cocoa	bahia cocoa review showers continued throughout the week the bahia cocoa zone alleviating the drought since early january and improving prospects for the coming temporao although normal humidity levels have not been restored comissaria smith said its weekly review the dry period means the temporao will late this year arrivals for the week ended february were bags kilos making cumulative total for the season mln against the same stage last year again seems that cocoa delivered earlier consignment was included the arrivals figures comissaria smith said there still some doubt how much old crop cocoa still available harvesting has practically come end with total bahia crop estimates around mln bags and sales standing almost mln there are few hundred thousand bags still the hands farmers middlemen exporters and processors there are doubts how much this cocoa would fit for export shippers are now experiencing dificulties obtaining bahia superior certificates view the lower quality over recent weeks farmers have sold good part their cocoa held consignment comissaria smith said spot bean prices rose cruzados per arroba kilos bean shippers were reluctant offer nearby shipment and only limited sales were booked for march shipment dlrs per tonne ports named new crop sales were also light and all open ports with june july going and dlrs and and dlrs under new york july aug sept and dlrs per tonne fob routine sales butter were made march april sold and dlrs april may butter went times new york may june july and dlrs aug sept dlrs and and times new york sept and oct dec dlrs and times new york dec comissaria smith said destinations were the covertible currency areas uruguay and open ports cake sales were registered dlrs for march april dlrs for may dlrs for aug and times new york dec for oct dec buyers were the argentina uruguay and convertible currency areas liquor sales were limited with march april selling and dlrs june july dlrs and times new york july aug sept dlrs and times new york sept and oct dec times new york dec comissaria smith said total bahia sales are currently estimated mln bags against the crop and mln bags against the crop final figures for the period february are expected published the brazilian cocoa trade commission after carnival which ends midday february reuter 
earn	champion products approves stock split champion products inc said its board directors approved two for one stock split its common shares for shareholders record april the company also said its board voted recommend shareholders the annual meeting april increase the authorized capital stock from five mln mln shares reuter 
acq	computer terminal systems cpml completes sale computer terminal systems inc said has completed the sale shares its common stock and warrants acquire additional one mln shares sedio lugano switzerland for dlrs the company said the warrants are exercisable for five years purchase price dlrs per share computer terminal said sedio also has the right buy additional shares and increase its total holdings pct the computer terminal outstanding common stock under certain circumstances involving change control the company the company said the conditions occur the warrants would exercisable price equal pct its common stock market price the time not exceed dlrs per share computer terminal also said sold the technolgy rights its dot matrix impact technology including any future improvements woodco inc houston tex for dlrs but said would continue the exclusive worldwide licensee the technology for woodco the company said the moves were part its reorganization plan and would help 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 available year includes extraordinary gain from tax carry forward dlrs five cts per shr reuter 
earn	international inc qtr jan oper shr loss two cts profit seven 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 after payment preferred dividends results exclude credits four cts and nine cts for qtr and six mths six cts and cts for prior periods from operating loss carryforwards reuter 
earn	brown forman inc bfd qtr net shr one dlr cts net mln mln revs mln mln nine mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion mln reuter 
earn	dean foods sees strong qtr earnings dean foods expects earnings for the fourth quarter ending may exceed those the same year ago period chairman kenneth douglas told analysts the fiscal fourth quarter the food processor reported earnings cts share douglas also said the year sales should exceed billion dlrs from billion dlrs the prior year repeated earlier projection that third quarter earnings will probably off slightly from last year cts share falling the range cts cts share douglas said was too early project whether the anticipated fourth quarter performance would enough for exceed the prior year overall earnings dlrs share douglas said dean should experience pct improvement our bottom line from effects the tax reform act alone president howard dean said fiscal the company will derive benefits various dairy and frozen vegetable acquisitions from ryan milk the larsen dean also said the company will benefit from its acquisition late december elgin blenders inc west chicago said the company major shareholder foods ltd united kingdom blender and has licensing arrangements australia canada brazil and japan provides ann entry mcdonalds corp mcd been after for years douglas told analysts reuter 
copper	magma lowers copper cent cts magma copper subsidiary newmont mining corp said cutting its copper cathode price cent cents effective immediately reuter 
earn	brown forman bfdb sets stock split ups payout brown forman inc said its board has approved three for two stock split and pct increase the company cash dividend the company cited its improved earnings outlook and continued strong cash flow reasons for raising the dividend brown forman said the split its class and class common shares would effective march the company said directors declared quarterly cash dividend each new share both classes cts payable april one holders record march prior the split the company had paid cts quarterly brown forman today reported pct increase third quarter profits mln dlrs dlr share seven pct increase sales record mln dlrs brown forman said nine month profits declined bit mln dlrs dlrs share from mln dlrs dlrs share year earlier due second quarter charge cts share for restructuring its beverage operations the company said lower corporate tax rates and the restructuring are expected substantially improve brown forman earnings and cash flow fiscal reuter 
earn	esquire radio and electronics inc qtr shr profit cts profit four 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 both periods from improvement results its universal life business than first estimated reuter 
housing	january housing sales drop realty group says sales previously owned homes dropped pct january seasonally adjusted annual rate mln units the national association realtors nar said but the december rate mln units had been the highest since the record mln unit sales rate set november the group said the drop january not surprising considering that significant portion december near record pace was made sellers seeking get favorable capital gains treatment under the old tax laws said the nar john tuccillo reuter 
money-supply	assets money market mutual funds rose mln dlrs latest week 
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 three cts three cts prior year shr profit two cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln note dividend payable april one shareholders record march reuter 
earn	cinram ltd 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 better year standard trustco said expects earnings increase least pct from the dlrs dlrs per share recorded stable interest rates and growing economy are expected provide favorable conditions for further growth president brian malley told shareholders the annual meeting standard trustco previously reported assets billion dlrs from billion dlrs return common shareholders equity was pct last year from pct reuter 
earn	handy and harman hnh qtr loss shr loss cts loss three 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 after tax cts share net loss includes after tax special charge mln dlrs cts share reuter 
coffee	ico producers present new coffee proposal international coffee organization ico producing countries will present proposal for reintroducing export quotas for months from april with firm undertaking try negotiate september any future quota distribution new basis ico delegates said distribution from april would unchanged basis earlier producer proposal which includes shortfall redistributions totalling mln bags they said resumption ico contact group meeting with consumers scheduled for this evening has been postponed until tomorrow delegates said reuter 
acq	chemlawn chem rises hopes for higher bids chemlawn corp chem could attract higher bid than the dlrs per share offered waste management inc wnx wall street arbitrageurs said shares chemlawn shot over the counter trading with mln the company mln shares changing hands late afternoon this company could for times cash flow dlrs maybe dollars depending whether there competing bidder arbitrageur said waste management tender offer announced before the opening today expires march this totally surprise said debra strohmaier chemlawn spokeswoman the company board held regularly scheduled meeting today and was discussing the waste management announcement she said statement was expected but was not certain when would ready she was unable say there had been any prior contact between waste management and chemlawn officials think they will resist said elliott schlang analyst prescott ball and turben inc any company that doesn like surprise attack would arbitrageurs pointed out difficult resist tender offers for any and all shares for cash schlang said chemlawn could try find white knight does not want acquired waste management analyst rosemarie morbelli ingalls and snyder said servicemaster companies svm rollins inc rol were examples companies that could interested chemlawn with about two mln customers the largest company involved application fertilizers pesticides and herbicides lawns waste management involved removal wastes schlang said chemlawn customer base could valuable another company that wants capitalize strong residential and commercial distribution system both schlang and morbelli noted that high growth rates had catapulted chemlawn share price into the mid but the stock languished the rate growth slowed schlang said the company profits are concentrated the fourth quarter chemlawn earned dlrs per share for the full year and dlrs the fourth quarter morbelli noted chemlawn competes with thousands individual entrepreuers who offer lawn and garden care sevice reuter 
sugar	sugar imports down week usda sugar imports subject the sugar import quota during the week ended january the initial week the sugar quota year totaled short tons versus tons the previous week the agriculture department said the sugar import quota for the quota year january december has been set short tons compared with tons the quota year which was extended three months december the department said the customs service has reported that weekly and cumulative imports are reported actual weight basis and when final polarizations are received cumulative import data are adjusted accordingly reuter 
trade	brazil anti inflation plan limps anniversary inflation plan initially hailed home and abroad the saviour the economy limping towards its first anniversary amid soaring prices widespread shortages and foreign payments crisis announced last february the plan froze prices fixed the value the new cruzado currency and ended widespread indexation the economy bid halt the country pct inflation rate but within year the plan has all but collapsed the situation now worse than was although there was inflation least the economy worked leading bank economist said the crumbling the plan has been accompanied dramatic reversal the foreign trade account and brazil annual trade surpluses had been sufficient cover the billion dlrs needed service its billion dlr foreign debt for the first nine months all seemed target for repeat with monthly surpluses averaging one billion dlrs but exports were diverted and imports increased avoid further domestic shortages the trade surplus plunged mln dlrs october and since then has averaged under mln reuter 
reserves	official foreign reserves fall january new zealand official foreign reserves fell billion dlrs january from billion dlrs december and compared with billion year ago period the reserve bank said its weekly statistical bulletin reuter 
ship	agency reports ships waiting panama canal the panama canal commission government agency said its daily operations report that there was backlog ships waiting enter the canal early today over the next 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 first mortgage sets special payout america first federally guaranteed mortgage fund two said making special distribution cts per exchangeable unit which includes cts from return capital and cts from income gains reuter 
earn	emhart corp emh qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable march record march nine reuter 
earn	international cites strong prospects international inc reporting operating loss for the january second quarter said prospects for the balance the fiscal year remain good said orders its harris graphics subsidiary acquired june continue run strong pace for the six months orders rose pct over the corresponding prior year period annualized basis are running about mln dlrs the backlog harris pct from the beginning the fiscal year said international said its old division are expected benefit from recent new product introductions and the decline the value the dollar research development and engineering expenditures fiscal will the mln dlr range and the company said has allocated another mln dlrs for capital expenditures earlier reported fourth quarter operating loss two cts share compared profits seven cts share year ago revenues rose mln dlrs from mln dlrs reuter 
money-supply	assets money funds rose week assets money market mutual funds increased mln dlrs the week ended yesterday billion dlrs the investment company institute said assets institutional funds rose mln dlrs billion dlrs general purpose funds rose mln dlrs billion dlrs and broker dealer funds rose mln dlrs billion dlrs reuter 
ship	gulf barge freight rates further call gulf barge freight rates firmed again the outlook for steady vessel loadings the gulf increasing the demand for barges supply those ships dealers said barges traded today the louis merchants exchange call session versus yesterday quotes included delivery this week the illinois river joliet pct tariff bid offered with next week same river chicago quoted the same both percentage points next week mississippi river louis pct bid offered five points next 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 may illinois river chicago pct bid offered comparison sept nov lower mississippi river memphis cairo pct bid offered with sept dec same section pct bid offered comparison reuter 
earn	gulf applied gats sells units sees gain gulf applied technologies inc said sold its pipeline and terminal operations units for mln dlrs and will record gain mln dlrs the first quarter added that any federal taxes owed the 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 said acquired gulfex inc houston based fabricator custom high pressure process vessels for the energy and petrochemical industries cofab said its group companies manufacture specialized cooling and lubricating systems for the oil and gas petrochemical utility pulp and paper and marine industries reuter 
earn	tultex corp ttx sets quarterly dividend qtly div eights cts eight cts prior pay april one 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 formerly 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 the companies reuter 
coffee	ico exporters modify new proposal international coffee organization ico exporters will modify their new proposal quota resumption before presenting importers tomorrow ico delegates said the change which will discussed tonight informally among producers follows talks after the formal producer session with the eight member producer splinter group and will affect the proposed quota distribution for months from april one they said the proposed share out would still include shortfall declarations they said reuter 
money-supply	commercial paper falls mln dlrs feb week fed says 
money-supply	business loans fall mln dlrs feb week fed says 
money-supply	new york bank discount window borrowings mln dlrs feb week 
money-supply	new york business loans fall mln dlrs commercial and industrial loans the books the major new york banks excluding acceptances fell mln dlrs billion the week ended february the federal reserve bank new york said including acceptances loans declined mln dlrs billion commercial paper outstanding nationally dropped mln dlrs billion national business loan data are scheduled released friday reuter 
money-supply	bank discount borrowings mln dlrs the eight major new york city banks had mln dlrs average borrowings from the federal reserve the week wednesday february fed spokesman said the week marked the second half the two week bank statement period that ended wednesday the banks had borrowings the prior week commenting the latest week fed spokesman said that all the borrowing occurred yesterday and was done fewer than half the banks national data discount window borrowings are due released est gmt 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 was pesos per dollar reuter 
earn	liberty all star equity fund initial div qtly div five cts payable april two record march note dividend includes special two cts per share for the period beginning with the fund commencement operations novebmer three through 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 one record march note full name bdm international inc reuter 
earn	systematics inc syst regular payout qtly div three cts three cts prior pay march record february reuter 
money-supply	money supply rises billion dlrs feb week fed says 
earn	ivaco inc year net shr dlrs dlrs net revs billion billion note results include extraordinary gain dlrs six cts share from secondary share offering canron unit reuter 
money-supply	bank discount borrowings average mln dlrs feb week fed says 
money-supply	bank net free reserves mln dlrs two weeks feb fed says 
acq	investment firms cut cyclops cyl stake group affiliated new york investment firms said they lowered their stake cyclops corp shares pct the total outstanding common stock from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission the group led mutual shares corp said sold cyclops common shares feb and for mln dlrs reuter 
earn	coradian corp cdin qtr net shr profit three cts loss three cts net profit loss revs year shr profit one cent loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs reuter 
money-supply	federal reserve weekly report feb two weeks ended feb daily avgs mlns net free reserves bank borrowings including seasonal loans including extended loans excess reserves required reserves adj required reserves total reserves non borrowed reserves monetary base two weeks ended feb total vault cash inc cash equal req res one week ended feb daily avgs mlns bank borrowings down including seasonal loans including extended loans float down balances adjustments down currency down treasury deposits down reuter 
