes oil neutral zone shared kuwait not sales floating storage nazer king fahd saudi arabia interview reuters and visnews march kingdom wanted oil price stability and called opec producers avoid harmful competition opec saudi arabia doesn decide prices desires price stability nazer output level not mean kingdom had returned role swing producer opec saudi arabia allowed output sink low two mln bpd august compensate for slack demand and production opec states saudi arabia not playing that role played opec membership reduction mln bpd share opec market shared members opec nazer nazer opec estimated demand for oil quarter this year mln bpd circumstances changed opec members will consult each and measures oil analysts opec pact come strain demand for petroleum products generally falls northern hemisphere spring and summer nazer satisfied extent cooperation opec producers norway egypt and soviet union agreed opec restraining production exports visited opec behalf earlier this year not country programmes thought stabilise market conditions and attain pricing conditions nazer countries that declined cooperate such britain come proposals fit trade turkish trade deficit widens turkey trade deficit rose billion dlrs billion increased imports western countries figures state statistics institute show exports pct billion dlrs compared billion imports pct billion dlrs billion total trade mid east gulf states fell pct due lower oil prices imports billion dlrs compared billion and exports billion billion exports organisation for economic cooperation and development countries rose billion dlrs billion imports billion billion turkey trade deficit december narrowed mln dlrs mln november and compared mln december reuter earn alusuisse shares fall capital cut news bearer shares schweizerische aluminium aluz alusuisse fell sharply trading resumed day suspension friday firm disclosed plans for capital cut bearers held foreign investors dropped swiss francs volume not heavy registered shares affected slipping participation certificates fell francs alusuisse made net loss mln francs restated mln loss and set pct capital cut company break even this year reuter trade egypt soviets renegotiate arms debt terms egypt and soviet union expected sign agreement moscow week settling cairo billion dlr military debt egyptian officials official asked remain anonymous told reuters draft agreement reduce two pct future interest payable year debt and set year repayment term talks due begin moscow wednesday economy minister youssri mustapha leaves for moscow tuesday met president hosni mubarak and egyptian ambassador moscow salah bassiouni discuss issue official egypt propose exchange rate for trade soviet union current commerce based rate set egyptian pounds dollar moscow sees unreasonable fluctuating official rate pounds dollar officials part debt paid exports goods such textiles leather and furniture egypt settle debt problem partly open door for cooperation modernising soviet built steel aluminium and fertiliser plants year development plan ending june egypt imports soviet coal wood newsprint and glass wanted debt deal purchases blocked spare parts for ageing soviet military hardware officials estimated pct egypt arsenal made soviet supplied equipment official cairo stopped repaying moscow for arms purchases president anwar sadat broke long standing ally and turned reuter crude saudis drop condition for oil sale brazil saudi arabia dropped condition that brazil secure international bank guarantees saudia arabia ship oil state oil company petrobras statement petrobras saudis will accept banco brasil credit guarantees petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase saudis yesterday refused accept letter credit official bank brazil saudis had demanded that brazil credit guarantees leading international banks petrobras saudis had advised that not change mind monday petrobras negotiate purchase oil producers petrobras statement shipment mln barrels will made saudis march scheduled shipment part contract signed february for saudis supply brazil barrels per day june reuter earn bsi raising mln swiss francs rights issue banca della svizzera italiana bisz planned for rights issue pct nominal raise mln francs capital rights issue theoretical shareholders swiss francs per bearer share and per registered share bsi seeking shareholder authorization for participation certificates nominal francs rights for shareholders back future convertible warrant bonds for purposes existing franc tranche certificates split for split improve marketability existing certificates chief executive giorgio ghiringhelli told news conference bearer shares priced francs compared closing price last friday zurich stock exchange registered shares issued francs market price reuter acq pepsico offers acquire calny inc for dlrs share acq harper and row hpr mull options bids harper and row publishers inc board directors decided action two takeover bids that company received appointed committee independent directors study strategic alternatives for year firm alternatives include continuation company existing business plans business combinations sales stock restructuring and sale part company kidder peabody and inc retained advise alternatives harper and row added private investor theodore cross last week offered dlrs share for harper and row prompting rival bid dlrs share another publishing firm harcourt brace jovanovich inc hbj carefully two offers meeting friday harpers and row board decided not act directors unanimously expressed strong desire preserve company independence and advantage considerable future prospects director winthrop knowlton chief executive and chairman newly established independent committee significant current interest company feel that carefully review options committee will pertinent facts and alternatives intend make careful and informed decision will proceed expeditiously conclusion knowlton pending deliberations harper and row board postponed indefinitely special meeting stockholders that had scheduled for april discuss proposal recapitalize company stock order create two classes shares votinmg rights reuter acq failing washington state acquired federal home loan bank board fhlbb announced acquisition home savings and loan association seattle washington interwest savings bank oak harbour washington fhlbb home savings troubled savings institution requiring federal action this year home savings had assets mln dlrs assets and interwest had assets mln dlrs reuter trade baldrige warns world trade war danger commerce secretary malcolm baldrige predicted congress will pass reasonable trade bill this year and tough protectionist legislation prompt trade war mood congress tough trade six years washington baldrige weekend television interview reasonable trade bill spite that congress work together administration hardening trade attitude president reagan opposes protectionist legislation agreed support trade bill apparent that opposition democrats pass such legislation baldrige warned measures that penalize trading partners such japan south korea and taiwan for failing cut trade surpluses lead retaliation and urge reagan veto such bill asked rising danger worldwide trade war baldrige don question that reuter acq calny clny gets bid pepsico pep calny inc received offer acquired pepsico inc owns pct calny stock for dlrs per share subject approval pepsico and calny boards and calny shareholders company board intendsd schedule meeting future review proposal and asked oppenheimer and inc assist evaluating offer and advise calny alternatives calny largest franchisee pepsico taco bell restaurants operating california oregon texas and washington petite boulangerie bakeries seattle calny earned dlrs sales mln dlrs for months ended november december calny rejected inadequate investor group led president and chairman robert larive second offer acquire bid inadeuqate and subject contingencies group offered dlrs and dlr pct preferred stock per calny share reuter acq warburg pincus starts symbion symb bid warburg pincus capital corp started tender offer for common shares symbion inc dlrs each newspaper advertisement firm opffer not conditioned receipt minimum number shares conditioned holders symbion sharesseeking receive fair shares provisions utah business corporation act warburg receipt shares raise interest symbion pct pct and give control warburg reserves buy shares offer oversubscribed present intention asked symbion provide shareholder list disseminating offer firm offer proration period and withdrawal rights expire april extended reuter earn zim energy zimr sell shares privately zim energy corp entered into agreement for group consisting strategy and development inc norsk vikingolje oslo and mis gas corp owns zim buy mln common shares cts each association polo energy corp and jaguar petroleum corp company investor group bought mln shares zim management james mitchell william richardson and steven duin resigned officers and directors zim chemclear inc cmcl unilaterally canceled agreement merge zim and zim board studying possiblity claim chemclear company expects report loss for year dlrs due lower oil and natural gas prices unsuccessful workover programs and excessive overhead and corporate expenses plans dramatic reduction overhead costs that improve results company michel billard named chairman and robert berckmans named president and chief executive and berckmans and two joined board zim agreed acquire remaining interest buccaneer and blue dolphin pipeline affiliates for mln dlrs cash and stock gave details reuter earn bluefield supply bfld liquidating payout bluefield supply board declared second liquidating dividend dlrs per share payable march shareholders record march company paid initial liquidating dividend dlrs per share january reuter earn bergen brunswig corp bbca qtr feb net shr cts cts shr diluted cts cts net revs mln mln half shr cts cts shr diluted cts cts net mln revs billion billion reuter acq dixons sells mln woolworth shares dixons group plc dxns sold mln shares woolworth holdings plc wlth salomon brothers equity statement salomon shares institutions europe and east dixons retains mln woolworth shares dixons spokesman added industry sources dixons acquired woolworth shares connection unsuccessful bid for company last year dixons paid average price per share compares today woolworth closed froday dixons spokesman decision retain mln shares reflected woolworth buoyant prospects reuter earn joule inc joul sets stock split joule inc board declared for two stock split payable april record march reuter acq whippany paper board inc merger approved whippany paper board inc shareholders special meeting approved merger into npn inc for dlrs per share npn acquired control whippany recent tender offer reuter acq northern air freight nafi gets rejects bid privately held pilot air freight met officials northern air freight inc negotiate friendly acquisition northern northern management had interest proposal northern annual revenues mln dlrs and based seattle reuter earn american building maintenance abm qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note american building maintenance industries inc reuter acq renouf extends benequity holdings offer renouf corp international extended expiration offer pay dlrs unit buy outstanding units benequity holdings california limited partnership march march march renouf units had tendered renouf pointed this exceeds minimum number sought offer statement gave reason for extention benequity mln units outstanding reuter earn world pictures nwp qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year oper shr cts cts oper net mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note year net excludes dlr tax credit reuter earn lowrance electronics inc leix qtr jan shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss sales mln half shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit sales mln mln reuter earn commtron corp cmr qtr feb net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln half shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter earn wholesale club inc whls qtr jan net shr profit two cts loss cts net profit loss sales mln mln avg shrs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn msa realty corp sss qtr net shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs avg shrs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs avg shrs note earnings include loss carryforward investment tax credits dlrs quarter and gain dlrs cts share for year reuter acq becor western gets offer acquired group for dlrs share earn everest and jennings international eja qtr shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss sales mln mln year shr profit dlrs loss cts net profit mln loss sales mln mln note net periods includes dlr provision for plant closing net includes gains sale west los angeles real estate dlrs quarter and dlrs year year net includes