money-supply	trading bank deposit growth rises slightly new zealand trading bank seasonally adjusted deposit growth rose pct january compared with rise pct december the reserve bank said year year total deposits rose pct compared with pct increase the december year and pct rise year ago period said its weekly statistical release total deposits rose billion dlrs january compared with billion december and billion january reuter 
money-supply	federal reserve money supply report feb one week ended feb previous week revised from avge weeks week ago avge weeks week ago monthly aggregates adjusted avgs billions jan dec jan dec jan dec dec nov domestic debt dec nov reuter 
money-supply	federal reserve weekly report feb one week ended feb daily avgs mlns govts bought outright down govts repurchases nil unch agencies bought outright unch agencies repurchases nil unch acceptances repurchases nil unch matched sales including sales with cust other fed assets down other fed liabilities other deposits with fed reuter 
money-supply	federal reserve weekly report feb one week ended feb daily avgs mlns foreign deposits down gold stock unch custody holdings down federal funds rate avg factors wednesday feb bank borrowings including extended credits matched sales including sales cust float reuter 
cotton	world market price for upland cotton usda the agriculture department announced the prevailing world market price adjusted quality and location for strict low middling inch upland cotton cts per effect through midnight march the adjusted world price average producing locations near lubbock texas and will further adjusted for other qualities and locations the price will used determining first handler cotton certificate payment rates based data for the week ended february the adjusted world price for upland cotton determined follows cts per northern european price adjustments average spot mkt location slm inch cotton average location sum adjustments adjusted world price reuter 
sugar	sugar quota imports detailed usda the agriculture department said cumulative sugar imports from individual countries during the quota year which began january and ends december were follows with quota allocations for the quota year short tons raw value cumulative quota imports allocations argentina nil australia nil barbados nil belize nil bolivia nil brazil nil canada nil quota imports allocations colombia congo nil costa rica nil ivory coast nil dom rep ecuador nil salvador nil fiji nil gabon nil quota imports allocations guatemala nil guyana nil haiti nil honduras nil india nil jamaica nil madagascar nil malawi nil quota imports allocations mauritius nil mexico mozambique nil panama nil papua new guinea nil paraguay nil peru nil philippines nil christopher nevis nil quota imports allocations swaziland nil taiwan nil thailand nil trinidad tobago nil uruguay nil zimbabwe nil reuter 
earn	meridian bancorp inc mrdn sets regular payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april one record march reuter 
money-supply	bank discount borrowings mln dlrs bank discount window borrowings less extended credits averaged mln dlrs the week wednesday february the federal reserve said the fed said that overall borrowings the week fell mln dlrs mln dlrs with extended credits mln dlrs mln dlrs the week was the second half two week statement period net borrowings the prior week averaged mln dlrs commenting the two week statement period ended february the fed said that banks had average net free reserves mln dlrs day down from billion two weeks earlier federal reserve spokesman told press briefing that there were large single day net misses the fed reserve projections the week wednesday said that natural float had been acting bit strangely for this time year noting that there had been poor weather during the latest week the spokesman said that natural float ranged from under mln dlrs friday for which could give reason nearly one billion dlrs both thursday and wednesday the fed spokeman could give reason for thursday high float but said that about mln dlrs wednesday float figure was due holdover and transportation float two widely separated fed districts for the week whole said that float related adjustments were small adding that they fell negative mln dlrs tuesday due number corrections for unrelated cash letter errors six districts around the country the spokesman said that both tuesday and wednesday two different clearing banks had system problems and the securities and federal funds wires had held open until about est both days however said that both problems were cleared during both afternoons and there was evidence any reserve impact during the week ended wednesday pct net discount window borrowings were made the smallest banks with pct the large money center banks and pct large regional institutions wednesday pct the borrowing was accounted for the money center banks with pct the large regionals and pct the smallest banks the fed spokesman said the banking system had excess reserves thursday monday and tuesday and deficit friday and wedndsday that produced small daily average deficit for the week whole for the two week period said there were relatively high excess reserves daily avearge almost all which were the smallest banks reuter 
acq	american express axp seen possible spinnoff american express remained silent market rumors would spinoff all part its shearson lehman brothers inc but some analysts said the company may considering such move because unhappy with the market value its stock american express stock got lift from the rumor the market calculated partially public shearson may command good market value thereby boosting the total value american express the rumor also was accompanied talk the financial services firm would split its stock and boost its dividend american express closed the new york stock exchange heavy volume american express would not comment the rumors its stock activity analysts said comments the company analysts meeting tuesday helped fuel the rumors did announcement yesterday management changes the meeting company officials said american express stock undervalued and does not fully reflect the performance shearson according analysts yesterday shearson said was elevating its chief operating officer jeffery lane the added position president which had been vacant also created four new positions for chairmen its operating divisions analysts speculated partial spinoff would make most sense contrary one variation market rumors total spinoff some analysts however disagreed that any spinoff shearson would good since strong profit center for american express contributing about pct earnings last year think highly unlikely that american express going sell shearson said perrin long lipper analytical questioned what would better investment than very profitable securities firm several analysts said american express not need cash which might the only reason sell part strong asset but others believe the company could very well considered the option spinning out part shearson and one rumor suggests selling about pct the market larry eckenfelder prudential bache securities said believes american express could have considered partial spinoff the past shearson being profitable would have fetched big premium the market place shearson book value the mln dlr range shearson the market place would probably worth three bilion dlrs terms market capitalization said eckenfelder some analysts said american express could use capital since plans expand globally they have enormous internal growth plans that takes capital you want your stock reflect realistic valuations enhance your ability make all kinds endeavors down the road said hutton group analyst michael lewis they outlined the fact that they investing heavily the future which goes heavily into the international arena said lewis that does not preclude acquisitions and divestitures along the way said lewis said american express reduced its exposure the brokerage business selling part shearson its stock might better reflect other assets such the travel related services business could find its true water mark with lesser exposure brokerage the value the other components could command higher multiple because they constitute higher percentage the total operating earnings the company said lewis said shearson contributed mln after tax operating earnings from about mln dlrs reuter 
money-supply	money supply rose billion dlrs money supply rose billion dlrs seasonally adjusted billion dlrs the february week the federal reserve said the previous week level was revised billion dlrs from billion dlrs while the four week moving average rose billion dlrs from billion economists polled reuters said that should anywhere from down four billion dlrs billion dlrs the average forecast called for mln dlr rise reuter 
earn	liberty all star usa sets initial payout liberty all star equity fund said declared initial dividend five cts per share payable april two shareholders record march said the dividend includes quarterly dividend three cts share and special payout two cts share which covers the period from november three when the fund began operations december the fund said its quarterly dividend rate may fluctuate the future reuter 
earn	ivaco sees minimal first quarter earnings ivaco inc said price pressure steel products particularly the and the recent increase the value the canadian dollar expected result minimal first quarter earnings said subsequent quarters should show substantial improvement from first quarter levels but earnings will not reach levels long those conditions continue ivaco earlier reported profit rose mln dlrs after one mln dlr extraordinary gain from mln dlrs the previous year said demand for the company products are continuing high levels and sales are expected show further growth revenues last year rose billion dlrs from billion dlrs reuter 
grain	grain carloadings fall week grain carloadings totaled cars the week ended february down pct from the previous week but pct above the corresponding week year ago the association american railroads reported grain mill product loadings the week totalled cars down pct from the previous week but pct above the same week year earlier the association said reuter 
acq	hong kong firm ups wrather wco stake pct industrial equity pacific ltd hong kong investment firm said raised its stake wrather corp shares pct the total outstanding common stock from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission industrial equity which principally owned brierley investments ltd publicly held new zealand company said bought wrather common shares between feb and for mln dlrs when first disclosed its stake wrather earlier this month said bought the 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 said that effective today had cut its contract prices for crude oil dlrs barrel the reduction brings its posted price for west texas intermediate dlrs barrel the copany said the price reduction today was made the light falling oil product prices and weak crude oil market company spokeswoman said diamond the latest line oil companies that have cut its contract posted prices over the last two days citing weak oil markets reuter 
acq	liebert corp lieb approves merger liebert corp said its shareholders approved the merger wholly owned subsidiary emerson electric emr under the terms the merger each liebert shareholder will receive shares emerson stock for each liebert share reuter 
earn	northern telecom proposes two for one stock split 
earn	coleco industries clc sees profit coleco industries inc said expects return profitability earlier coleco reported net loss mln dlrs for the year ended december compared profit mln dlrs the year earlier prepared statement the company said the dramatic swing operating results was due primarily the steep decline sales cabbage patch kids products from mln dlrs mln dlrs coleco said changed from single product company more diversified organization through four major acquisitions last year products from the new acquisitions and other new product introductions are expected enable return profitability said the annual toy fair earlier this month vice president morton handel said analysts projected earnings cts share sales mln dlrs are reasonable reuter 
money-supply	federal reserve weekly report feb two weeks ended feb daily avgs mlns net free reserves bank borrowings including seasonal loans including extended loans excess reserves required reserves adj required reserves total reserves non borrowed reserves monetary base reuter 
money-supply	federal reserve weekly report feb two weeks ended feb total vault cash inc cash equal req res one week ended feb daily avgs mlns bank borrowings down including seasonal loans including extended loans float down balances adjustments down currency down treasury deposits down reuter 
acq	gulf applied technologies gats sells units gulf applied technologies inc said sold its subsidiaries engaged pipeline and terminal operations for mln dlrs the company said the sale subject certain post closing adjustments which did not explain reuter 
acq	investment group raises robeson rbsn stake group affiliated miami based investment firms led fundamental management corp said raised its stake robeson industries corp shares pct the total from pct filing with the securities and exchange commission the group said bought robeson common shares between jan and feb for dlrs the group said may buy more shares and plans study robeson operations afterwards may recommend that management make changes its operations fundamental management chairman carl singer was recently elected the robeson board reuter 
grain	gao likely show certs more costly than cash study grain certificates due out shortly from the government accounting office gao could show that certificates cost the government pct more than cash outlays administration and industry sources said analysis that the gao has obtained from the agriculture department and the office management and budget suggests that certificates cost more than cash payments gao official told reuters gao preparing the certificate study the specific request sen jesse helms former chairman the senate agriculture committee the report which will focus the cost certificates compared cash scheduled released mid march the cost certificates said the gao source depends the program impact the usda loan program gao determines that certificates encourage more loan entries cause more loan forfeitures then the net cost the program would however determined that certificates have caused the government grain stockpile decrease the cost effect certificates would less gao will not likely suggest whether the certificates program should slowed expanded the gao official said but negative report certificates will fuel the fire against certificates and weigh heavily least increase the certificate program agricultural consultant said the omb said against any expansion the program while usda remains firmly committed reuter 
earn	dahlberg inc dahl qtr net shr profit cts loss seven cts net profit loss revs mln year shr profit five 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 ltd year loss shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss mln loss mln revs mln mln note net includes nine 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 all products corp armr quarterly div qtly div ten cts ten cts pay april record march reuter 
crude	opec may have meet firm prices analysts opec may forced meet before scheduled june session readdress its production cutting agreement the organization wants halt the current slide oil prices oil industry analysts said the movement higher oil prices was never easy opec thought they may need emergency meeting sort out the problems said daniel yergin director cambridge energy research associates cera analysts and oil industry sources said the problem opec faces excess oil supply world oil markets opec problem not price problem but production issue and must addressed that way said paul mlotok oil analyst with salomon brothers inc said the market earlier optimism about opec and its ability keep production under control have given way pessimistic outlook that the organization must address soon wishes regain the initiative oil prices but some other analysts were uncertain that even emergency meeting would address the problem opec production above the mln bpd quota set last december opec has learn that buyers market you cannot have deemed quotas fixed prices and set differentials said the regional manager for one the major oil companies who spoke condition that not named the market now trying teach them that lesson again added david mizrahi editor mideast reports expects opec meet before june although not immediately however not optimistic that opec can address its principal problems they will not meet now they try take advantage the winter demand sell their oil but late march and april when demand slackens mizrahi said but mizrahi said that opec unlikely anything more than reiterate its agreement keep output mln bpd analysts said that the next two months will critical for opec ability hold together prices and output opec must hold its pact for the next six eight weeks since buyers will come back into the market then said dillard spriggs petroleum analysis ltd new york but bijan moussavar rahmani harvard university energy and environment policy center said that the demand for opec oil has been rising through the first quarter and this may have prompted excesses its production demand for their opec oil clearly above mln bpd and probably closer mln bpd higher now what are seeing characterized cheating opec meeting this demand through current production told reuters telephone interview reuter 
earn	cenergy crg reports qtr net profit cenergy corp reported fourth quarter net income dlrs seven cts per share revenues mln dlrs for the year reported net loss mln dlrs cts per share result writedowns the book value its oil and gas properties the first two quarters revenues were mln dlrs following the company fiscal year ended march changed calender year end for the nine months ended dec reported loss mln dlrs dlrs per share revenues mln dlrs which said was result noncash writedowns oil and gas properties for the year ended march cenergy reported net income dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs the company said its reserves during the year fell five mln barrels from mln barrels oil and bilion cubic feet gas from bcf said these reserves did not disappear but are available produce prices recover reuter 
earn	northern telecom ltd declares stock split two for one stock split pay may note split subject approval shareholders april annual meeting company also said will increase dividend post split shares six cts from five cts reuter 
earn	torchmark tmk authorizes stock repurchase torchmark corp said its board authorized the purchase from time time significant portion its pct convertible subordinated debentures february said there were outstanding mln dlrs the principal amount debenures the company also said plans redeem the debentures june eight also declared regular quarterly dividend cts per share its common payable may one shareholders record april reuter 
earn	techamerica group inc tch qtr loss shr loss six cts not available net loss profit revs year shr loss cts loss nine cts net loss loss revs mln mln reuter 
earn	wilfred american educational wae regular div qtly div three cts three cts prior pay april three record march reuter 
acq	drexel official has stake epsilon data epsi senior official drexel burnham lambert inc and his father told the securities and exchange commission they have acquired shares epsilon data management inc pct the total outstanding kenneth thomas senior vice president investments drexel los angeles office and his father retired university professor thomas said they bought the stake for mln dlrs primarily for investment purposes they said they may buy more stock sell some all their stake depending market conditions but have plans seek control the company reuter 
acq	nova wins government okay for husky hyo deal nova the canadian company that owns pct husky oil ltd said received government approval for transaction under which union faith canada holding ltd would buy pct stake husky nova said the minister regional and industrial expansion michel cote ruled that union faith purchase the husky stake would not result husky ceding control non canadian company said this ruling was key condition completing the deal union faith equally owned hutchison whampoa ltd and hong kong electric holdings ltd under the agreement with union faith husky will become private company with union faith and nova each holding pct its stock nine pct husky would owned relatives shing chairman hutchison and five pct the 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 from sale virginia service territory virginia power reuter 
acq	suffield financial ssbk gets fed approval suffield financial corp said the federal reserve board approved its application acquire coastal bancorp csbk portland suffield said still needs the approval the superintendent maine banking department reuter 
earn	afg industries inc afg quarterly dividend qtly div four cts four 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 from 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 ltd year net oper shr five cts cts oper net revs mln mln note former name marshall drummond mccall inc results include extraordinary gains dlrs cts per share and dlrs cts from income tax reduction reuter 
earn	marshall steel details gain from unit sale marshall steel ltd formerly marshall drummond mccall inc said will report mln dlr net gain before taxes this year from the sale its drummond mccall division which was sold effective january one 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 
nat-gas	lng imports from algeria unlikely liquefied natural gas imports from algeria are unlikely happen even though its economically feasible industry analysts sources said youcef yousfi director general sonatrach the algerian state petroleum agency indicated television interview algiers that such imports would made this year contract negotiations filing with the government and the time required restart mothballed terminals will delay the import until daniel tulis natural gas analyst with shearson lehman bros said sonatrach currently negotiating with two its former customers panhandle eastern pel and distrigas subsidiary cabot corp cbt resume lng export company officials told reuters third paso gas subsidiary burlington northern bni has expressed interest industry analysts said some imports algerian lng were feasible marginal cost basis the companies that have made capital investment handle lng import can operate profitably even the current price environment frank spadine energy economist with bankers trust said analysts did not forsee major impact from algerian imports prices which are currently soft but expected trend higher the end decline gas drilling and the time lag bring gulf mexico productions onstream will tighten gas supplies and firm prices shearson tulis said this context algerian lng import would source supplemental supply domestic production added company sources currently talks with algeria agree saying that algerian lng would only serve meet peak demand company sources also said that any negotiations with algeria would emphasize looser arrangements which would relate volumes market requirements and prices spot market values 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 said agreed principle sell its alberta based versatile noble cultivators division vicon inc ontario for undisclosed terms the division manufactures tillage and spraying equipment reuter 
acq	videotron buys into exhibit company groupe videotron ltd said agreed buy pct groupe promexpo inc company which specializes product exhibits for three 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 said lowered the contract price will pay for crude oil canadian cts barrel effective today the decrease brings the company posted price for the benchmark grade edmonton swann hills light sweet canadian dlrs bbl texaco canada last changed its crude oil postings feb reuter 
crude	marathon petroleum reduces crude postings marathon petroleum said reduced the contract price will pay for all grades crude oil one dlr barrel effective today the decrease brings marathon posted price for both west texas intermediate and west texas sour dlrs bbl the south louisiana sweet grade crude was reduced dlrs bbl the company last changed its crude postings jan reuter 
earn	george weston ltd year net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs billion billion reuter 
money-supply	money supply rises pct december new zealand broadly defined seasonally adjusted money supply grew estimated pct december after rising revised pct november and pct december last year the reserve bank said statement said unadjusted increased estimated billion dlrs from revised billion november and billion december year year rose pct from revised pct november and pct december narrowly defined year year growth was pct against revised pct november and pct year earlier grew estimated billion dlrs against revised billion november and billion december year year private sector credit grew pct december against revised pct november and pct december private sector credit grew billion dlrs from revised billion november and billion december reuter 
acq	circuit systems csyi buys board maker circuit systems inc said has bought all the stock ionic industries inc exchange for shares its common following the exchange there will shares circuit systems stock outstanding ionic holders will own about pct the outstanding stock circuit systems said ionic maker circuit boards had revenues mln dlrs and pretax profits dlrs from revenues mln and pretax profits dlrs circuit systems said reuter 
earn	mail boxes etc mail qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs avg shrs nine mths shr cts cts net revs reuter 
earn	munsingwear inc mun qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss seven 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 may reuter 
money-supply	fed data suggest stable monetary policy latest federal reserve data suggest that the central bank voted maintain the existing degree pressure banking reserves its regular policy making meeting two weeks ago money market economists said the numbers were little disappointing but think can take volcker his word when said that nothing had changed said bob bannon security pacific national bank fed chairman paul volcker told congressional committee last thursday that the fed policy has been unchanged today although volcker statement last thursday allayed most fears that the fed had marginally tightened its grip reserves help ailing dollar many economists still wanted confirmation steady policy today data which covered the two week bank statement period ended yesterday this need for additional reassurance was made all the more acute the fed decision yesterday drain reserves from the banking system arranging overnight matched sale purchase agreements for the first time since april last year economists added today data showed that the draining action was for fairly large billion dlrs economists said the one thing that caught eye were the relatively sizeable matched sales wednesday said dana johnson first national bank chicago but there was clearly justified need for them there was nothing ominous the fed couldn have waited until the start the new statement period today had would have missed its reserve projections added security pacific bannon fed spokesman told reporters that there were large single day net miss reserve projections the latest week economists similarly shrugged off slightly higher than expected adjusted bank borrowings from the fed discount window which averaged mln dlrs day the latest week compared with many economists forecasts about mln for the two week bank statement period whole the daily borrowing average more than doubled mln dlrs from the prior period there were wire problems two large banks tuesday and wednesday not too bothered about the borrowings said scott winningham winningham and the wednesday average rose mln dlrs from mln week earlier lending further support the stable policy view was relatively steady federal funds rate about six pct the latest week and persistently high levels excess reserves the banking system economists said for the time being the fed following neutral path with fed funds about six pct said darwin beck first boston corp expect continue that vein excess reserves fell but they are still over billion dlrs added first chicago johnson banks excess reserves averaged billion dlrs day the latest statement period down from billion the previous one after the fed declined assign target growth range the wayward money supply measure last week little attention was paid steeper than anticipated billion dlr jump the week ended february looking ahead economists said the fed will have tread fine line between the dollar progress the international currency markets and the development the domestic economy the market has perhaps exaggerated the dollar effect fed policy said first chicago johnson course will take the dollar into account future policy decisions but the economy weak won pull back from easing 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 does not include from discontinued operations qtr gain dlrs cts per shr qtr loss dlrs seven 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 said that independent petroleum engineers completed annual study that estimates the trust future net revenues from total proved reserves mln dlrs and its discounted present value the reserves mln dlrs based the estimate the trust said there may money available for cash distributions unitholders for the remainder the year said the estimates reflect decrease about pct net reserve revenues and pct discounted present value compared with the study made reuter 
earn	famous restaurants inc fams qtr loss shr loss dlrs loss eight cts net loss loss revs mln mln year shr loss dlrs profit four cts net loss profit revs mln mln note includes non recurring charges dlrs the qtr and dlrs the year for reserve for underperforming restaurants reuter 
cpi	japan consumer prices fall pct january japan unadjusted consumer price index base fell pct january from the previous month the government management and coodination agency said the fall compares with decline pct december the january index compared with year earlier was down pct the first drop larger than pct since fell pct september food costs rose january from december but prices fell for clothing footwear and utilities causing the overall decline for the month housing medical and educations costs increased january compared with year earlier but the cost utilities gasoline and vegetables fell the unadjusted consumer price index for the tokyo area base was down pct mid february from month earlier reflecting lower prices for food clothing and footwear compared with year earlier the index was down pct due lower vegetable fuel oil and utility costs reuter 
earn	avery avy sets two for one stock split avery said its board authorizerd two for one stock split increased the quarterly dividend and plans offer four mln shares common stock the company said the stock split effective march with distribution one additional share each shareholder record march said the quarterly cash dividend cts per share the split shares pct increase from the cts per share before the split avery said will register with the securities and exchange commission shrortly offer four mln additional common shares will use the proceeds repay debt finance recent acquisitions and for other corporate purposes reuter 
money-supply	federal reserve weekly components feb week feb feb daily avg billions seasonally adjusted unadjusted currency demand depos other check savings small time mmdas commercial bank only repos euros reuter 
money-supply	central bank sees slower money credit growth monetary and credit growth rates new zealand are not expected continue current levels following the reserve bank move tighten liquidity late last year reserve bank governor spencer russell said the monetary and credit growth figures for the december quarter were probably artifically inflated unusually high growth inter institutional lending activity the short term money market russell said statement the bank moved tighten liquidity when the initial signs the recent expansion became apparent september and october last year russell said broadly defined figures released today showed growth pct the year ended december compared with pct the year ended september annual growth private sector credit calendar was pct compared with pct the september year available evidence suggests that corporate customers including non bank financial institutions have been exploiting differences between interest rates overdrafts with trading banks and rates the call market russell said reuter 
interest	japan expected cut base rate for state bodies japan expected cut the base lending rate for state financial institutions pct from part the recent pact major industrial nations paris finance ministry sources said they said the cut based revision the trust fund bureau law which should approved parliament march abolishing the pct minimum interest rate deposits with the bureau the bureau channels funds government financial institutions for public works and other official uses they said the base lending rate for state bodies such the japan development bank people finance corp and the finance corporations local public enterprises usually moves tandem with long term prime rates the sources said however was impossible for them follow the last cut pct from pct january because the trust fund bureau rate was legally set pct the ministry will abolish the minimum rate and introduce market related one resolve the problem and stimulate the domestic economy they said tuesday the ministry allowed long term bankers cut their prime record low pct effective february the move suggested had reached agreement with depositors using the bureau the postal savings system the posts and telecommunications ministry and the japan welfare annuity the ministry health and welfare the sources said these ministries are trying determine which market rates should considered when setting the bureau deposit rate the ministry sources said coupon rates new year government bonds minus percentage points the likeliest choice they added reuter 
coffee	producer split heats coffee quota talks talks the possibility reintroducing global coffee export quotas have been extended into today with sparks flying yesterday when dissident group exporters was not included key negotiating forum the special meeting the international coffee organization ico council was called find way stop prolonged slide coffee prices however delegates said solution the question how implement quotas was yet sight world coffee export quotas the major device used regulate coffee prices under the international coffee agreement were suspended year ago when prices soared reaction drought which cut brazil output nearly two thirds brazil the world largest coffee producer and exporter producers and consumers now are facing off over the question how quotas should calculated under any future quota distribution scheme delegates said tempers flared late saturday when minority group eight producing countries was not represented contact group five producer and five consumer delegates plus alternates which was set facilitate debate the big producers want have the ball only their court and isn fair minority producer spokesman luis escalante costa rica said the majority producer group has proposed resuming quotas april using the previous hoc method carving quota shares with promise try negotiate basic quotas before september delegates said their plan would perpetuate the status quo allowing brazil retain almost all its current pct share the export market colombia pct ivory coast seven pct and indonesia six pct with the rest divided among smaller exporters but consuming countries and the dissident producer group have tabled separate proposals requiring quotas determined availability using formula incorporating exportable production and stocks statistics their proposals would give brazil smaller quota share and colombia and indonesia larger share and bring new quota distribution scheme into effect now rather than later brazil has far been unwilling accept any proposal that would reduce its quota share delegates said delegates would not speculate prospects for agreement quota package anything possible this phase even adjournment the meeting until march april one said the ico does agree quotas the price coffee the supermarket shelf not likely change sinnificantly result industry sources said retail coffee prices over the past year have remained about steady even though coffee market prices have tumbled upswing probably will not passed onto the consumer either they said reuter 
interest	italian treasury cuts interest certificates the italian treasury said annual coupon rates payable march two issues long term treasury certificates ccts would cut about four percentage points compared with rates this march coupon rates year certificates maturing march will fall pct from pct and rates year issues maturing march would fall pct from pct the treasury also cut point six monthly coupons payable this september six issues maturing between september and september the issues carry terms between five and seven years and will have coupon rates between and pct september compared with and pct this march reuter 