gains sale west los angeles real estate dlrs reuter earn endotronics sees heavy losses qtr withdrawal japan distributor earn alpine group inc agi qtr jan net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mths shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln note profits include gains dlrs cts share quarter and dlrs cts share dlrs cent share months tax loss carryforward reuter earn bsi expects another good year banca della svizzera italiana bisz expected business good this year pct increase net profit mln swiss francs chief executive giorgio ghiringhelli told reporters expected almost important sectors expand important exception securities business grow slowly ghiringhelli bank planned convert representation london into subsidiary end this year and expand activities york subsidiary private banking reuter acq diamond shamrock sets pct proration factor for tendered shares ship brazilian bank workers decide national strike brazilian bank workers voted launch nationwide strike this month compounding labour unrest arising failure government anti inflation plan rally this city northwest sao paulo bank workers voted strike march demand for pct pay rises met wilson gomes moura president national confederation groups bank employees unions representing workers told reuters indefinite stoppage affect banks vote stoppage seamen entered week and oil workers threatened action state owned petroleum company petrobras reuter acq becor western bcw gets offer acquired becor western inc investment limited partnership greenwich conn and randolph lenz offering acquire becor for dlrs per share subject becor receipt mln dlrs proposed sale western gear corp subsidiary becor received expressions interest parties seeking information becor becor had previously agreed sell western gear for mln dlrs and acquired bcw acquisition inc for dlrs cash and dlrs debentures per becor share bcw formed becor executives and goldman sachs and deals subject shareholder approval reuter acq clark equipment ckl stake acquired clark equipment informed arthur goldberg acting behalf group investors that group had accumulated shares pct clark outstanding common stock goldberg recently approached clark repurchase shares negotiations for block repurchase unsuccessful and terminated reuter acq avia stockholders seek block sale reebok avia group international inc stockholders filed class action suit multnomah county circuit court seeking halt sale avia reebok international rbok avia stockholders seek receive compensation defendants include avia directors court papers suit grew meeting dozen dissatisfied minority stockholders avia announcement reebok proposed acquisition avia and sudden drop price avia stock complaint filed behalf clem eischen portland area resident owns shares avia and robert withers portland area owns shares and individuals held stock time reebok announcement jury trial requested actions small group that contral avia hurt guy eischen stockholders statement organized steering committee complaint reviews price action avia stock march and noted plaintifs purchased stock dlrs and dlrs per share price fell dlrs dlrs share reebok announcement complaint asked defendants enjoined proceeding reebok acquisition avia requests damages determined time trial avia had not court papers and had comment suit reuter earn dwg corp dwg qtr jan net oper shr profit cts profit cts oper net profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln mths oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note net excludes discontinued operations loss dlrs profit dlrs quarter and loss dlrs profit dlrs mths net excludes gains insurance recovery dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs mths prior year net excludes dlr loss change accounting for textiles inventories prior year results for discontinuance apparel segment and change accounting for textile inventories share adjusted for stock dividends net includes pretax unrealized loss provision recoveries related marketable securities dlrs dlrs quarter and recovery dlrs provision dlrs mths prior mths net includes pretax gain sale marketable securities dlrs net includes tax credits dlrs dlrs quarter and credit dlrs provision mln dlrs mths reuter acq diamond shamrock dia sets proration factor diamond shamrock corp will accept pct shares common stock tendered response company offer pay dlrs share for mln shares company expects mail checks representing purchase price mln shares purchased this week and will returning unpurchased shares shortly thereafter reuter earn bralorne resources year loss shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss mln loss revs mln mln note includes charge mln dlrs due writedown oil and gas interests writeoff goodwill and patents provision disposal surplus inventory losses disposition operating units and writedown assets held for disposal reuter earn and block hrb sees gains tax reform april tax return deadline month confused taxpayers will converging and block inc offices interpret tax codes financial results for nation largest tax preparer expected good fiscal year bonanza analysts for short term key word confusion block vice president tom bloch interview congress drastically laws confusion results and tax preparers benefit bloch year taxpayers forms and place side side compare people will throw hands and tax forms will year added kidder peabody analyst herbert buchbinder expects block fiscal year end april show good gains fiscal earnings mln dlrs dlrs share revenues mln dlrs estimates block fiscal earnings dlrs year block bonanza buchbinder based estimates larger work force block show gain pct tax forms prepared tax season block prepared tax returns pct previous year internal revenue service estimates mln individual income tax returns will filed for tax season last year mln forms professional tax preparers accounted for million forms irs for longer term confusion will continue bring clients into block tax preparation offices worldwide act that will negative effect bloch conceded filing requirements will shorten tax return and cases simplify form noted addition low income wage earners will tax rolls block analyzing price structure offset negatives last tax season average cost for each return amounted dlrs and dlrs worldwide bloch this tax season rates will pct line inflation rate block expects expansion this tax season electronic filing system directly feeds into irs and can speed refund process block can choose and expand into cities made for direct filing irs bloch noted irs estimates returns will directly filed this tax season returns injected tax season kansas city analyst jonathan braatz that block will benefit greatly lower tax rates fiscal braatz expects block advertising budget last year will helped bit lower costs for television ads bang for buck estimates block mln dlrs cash balance sheet sheet and interest rates rise great benefit reuter earn ausimont compo aus raises quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter acq aldershot agrees acquire intracoastal refining aldershot resources signed interim agreement acquire pct outstanding shares intracoastal refining inc conroe texas aldershot will pay number shares common stock based book and maximum mln shares formula linked years pre tax net revenues transaction subject completion definitive agreement and regulatory approval reuter acq derlan acquires pct aurora industries derlan industries acquired pct aurora industries inc montgomery illinois for undisclosed price closing subject completion legal formalities derlan reuter earn marion labs mkc votes split dividend hike marion laboratories inc board declared two for common stock split form dividend distribution april record march board intends increase regular quarterly dividend pct cts share reflecting split increase will declared board meeting and reflected regular payments beginning july reuter acq dart seeks supermarkets sgl negotiations dart group inc preparted negotiate terms proposed acquisition supermarkets general corp early this month dart made unsolicited offer dlrs share cash for supermarkets general stock releasing letter friday supermarkets general dart that agreement can reached will interests supermarkets general stockholders management employees and customers that end prepared negotiate terms acquisition agreement dart dart urges meeting supermarkets general officials held promptly letter pointed company not heard supermarkets general since making offer this past monday informed that offer considered and that you back timely basis arrange meeting dart acted openly and amicably effort facilitate proposed acquisition adding not purchased additional supermarkets general stock since prior submission offer dart continues interested acquiring supermarkets general friendly manner noting company tune that you suggested order you evaluate options dart owns mln supermarkets general shares slightly pct outstanding reuter earn decorator industries inc dii qtr net ended jan shr profit cts net profit loss revs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note loss per share not for quarter reuter earn mccormick and inc mccrk qtr net qtr ends feb shr cts cts net revs reuter earn line inc valu qtr jan shr cts cts net revs mln mln months shr dlrs cts net mln mln revs mln mln note periods include pretax investment income mln dlrs capital gains distributions mutual fund investment reuter acq thermo electron tmo considers unit stake sale thermo electron corp entered into talks underwriters public sale minority interest packaged cogeneration systems subsidiary tecogen inc company plans offer convertible subordinated debentures publicly gave details reuter earn hongkong bank canada qtr jan net net mln not note results not comparable last year due november acquisition bank british columbia subsidiary hongkong and shanghai banking corp reuter earn salant corp qslt qtr nov net oper shr profit cts profit cts oper net profit profit sales mln mln year oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss sales mln mln note year net includes pretax provision for loss sale subsidiary dlrs year net includes pretax loss dlrs plant closing provision net excludes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year net periods excludes charge dlrs for estimated settlement and expenses connected chapter bankruptcy reuter money-fx money market mln stg late bank england provided money market late assistance mln stg this takes bank total today billion stg and compares estimated deficit billion reuter acq renouf extends benequity holdings offer repeat york march renouf corp international extended expiration offer pay dlrs unit buy outstanding units benequity holdings california limited partnership march march march renouf units had tendered renouf pointed this exceeds minimum number sought offer statement gave reason for extention benequity mln units outstanding reuter grain lyng late for crop decoupling this year agriculture secretary richard lyng late implement full acreage provision decoupling for grain crops chance that legislation passed not for crops late lyng told national grain and feed association convention lyng added that support congress for and good chance pilot program will passed part pending disaster bill that late year alter crop program sign for spring crops closes end this month lyng predicted change will legislated farm bill this year reuter earn salant qslt files reorganization plan salant corp and thomson inc and obion inc subsidiaries filed joint reorganization plan bankruptcy court and expect emerge chapter bankruptcy future company hearing adequacy associated disclosure plan scheduled for april and completion plan subject approval creditors equity security holders and bankruptcy court salant reached agreement for ray williams continue president and chief executive officer for years effective date reorganization plan and substantially concluded talks for mln dlr unsecured credit effective date company committee unsecured creditgors and committee equity security holders approved terms plan previously announced creditors will receive mln dlrs cash dlrs pct senior subordinated debentures and common shares for each dlrsd allowed unsecured claims salant today reported earnings for year ended november dlrs dlr pretax provision for loss sale subsidiary dlr post tax charge attributable costs and expenses chapter and settlement pre chapter claims dlr tax credit year lost dlrs dlr pretax provision for plant closings reuter earn analogic corp alog qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln half shr cts cts net mln revs mln mln reuter trade west german exports drop sharply west german exports united states fell below billion marks worth january for time since mid provisional bundesbank data showed figures showed exports billion marks january sharply december billion and lowest since billion exported july this compared billion marks january total west german exports western