crude	kuwait says plans for emergency opec talks kuwait oil minister remarks published today said there were plans for emergency opec meeting review oil policies after recent weakness world oil prices sheikh ali khalifa sabah was quoted the local daily qabas saying none the opec members has asked for such meeting denied kuwait was pumping above its quota barrels crude daily bpd set under self imposed production limits the nation organisation traders and analysts international oil markets estimate opec producing one mln bpd above ceiling mln bpd agreed geneva last december they named kuwait and the united arab emirates along with the much smaller producer ecuador among those producing above quota kuwait they said was pumping mln bpd this rumour baseless based reports which said kuwait has the ability exceed its share they suppose that because kuwait has the ability will the minister said sheikh ali has said before that kuwait had the ability produce mln bpd can sell more than our quota official prices while some countries are suffering difficulties marketing their share means kuwait are unusually clever said was referring apparently the gulf state qatar which industry sources said was selling less than bpd its bpd quota because buyers were resisting official prices restored opec last month pegged marker dlrs per barrel prices new york last week dropped their lowest levels this year and almost three dollars below three month high dollars barrel sheikh ali also delivered challenge any international oil company that declared kuwait sold below official prices because was charging its official price dlrs barrel had lost custom said but did not elaborate however kuwait had guaranteed markets for its oil because its local and international refining facilities and its own distribution network abroad added reaffirmed that the planned meeting march opec differentials committee has been postponed until the start april the request certain the body members ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite said last wednesday his debt burdened country wanted opec assign lower official price for its crude and was seek this talks this month opec pricing committee referring pressure oil companies opec members apparent reference difficulties faced qatar said expected such pressure will continue through march and april but expected the situation would later improve reuter 
crude	indonesia seen crossroads over economic change indonesia appears nearing political crossroads over measures deregulate its protected economy the embassy says new report counter falling oil revenues the government has launched series measures over the past nine months boost exports outside the oil sector and attract new investment indonesia the only asian member opec and leading primary commodity producer has been severely hit last year fall world oil prices which forced devalue its currency pct september but the embassy report says president suharto government appears divided over what direction lead the economy appears nearing crossroads with regard deregulation both pertains investments and imports the report says primarily assesses indonesia agricultural sector but also reviews the country general economic performance says that while many government officials and advisers are recommending further relaxation there are equally strong pressures being exerted halt all such moves this group strongly favours import substitution economy the report says indonesia economic changes have been welcomed the world bank and international bankers steps the right direction though they say crucial areas the economy like plastics and steel remain highly protected and virtual monopolies three sets measures have been announced since last may which broadened areas for foreign investment reduced trade restrictions and liberalised imports the report says indonesia economic growth calendar was probably about zero and the economy may even have contracted bit this the lowest rate growth since the mid the report notes indonesia the largest country south east asia with population million facing general elections april but the report hold out little hope for swift improvement the economic outlook for early indications point slightly positive growth rate not exceeding one pct economic activity continues suffer due the sharp fall export earnings from the petroleum industry growth the non oil sector low because weak domestic demand coupled with excessive plant capacity real declines construction and trade and reduced level growth agriculture the report states bankers say continuation present economic reforms crucial for the government get the international lending its needs new world bank loan mln dlrs last month balance payments support was given partly help the government maintain the momentum reform the bank said reuter 
crude	saudi riyal deposit rates remain firm saudi riyal interbank deposits were steady yesterday higher levels quiet market traders said they were reluctant take out new positions amidst uncertainty over whether opec will succeed halting the current decline oil prices oil industry sources said yesterday several gulf arab producers had had difficulty selling oil official opec prices but kuwait has said there are plans for emergency meeting the member organisation traditional sunday lull trading due the european weekend also contributed the lack market activity spot next and one week rates were put pct after quotes ranging between seven six yesterday one three and six month deposits were quoted unchanged and pct respectively the spot riyal was quietly firmer the dollar after quotes yesterday reuter 
crude	qatar unveils budget for fiscal the gulf oil state qatar recovering slightly from last year decline world oil prices announced its first budget since early and projected deficit billion riyals the deficit compared with shortfall billion riyals the last published budget for statement outlining the budget for the fiscal year beginning today finance and petroleum minister sheikh abdul aziz bin khalifa thani said the government expected spend billion riyals the period projected expenditure the budget had been billion riyals sheikh abdul aziz said government revenue would about billion riyals down about pct the projected revenue billion the government failed publish budget due uncertainty surrounding oil revenues sheikh abdul aziz said that during that year the government decided limit recurrent expenditure each month one twelfth the previous fiscal year allocations minus pct urged heads government departments and public institutions help the government rationalise expenditure did not say how the budget shortfall would covered sheikh abdul aziz said plans limit expenditure had been taken order relieve the burden placed the country foreign reserves added some billion riyals had been allocated for major projects including housing and public buildings social services health education transport and communications electricity and water industry and agriculture figure was revealed for expenditure defence and security there was also projection for oil revenue qatar opec member has output ceiling barrels per day sheikh abdul aziz said our expectations positive signs regarding oil price trends foremost among them opec determination shoulder its responsibilites and protect its wealth have helped make reasonable estimates for the coming year revenue the basis our assigned quota reuter 
money-fx	gulf bond stock markets lag behind gib says gulf money markets have grown reasonably well during the past decade but bond and stock markets remain large extent fragmented and lag behind gulf international bank bsc gib said the bank economist henry azzam said review gulf capital markets that investors have relinquish traditional investment vehicles such real estate foreign currency bank accounts and precious metals greater financial sophistication needed coupled with more diversified capital market instruments and change the disclosure requirements company accounts said the gib study reviewed capital markets under three categories money markets stock and bond markets azzam said gulf states had been making greater use short term money market instruments and banks the region had floated various euronotes and underwriting facilities nevertheless bond and stock markets remain large extent fragmented and lagging behind said most debt the region still raised syndicated loans and bank facilities and very few companies had made use stock bond issues only kuwait has official stock exchange while other gulf nations have yet establish exchanges but with dwindling financial surpluses the gulf governments are actively pursuing ways develop capital markets and set domestic stock exchanges azzam said said recession stemming from sliding oil prices had clearly had negative impact the development capital markets the region addition family firms are reluctant public financial awareness among investors still lacking and investment analysis and corporate reporting standards lack depth sharp fall share prices the early prompted investors hold shares hoping for eventual recovery azzam said the absence proper commercial law some gulf countries and authorities apparent reluctance adopt financial innovations had also hampered capital markets called for clearly defined laws governing incorporation joint stock companies and the flotation debt instruments azzam said capital market instruments should made available all citizens and institutions gulf cooperation council gcc states bahrain kuwait qatar oman saudi arabia and the united arab emirates uae some moves had been taken this direction with bahrain allowing gcc nationals own pct locally incorporated companies azzam said gulf money markets had received greater depth from the introduction treasury bill offerings bahrain and the expansion securities repurchase regulations saudi arabia but added there bond market speak saudi arabia qatar oman the uae with the last saudi riyal denominated bond issued while bahrain plans official stock exchange and trading saudi arabia has picked establishment formal exchanges qatar oman and the uae does not appear imminent azzam said reuter 
crude	saudi arabia reiterates commitment opec pact saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer reiterated the kingdom commitment last december opec accord boost world oil prices and stabilise the market the official saudi press agency spa said asked the agency about the recent fall free market oil prices nazer said saudi arabia fully adhering the accord and will never sell its oil prices below the pronounced prices under any circumstance nazer quoted spa said recent pressure free market prices may because the end the northern hemisphere winter season and the glut the market saudi arabia was main architect the december accord under which opec agreed lower its total output ceiling pct mln barrels per day bpd and return fixed prices around dlrs barrel the agreement followed year turmoil oil markets which saw prices slump briefly under dlrs barrel mid from about dlrs late free market prices are currently just over dlrs nazer was quoted the spa saying saudi arabia adherence the accord was shown clearly the oil market said contacts among members opec showed they all wanted stick the accord jamaica opec president rilwanu lukman who also nigerian oil minister said the group planned stick with the pricing agreement are aware the negative forces trying manipulate the operations the market but are satisfied that the fundamentals exist for stable market conditions said kuwait oil minister sheikh ali khalifa sabah said remarks published the emirate daily qabas there were plans for emergency opec meeting review prices traders and analysts international oil markets estimate opec producing one mln bpd above the mln ceiling they named kuwait and the united arab emirates along with the much smaller producer ecuador among those producing above quota sheikh ali denied that kuwait was over producing reuter 
coffee	coffee quota talks continue accord seen likely the international coffee organization ico council talks reintroducing export quotas continued with extended session lasting late into sunday night but delegates said prospects for accord between producers and consumers were diminishing the minute the special meeting called stop the prolonged slide coffee prices was likely adjourn sometime tonight without agreement delegates said the council expected agree reconvene either within the next six weeks september they said the talks foundered sunday afternoon when became apparent consumers and producers could not compromise the formula for calculating any future quota system delegates said coffee export quotas were suspended year ago when prices soared response drought which cut brazil crop nearly two thirds brazil the world largest coffee producer and exporter reuter 
money-fx	zambia retain currency auction says kaunda zambia will retain its foreign exchange auction system despite the suspension weekly auctions since january president kenneth kaunda said have not run away from the auction hasn been abolished all told reuters interview said the system would reintroduced after current talks with the world bank and the international monetary fund and hoped would backed fresh foreign aid funds kaunda dismissed central bank statements the new auction system would used allocate foreign exchange private bidders but not fix the exchange rate kaunda said the auction system had faltered because the government shortage foreign exchange meet demand was suspended when the kwacha rapid devaluation and strong fluctuations made economic planning almost impossible for the government and the private sector said weekly foreign exchange auctions began october the kwacha fell from the dollar about months january the government was more than two months arrears paying foreign currency successful bidders and the auction was suspended and replaced with fixed exchange rate nine kwacha the dollar reuter 
sugar	indonesian sugar output seen short target indonesia raw sugar output likely mln tonnes calendar unchanged from and below the government forecast mln the embassy said its agricultural outlook for indonesia bought tonnes raw sugar world markets late the report said the embassy estimated indonesia calendar raw sugar production mln tonnes against government estimate mln said that indonesia move into sugar self sufficiency may have been short lived the report said the government continues promote sugarcane production through its smallholder intensification program and relatively high guaranteed price sugarcane producers however there are considerable indications that farmers are reluctant plant cane because its economic return not good that other crops reuter 
acq	nippon kokan steel affiliates considering merger toshin steel ltd toss and azuma steel ltd affiliates nippon kokan nkkt are considering merger company spokesmen said toshin steel owned pct nippon kokan and azuma steel owned pct nippon kokan are expected decide the end march they said both firms have been struggling with losses caused the recession the steel industry and the yen appreciation azuma steel current losses are estimated billion yen the year ending march against billion loss year earlier spokesman said the firm employs workers toshin steel with workers has given forecast for the year ending march but industry sources said they expected the company show current losses about five billion yen more compared with billion loss reuter 
trade	japan february interim trade surplus jumps japan customs cleared trade surplus the first days february jumped billion dlrs from billion year earlier the finance ministry said the february interim surplus was sharply from mln dlr surplus the same january period fob exports rose pct from year earlier the first days february billion while cif imports fell pct billion the average dollar yen rates were for exports and for imports against for exports and for imports year earlier reuter 
alum	nippon light metal continues aluminium output cut nippon light metal ltd nlgt which has annual capacity tonnes will continue primary aluminium production rate tonnes owing low domestic and world prices and low water supplies its hydroelectric power plant company official said nippon which has plans restore output the tonnes year which was working until late will become japan only smelter ryoka light metal industries ltd will stop smelting april owing high power costs and low prices and mitsui aluminium ltd has said stopped smelting february reuter 
crude	saudi february crude output put mln bpd saudi crude oil output last month fell average mln barrels per day bpd from mln bpd january gulf oil sources said they said exports from the ras tanurah and aymah terminals the gulf fell average mln bpd last month from mln january because lower liftings some customers but the drop was much smaller than expected after gulf exports rallied the fourth week february mln bpd from mln the third week the sources said the production figures include neutral zone output but not sales from floating storage which are generally considered part country output for opec purposes saudi arabia has opec quota mln bpd under production restraint scheme approved the nation group last december back new official oil prices averaging dlrs barrel the sources said the two fold jump exports last week appeared the result buyers rushing lift february entitlements before the month end last week high export levels appeared show continued support for official opec prices from saudi arabia main crude customers the four partners aramco the sources said the four exxon corp xon mobil corp mob texaco inc and chevron corp chv signed long term agreement last month buy saudi crude for dlrs barrel however the sources said the real test saudi arabia ability sell crude official prices weak market will come this month when demand for petroleum products traditionally tapers off spot prices have fallen recent weeks more than one dlr below opec levels saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer yesterday reiterated the kingdom commitment the december opec accord and said would never sell below official prices the sources said total saudi refinery throughput fell slightly february average mln bpd from mln january because cuts the yanbu and jubail export refineries they put crude oil exports through yanbu bpd last month compared zero january while throughput bahrain refinery and neutral zone production remained steady around bpd each reuter 
earn	japan ntt forecasts profits fall nippon telegraph and telephone corp ntt expects its profits fall billion yen the year ending march from projected billion this year the company said total sales for the same period are expected rise billion yen from projected billion this year ntt said business operations plan submitted the post and telecommunications ministry ntt said plans make capital investments billion yen including billion for research and development against total billion this year ntt spokesman said increased competition from new entrants the telecommunications field and the effect sales tax scheduled introduced next january were the major factors behind the projected decrease profits the japanese telecommunications industry was deregulated reuter 
ship	china signs world bank loan for tianjin port china has signed mln dlr loan agreement with the world bank partly finance new berths with annual capacity mln tonnes the mln tonne year capacity tianjin port the new china news agency said china will provide mln yuan for the project and chinese company won bid against other firms from seven countries the foundation work said said the new berths will able handle ships more than tonnes three will handle containers and the expansion will enable the port handle coke non metal mineral ores and mining equipment for the first time reuter 
reserves	japan february external reserves record billion dlrs january billion 
reserves	japan february reserves record billion dlrs japan external reserves rose record billion dlrs the end february from the previous record billion end january the finance ministry said end february reserves last year were billion dlrs january the nation foreign reserves showed the largest ever monthly increase billion dlrs due massive bank japan dollar buying intervention during the month the dollar fell briefly all time low yen january foreign exchange dealers said reuter 
coffee	ico talks coffee quotas resume noon talks coffee export quotas the international coffee organization ico special council session will resume noon gmt today following last minute decision taken early this morning extend the meeting hours ico officials said member contact group will meet midday examine new ideas and the full council convene gmt they said the extension resulted from last ditch effort colombia salvage the talks which late yesterday looked perilously close ending without agreement quotas delegates said reuter 
sugar	indian sugar output rises first four months india sugar output january the season october september rose mln tonnes from mln the same period the indian sugar mills association said total offtake the first four months the current year was mln tonnes including tonnes imported for domestic use and tonnes for export against mln tonnes including imported for domestic use and tonnes for export the corresponding period factory stocks end january were mln tonnes imported against mln imported year earlier reuter 
acq	shv says making tender offer for mln shares gas 
earn	cheung kong holdings ltd ckgh year shr dlrs final div cents making cents net billion dlrs mln note earnings excluded extraordinary gains mln dlrs mln bonus issue one for four nil share split four for one dividend payable june books close may reuter 
acq	wallenbergs fight bid for swedish match stake sweden wallenberg group fought back bid the london based swedish financier erik penser secure large stake swedish match smbs one the companies the core their business empire statement issued the wallenberg holding companies investor and forvaltnings providentia said they had taken over option held nobel industrier sweden acquire pct the voting rights swedish match thre wallenbergs paid nobel industrier nobl which penser group has pct stake about pct over the market price for the swedish match option the statement said swedish match shares open foreign buyers closed crowns friday the shares with increased voting rights closed crowns for the restricted and for the free shares the statement said the deal increased investor stake pct the voting rights and pct the share capital while providentia left holding pct the voting rights and pct the share capital swedish match the wallenbergs stake swedish match had previously amounted pct the voting rights the company the swedish match deal will cost the wallenbergs about mln crowns share analysts said making one the most expensise moves the group has undertaken the last four years defend its far flung interests from outside predators the wallenbergs originally sold nobel industrier arms and chemicals group penser pay for buying volvo volv out two other key group companies atlas copco asts and stora koppabergs skps since then the wallenbergs were ousted the largest shareholders skf skfr skanska skbs and frederik lundberg wrested control incentive from them lundberg zurich based swedish property tycoon also managed acquire pct stake another wallenberg company the diary equipment firm alfa laval alfs during the wallenbergs have been concentrating building their stake investor and providentia prevent any raid the heart their business empire but analysts say the wallenbergs position the electrical engineering firm asea asea also too small pct the voting rights and there has been growing speculation that the group will forced sell off fringe interests protect its core activities reuter 
acq	shv says making tender offer for gas shv united kingdom holding ltd said was making tender offer for mln ordinary shares imperial continental gas association icgs said statement the offer was the basis for each gas ordinary and for every one stg nominal gas loan stock shv already holds mln gas ordinary stock units representing around pct the current issued share capital successful completion the offer would increase shv stake gas mln shares representing around pct issued share capital said the offer capitalises gas around one billion stg said was tendering for both ordinary stock and loan stock which when fully converted gave total mln gas ordinary making the tender offer through rothschilds gas said statement noted the shv tender offer and the terms were being considered said further statement would made soon possible reuter 
tin	atpc members find ways curb tin exports mine and industry officials from most member states the association tin producing countries atpc say they have found ways limit group exports tonnes the year started march according views polled reuter correspondents the plan curb exports agreed january aimed cutting the world surplus tonnes from now and boosting prices about ringgit kilo from just over members the seven member kuala lumpur based atpc account for some pct the world tin output under the atpc plan malaysia has been allocated export quota tonnes indonesia thailand bolivia zaire and nigeria australia has said not setting any export quota however the tonnage allocated tonnes roughly equal its expected output this year comment from officials zaire was unavailable mine officials malaysia the world leading producer said only mines will allowed operate ensure that output limited around tonnes the year started march chief inspector mines redzuan sumun told reuters that excess output some tonnes after exports the one year quota period would kept the national stock mine owners malaysia have welcomed the atpc export curb and asked the government not issue new mining licences more than applications for licences are pending redzuan said the mines department would approve new mining licences only six month review production trends showed that local mines were not overproducing atpc chairman and indonesia mining and energy minister subroto has pledged his country support for the export curb spokesman for the state owned tin mining company tambang timah told reuters would easy for indonesia stick export quota tonnes because this was close exports calendar bangkok thai industry minister pramual sabhavasu said thailand would keep its tonne quota and added this would not cause the local industry hardship current prices insure adherence the industry ministry and sole tin exporter thailand smelting and refining would encourage bigger stockpiles and income tax exemptions would permitted said the thai mineral resources department expected disallow new tin mines opening this year prevent excessive production industry sources said but mining industry council president dam teutong told reuters that the tin price rose above ringgit kilo thai miners would press for the opening more new mines thailand exported tonnes from pramual said bolivia said expects export less tin this year than its allocated tonne quota mining minister jaimie villalobos told reuters paz that bolivia expected export about tonnes tin calendar said this was due the sacking after the tin crisis october about the workers the state mining company comibol which produces more than pct bolivia total exports said there were risks the atpc plan cut exports but added was confident the goals set the plan would achieved did not elaborate mines power and steel minister bunu sheriff musa said lagos that nigeria would have difficulty keeping within its atpc quota tonnes because its metals output had declined due poor demand and high production costs industry sources told reuters that nigeria output was less than tonnes last year atpc officials said they would monitor member countries export figures every three months using customs documents and make projections from such data see quotas were likely breached within the year long quota period the atpc officials said members that appeared likely breach their quotas would told take remedial measures they added that member countries were unable fulfil their quotas their extra tonnage would reallocated other members the atpc discretion the atpc would have produced and exported estimated tonnes tin without the plan non members brazil and china have pledged cooperate with the atpc and limit their exports and tonnes respectively during the quota period reuter 
gold	china heilongjiang province boosts gold output gold output the northeast china province heilongjiang rose pct from level the new china news agency said gave figures said the province china second largest gold producer after shandong plans double gold output from the level china does not publish gold production figures however industry sources estimate output about tonnes year with exports put between and tonnes china selling more gold abroad offset large trade deficits recent years western diplomats said reuter 
acq	sale tilney buys stake insurance broker sale tilney plc said has purchased pct the ordinary share capital and international inc insurance broker for mln dlrs sale paying mln dlrs cash completion with the balance plus interest paid equal instalments over the next six years and posted pretax profit dlrs the year dec when had net tangible assets dlrs reuter 
earn	estimated drop japan corporate profits trimmed the combined profits japan major corporations excluding financial institutions are forecast fall pct the year ending march compared the pct decline projected late november wako research institute economics said the private research body also said statement that the firms listed the first section the tokyo stock exchange foresee pct fall sales the year against pct fall estimated last november current profits are projected fall pct sales seen increasing pct said rationalisation measures taken manufacturing industries cope with the yen sharp rise are beginning brighten their business outlook the institute said said lower interest rates which are expected reduce corporate borrowing costs are also behind the improved performance outlook earnings performance the non manufacturing sector will supported firm demand the real estate and construction businesses said the forecast was based average exchange rate estimates yen the dollar and yen reuter 
interest	japan promote interest rate liberalisation the bank japan decided policy board meeting promote further interest rate liberalisation lowering the minimum denomination regulation free large deposits and raising the interest rate ceiling money market certificates mmcs central bank official said the new guideline will into effect april the bank said under the guideline the minimum denomination regulation free large deposits will lowered mln yen from mln the interest rate ceiling mmcs with maturities between one year and two years will set percentage point below the prevailing certificate deposit rate the bank said but the ceiling mmcs with maturities one year less will remain the same percentage point below the rates the minimum denomination mmcs will lowered mln yen from mln the bank also said time deposit rates will lowered point effective march line with the half point cut the official discount rate february new interest rates two year and one year deposits banks for example will pct and pct per annum respectively demand deposit rates however will remain the same reuter 
reserves	taiwan power firm plans more foreign debt cuts state owned taiwan power will boost its domestic borrowings further cut its foreign debt line with government policy trim the island huge foreign exchange reserves company official said the company foreign debt mainly from the japanese and banks was cut nearly half billion taiwan dlrs equivalent calendar from billion said its domestic borrowings however rose billion taiwan dlrs from billion the same period added taiwan foreign exchange reserves now stood billion dlrs due its record trade surplus billion reuter 
money-supply	confirms january sterling rise the bank england said the broad measure money supply sterling rose seasonally adjusted pct january after pct rise december the unadjusted year year rise was pct after pct the year december the narrow measure money supply fell seasonally adjusted pct january and rose non adjusted pct year year the bank said the figures confirm provisional data issued the bank two weks ago december grew seasonally adjusted pct and non seasonally adjusted pct year year the bank said sterling bank lending grew non seasonally adjusted billion stg january this also confirmed provisional figures issued february the measure private sector liquidity psl fell pct january but after seasonal adjustment rose pct the bank said the bank said the public sector contribution the growth sterling was contractionary about billion stg within this the public sector borrowing requirement psbr showed repayment billion stg while the non bank private sector holdings government debt fell about billion stg there was fall mln stg notes and coin january fall billion stg non interest bearing sight deposits and rise billion stg interest bearing sight deposits the bank said reuter 
acq	exco buys government securities broker exco international plc subsidiary british and commonwealth shipping plc bcom said had agreed principle buy pct stake rmj holdings corp for about mln dlrs exco chairman richard lacy told reuters the acquisition was being made from bank new york inc which currently holds pct and from rmj partners who hold the remainder bank new york and the partners will retain about pct each and these stakes will bought over the next six years rmj the holding company rmj securities one the largest government securities brokers also involved broking notes obligations and other instruments sponsored federal agencies lacy said exco had been considering buying government securities broker for the past four years and had made offer for rmj when was sold security pacific corp spc rmj was then valued about mln dlrs and managing director peter goldie said rmj would bought about the same multiple exco suggesting net income around mln dlrs the company earnings had not been hit the halving brokerage fees some months ago volumes had since doubled lacy said that rmj employed some people with the brokerage business and about its sms unit which provided computer software for the financial services community rmj securities had offices new york where total market turnover government securities was billion dlrs day and london where has billion was also given permission last week open office tokyo where total market turnover had lifted rapidly about five billion dlrs day the acquisition would contribute between five and pct and share earnings proforma basis reuter 
acq	coloroll agrees buy wallcoverings company coloroll group plc said has entered into conditional agreement acquire the 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 the year ending june the total market was estimated worth mln dlrs having grown pct the previous five years coloroll said the combined sales and profit the enlarged coloroll business would mln and four mln dlrs respectively reuter 
trade	sweden ahead with african trade sanctions sweden ruling social democratic party gave full power the government decree unilateral trade sanctions against south africa prime minister ingvar calrsson said carlsson told news conference the party decided the fight against apartheid took priority over sweden traditional policy only adopting sanctions with the backing the security council the government will decide later what form the trade boycott will take and when will come into force reuter 
trade	japan set begin high level trade talks japan and the kick off top level trade talks tomorrow amid signs officials from both sides are growing increasingly irritated with each other the talks held annually sub cabinet level review the whole gamut japan economic relations will pave the way for american secretary state george schultz one day stop over here end week his way home from china faced with growing congressional protectionist pressure the administration pressing japan for speedy action reduce its still huge trade surplus officials said appreciate their frustration senior japanese government official said but are also frustrated the official said the pct rise the yen over the last months has hit japan hard forcing exporters slash spending and lay off workers make for lost sales abroad that has not yet shown dollar based statistics trade but will said said the administration was ignoring the progress that has been made and instead emphasizing the problems that remain when talks with congress would only take five minutes list their accomplishments senior official replied the talks begin tomorrow with high level discussions the economic structures both countries and how they affect the bilateral trade imbalance which last year amounted billion dlrs japan favour the following two days the topics will range from multilateral trade talks under the auspices the general agreement tariffs and trade gatt such bilateral trade problems super computers the structural talks are intended free wheeling discussions among senior officials tomorrow topics include savings and investment issues such consumer credit and housing and the implications government budget deficits these talks come particularly delicate time for the japanese government which facing increasing domestic pressure abandon its tight fisted fiscal policy and stimulate the sagging economy spending more some officials complained japan has intention boosting domestic demand and imports washington wants japanese officials turn pointed the finger the huge budget deficit one the main culprits for the trade imbalance that budget deficit has meant that the buying more imports japan seems particularly peeved being singled draft trade bill before the senate nation following adverserial trade practices condemns japan without due process one japanese official said that reference spoils what otherwise well thought out bill introduced democratic senator lloyd bentsen said japan also not totally happy with the administration trade bill particularly its proposal establish reciprocal access foreign markets one criteria for retaliatory trade action the officials said nevertheless japanese officials said they remain weak bargaining position especially with the threat trade bill overhanging them have leverage one official admitted result tokyo striving meet complaints about its trade practices variety fields including super computers the pressing for greater access the japanese super computer market the japanese government has sent long questionnaire public institutions like universities which buy the sophisticated machines hopes eventually setting informal bidding procedures easily understood all potential sellers officials said reuter 
sugar	india hold white sugar buying tender india will hold buying tender wednesday march for two three cargoes white sugar for march april shipment traders said reuter 
earn	carlton communications optimistic for carlton communications plc has started the current financial year well with accounts for the first four months showing healthy increase the same period last year and chairman green told the annual meeting looked forward with optimism the issue mln shares adr form had now been successfully completed added carlton intended increase its presence the which represented pct the world television market conditions worldwide the television industry continued look buoyant the chairman noted reuter 