industrialised countries fell january billion marks december billion posting lowest monthly total since july west german exports european community billion marks january billion december and billion january last year figures showed exports developing nations and centrally planned economies slackened separately commerzbank report that focus west german exports this year likely shift europe expected downturn growth dollar area this strengths west german exports compared japan depended large part opec and developing country markets added reuter acq texas air give continental air holders another dlrs share trade trade interests ready for fight congress lawmakers gearing for showdown protectionists and free traders major trade bill winds committees vote full house representatives late april move toughen enforcement trade laws key house subcommittee last week approved toned version legislation require president reagan retaliate foreign countries that follow unfair trade practices this bill will cornerstone congressional efforts restore competitiveness american industries and turn last year record billion dlrs trade deficit lawmakers argued trade bill made concessions reagan and intend back amendments tough countries that violate trade agreements products hand congressmen for allegiance free trade bill ties reagan hands trade disputes and will seek restore negotiating powers republican bill frenzel michigan subcommittee bill not that free trader endorse respects emphasized consensus trade lawmakers work bill reagan and republicans ultimately endorse frenzel goal trade legislation make trade policy stronger violating international trade agreements you find lot people not you find poeple haven avoided violating agreements key concession made urging powerful chairman house ways and means committee trade subcommittee backed requirement that forced reagan automatically impose quotas tariffs imports countries that engage unfair trade practices agreed waive retaliation hurt economy ways and means chairman dan rostenkowski illinois democrat insisted moderate approach house wanted pass bill reagan sign into law reagan last year had blocked senate consideration tough house trade bill branded protectionist and this year reluctantly agreed support trade bill democratic leaders determined pass bill indication success white house spokesman marlin fitzwater told reporters friday administration not provisions added generally feel good bipartisan consideration trade legislation progressing battle will place week full house ways and means committee considers amendment rep richard gephardt missouri democrat force countries such japan south korea and taiwan cut trade surpluses united states subcommittee limited gephardt plan provide that existence large trade surplus united states will trigger investigation unfair trade practices not automatically set retaliation rep phil crane illinois republican and staunch free trader will weaken gephardt plan organized labor pressed lawmakers for relief imports jobs lost foreign competition afl cio president lane kirkland this year angered administration statement that trade bill reagan sign not worth passage congress rostenkowski set tone trade debate statement not write legislation lane kirkland write legislation that will signed president writing bill subcommittee rejected calls for trade relief for specific industries such textiles rep jenkins democrat georgia agreed hold fight intends push separately bill protect domestic textile and shoe industry aide reagan vetoed similar measure last year house speaker jim wright texas democrat influential proponents aid for specific industries beset low priced foreign competition wright thursday renewed call for import relief for domestic oil industry and announced support for senate plan trigger temporary oil import tariff imports reach half domestic consumption for part trade bill provisions toughen enforcement trade laws bill forces administration act rapidly complaints unfair trade practices such dumping products united states prices below cost production forces administration act rapidly industry complains that surge imports threatens existence congressmen change required international trade commission impose limits car imports reuter earn endotronics endo expects loss for year endotronics inc expects incur substantial losses for second quarter ending march and fiscal year ending sept factor anticipated loss endotronics cited dispute japanese distributors yamaha inc payment dlr promissory note form filing securities and exchange commission endotronics note for overdue accounts receivable sales instruments yamaha and another japanese distributor company fiscal year endotronics present reduced level operations will exhaust cash and credit facilities early this assumes full use remaining dlrs line credit celanese corp requires approval celanese corp company ability obtain funding adversely affected suit filed march two shareholders seeking represent class holders officers endotronics endotronics complaint alleges violations federal securities laws connection statements made company annual and quarterly reports company securities division minnesota department commerce conducting inquiry into company japanese sales for fiscal and trading insiders and brokers company common shares similar inquiries conducted securities and exchange commission investigations will hurt company ability obtain funding result dispute payment promissory note law suit challenging financial data and investigations insider trading company longer expects that anticipated declines instrument sales japan fiscal will offset increased instrument sales foreign countries and united states reuter acq continental air holders payment texas air corp settlement class action litigation mutual shares corp minority shareholders continental airlines inc will receive additional dlrs per share february texas air acquired minority interest continental that not for dlrs per share mutual had challenged adequacy price texas air continental holder sought appraisal rights delaware law continue seek appraisal remedy delaware chancery court accept settlement and drop appraisal process texas air settlement terms relating employee shareholdrs continental will receive options texas air not give details company settlement subject approval delaware chancery court expected days reuter earn lowrance electronics leix sees orders lowrance electronics inc results operations and fourth quarter not comparable and second quarters strong orders for sonar equipment for six months ended jan company reported net income almost tripled dlrs cts share sales rose pct mln dlrs company public dec expects fill back orders two quarters improved supply computer chip components reuter earn capitol bancorp capb restate net loss capitol bancorp expects restate results for loss mln dlrs due reclassification loans recommended auditor ernst and whinney company restatement reflects substantial increase reserves principal subsidiary capitol bank and trust expects earn dlrs for quarter capitol maintain adequate capital ratio will seek additional equity capital future delayed annual meeting due restatement annual earnings capitol board raised quarterly dividend cts cts share payable april record march company originally reported earnings dlrs earned dlrs last year quarter annual meeting had scheduled for second week april reuter money-fx economic spotlight ems marks eighth birthday european monetary system marks eighth anniversary vulnerable turmoil world money markets despite creating island currency rate stability europe economists economists system holds european community currencies narrow fluctuation bands remains infancy currency european currency unit ecu runaway success investors and borrowers alike seeking alternative volatile dollar and wednesday long term vision ecu europe common currency step nearer reality belgium minted world ecu coin economists members such west germany blocked second stage development envisaged system founding fathers west german chancellor helmut schmidt and french president valery giscard estaing this phase originally due started two years ems set decision making transferred national governments and central banks autonomous european monetary fund members jealously guarded sovereignty economic and monetary matters basic problem ems that governments not prepared make quantum leap situation decisions common economist closely watched system development result that divided policy currencies accentuating economists system greatest weakness vulnerability weak dollar past months dollar plunged and investors moved into strong currencies resulting sharp rise west german mark severely strained system another frustration britain failure lend ems political support keeping pound major world currency system change british government attitude expected country general elections due mid meanwhile system last realignment since set prompted european finance ministers highly secretive monetary committee and committee central bank governors come suggestions for reinforcing ideas due unveiled finance ministers hold informal meeting belgium early month economists proposals involve tinkering technical details sceptical chances for fundamental change technical measures won protect ems external factors such dollar weakness for that step forward institutional level leo corel kredietbank economic research department economists system fortunes will depend largely success agreement last month major industrial nations stabilise exchange rates dollar resumes slide ems for turbulence predict reuter acq intermagnetics general inma completes buy intermagnetics general corp completed purchase advanced products department air products and chemicals inc apd terms not disclosed department makes cryogenic equipment will continue operating present location allentown company will market products apd cryogenics inc reuter acq italy ferruzzi takes spanish mill italy ferruzzi spa pct stake spanish sunflower seed and cotton mill cooperativa agricola del guadalete guadalco sources guadalco italian firm spanish subsidiary ferruzzi espana majority equity stake remaining pct retained guadalco ferruzzi plans set sugar division and import tonnes industrial sugar french factories year operation guadalco processing capacity tonnes day sunflower seeds and tonnes day raw cotton reuter earn american hoechst corp year net net mln mln revs billion billion note fully owned subsidiary hoechst reuter earn levitt corp lvt qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note qtr and year excludes extraordinary credit dlrs cts per share reuter grain eep used tactically yeutter trade representative clayton yeutter export enhancement program eep used tactical tool and not general policy yeutter made comment response question whether expand eep cover grain sales soviet union not comment directly soviet question replying that decision made highest levels reagan administration and don want preempt that yeutter told national grain and feed association eep continue used tactical tool european community not general policy selective eep use successful pressuring reuter acq national pizza piza corrects figure national pizza straw hat piza restaurants los angeles and bakersfield calif that announced plans buy friday expected generate annual sales dlrs not mln dlrs company originally announced company will convert restaurants pizza hut units closing expected march reuter earn tbg holdings tgbn year net net profit mln dlrs mln dlrs turnover billion dlrs billion note company lowered pct pct interest rate outstanding subordinated loan for period august july tbg thyssen bornemisza group reports dlrs since december start financial year tbg decline profits caused losses container rental activities reuter acq avaq international seek commitment deal avaq international inc intends require gates learjet corp glj honor agreement sell shares company avaq made statement response offer interconnect capital corp for gates learjet shares believed agreement gates accept offer avaq offered pusuant gates guidelines six dlrs per share purchase gates corp promisary note for mln dlrs interconnect offered dlrs per share repurchase loan for mlns for aggregate price mln dlr range interconnect made offer board directors gates learjet march avaq gates corp and gates learjet approved offer feb reuter earn standard products std raises quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter earn aaron spelling productions inc qtr net jan end shr cts cts net revs mln mln half shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln note current half net includes dlr charge reorganization reuter earn cooper lasersonics inc zaps qtr loss period ended january shr loss cts profit net loss profit sales mln mln avg shrs note prior qtr figures include gain mln dlrs six cts per share discontinued operations reuter earn diversified industries dei qtr oper net period ended jan oper