strategic-metal	opens anti dumping enquiry into soviet mercury the european community commission said has opened enquiry into allegations that the soviet union dumping mercury the european market below cost prices the commission said its decision follows complaint from non ferrous metals producers that the sales soviet mercury were harming their business and threatening jobs the european industry according the complaint soviet mercury sales the had risen from zero recent years tonnes between august and october last year and threaten capture pct the market they continue the same pace the industry said the mercury was being sold more than pct below prices charged producers forcing them cut their prices levels that longer covered costs the imports had caused producers heavy financial losses said the commission said the industry would probably unable hold prices current levels and that any increase would result loss sales and jobs the called anti dumping procedure opened the commission will allow all interested parties state their cases the authority reuter 
crude	gulf arab deputy oil ministers meet bahrain deputy oil ministers from six gulf arab states will meet bahrain today discuss coordination crude oil marketing the official emirates news agency wam reported wam said the officials would discussing implementation last sunday agreement doha gulf cooperation council gcc oil ministers help each other market their crude oil four the gcc states saudi arabia the united arab emirates uae kuwait and qatar are members the organiaation petroleum exporting countries opec and some face stiff buyer resistance official opec prices reuter 
crude	saudi arabia reiterates commitment opec accord saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer reiterated the kingdom commitment last december opec accord boost world oil prices and stabilize the market the official saudi press agency spa said asked the agency about the recent fall free market oil prices nazer said saudi arabia fully adhering the accord and will never sell its oil prices below the pronounced prices under any circumstance saudi arabia was main architect december pact under which opec agreed cut its total oil output ceiling pct and return fixed prices around dollars barrel reuter 
crude	kuwait minister says emergency opec talks set kuwait oil minister said newspaper interview that there were plans for emergency opec meeting after the recent weakness world oil prices sheikh ali khalifa sabah was quoted the local daily qabas saying that none the opec members has asked for such meeting also denied that kuwait was pumping above its opec quota barrels crude daily bpd crude oil prices fell sharply last week international oil traders and analysts estimated the nation opec was pumping one million bpd over its self imposed limits reuter 
trade	taiwan plans new tariff cuts taiwan plans another round deep tariff cuts this year help narrow its trade surplus with the senior economic planner said wang chao ming vice chairman the council for economic planning and development told reuters taiwan would further reduce import tariffs products sometime the second half this year cuts pct those items were made last year and wang said further cuts would much deeper have speed liberalisation and cut import tariffs faster and more substantially said the united states taiwan main trading partner has said the island import tariffs still ranging from high almost pct were unacceptable has criticised the cuts too selective taiwan trade surplus with the united states hit billion dlrs last year the surplus has boosted foreign exchange reserves billion dlrs which wang said made taiwan target for protectionism wang said the trade surplus and the reserves weakened taiwan position talks with washington over export quotas particularly for shoes textiles and machine tools which are among the island main export earners special taiwanese trade delegation leaves for washington tomorrow try renegotiate agreement signed last year limiting exports taiwan textiles under the accord taiwan textile export growth was limited pct each year until taipei has said losing markets south korea and hong kong which were given more generous terms reuter 
earn	hutchison sees higher payout satisfactory profits hutchison whampoa ltd hwhh expects satisfactory profits and will pay higher dividend for the year chairman shing said did not make any specific projections for the company earnings this year but said the firm will pay dividend not less than cents per share after proposed four for one stock split and one for four bonus issue paid total dividends dlrs per share last year equal cents per share adjusting for the bonus and share split hutchison which has operations ranging from trading property and container terminals earlier reported after tax profits billion dlrs against billion dlrs the total excluded extraordinary gains mln dlrs partly from the sale some its stake the south china morning post the leading english language newspaper compared with mln dlrs the previous year said expects another mln dlr gain from the sale the remaining shares said hong kong property market remains strong while its economy performing better than forecast with its largely export led growth gross domestic product grew nearly nine pct last year against initial government projection pct but said hong kong large trade deficit with the may result protectionist measures that will adversely affect the british colony said all the company major operations showed improved results hutchison said earlier will sell its entire pct interest hongkong electric holdings ltd hkeh cavendish international holdings ltd itself spin off from hongkong electric under reorganisation announced separately hongkong electric will spin off all its non electricity related activities into cavendish which will listed the local stock exchange hongkong electric shareholders will receive one share cavendish for every hongkong electric share cavendish will buy the mln hongkong electric shares from hutchison issuing mln new shares the spin off and the sale hongkong electric shares will give hutchison pct stake cavendish said the decision spin off cavendish relieve hongkong electric public criticism the power company for making risky investments but denied there was pressure from the government for the spin off said cavendish will have seven billion dlrs assets and will almost debt free with mln dlrs liabilites its major assets are the hong kong hilton hotel property development and interests husky oil ltd hyo canada and pearson plc pson britain reuter 
acq	scientific micro systems smsi acuires supermac scientific micro systems inc said has acquired supermac technology rapidly growing supplier enhancement products and disc drive subsystems for the apple personal computer market scientific micro said acquired all the common stock supermac exchange for mln shares its own common stock the stock closed dlrs bid friday supermac privately held firm based mountain view california scientific micro reported net profit dlrs revenue mln dlrs fiscal expects its revenue approximately double reuter 
acq	american express axp viewing shearson options american express rumored considering spinoff part shearson lehman brothers inc said studying range options for its brokerage unit that could improve shearon access capital and help meet broadening international competition joint statement american express and shearson said the actions under consideration are integral part american express worldwide financial services strategy and that the two companies have been having both internal and external discussions the matters american express said decision has been reached the strategic options and that and shearson could ultimately decide follow growth plans already place last week rumors circulated wall street that the financial services giant was considering spinoff part shearson and there was speculation may considering selling stake japanese firm analysts said the speculation also focused american express selling pct the profitable brokerage firm the public there was some speculation that american express had also considered total spinoff shearson but the plan was considered highly unlikely analysts said american express said the statement sunday that will not comment rumors and speculation and spokesman would not beyond the statement the company also remained silent last thursday and friday rumors drove american express stock total dlrs two days bring friday close said issued the statement sunday because similar statement was being circulated employees analysts have been divided whether makes sense for american express give stake the wholly owned brokerage which improved its after tax earnings about pct the last year some analysts said american express may consider spinning off part shearson because concerned that its stock price does not fully reflect the value the brokerage firm shearson contributed mln dlrs american express billion dlr net american express ambitious plans for international growth may also enhanced the added cash that spinning out part shearson would bring analysts speculated that all shearson would have market value about billion dlrs some however the need for added capital puzzling american express position where they can raise capital they need said larry eckenfelder prudential bache securities analysts said rumors were fed the reorganization shearson management wednesday chief operating officer jeffrey lane got the added previously vacant post president the reorganization also created four new positions for chairmen shearson operating divisions move analysts speculated would allow shearson stand alone company analysts contacted sunday said the statement does little clarify last week market speculation does confirm however that the financial services firm which unsuccessfully attempted expand shearson with major acquisition last year looking beyond its own walls for growth and positioning the global market competition late last year shearson takeover offer the hutton group inc was rejected hutton and analysts said there had been speculation that shearson also was rebuffed when approached another major wall street brokerage reuter 
acq	ropak ropk has pct buckhorn bkn ropak corp said received and accepted about common shares and series convertible preferred shares buckhorn inc four dlrs and dlrs each respectively response its tender offer that expired friday and now owns pct buckhorn voting power the company had owned common and preferred shares before starting the hostile tender ropak said borrowing the funds needed buy the buckhorn shares from its bank lender and will not need use any funds that another bank had committed provide under margin loan ropak said waived minimum acceptance requirements buy the shares and intends evaluate number possible ways completing acquisition buckhorn said hopes that buckhorn board will reevaluate its position and enter into meaningful negotiations reuter 
acq	penril pnl seeks sell two units penril corp said seeking sell its triplett electrical instrument corp subsidiary bluffton ohio and triplett alltest division hoffman estates ill part plan concentrate its three profitable division and reduce its debt load the company also said evaluating plan satisfy its obligations under its pct subordinated notes but gave details interest the notes due today penril further said director clifford alexander has resigned from the board gave reason penril said shareholders the annual meeting approved the limitation directors liability reuter 
acq	dale burdett inc faces damage claim dale burdett inc said faces damages claims totalling about dlrs from the former owners burdett publications inc the company said february its predecessor nolex development inc acquired burdett publications inc exchange mln common shares for all burdett publications shares but the transaction was not qualified with the california department corporations result said the former burdett publications owners have claim for damages against dale burdett successor nolex for one yuear starting january with the damages measured the difference values shares exchanged plus interest from february reuter 
acq	purolator pcc buyout with hutton efh new jersey based overnight messenger purolator courier corp said has agreed acquired for about mln dlrs company formed hutton lbo inc and certain managers purolator courier business analysts have said that purolator has been for sale for some time purolator announced earlier was mulling takeover bid but analysts wrongly predicted the offer was from another courier company hutton lbo wholly owned subsidiary hutton group inc will majority owner the company hutton said the acquiring company acquisition inc paying dlrs cash per share for pct purolator stock tender offer begin thursday the rest the shares will purchased for securities and warrants buy stock subsidiary acquisition containing purolator courier operations all the shares purolator are tendered shareholders would receive for each share dlrs cash six dlrs debentures and warrant buy shares subsidiary acquisition containing the courier operations hutton said the merger shareholders would get mln dlrs aggregate amount guaranteed debentures due acquisition and warrants buy pct the common stock the courier subsidiary hutton said the company has valued the warrants two three dlrs per share purolator stock price closed dlrs friday while some analysts estimated the company was worth the mid least one said would worth dlrs this follows sales two other purolator units agreed recently sell its canadian courier unit onex capital for mln dlrs and previously sold its auto filters business purolator retains its stant division which makes closure caps for radiators and gas tanks hutton spokesman said the firm reviewing its options stant purolator courier business has been lagging that its rivals because the high price paid the past several years add air delivery its ground fleet hutton will provide mln dlrs its funds complete the transaction this called bridge financing will replaced later with long term debt most likely the form bank loans hutton said hutton lbo committed keeping the courier business its president warren idsal said purolator lost mln dlrs over the last two years largely due courier operations which believe the management turning around belive will very serious competitor the future said idsal william taggart chief executive officer courier division will chief executive officer the new company the tender offer will conditioned minimum two thirds the common stock being tendered and not withdrawn the expiration the offer well certain other conditions the offer will begin thursday subject clearances from the staff the interstate commerce commission and will expire business days after commencement unless extended reuter 
cotton	pakistan cotton output reaches mln bales pakistan cotton production during the current crop season sept march reached mln bales pounds each from last season shafi niaz chairman the agricultural prices commission said official sources said pakistan was likely use mln bales cotton during the current financial year ending june after mln and mln they said consumption would increase due rise demand for cotton yarn domestic markets and abroad pakistan produced mln kilos yarn fiscal year and exported mln the state owned cotton export corporation was likely export mln bales cotton during the current fiscal year compared with mln last year cotton traders said the traders said there would mln bales cotton carryover this fiscal year compared with just over mln bales last year reuter 
acq	financial santa barbara fsb make purchase financial corp santa barbara said has signed definitive agreement purchase stanwell financial the lending operations unit mortgage banking company stanwell mortgage for undisclosed terms reuter 
alum	alcan close west german aluminium smelter alcan aluminiumwerke gmbh subsidiary alcan aluminium ltd canada said plans close its aluminium smelter ludwigshafen the end june spokesman said alcan was closing the smelter with annual capacity tonnes and employees because high electricity costs and the low world market price aluminium alkan had said earlier this year would close half the plant capacity but decided shut down completely when talks with potential cooperation partners failed the spokesman said declined name the other companies involved the talks 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 four seasons hotels said and vms realty partners chicago have agreed purchase the santa barbara biltmore hotel from marriott corp for undisclosed amount said the venture will rename the hotel the four seasons biltmore santa barbara and invest over mln dlrs improvements the room property reuter 
earn	brown boveri omits dividend plans warrant bond bbc brown boveri und cie bbcz said will omit dividend for the second consecutive year said planned invite shareholders and non voting stockholders subscribe warrant bond issue around mln swiss francs made after the june annual meeting the value the stock subscription rights should correspond roughly the dividend francs per share paid the company also plans issue participation certificates with par value mln swiss francs from which existing shareholders are excluded reuter 
acq	viacom said has new national amusements mcv holdings bids 
acq	laroche starts bid for neco npt shares investor david roche north kingstown said offering purchase common shares neco enterprises inc dlrs each said the successful completion the offer plus shares already owns would give him pct neco common shares roche said may buy more and possible all neco shares said the offer and withdrawal rights will expire est gmt march reuter 
earn	sdc sydney development corp nine mths loss period ended december oper shr loss dlrs loss cts oper loss loss revs note current shr and net exclude extraordinary gain dlrs five cts shr versus extraordinary gain dlrs four cts shr reuter 
acq	senior engineering makes mln dlr purchase senior engineering group plc said reached agreement with cronus industries inc acquire the whole share capital south western engineering for mln dlrs cash this sum being financed term loan south western one the leading manufacturers heat transfer equipment with turnover mln dlrs and pre tax profits mln completion the deal conditional approval under hart scott rodino regulations which expected within days some dlrs payable immediately mln dlrs payable completion with the balance due june reuter 
earn	cheung kong chairman sees strong results cheung kong holdings ltd ckgh expecting strong results this year after reporting better than expected profits chairman shing said did not give specific earnings projection but told reporters the firm will pay total dividends not less than cents share this year after one for four bonus issue and four for one stock split the company earlier declared total dividends equal cents share for adjusting for the stock split and bonus issue cheung kong earnings rose billion dlrs well above market expectations mln one billion dlrs they compared with profits mln dlrs cheung kong also reported extraordinary gains mln dlrs mainly from the firm sale the hong kong hilton hotel hongkong electric holdings ltd hkeh for one billion dlrs had gains mln dlrs attributed the surge earnings buoyant local property market and substantial increases contributions from associated companies looking ahead should another year stability for the property market said the growth hong kong exports expected stimulate the demand for industrial buildings cheung kong cash rich and looking for new projects the british colony said noting the firm interested land reclamation project along the hong kong harbour and exchanging views with the government proposal build second airport reuter 
earn	whittaker corp qtr oper shr cts cts 
acq	viacom via receives two revised offers viacom international inc said received revised merger offers from national amusements inc and mcv holdings inc the company said the special committee plans meet later today review both offers viacom said national amusements arsenal holdings inc raised the value its offer for the viacom shares not held national amusements three areas national amusements holds pct viacom stock the cash value the offer was raised dlrs from the dlrs viacom share offered february while the value the fraction share exchangeable preferred being offered was increased dlrs share from six dlrs the interest rate used increase the cash value the merger delayed beyond april was raised nine pct from eight pct and pct after may viacom spokesman said the arsenal holdings offer continues include pct interest arsenal for present viacom shareholders viacom said mcv holdings group which includes the company senior management and the equitable life assurance society the united states raised the value its offer increasing the value the preferred being offered dlrs from dlrs share and raising the ownership the new company held present viacom shareholders pct from pct mcv called its previous offer made february the final proposed revision its agreement with viacom reuter 
earn	waste management corp votes two for one 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 has pct penn traffic pnf miller tabak hirsch and said has received accepted common shares penn traffic response its dlr per share tender offer that expired friday and together with the shares already owned now has about pct penn traffic the company said penn traffic expected hold special shareholders meeting later this month approve merger into miller tabak the tender price said two miller tabak representatives will named the penn traffic board march four serve the only directors with penn traffic president and chief executive officer guido malacarne the company said received financing for the transaction from first national bank minneapolis and salomon inc reuter 
coffee	coffee quota talks continue but agreement yet coffee quota talks the international coffee organization council meeting here continued this afternoon but producers and consumers still had not reached common ground the key issue how estimate export quotas delegates said the member contact group was examining colombian proposal resume quotas april under the hoc system used historically with pledge meet again september discuss how quotas would worked out the future they said delegates would not speculate the prospects for agreement this time anything could happen one delegate said reuter 
earn	waste management wmx votes split ups payout waste management corp said its board voted two for one stock split payable april record march other action waste management directors approved increase the quarterly dividend cts from cts payable april three record march reuter 
earn	porex technologies porx sets initial dividend porex technologies corp said its board declared initial annual dividend cts per share its first payout payable march holders record march reuter 
earn	davis water dwws declares stock dividend davis water and waste industries inc said its board declared pct stock dividend payable march holders record march reuter 
earn	medco containment mccs sets initial payout medco containment services inc said its board declared initial annual dividend cts per share its first payout payable march holders record march reuter 
acq	pittston pco agrees acquire wtc waf pittston said has tentatively agreed acquire wtc international tax free exchange stock pittston said agreed exchange common share for each the about wtc common shares outstanding pittston said wtc three principal shareholders who own pct its stock are parties this agreement they have granted pittston the right first refusal their shares wtc has granted pittston option buy wtc shares equal poct its outstanding stock the agreement subject approval both boards and wtc shareholders pittston said described wtc fast growing air freight forwarding company with operations throughout the world its revenues totaled nearly mln dlrs the year ended november and for the quarter ended that date earned mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs pittston said its burlington air express subsidiary generates about two thirds its mln dlrs annual revenes with its domestic air freight services reuter 
earn	sdc sydney cost review may eliminate products sdc sydney development corp earlier reporting increased nine month operating loss said cost control review now underway may result cost reduction and elimination unprofitable and non strategic products and services the company operating loss for the nine months ended december increased mln dlrs from loss mln dlrs the prior year said earlier revenues increased pct mln dlrs from 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 
reserves	swiss sight deposits rise billion francs sight deposits commercial banks the swiss national bank rose billion swiss francs billion the last days february the national bank said foreign exchange reserves fell billion francs billion sight deposits are important measure swiss money market liquidity the decline foreign exchange reserves reflected the dismantling swap arrangements the national bank said banknotes circulation rose mln francs billion while other deposits call mainly government funds fell billion francs billion reuter 
acq	consolidated tvx says will issue shares buy stakes three 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 from discontinued operations dlrs company said common shares outstanding down significantly reflecting retirement about 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 from 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 one record march reuter 
acq	diagnostic drs makes bid for rospatch rpch diagnostic retrieval systems inc said has made offer acquire through wholly owned unit all outstanding shares rospatch corp common stock for dlrs share cash about mln dlrs drs warfare systems producer said would make the transaction through cash tender offer for all but not less than pct rospatch outstanding common stock followed merger with rospatch labels high technology and wood producer the same purchase price per share drs said the deal subject approval the rospatch board and the tender offer expires march reuter 
earn	whittaker wkr have gains from sales whittaker corp said will have gain the sale discontinued businesses after any operating losses from the businesses until the dates disposition but will defer reporting the gain until its restructuring program hsa been substantially completed the company said the first quarter ended january completed the divestiture its health maintenance organization operations travelers corp tic sold its whittar steel strip operations dofascoxinc and sold its equity investment bertram trojan inc affiliate investcorp the company said has entered into definitive agreements sell whittaker general medical corp bennes marrel france and juster steel corp well the company said date has received proceeds about mln dlrs from divestitures and has used the funds reduce debt incurred the repurchase its common shares whittaker today reported first quarter earnings from continuing operations fell dlrs from dlrs year before the year earlier figure excluded dlr loss from discontinued operations reuter 
acq	the japan fund jpn gets buyout offer the japan fund inc said has received unsolicited offer from sterling grace capital management acting together with certain other persons and entities purchase all the assets the fund five pct below its aggregate net asset value the japan find said tne deal subject obtaining satisfactory financing and due diligence review added that the proposal has been referred its board directors for consideration reuter 
earn	samsung calendar div won won net profit billion won billion sales billion billion note company has set sales target billion won reuter 
earn	daewoo corp calendar div won won net profit billion won billion sales billion won bilion note company has set sales target billion reuter 
acq	corning offer share for each hazleton share under earlier agreement 
acq	bank new york have gain unit sale bank new york said and the management rmj securities corp have agreed sell pct their interests rmj holding corp british and commonwealth holdings plc and bank new york expects realize substantial gain the transaction rmj holding the holding company for rmj securities large broker government securities and agency obligations bank new york owns majority interest rmj holding and management rmj securities the remainder bank new york said the sale expected completed during the second quarter said and rmj securities management will continue own pct rmj holding for now but the agreement provides for the sale that remaining interest british and commonwealth over the next six years reuter 
acq	corning glw hazleton hlc set excahnge ratio corning glass works said the exchange ratio for its previously announced acquisition hazleton laboratories corp has been established corning common share for each hazleton common share corning said the prospectus regarding the merger expected mailed tomorrow all hazleton holders record february hazleton shareholders will vote the proposed merger special meeting march reuter 
retail	turkish retail prices rise pct february turkish retail prices rose pct february after pct january and pct february the state statistics institute said prices the year february rose pct compared with pct the year january and pct the months february the index base covering towns and five regions was february january and february reuter 
acq	bally bly completes purchase golden nugget bally manufacturing corp said completed the acquisition the golden nugget casino hotel atlantic city new jersey from golden nugget inc bally also acquired from golden nugget various parcels real estate atlantic city noted the transaction included mln dlrs cash and stock and the 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 one for two reverse split november reuter 
ipi	canada industrial prices pct month canada industrial product price index rose pct january after falling pct each the two previous months statistics canada said the rise was led price gains for papers pharmaceuticals and petroleum and coal products price declines were recorded for meat products lumber and motor vehicles year over year basis the federal agency said the index fell pct january the largest yearly decline record reuter 
earn	gelco corp qtr shr cts cts 
earn	strober organization inc strb qtr net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs five mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs five mln reuter 
crude	shell canada cuts crude oil prices canadian dlrs bbl effective march one 
earn	brenco inc bren declares qtly dividend qtly div three cts three cts prior pay april six record march reuter 
earn	massachusetts investors growth stock fund payout qtly div from 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 said purchased miami based heinl nursery inc for undisclosed terms heinl nursery has sales about mln dlrs and owns acres which are shade houses and about square feet cover greenhouses shipping and office facilities reuter 
earn	mfs managed sectors trust dividend increased semi annual div from 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 said has acquired the antonson america subsidiary antonson machines sweden esselte said the antonson unit based laporte indiana manufactures scales and label printers the company said the purchase part plan increase the range retail electronic scales being offered esselte the said the acquisition will enble esselte increase its distribution base its effort grow the reuter 
acq	four seasons buying marriott mhs hotel four seasons hotels inc and vms realty partners said they agreed acquire the santa barbara biltmore hotel california from marriott corp for undisclosed terms closing was expected march they added the companies said they would jointly own the hotel and rename the four seasons biltmore santa barbara they said they would spend more than mln dlrs enhance the biltmore position one the 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 said splitting its common stock for and increasing its dividend pct the dividend cts share increase five cts over the prior cts share pre split shares payable june holders record may the stock split also payable june holders record may reuter 
earn	ltd 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 said the united states should increase its strategic petroleum reserve one mln barrels one way deal with the present and future impact low oil prices the domestic oil industry policy now raise the strategic reserve mln barrels from its present mln help protect the economy from overseas embargo sharp price rise the aspen institute for humanistic studies private group also called for new research for oil exploration and development techniques predicted prices would remain about dlrs barrel for several years and then rise the mid with imports about pct consumption said instead that such moves increasing oil reserves and more exploration and development research would help guard against mitigate the 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 both periods excludes dlr tax credit reuter 
earn	presidential realty corp pdo annual net shr dlrs dlrs net rev mln mln note net gain from property investments dlrs cts per share dlrs cts per share reuter 
acq	redstone details sweetened viacom via offer investor sumner redstone who leads one the two groups vying for control viacom international inc offered sweeten his bid for the company dlrs share cash and dlrs securities filing with the securities and exchange commission redstone who controls dedham mass based national amusements inc theater chain operator offered raise the cash portion its viacom offer dlrs share from dlrs redstone also raised the face value the preferred stock offering dlrs from six dlrs the redstone offer which being made through arsenal holdings inc national amusements subsidiary set for that purpose which also give viacom shareholders one fifth share arsenal common stock after the takeover viacom said earlier today received revised takeover bids from redstone and mcv holdings inc group led viacom management which competing with redstone for control the company and already has formal merger agreement with viacom the company did not disclose the details the revised offers but said special committee its board would review them later today the redstone group which has pct stake viacom and the management group which has pct stake have both agreed not buy more shares the company until merger completed unless the purchases are part tender offer for least half the outstanding stock the two rivals also signed confidentiality agreements which give them access viacom financial records provided they keep the information secret his sec filing redstone who estimated his cost completing the takeover billion dlrs said bank america confident can raise billion dlrs besides the financing would raise through bank syndicate bank america has also agreed provide separate mln dlr for the limited purpose partial financing and has committed provide another mln dlrs redstone said merrill lynch pierce fenner and smith inc has increased its underwriting commitment mln dlrs subordinated financing debt for the viacom takeover from the mln dlrs agreed underwrite earlier redstone said redstone said his group would contribute more than mln dlrs equity toward the takeover the redstone equity contribution the takeover would consist all his group viacom common shares and least mln dlrs cash said the new offer the second sweetened deal redstone has proposed his month long bidding war with management also contains newly drawn proposed merger documents said last week the management group submitted what called its last offer for the company valued mln dlrs and consisting dlrs share cash preferred stock valued eight dlrs share and equity the new company redstone previous offer had been valued billion dlrs reuter 
acq	montedison concludes talks with antibioticos montedison spa moni said has concluded its negotiations with spanish pharmaceuticals company antibioticos company spokesman told reuters have concluded the talks and are now awaiting authorization from spanish authorities declined comment further earlier today the italian company postponed scheduled press conference its talks with antibioticos italian press report today said montedison has agreed acquire antibioticos for billion lire reuter 
acq	utilicorp ucu completes acquisition utilicorp united inc said completed the acquisition west virginia power from dominion resources for about mln dlrs the sale was approved the west virginia public service commission january and became effective march one west virginia management will continue responsible for operating the utility said reuter 
crude	study group urges increased oil reserves study group said the united states should increase its strategic petroleum reserve one mln barrels one way deal with the present and future impact low oil prices the domestic oil industry policy now raise the strategic reserve mln barrels from its present mln help protect the economy from overseas embargo sharp price rise the aspen institute for humanistic studies private group also called for new research for oil exploration and development techniques predicted prices would remain about dlrs barrel for several years and then rise the mid with imports about pct consumption the study cited two basic policy paths for the nation protect the industry through import fee other such device accept the full economic benefits cheap oil but the group did not strongly back either option saying there were benefits and drawbacks both said instead that such moves increasing oil reserves and more exploration and development research would help guard against mitigate the risks increased imports reuter 
acq	carbide looks acquisitions for growth union carbide corp looking acquisitions and joint ventures aid its chemicals and plastics growth according the lichtenberger president chemicals and plastics describing this major departure the company approach commercial development told the annual new business forum the commercial development association are looking acquisitions and joint ventures when they look like the fastest and most promising routes the growth markets identified not very long ago union carbide had the attitude that couldn ourselves wasn worth doing was worth doing had alone lichtenberger explained said there are times when exploiting profitable market done best with partner nor see any need plow resources into technology may not have can link profitably with someone who already there said carbide has extended its catalyst business that way and now extending its specialty chemicals business the same way reuter 