shr two cts cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs note full name diversified industries inc earnings exclude gains utilization tax loss carryforwards dlrs share dlrs six cts share reuter earn golden nugget inc gng qtr loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln year oper shr profit cts profit cts oper net profit profit mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note net excludes debt retirement gain dlrs loss dlrs quarter and losses mln dlrs dlrs year net includes tax crdits dlrs quarter and dlrs year reuter earn oppenheimer industries opp sees year loss oppenheimer industries inc expects report loss for year ended january dlrs compared profit dlrs year company blamed loss continuing depression agriculture discontinuance programs due passage tax bill and failure close sale ranches california carrizo plains year expected company prospective purchaser forfieted dlr deposit talks contract reuter earn luby cafeterias inc lub qtr feb net shr cts cts net sales mln mln half shr cts cts net mln sales mln mln note current year net periods includes dlr gain land sale share adjusted for for two split august reuter earn tesco forecasts profits rise this year tesco plc tsco statement expects pre tax profits mln stg for year ending february mln stg net property profits this compares mln stg pretax profits and net mln property sales previous year forecast formal offer document hillards plc shareholders today march tesco launched mln stg bid for hillards offer tesco ordinary shares for hillards ordinary shares valued each hillards ordinary share reuter earn business computer bcsi had quarter profit business computer solutions inc expects report profit for fourth quarter ended february quarterly profit dlrs revenues dlrs year lost dlrs sales dlrs company attributed improved results increased purchases zfour language and development environment for computer software business computer expects report full year loss dlrs sales dlrs last year lost dlrs revenues dlrs reuter money-fx fed sets day system repurchase agreements earn mays inc mays qtr jan net shr dlrs cts net revs mln mln six mths shr dlrs cts net revs mln mln note current periods include pretax gain mln dlrs sale leasehold glen oaks store queens and gain mln dlrs benefit tax loss carryforwards year ago six mths includes gain dlrs refund prior year real estate taxes reuter earn circus circus enterprises cir qtr net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr cts dlr oper net revs mln mln note current qtr and year figures exclude extraordinary losses early debt retirement mln dlrs cts per share and mln dlrs cts per share full name circus circus enterprises inc reuter earn national fuel gas nfg sets mail date national fuel gas mail date for previously announced two for stock split june company announced split last week had record date for split reuter acq comtech cmtl sell premier microwave comtech inc agreed principle sell pct outstanding shares premier microwave corp for mln dlrs buyers include investment group composed unit management company expects sale close weeks proceeds will used reduce debt reuter acq investment firms pct purolator pcc group affiliated york base investment firms and funds told securities and exchange commission acquired shares purolator courier corp pct total outstanding group led mutual shares corp bought stock for investment purposes studying dlr share leveraged buyout offer made purolator managers and hutton lbo inc not decided whether will tender stock offer group held talks hutton lbo group and reuter earn tofutti brands tof sees profit for year tofutti brands inc changing fiscal year calendar year year ending july and expects profitable higher sales company lost dlrs sales mln dlrs year ended july company spokesman tofutti will reporting earnings for last months calendar end march and will report calendar quarter results reuter earn digitech inc dgtc qtr jan net shr two cts cts net revs avg shrs reuter earn cabot medical corp cbot qtr jan net shr cts two cts net revs reuter earn amerihealth inc ahth qtr loss oper shr loss loss cts oper net profit loss revs year oper shr loss six cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln note net excludes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year and gains termination pension plan dlrs quarter and dlrs year share preferred dividends reuter earn cambridge analytical caan sees qtr loss cambridge analytical associates inc expects incur loss for quarter fiscal equal greater loss dlrs for fourth quarter ended december cambridge expects revenues for quarter approximately recorded for fourth quarter ended december dlrs cambridge recorded profit dlrs revenues dlrs for quarter fiscal company company attributed expected loss lower expected sales laboratory and consulting business and planned major investment proprietary treatment technology company winter traditionally slowest season reuter acq seton sel gets buyout offer chairman seton board received proposal chairman and chief executive officer philip kaltenbacher acquire seton for dlrs per share cash seton acquisition bid subject kaltenbacher arranging financing intends members senior management participate company kaltenbacher owns pct seton stock and management members another pct seton formed independent board committee offer and deferred annual meeting had scheduled for march reuter earn mrs fields plans open stores based speciality food retailer mrs fields inc earlier announced pre tax profits mln dlrs mln plans growth this year opening stores company quoted london unlisted securities market usm planned expand outlets internationally chairman randall fields told news conference company not move into countries intensify efforts had stores company opened stores including two australia and each japan canada and intend open minimum units london for example and reasonable that open stores european countries fields company acquired competitive businesses matter routine and add declined company planned spend last year turnover rose pct mln dlrs mln dlrs reuter earn biotechnology development biod qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs reuter earn hechinger hech qtr net shr primary cts cts shr diluted cts cts net sales mln mln year shr primary cts cts shr diluted cts cts net mln mln sales mln mln reuter acq metex mtx chairman sells shares metex corp chairman and chief executive officer alan cohen sold shares metex common stock metropolitan consolidated industries inc mony company selling price dlrs per share option for metropolitan consolidated industries purchase shares price metex mason carter elected president and chief operating officer company carter joined metex executive vice president addition attilio petrocelli president metropolitan named fill vacancy metex board directors company metropolitan owns pct metex common stock company reuter acq american security asec release information american security corp release will forthcoming shortly pending merger maryland national corp mdnt approved stockholders october american halted nasdaq pending news announcement reuter earn svenska cellulosa scab year group profit net financial items billion crowns billion sales billion crowns billion profit per share crowns proposed dividend crowns reuter earn royal trust plots aggressive global expansion royal trustco move unique canadian trust companies pursuing bold global expansion that someday lift foreign share yearly earnings pct president michael cornelissen marathon securities financial services analyst michael walsh royal trust international growth target attainable will tremendous achievement build international earnings base larger earnings lot significant domestic trust companies walsh global operations made pct royal trust mln dlr net profit will post pct profit growth this year expected pct jump total company profit cornelissen told reuters interview foreign share total profit rise pct and pct royal trust canada second largest trust company assets billion canadian dlrs operated internationally since opened london bank aggressive global strategy began canadian trusts equivalent savings and loans focusing domestic retail banking company overseas ambitions whetted heightened domestic competition and impressive growth london bank operations attained full british banking powers cornelissen last year royal trust moved into continental europe and asia mln canadian dlr acquisition dow chemical dow dow financial services corp included asset management merchant and private banking companies heaven opportunity cornelissen dow financial acquisition achieved year years set cornelissen stressed that royal trust shun direct competition major global financial institutions activities such international lending and stock brokerage order exploit profitable niches overseas traditional trust activities such asset management private banking and advisory services that royal trust hoped complete negotiations end this month sell london based savory milln brokerage acquired dow financial deal international market big and such miniscule share that growth opportunities limited energy and desire find business adding that trust type services don international markets served aiding royal trust foreign growth greater foreign investment interest north america and increased canadian investment abroad cornelissen central royal trust strategy asia boasting rapid economic growth and huge pools japanese capital cornelissen company administers assets billion dlrs canadian trust citing statistics indicating that year asia will two thirds world population and pct global productive capacity cornelissen knew had royal trust international locations include offices tokyo hong kong and singapore company recently listed shares tokyo stock exchange royal trust president company stressing growth overseas units adding not foresee acquisitions future eyes wide open for opportunities asked royal trust plans for company abandoned sale florida bank units cornelissen company faced trust services market covered hundreds small regional banks that doesn mean shouldn cornelissen that area that will years company continue emphasize home canadian market cornelissen and financial services analysts agreed remain vital royal trust proposed government regulations canadian banks trusts insurance and securities dealers full participation another actitivies will mean domestic competition for royal trust not drastically cornelissen reuter earn salomon raises caterpillar cat opinion salomon brothers inc raised opinion caterpillar inc stock aggressive buy hold brighter earnings outlook for salomon analyst david sutliff statement sees earnings dlrs share earlier forecast dlrs for year outlook for remains dlrs dlrs caterpillar stock points earnings will poor for two quarters that profits begin improve second half perhaps significantly and surge sharply and sutliff improved results come factors higher prices improved market share reduced costs and improved demand higher prices will stick japanese competitor komatsu had raise prices increased yen reuter earn rockwood holding rkwd qtr net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln year shr profit dlrs loss dlrs net profit mln loss mln revs mln mln note includes extraordinary gains cts per share and cts fourth quarter and reuter trade canada prime minister major trade deal emerging acq forum ends beverly bev purchase deal forum group inc terminated agreement principle buy retirement living centers six states beverly enterprises due failure reach satisfacotry definitive agreement reuter earn fbx corp fbxc year nov net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn cooper canada year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn tab products tbp qtr feb net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn markel corp makl qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr dlrs cts net revs mln mln reuter earn science accessories corp seas qtr net qtr ends jan shr two cts two cts net revs reuter trade french adjusted february trade deficit mln francs january deficit billion ship biffex members ballot merger members baltic international freight futures exchange biffex balloted end this week whether will merge london commodity exchange come umbrella baltic futures exchanges biffex official final decision will left biffex board will meet end this month last week exchanges trading baltic exchange london potato futures association gafta soya bean meal futures association and london meat futures exchange instructed legal advisers implement merger reuter earn machine technology mtec sees qtr loss machine technology inc expects report second quarter loss cts per share sales dlrs year earlier lost dlrs cts per share sales dlrs company booked six mln dlrs quarter and backlog risen pct since end fiscal year leading expect improved results second half reuter earn docugraphix inc docx qtr jan loss shr loss six cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln mths shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln reuter earn nbd bancorp nbd regular dividend set qtly div cts cts previously pay record april reuter acq triangle microwave trmw talks buyout triangle microwave inc involved talks purchase substantial company not identify triangle agreement reached and can assurance that will reached acquisitioon subject approval shareholders and regulatory filings triangle microwave makes microwave system components and had earnings for half ended january dlrs sales dlrs earnings dlrs sales dlrs year reuter trade canada mulroney trade deal nears prime minister brian mulroney significant progress made trade talks united states and profile major deal emerging opening debate free trade house commons mulroney accord create thousands jobs canada and bring greater economic prosperity countries mulroney offered details talks that negotiations risky and difficult profile major trade deal emerging minute address mulroney made passionate defense initiative that give poorer areas country major economic boost trading patterns period decades process building two canadas that rich and promising that developed and employed mulroney want make newfoundlanders and british columbians and albertans and that chance opportunity trade prosperity detials released trade talks launched two years ago two nations that each important trading partners recent published reports canada quoting senior trade sources countries close reaching trade deal and will involve eliminating border trariffs and tariff barriers years reported key stumbling block talks canadian proposal find settle trade disputes that give canada protection washington tough trade remedy laws mulroney sharply critical protectionist sentiment canada fair trader and denied government pursuing deal win unfair access american market trade deal bring benefits sides recognize good deal fair deal that fair sides mulroney reuter trade france reduces trade deficit february france posted seasonally adjusted trade deficit mln francs february billion franc deficit january finance ministry for two months this year trade deficit seasonally adjusted basis billion francs unadjusted february deficit billion francs and two month cumulative deficit billion ministry statement ministry february exports totalled billion francs pct increase january imports totalled billion francs increase pct farm and food trade showed two billion franc surplus surplus billion january energy deficit reduced billion francs billion january industrial trade showed surplus billion francs mln francs january reuter earn ncr ncr sees good chance for record year net ncr corp optimistic that will post record revenues and profits for charles exley chairman and president considerable optimism future based strength continuing flow products exley told meeting securities analysts current position strongest modern ncr history generation offerings deliverable major category this year for ncr earnings rose pct dlrs share sales that increased pct billion dlrs balance exley ncr will pay close attention increasing penetration major accounts expanding party distribution channels and continuing introduction products products introduced proceding months accounted for pct major equipment order activity end two months added can good start for reuter acq equitable banc ebnc boss ameritrust stake group controlled equitable bancorp chairman alfred lerner acquired pct stake ameritrust corp amtr and buy pct obtains regulatory approval filing securities and exchange commission group bought stake mln ameritrust common shares for mln dlrs investment group acting clevebaco cleveland partnership seek regulatory approval increase stake lerner owns clevebaco corp general partner clevebaco lerner group filed federal reserve board march notice intent buy pct common stock ameritrust cleveland bank holding company fed approves lerner equitable bancorp cleveland intends buy ameritrust stock subject market conditions and factors since lerner heads bank holding company assets greater billion dlrs barred law serving director officer ameritrust representatives board lerner intention influencing ameritrust management policies group clevebaco bought mln shares bear stearns and inc march dlrs share lerner accumulated mln shares march and sold clevebaco controls march for dlrs share reuter acq american security asec buyout completed maryland national corp mdnt completed acquisition american security corp exchange maryland share for each american mln shares outstanding company mandatory day review justice department completed today maryland national american security shareholders will entitled receive per share maryland national regular quarterly dividend that payable march holders record today reuter acq rainier rban completes acquisition rainier bancorp completed acquisition tacoma wash based united bank for mln dlrs worth rainier stock united savings bank mln dlrs assets and offices will operate wholly owned subsidiary rainier rainier last month agreed merge security pacific corp spc united acquisition will increase assets billion dlrs billion reported end reuter earn franklin resources inc ben sets quarterly qtly div six cts six cts prior pay april record march reuter earn general cinema gcn sees flat net general cinema corp expects flat net income for fiscal ending oct mln dlrs dlrs share year ago company costs restructuring carter hawley hale stores inc unit and previous purchase pct stake cadbury schweppes plc will lead flat net figure raise stake cadbury schweppes pct not made additional stock purchases restructuring carter hawley plans spin specialty stores including neiman marcus bergdorf goodman and contempo casuals into company named neiman marcus group shares will trade york stock exchange previously announced general cinema will pct equity and pct voting shares company restructuring subject approval carter hawley shareholders reuter earn teeco properties sets cash distribution qtly distribution cts per unit cts prior pay april record march reuter earn radix ventures inc qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln six mths shr profit nil loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter earn adobe systems inc adbe qtr feb net shr cts six cts net revs avg shrs note prior qtr per share figure adjusted for two for stock split february reuter acq armtek arm completes sale assets armtek corp armstrong rubber completed previously announced sale natchez miss tire plant and assets condere corp condere condere formed acquire armstrong assets named dennis terwillger vice president and controller armstrong tire division president reuter earn data systems inc toot qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs reuter earn vishay vsh sets two pct stock dividend vishay intertechnology inc board declared two pct stock dividend payable april holders record march company stock dividend will paid holders commons tock not exchange for class stock vishay current exchange offer expires march reuter earn onyx petroleum exploration year loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit revs note shr and net dlr writedown oil and gas property values reuter earn integrated circuits ictm sets record date integrated circuits inc set march record date for previously announced pct stock dividend company will distribute dividend march reuter earn msa realty corp sss qtr net shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs avg shrs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln avg shrs note qtr and net includes loss dlrs and gain dlrs respecitvely for extraordinary item net assumes warrants exercised for qtr adjustment second quarter income for earnings per share dlrs reuter earn lear petroleum partners lpp qtr loss oper shr loss nil loss nil oper net loss loss revs nil nil avg shrs mln mln year oper shr loss two cts loss two cts oper net loss loss revs nil nil avg shrs mln mln note net excludes losses discontinued oil and natural gas operations mln dlrs dlrs quarter and mln dlrs mln dlrs year company sold operations end reuter earn westronic inc wstx year loss shr loss dlr loss dlrs net loss loss revs reuter earn kenan transport ktco sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter earn gencorp qtr shr cts cts earn magnetic technologies corp mtcc half net jan end shr not net profit loss sales reuter earn gencorp qtr feb net shr cts cts net mln mln sales mln mln reuter acq safety kleen buy stake oil refiner safety kleen corp tentatively agreed buy pct stake breslube enterprises toronto for mln dlrs stock cash and equipment price includes mln dlrs safety kleen common stock cash and rerefining plant owned safety kleen closing deal expected breslube leading rerefiner used lubricating oils north america collecting used oils auto garages car dealers and businesses refined mln gallons used oil reuter trade trade interests ready for battle house lawmakers gearing for showdown protectionists and free traders major trade bill winds committees vote full house representatives late april move toughen enforcement trade laws key house subcommittee last week approved toned version legislation require president reagan retaliate foreign countries that follow unfair trade practices bill will cornerstone congressional efforts restore competitiveness american industries and turn last year record billion dlrs trade deficit generally bill provisions toughen enforcement trade laws trade bill forces administration act rapidly complaints unfair trade practices such dumping products united states prices below cost production forces administration act rapidly industry complains that surge imports threatens existence writing bill subcommittee rejected calls for trade relief for specific industries such textiles lawmakers argued trade bill made concessions reagan and intend back amendments tough countries that violate trade agreements products congressmen for allegiance free trade bill ties reagan hands trade disputes and will seek restore negotiating powers bill frenzel subcommittee bill not that free trader endorse respects emphasized consensus lawmakers work bill reagan and republicans ultimately endorse goal trade legislation make trade policy stronger violating international trade agreements key concession made urging ways and means committee chairman dan rostenkowski trade subcommittee backed requirement that forced reagan impose automatically quotas tariffs imports countries that engage unfair trade practices agreed president waive retaliation hurt economy rostenkowski insisted moderate approach house wanted pass bill reagan sign into law reagan last year blocked senate consideration tough house trade bill branded protectionist and this year reluctantly agreed support trade bill democratic leaders determined pass such legislation white house spokesman marlin fitzwater told reporters late last week that administration not bill provisions added generally feel good bipartisan consideration trade legislation progressing battle will place week full house ways and means committee considers amendment rep richard gephardt force countries japan south korea and taiwan cut trade surpluses subcommittee limited gephardt plan provide that existence large trade surplus united states will trigger investigation unfair trade practices not automatically set retaliation organized labor pressed lawmakers for relief imports jobs lost foreign competition afl cio president lane kirkland this year angered administration trade bill reagan sign not worth passage congress rostenkowski set tone trade debate not write legislation lane kirkland write legislation that will signed president rep jenkins intends push separately bill protect domestic textile and shoe industry aide reagan vetoed similar measure last year house speaker jim wright texas influential proponents aid for specific industries beset low priced foreign competition last week renewed call for import relief for domestic oil industry and announced support for senate plan trigger temporary oil import tariff imports reach half domestic consumption reuter earn magnetic technologies mtcc sees improvement magnetic technologies corp expects second half show continued growth earnings and sales company today reported profit for half ended january dlrs compared year earlier loss dlrs sales dlrs dlrs last year magnetic earned dlrs loss discontinued operations dlrs sales dlrs reuter earn welbilt corp welb qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs year shr dlrs dlrs net mln revs mln mln avg shrs reuter earn satellite music network inc smni year net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln avg shrs note net excludes tax credits dlrs dlrs reuter earn combined int doubling authorized shares stock split earn canbra foods sets special time dlr common shr cash payout earn canbra foods year oper shr profit dlrs loss cts earn wilson foods corp wilf qtr jan net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln half oper shr profit cts loss dlrs oper net profit loss mln sales mln mln note prior half net includes pretax charge mln dlrs plant closings and workforce reductions current year net excludes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs half reuter earn canbra foods year net oper shr profit dlrs loss cts oper profit loss revs not note shr and net exclude extraordinary gain dlrs cts share sale stafford foods unit reuter earn oxford corp ofc qtr net oper shr cts cts qtly div six cts six cts prior oper net revs year oper shr dlrs dlr oper net revs mln mln note net excludes losses discontinued operations dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year dividend pay record april share adjusted for for two stock split reuter earn harris teeter properties htp reports earnings harris teeter properties inc reported fourth quarter fiscal earnings per share cts earnings dlrs realty investment trust company started operations august and had comparable figures reuter earn bsn corp bsn qtr net shr two cts cts net revs mln avg shrs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs note year net includes extraordinary gain shr and gain two cts cumulative effect accounting change reuter earn bsn bsn sees higher net bsn corp expects revenues mln dlrs and substantial increase net income and earnings per share for today reported net income dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs year reuter earn combined int pma holders vote split combined international corp will shareholders april annual meeting approve doubling authorized common shares mln holders will vote proposal create class mln shares serial preferred stock dlr par place existing classes authorized and unissued preferred stock regular march board meeting members will stock split stock dividend contingent stockholder approval capital structure april annual meeting holders will asked approve corporate name aon corp aon gaelic word meaning unit name intended eliminate confusion parent company and principal subsidiary combined insurance america holders will vote proposal limit liability directors and amend provision for indemnifying directors officers employees agents this reduce costs liability insurance reuter earn canbra foods sets special dlr shr payout canbra foods earlier reporting net profit year ago loss declared special time dividend dlrs per common share pay march record march canbra set special payout shareholders participate gain sale unit stafford foods november company unusually profitable performance canbra earlier reported net earnings mln dlrs excluding mln dlr gain stafford sale compared year ago loss mln dlrs reuter earn advance circuits inc advc qtr feb net oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss revs mln mln six mths oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss revs mln mln note results exclude credits cts shr for periods refinancing debt reuter earn commonwealth mortgage cma sets payout qtrly div cts class cts qtrly div cent class nil pay record march note prior qtr pro rated day basis for abbreviated qtr full name company commonwealth mortgage america reuter earn bkla bancorp dec year net shr cts cts net loans mln mln deposits mln mln assets mln mln reuter earn precision target marketing ptmi qtr net qtr ends jan shr profit loss two cts net profit loss revs mths shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs note full name precision target marketing inc months includes extraordinary gain two cts per share reuter acq cheyenne software chey acquisition talks cheyenne software inc preliminary talks acquisition compouter hardware distribution firm components inc and freeman owings inc subsidiary company had sales mln dlrs for and expects report loss for year cheyenne purchase price paid common stock and provide additional finances for operation reuter acq hudson valley patrol agrees buy guard firm hudson valley patrol inc agreed acquire privately held federal protection services inc palm beach fla security firm for common shares and considerations hudson valley guard and patrol services upstate federal protection services investigation uniformed guard and armoured truck services banks corporations and residential communities southern florida company will issue shares common closing and additional shares based federal protection pretax earnings years closing subject setting definitive agreement reuter earn amcast industrial corp acst qtr march shr profit cts loss dlrs net profit loss mln sales mln mln avg shrs half shr profit cts loss dlrs net profit loss mln sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn scientific systems services inc sssv qtr shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs year shr profit two cts loss dlrs net profit loss revs mln mln reuter earn skippers inc skip semi annual dividend semi annual div cts cts pay april record april reuter earn ziegler inc zegl sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter acq banking center tbcx make acquisition banking center signed letter intent acquire railroad mortgage union bank augusta for undisclosed terms company railroad had loan production mln dlrs and servicing mln dlrs loans end reuter acq san paolo torino acquire californian bank italian state bank istituto bancario san paolo torino fully owned san paolo holding wilmington had signed letter intent acquire valley national bank california san paolo statement that subject obtaining official authorization relevant bodies merge valley national bank subsidiary los angeles bank planned acquisition not disclosed reuter grain senator uncommitted offering bill senator richard lugar indiana ranking republican senate agriculture committee not decided whether introduce administration backed bill apply called provision grain crops aide senator reagan administration asked lugar offer measure aide number farm groups told lugar oppose proposal grounds reopen farm bill and senator decided second proposal aide last week aide lugar planning offer measure and bill tighten payment limitation loophole reuter acq international fine foods makes acquisition international fine foods inc acquired distributors inc west babylon for common shares contingent shares based future earnings distributes fresh squeezed juices and had loss sales mln dlrs year operation reuter earn united tote inc tote qtr jan net shr profit nil loss cts net profit loss revs reuter earn oaks qpon telemarketing venture oaks international inc formed pct owned subsidiary called oaks direct inc offer full line telemarketing services oaks direct management will remaining pct company initial costs connected startupo memphis tenn marketing center for oaks direct hurt earnings slightly half year ending april oaks direct operate worse breakeven for fiscal reuter earn quadrex corp quad qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss los revs mln mln year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln reuter earn philip crosby associates pca earnings delayed philip crosby associates inc fourth quarter and annual earnings report will delayed two weeks company cited recent house embezzlement and subsequent review auditors international situation reason for delay philip crosby believes december estimate calling for earnings per share cts and cts revenues mln dlrs valid reuter earn united tote inc tote qtr jan net shr nil loss cts net profit loss revs reuter earn plan realty trust npr qtr net qtr ends jan shr cts cts net revs avg shrs mln mln six mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note earnings restated reflect for two stock split april reuter acq schlumberger terminates pact sell fairchild semiconductor business fujitsu acq lynch corp lgl unit buys television station lynch corp subisidiary lynch entertainment corp formed general partnership called coronet communications acquired whbf station rock island ill company price for station cbs television network affiliate mln dlrs company partner lombardo communications inc wholly owned corporation phillip lombardo lynch will pursue acquisitions media and entertainment entities emphasis broadcasting and cable television operations reuter acq schlumberger slb ends pact sell fairchild schlumberger terminated agreement principle for fujitsu buy pct fairchild semiconductor operations company rising political controversy venture made that sale fairchild stake completed reasonable time sale opposed commerce department and defense department part national security grounds company termination agreement opened possibilities including leveraged buyout semiconductor maker fairchild management interim fairchild continue ongoing business schlumberger oilfield services concern last october schlumberger announced sale fairchild stake and mln dlrs charge fourth quarter sale company ended recording special charges billion dlrs fourth quarter leading loss billion dlrs for year schlumberger never announced price for sale industry analysts estimated deal mln dlrs proposed sale antitrust review justice department additionally commerce secretary malcolm baldridge and officials voiced reservations transaction since announced government officials expressed concern that sale reduce competitiveness chip makers putting key advanced technology into japanese hands high technology semiconductors used supercomputers faster and powerful existing computers schlumberger oilfield services company controlled french interests and headquartered york fujitsu computer and telecommunications company based japan reuter earn henley group heng sets fisher distribution henley group inc declared special dividend distribution fisher scientific group inc share for henley shares previously pay fisher share for outstanding changed ratio reduction outstanding shares mln mln distribution pct fisher common stock will made april six holders record march fisher will trade nasdaq symbol fshg reuter earn gencorp qtr operating earnings rose gencorp quarter earnings operations rose pct sales increased six pct mln dlrs mln year earlier company reported net income declined mln dlrs cts share quarter ended february mln dlrs cts year earlier this year net included dlrs sale assets last years increased mln dlrs such sales gencorp lower operating profits for tire and plastics and industrial products segments essentially offset higher wallcovering results reuter earn mccormick and inc mccrk qtr feb net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter acq twa not intend seek control usair acquire stock this time earn telequest inc telq qtr dec loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit sales avg shrs year shr profit profit cts net profit profit sales mln mln avg shrs reuter earn amcast industrial corp acst qtr net qtr ends march shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss mln revs mln mln avg shrs six mths shr profit cts loss net profit loss mln revs mln mln avg shrs note figures for qtr and year prior include pre tax restructuring charge mln reuter earn chicago dock and canal docks qtr net period ended jan shr cts cts net mths shr dlrs cts net note full name chicago dock and canal trust months earnings include gain dispositions real estate dlrs dlrs share reuter acq mcgraw hill mhp buys harper row hpr unit mcgraw hill inc bought medecines sciences internationales french healthcare publisher harper and row publishers inc sum deal not disclosed french company publishes original titles french authors translations american british and german medical books company will consolidated mcgraw hill france reuter earn infinite graphics infg sees higher qtr infinite graphics inc expects earnings for fourth quarter ending april exceed dlrs cts share posted year ago chairman clifford stritch told meeting financial analysts stritch company annual revenues exceed mln dlrs mln dlrs previous fiscal year company markets advanced computer aided engineering design and manufacturing systems plans double dealers coming fiscal year reuter acq suburban bancorp subba unit wins judgment suburban bancorp cook county circuit court ruled favor companies suburban bancorp bartlett bartlett state bank claims six directors suburban bank barlett claimed that directors breached fiduciary duties and negligent opposing suburban bancorp tender offer january costing bartlett state bank hundred thousand dollars hearing determine amount damages owed bank set for april reuter earn affiliated publications inc afp sets payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay june record reuter earn franklin resources inc ben qtly dividend shr six cts six cts prior qtr pay april record march reuter acq twa files application seeking raise usair stake pct acq coopervision pct cooper laser zaps coopervision inc eye told securities and exchange commission acquired shares cooper lasersonics inc pct total outstanding common stock coopervision bought stake for mln dlrs for investment purposes buy additional cooper lasersonics common shares not plan boost stake pct total outstanding reuter acq dna medical dnam signs pact for stock sale dna medical inc walter mize had bought shares pct dna outstanding stock for dlrs cash agreement mize dna will become chairman and option expand board provide equal representation current board dna will submit proposal annual meeting for acquire companies owned mize heritage lite meat corp national lean beef corp and heritage cattle corp dna total transactions dlrs dna that transactions approved shareholders will issue additional shares common that mize will pct issued and outstanding stock dna mize will replace current chairman donald holbrook will remain board company will continue medical development business long deemed advantageous reuter earn canadian roxy petroleum year net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter acq cityfed ctyf sell consumer lending offices cityfed financial corp city federal savings bank preliminary agreement sell consumer lending offices goldome fsb for undisclosed terms goldome largest mutual savings bank cityfed decided sell consumer lending offices main market areas jersey and florida concentrate resources markets offices sold operate name city consumer serices inc arizona colorado illinois maryland mexico oregon and virginia reuter acq trans world airlines twa files usair trans world airlines told securities and exchange commission not intend seek control usair group acquire stock this time twa amending application department transportation seek control usair amendment twa reserves seek control usair future that intends maintain pct stake and that seeking flexibility acquire pct usair twa usair stock owned voting trust and voted proportion vote usair shareholders twa filed securities and exchange commission reporting holding shares usair twa stake amounts pct twa that order federal court pittsburgh temporarily barred buying additional shares usair pending hearing march reconsider usair application expand temporary restraining order preliminary injunction reuter acq bank fbs agrees sell another bank bank system inc found potential buyer for bank luverne and office pipestone minnesota bank holding company holding corporation controlled family late robert short will buy bank luverne bank mln dlrs assets bank announced plans restructure banking assets offering sell banks total offices agreements signed for offices reuter acq american international petroleum buy assets american international petroleum corp aipn agreed acquire for mln dlrs assets western louisiana oil and gas company american international not identify company american assets included leases totalling acres working interests oil and gas wells that property equipment and machinery for operation and pct interest mile gas pipeline reuter earn departments inc tdd qtr jan shr cts cts net revs mln mln six mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter earn consolidated pipe lines year net shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln reuter earn newcor inc qtr jan net shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss sales mln mln reuter earn skyline corp sky qtr feb shr cts cts net sales mln mln mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln note quarter and month earnings includes gain sale idle facilities dlrs cts share months earnings include gain sale idle facilities dlrs cts share reuter earn tech data corp tecd qtr ends jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter trade brazil trade surplus rises february trade surplus doubled february mln dlrs january mln below mln february official figures show director banco brasil foreign trade department cacex roberto fendt told reporters upturn february confirmed rising trend exports totalled billion dlrs billion january and excluding coffee and oil derivitives slightly below month last year coffee earnings mln dlrs mln february lower prices added fendt that february results lower average expected for rest year government target billion dlr surplus for achieved this compare surplus billion dlrs exports this year expected total billion dlrs and imports billion added exports totalled billion dlrs and imports billion fendt rise imports february billion dlrs billion february last year line government plans foster economic growth fendt that imports running levels traditional average for brazil two months year imports excluding oil and wheat totalled billion dlrs billion period this rise import demand reflected brazilian industry equip raise production and perfectly compatible government program for economic growth fendt added reuter acq armtek arm unit leveraged buyout completed condere corp formed managers armtek corp completed acquisition tire plant and assets armtek for undisclosed terms addition tire manufacturing plant condere bought and truck tire sales and service corp operates sears truck tire sales and service centers licensed agreement sears roebuck and plant will supply tires armtek armstrong tire sears centers condere expects year revenues mln dlrs reuter earn horizon bancorp hzb sets regular payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay record april reuter earn ashland oil chairman sees loss operations second fiscal quarter earn henley heng issue subsidiary shares henley group inc plans issue pct common stock fisher scientific group inc unit henley group shareholders company intends issue share fisher scientific for each henley shares held shareholders record march distribution scheduled for april six company fisher shares will trade counter market symbol fshg reuter acq schlumberger slb alternate buyer schlumberger likely alternate buyer lined for fairchild semiconductor unit wall street analysts clear that cancelling agreement fujitsu schlumberger signaled that another deal works paul johnson semiconductor analyst rothschild unquestionably buyers added kidder peabody analyst adam cuhney lot companies looked fairchild and willing buy companies that interested bidding for fairchild advanced micro devices amd sunnyvale calif and lsi logic corp llsi milpitas calif industry analysts top chipmakers national semiconductor corp nsm texas instruments inc txn and motorola inc mot seek buy fairchild possibly run into antitrust problems analysts added fairchild management thought proposing leveraged buyout cupertino calif company analysts statement announcing termination agreement fujitsu schlumberger decision opened possibilities including buyout fairchild management company ended deal fujitsu bought pct fairchild for estimated mln dlrs rising opposition deal reagan administration made that sale completed reasonable period time analysts questioned this explanation arguing that companies not government approval complete transaction schlumberger and fujitsu foreigned owned companies schlumberger not terminated deal government didn want johnson rothschild spokesman for schlumberger declined elaborate company news release that company reviewing number alternatives for fairchild unit officials fairchild and fujitsu not immediately for comment analysts noted significance government apparent success preventing fujitsu taking control fairchild administration officials including commerce secretary malcolm baldrige and defense secretary caspar weinberger feared that sale fujitsu lead japanese control key semiconductor technology for supercomputers and military weapons systems government stood for semiconductor industry johnson rothschild that real significance this analysts japanese government feel pressure address complaints japanese chipmakers violation semiconductor trade agreement signed last summer reuter trade brazil trade surplus doubled february brazil trade surplus doubled february mln dlrs january mln below mln dlrs february last year official figures show director banco brasil foreign trade department cacex roberto fendt told reporters upturn february confirmed rising trend exports totalled billion dlrs billion january and excluding coffee and oil derivatives slightly below month last year coffee earnings mln dlrs mln february lower prices added fendt february results lower average expected for rest year government target billion dlr surplus for achieved this compare surplus billion dlrs exports this year expected total billion dlrs and imports billion added exports totalled billion dlrs and imports billion fendt rise imports february billion dlrs billion february last year line government plans foster economic growth fendt imports running levels traditional average for brazil imports two months year excluding oil and wheat totalled billion dlrs billion period this rise reflected industry for equipment raise production and perfectly compatible government program for economic growth fendt added reuter earn silicon valley bancshares sets stock payout silicon valley bancshares declared pct stock dividend payable shareholders record april reuter earn giorgio corp dig qtly dividend shr cts cts prior qtr pay record april reuter earn transamerica income tai monthly dividend shr cts cts prior period pay april record march note full name transamerica income shares inc reuter acq mcdermott mdr stake violates law mcdermott international inc purchase pct block stock apparent violation laws panama country incorporation company detailed disclosure acquisition offer made panamanian national securities commission target board acquiring pct stake transfers securities violation panamanian regulations invalid company not immediately had acquired pct block stock reuter acq icahn target sec investigation corporate raider carl icahn acknowledged that targets investigation securities and exchange commission into violations securities laws icahn heads and controls trans world airlines inc twa made acknowledgement filing twa required make sec disclosing pct stake usair group sec issued formal order launching private investigation nov icahn sec filing order empowers sec investigators find whether persons including icahn violated securities laws and related rules icahn specifically probe examining acquisition and subsequent sale pct stock unspecified companies federal law requires individuals groups individuals made shareholder agreements disclose stakes companies pct days icahn acknowledged that subpoenaed connection sec probes this time disclosed that investigated making disclosure filing sec aware probe icahn alerting current and potential shareholders twa not uncommon for companies aware that officers targets government probes acknowledge existence secret investigations fulfill legal disclosure requirements shareholders icahn sec into whether and not name violated securities laws acquiring and selling pct company stock sec investigations into kinds securities law violations spawned agency widening probe into wall street insider trading scandal published reports making late filings forms disclose amount stock pct investor company making filing scheme warehouse shares stock warehousing scheme group investors acting concert each amass stock company disclosing that agreement failing disclose that acting together market unware amount stock company that controlled group acting concert last year sec charged members wealthy belzberg family canada taking part warehousing scheme accumulating stock ashland oil inc reuter earn smithkline skb aims for pct earnings raise smithkline beckman corp pursuing point stragey that will achieve pct annual increase operating earnings remainder decade smithkline earned mln dlrs dlrs per share revenues billion dlrs company annual report that nonpharmaceutical business will play major role meeting earnings growth target and will fact grow faster pharmaceutical business smithkline major product antiulcer medication tagamet report that intends improve earnings existing products expand product portfolio and optimize financial resources bolster position antiulcer market tagamet met stiff competition smithkline strategy develop counter version tagamet bolstered two joint ventures wellcome plc and pending venture japan smithkline allergan inc eye and skin care products division can billion dlr organization years that can grow pct annually nondilutive acquisitions real possibility gavin herbert president eye and skin care product group report allergan had worldwide sales mln dlrs smith kline and french laboratories pharmaceuticals unit sales billion dlrs will file for food and drug administration marketing approval for number cardiovascular agents including tissue plasminogen activator two years and sales force will pct larger sales personnel smith kline small clinical laboratory testing unit sales mln dlrs performs mln tests year and sees increases employee drug testing testing for aids antibody smith kline that depending share price and cost money buy back shares last years bought back pct shares smithkline begins year management team including chief operating officer george ebright reuter earn ashland oil ash sees qtr oper loss ashland oil inc expects report loss operations second quarter company expects report mln dlrs net gain quarter excess pension funds used pay debt difficult determine whether this gain will sufficient offset expected operating loss company statement company spokesman not elaborate company ashland petroleum unit operated loss january and february since unable raise product prices recover higher crude oil costs ashland ashland petroleum and superamerica retail marketing operation difficult quarter company valvoline ashland chemical and coal businesses expected report good results for quarter ended march year ago quarter ashland had income operations mln dlrs corporate and interest expenses taxes equity income and items net income quarter mln dlrs dlrs share sales billion dlrs reuter acq ameritrust amtr sells two mln shares ameritrust corp sold two mln shares common stock investment group named clevebaco partnership partnership controlled alfred lerner and subsidiary progressive corp prog limited partner company ameritrust advised that clevebaco group filed application bank regulatory authorities seeking permission acquire additional mln shares ameritrust common stock company group that had hostile takeover intent ameritrust and that purchase for investment purposes reuter earn bankamerica chairman bank turning heading profitability earn general leaseholds year net shr cts cts net revs avg shrs reuter trade british farm minister attacks subsidies farm subsidies and protectionist moves threaten healthy trade sides atlantic michael jopling british minister agriculture fisheries and food warned not sensible provoke another dispute europe and united states jopling remarks prepared for evening speech things clear and apply sides atlantic cannot continue pile stocks world demand shrinks governments not operate farm policies purely domestic affairs impact recognize that cannot long run develop healthy and stable farm sector basis protectionism and excessive subisdies and europe and united states common interests make worthwhile engage trade wars and competitive export subsidies end benefitting added crucial that united states and european community remain friends jopling member agriculture committee indiana visit farms prior talks officials washington this week jopling criticized recent proposal consideration for tax vegetable and fish oils government oppose such move not correct that shortage funds support farmers alleviated raising money consumer expense reuter earn bankamerica bac chair bank turning bankamerica corp chairman clausen bank holding company turning and back road profitability speech san francisco chamber commerce clausen absolutely convinced bankamerica return position preeminence fundamental achieving that goal continue reduce costs dramatically arms loan loss problems and begin reduce charge offs and enhance revenue generation clausen clausen doubts bankamerica position this year make acquisitions experience growth bankamerica will continue reduce staff and operations noting that expense growth increased pct expenses clausen will continue phase overseas retail banking and concentrate wholesale banking emphasis premium list multinational corporations reuter earn rochester telephone corp rtc sets dividend qtly div cts cts pay record april reuter earn augat inc aug sets quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay april record april reuter earn phh group phh regular qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter earn telco systems inc telc qtr march loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln six mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln reuter acq declines comment schlumberger slb move commerce department spokesman agency comment schlumberger announcement that had terminated agreement principle sell fairchild semiconductor corp unit fujitsu sclumberger had that controversy surrounding venture made sale completed time sale opposed commerce and defense department part national security grounds commerce chief spokesman cooper department had had contact schlumberger deal defense department spokesman agency unaware schlumberger announcement and reaction officials last week told reuters that commerce secretary malcolm baldrige and defense secretary caspar weinberger had joined forces fight planned sale left military overly dependent foreign sources for vital equipment used high technology weapons administration opposition deal stemmed ongoing trade tensions united states and japan officials reuter earn precision target marketing inc ptmi qtr shr profit cts loss two cts net loss revs mln dlrs mln months shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note qtr ended january qtr and months includes dlrs and dlrs gains tax loss carryforward reuter earn royal bank canada brazil unit sees growth royal bank canada small brazilian commercial bank subsidiary banco royal canada brasil sees opportunities for growth expected substantial increase brazilian exports canada banco royal president michael brennan brazilian exporters interested canadian market untapped market brennan told reporters speech brazil canada chamber commerce brennan brazil exporting products paper machinery and ships canada hopes medium term financing facilities for brazilian companies reinstated shortly agreement reached january international financial authorities brennan estimated brazilian exports canada totalled roughly mln canadian dlrs imports canada reached mln dlrs brennan expects banco royal profit increase this year mln dlrs reported for fiscal ended september not predict country uncertain financial climate brennan expects bank growth come increased exports canada banco royal canadian owned commercial bank brazil bank montreal brazilian investment bank subsidiary brennan expected brazil reach equitable agreement foreign banks restructuring billion dlr foreign debt brazilian economy essentially healthy believed brazil position resume debt repayments year brennan not comment impact brazil interest payment moratorium royal bank canada reuter earn affiliated publications inc afp sets dividend qtly div cts cts pay june record reuter earn astro med inc alot qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter acq central pennsylvania cpsa buys stake firm central pennsylvania savings association made pct investment pinnacle mortgage investment terms not disclosed pinnacle incorporated generates mln dlrs closed mortgage loans annually central pennsylvania directors recently approved letter intent acquire hamilton reliance savings association norristown reuter ship ports reopen closures harbour workers returned work this morning strike support pay claims closed zealand ports for hours yesterday harbour workers union told reporters pay dispute not settled and union national executive will meet tomorrow decide moves will industrial action union secretary ross wilson radio interview union rejects employers offers pct pay rise months pct months reuter earn atcor atco outlook depends steel atcor inc magnitude earnings recovery fiscal depends direction steel pricing and fast company severe operating problems consumer segment resolved atcor consumer segment represents pct sales letter shareholders company that that part business continues unprofitable atcor not expect performance improvements quarter sustained year due increasing raw material costs reuter earn zzzz inc zbst qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter acq pacific lighting plt considers unit sale pacific lighting corp sale land development line business and will initiating discussions potential buyers book company investment land development operations mln dlrs pacific lighting real estate group earned mln dlrs and employed people company alternatives sale considered include master limited partnership and initial public offering equity land development companies proceeds sale likely invested pacific lightings specialty retailing line business and oil and gas operations company investment banking firm morgan stanley retained advise pacific lighting disposition land development operations completion transaction made expected end year company reuter acq mlx mlxx unit agrees abex unit mlx corp subsidiary tentatively agreed acquire sintered friction materials business milan italy unit abex corp for undisclosed terms deal will close obtaining italian government approvals expected late april business will operated name wellman will become member mlx specialty friction materials group business manufacturer high energy friction materials for heavy duty transmissions and clutches reuter earn moduline international mdln qtr oper loss qtr ended dec oper shr loss two cts loss cts oper net loss loss sales mths oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln mouduline international inc note oper data not include gains tax benefit carryforwards dlrs cts per shr qtr and dlrs ten cts per shr mths reuter earn financial trustco capital hikes payout qtly div cts six cts pay march record march note declares qtly div special shares issued december pay and record dates reuter earn usp real estate uspts gain sale usp real estate investment trust will post quarter gain dlrs sale spanish villa apartments savannah completed last week reuter earn bindley western industries inc bind qtr net oper shr primary cts cts oper shr diluted cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs primary avg shrs diluted mln mln year oper shr primary cts cts oper shr diluted cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs primary avg shrs diluted mln note revs includes investment income dlrs dlrs for qtr and mln dlrs dlrs for mths revs include unrealized loss equity securities dlrs for qtr and dlrs for mths oper net excludes extraordinary gain dlrs dlrs for qtr and dlrs dlrs for mths reuter earn centel cnt sees lower qtr profits centel corp sees quarter results below due regulatory limits telephone earnings and cts cts share dilution acquisitions annual report chairman robert reuss told shareholders telephone profits will continued limited ceilings imposed regulators deregulation and structural industry that slowed growth investment base for setting rates such quarter results will below last year quarter dlrs share company telephone units faced reduction rates return authorized regulators reuss this result rate reductions and refunds customers reuss encouraged prospects for progress centel business communications cable television and cellular telephone units centel asking shareholders annual meeting approve tripling mln authorized shares reuter earn wings west airlines wing qtr net qtr ended jan shr cts net revs note mth data unavailable reuter acq twa twa sees benefits usair merger trans world airlines inc disclosed that not intend seek control usair group this time believes combination two airlines benefits filing securities and exchange commission twa controlled carl icahn continues closely watch developments usair agreement acquire piedmont aviation inc pie twa spent mln dlrs acquire usair shares amount pct total outstanding common stock twa not buy usair group stock for moment believes twa usair combination create synergies that mutually beneficial carriers twa stressed that reserved revive takeover attempt and continue explore feasibility and strategies gaining control usair purchases usair stock require approval department transportation twa department transportation rules twa put usair stock into voting trust fleet national bank voting trustee voting trust agreement requires bank vote favor acquisition agreement twa and usair and opposed merger usair reuter acq adobe adb high plains hpoc merge adobe resources corp and high plains oil corp reached agreement principle high plains will merged into unit adobe terms agreement companies each share high plains common stock not owned adobe held high plains treasury will exchanged for shares newly issued adobe common exchange will made effective date merger approved companies boards and high plains shareholders reuter trade warns and japan trade tensions european community delivered warnings japan and united states trade frictions hit relations community and main trading partners foreign ministers meeting issued statement deploring japan continued trade imbalance and appealed for greater effort country open markets ministers issued statement disturbed moves limit imports textiles and warned that community react such moves external trade commissioner willy clercq written counterpart special trade representative clayton yeutter outlining concerns ministers disturbed moves adding adoption such measures not fail negative effect process multilateral negotiations started bilateral relations unilateral moves leave option react laws world trade body general agreement tariffs and trade gatt separate statement japan ministers deplore continued aggravation imbalance trade and expect japan open market statement added that continued insist that japanese government boost imports