acq	corrected bankamerica negotiating sale units bank america and bac west german branch said negotiating the sale bankhaus centrale credit small local west german bank acquired and its west german visa credit card operation michael seibel bank america vice president and regional manager said the negotiations were proceeding well declined give further details bank america west german branch lost some mln marks the result includes profit and loss transfers from bankhaus centrale credit and the visa organisation the sale the units part the 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 one 
earn	franklin federal tax free income fund payout mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march two reuter 
earn	franklin new 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	first 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 try end strikes that have disrupted rotterdam general cargo sector for the past six weeks union spokesman said talks broke down thursday when the union walked out after employers tabled their final offer end the strikes which started january protest planned redundancies from the sector workforce starting with this year the employers invitation restart the talks comes the day deadline set minister social affairs louw graaf for resolution the dispute expires graaf said the dispute had not ended today would withdraw the mln guilder annual labour subsidy the sector comment was immediately available from the employers organization reuter 
earn	jim walter corp jwc sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april one record march reuter 
earn	japan ntt forecasts profits fall nippon telegraph and telephone corp ntt expects its profits fall billion yen the year ending march from projected billion this year the company said total sales for the same period are expected rise billion yen from projected billion this year ntt said business operations plan submitted the post and telecommunications ministry ntt said plans make capital investments billion yen including billion for research and development against total billion this year reuter 
iron-steel	commission given plan save steel industry european community steelmakers presented the executive commission with controversial plan for the future the industry which diplomats say may forced reluctantly accept under the plan steel output would remain subject restrictive quotas and imports would firmly controlled for years come while steel firms undertook massive slimming down operation adjust capacity lower demand industry commissioner karl heinz narjes has proposed the ending the quota system december has proposed return the free market which under law supposed exist except times manifest crisis but diplomats said some ministers who meet discuss this idea march will argue that steel firms are crisis their countries with orders falling customers switch alternative products and accounts firmly the red ministers from the major steel producing countries are likely shy away from narjes proposals and could back the industry own plan instead the hope minimising the political impact plant closures they said industry sources said the plan presented narjes the steelmakers lobby group eurofer would retain the quota production system least until the end eurofer said statement consultants working for identified scope for closing plants voluntary basis reduce capacity mln tonnes year cuts were still insufficient one production area that hot rolled coils and further talks were needed eurofer added the industry would need the support the commission and governments carrying out closure program particularly with social costs such redundancy payments the steel industry has already shed jobs this decade while reducing annual capacity mln tonnes 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 first half earnings include gain mln dlrs and exclude preferred dividend requirements five mln dlrs the quarter and mln dlrs the first half fiscal net reduced currency losses equal six cts share the second quarter and equal nine cts the 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 said techical default its loans from southeast banking corp stb and murray steinfeld but negotiating with the lenders said neither has declared the loans due the company said has agreed sell the peter pan restaurant urbana for dlrs one mln dlrs after the 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 ltd phcc qtr net shr six cts four 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 from 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 four cts loss one 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 said gold operations contributed pct consolidated earnings reuter 
crude	unocal ucl unit cuts crude oil posted prices unocal corp union oil said lowered its posted prices for crude oil one dlrs barrel the eastern region the effective feb union said dlrs cut brings its posted price for the benchmark grade west texas intermediate dlrs louisiana sweet also was lowered dlrs dlrs the company said changes were made union posted prices for west coast grades crude oil the company said reuter 
nat-gas	panhandle pel trunkline reduces gas rates panhandle eastern corp trunkline gas pipeline subsidiary said reducing the commodity component its wholesale natural gas rate four pct effective immediately filing with the federal energy regulatory commission trunkline said reducing its commodity rate the portion the total rate based the price gas dlrs per mln btu from dlrs per mln btu the company said the lower rate results from reduction the average price the pipeline paying for gas adding this reflects contract reformation agreemats with producers reuter 
acq	investor group has talks with pesch ami ami wedge group inc houston investment firm with pct stake american medical international inc said has had talks with pesch and which seeking control the company filing with the securities and exchange commission wedge which owned issam fares lebanese citizen living switzerland also said discussed the possibility joining with others its own bid seek control ami wedge stressed that has current plans seek control ami but refused rule out takeover try the future wedge said has had discussions with ami management pesch the closely held health care and investment concern controlled chicago physician leroy pesch and other ami shareholders did not specify its sec filing which issues selling its ami stake joining with others takeover try were discussed with which group but said the talks did not produce any agreements understandings wedge said believes that some form restructuring ami and its business would highly desirable and appropriate this time wedge which holds mln shares ami common stock said plans hold further talks with company management pesch and other shareholders pesch last week sweetened his bid for the company dlrs share cash and securties billion dlrs based ami total outstanding from all cash dlr share bid which the company rejected reuter 
earn	international inc imsi sets quarterly qtly div four cts four cts prior pay march record march reuter 
acq	banner bnr completes tender for rexnord rex banner industries inc said mln the outstanding mln shares rexnord inc were tendered pursuant its dlr share offer that closed midnight est feb together with the five mln rexnard shares already owns the company said now holds pct stake the company said the completion the deal subject approval rexnard holders and other closing conditions expects the deal close about days reuter 
earn	mutual omaha interest shares muo qtly div qtly div cts cts prior pay april one record march reuter 
acq	corrected bankamerica negotiating units sale bank america and bac west german branch said negotiating the sale bankhaus centrale credit small local west german bank acquired and its west german visa credit card operation michael seibel bank america vice president and regional manager said the negotiations were proceeding well declined give further details bank america west german branch lost some mln marks the result includes profit and loss transfers from bankhaus centrale credit and the visa organisation the sale the units part the bank worldwide restructuring plan corrects year loss third paragraph item which originally ran february reuter 
acq	osr osrc make acquisition osr corp said has agreed acquire the properties and assets telcom international group for mln common shares which would give former telcom owners pct interest the combined company telcom international film and television distributor the assets being acquired consist mostly distribution rights films valued over one mln dlrs the company said osr said part the acquisition agreement required sell its pct interest standard knickerbocker ltd which makes jeans canada osr said expects net about dlrs the sale standard knickerbocker the company said both transactions are subject approval shareholders meeting held april may said reuter 
earn	mercury entertainment mcry sees better results mercury entertainment corp said expects improved results the company today reported loss for the year ended november dlrs revenues dlrs compared with loss dlrs revenues dlrs year before reuter 
acq	cronus industries inc crns sells unit cronus industries inc said agreed sell its heat transfer equipment business southwestern engineering for slight premium over book value plus release cronus from liability approximately three mln dlrs subsidiary indebtedness the company said the sale subsidiary senior engineering group plc british company will take place this month reuter 
earn	unisys corp uis sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay may seven record april seven reuter 
earn	jacobson jcbs votes split increases payout jacobson stores inc said its board voted three for two stock split payble march record march other action jacobson directors approved increase its quarterly dividend cts post split basis payable april record march the new dividend rate represents pct increase over the 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 one time gains four cts and cts for qtr and year gains dlrs and dlrs for prior periods reuter 
acq	hoechst completes celanese acquisition hoechst west germany said has completed the 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 said extended its deadline for accepting tendered shares until november extension nine months the trust which will accept mln shares american home products ahp said has already received tenders for about four mln shares the trust managed alex brown and sons inc absb and was 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 
coffee	ico quota talks continue outcome hard gauge talks the extended special meeting the international coffee organization ico the reintroduction export quotas continued but chances success were still almost impossible gauge delegates said producer delegates were meeting examine colombian proposal resume historical quotas from april september with promise define specific new criteria which new quota system would calculated september for the new crop year they said opinions among delegates over the potential for reaching quota agreement varied widely some consumers said the mood the meeting seemed slightly more optimistic but brazil unwillingness concede any its traditional pct its export market share looks likely preclude any accord other delegates said fresh proposals other than the colombian initiative had been tabled formally today delegates said full council meeting was set for hours for progress report delegates said reuter 
ship	versatile build polar ice breaker versatile corp shipbuilding subsidiary has letter intent build mln dlr polar icebreaker for the canadian coast guard transport minister john crosbie said vancouver address crosbie said versatile pacific shipyards inc was the low bidder build the arctic class icebreaker but the company must meet certain financial and engineering conditions before the contract awarded the government also announced will provide mln dlrs loan insurance help versatile prepare for the construction the vessel said before the contract can awarded versatile will required offer assurances that the shipyard technically and financially capable performing the work crosibie said versatile bid was mln dlrs lower than competing bidders and will generate person years direct employment work the vessel which crosbie said would the most powerful icebreaker the world would begin next year and completed the government announced plans build the icebreaker last year following the controversial passage the coast guard vessel the polar sea through the disputed northwest passage the government did not seek permission for the journey claiming the area was international water way the government said the icebreaker was needed back the country claim sovereignty the arctic reuter 
acq	pantry inc inb talks being acquired privately held pantry inc which operates convenience stores five southeastern states said has engaged alex brown and sons inc absb explore possbile sale the company said expects start talks with prospective acquirers shortly the company said has been approached number parties recent months reuter 
earn	congress video group inc cvgi qtr net qtr ends dec shr profit three cts loss three cts net profit loss revs avg shrs nine mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln avg shrs note net includes tax gain carryforward from discontinued operations master merchandise group year prior reuter 
acq	renouf corp proceed with benequity bid renouf corp new zealand said has decided proceed with its offer for all outstanding units benequity holdings dlrs per unit the company had been required redice march two whether proceed with the offer terminate based its ability obtain financing and its review benequity operations the offer expire march reuter 
sugar	cuba tells traders sugar exports may delayed cuba has told international sugar operators who have bought its sugar for shipment march that these contracts will take second place cuba direct shipments its export markets dealers here said some traders who have received telexes from cuba said the language the message was not totally clear and some believed shipments would honoured the traders declare the soviet union the destination their contracts the telexes have fueled rising world prices the last week and reflect poor cuban crop worry over brazil export availability and increasing soviet demand analysts said traders said signs cuba shortage immediately available raw sugar supply its traditional martkets was probably the factor behind syria calling snap buying tender last month normally syria calls white sugar buying tenders for forward delivery and last month spot requirement resulted the sale several cargoes cuba its telex told operators they would not receive march shipments cuba has meet its contracts export markets traders said reuter 
rubber	goodrich phase out some businesses goodrich said will phase out the production aircraft tires missile and marine products and molded rubber products akron ohio the end laying off about salaried production maintenance and support services employees the company said layoffs will start within the next few weeks goodrich said will continue make chemicals and adhesives akron employing about another salaried employees akron work for goodrich the company said has not been able operate the businesses being discontinued akron profitably enough justify the large investment that has them goodrich said will continue make aircraft tires norwood and sonar domes jacksonville fla and will relocate its molded rubber products business site not yet chosen said will stop making insulators for missiles goodrich said prepared discuss with officials the united rubber workers union severance benefits for affected employees and issues related the continued operation akron the chemical and adhesives businesses and the phaseout the akron aircraft tire missile and marine and molded rubber products manufacturing company spokesman said does not expect any adverse impact earnings from the move reuter 
earn	thunander corp thdr year net shr cts cts net sales mln mln note results include operations bmd new england inc acquired sept reuter 
earn	final trust for thrift institutions payout set massachusetts financial services said has set the final income and capital gain distributions for trust for thrift institutions high yield series dlrs and dlrs respectively payable today reuter 
tin	rpt says tin disposals will not affect accord tin disposals should have little effect agreement reached last weekend tin producing countries limit group exports tonnes the year started march government official said the agreement the seven member association tin producing countries atpc aimed cut the world surplus and boost prices following the accord atpc chairman subroto appealed the united states restrict its tin releases from its strategic stockpile don think that the government has large influence the tin market this stage the game said thomas donnell director international commodities the state department last year the united states released about tonnes tin two ferroalloy firms 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 said expects maintain the same compound average annal net income growth the company has for the past five years expect the same performance net income over the next five years have had the past ziering said over the past five years ziering said the company has had average compound net income growth pct annually with pct per year growth earnings per share for the company had net income mln dlrs dlrs per share mln dlrs cts per share diagnostic manufactures medical immunological diagnostic test kits ziering said expects the earnings growth result from positive effect the weaker dollar the company exports sales well accelerated market penetration ziering said expected the food and drug administration approve three more its drug abuse test kits the end the year which depending approval should also help earnings growth ziering said result the new tax laws expected the company taxes decrease five pct pct net income reuter 
gold	currencies could influence bullion again montagu currency fluctuations may reassert their influence the bullion market the near future bullion bankers samuel montagu and ltd said market report but the firm said silver may lag behind gold any reactions movements foreign exchanges opec failure address the recent decline oil prices remains worrying factor however and balance appears that the market should approached cautiously montagu said the bank said the economy has shown noticeable long term improvement and that both latin american debt and the iranian arms affair could undermine confidence the dollar 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 said has reached agreement principle buy oakleaf corp which supplies finance insurance and leasing computers auto dealers the transaction will involve exchange oakleaf stock for cash and debt and subject definitive agreement the companys said other terms were disclosed oakleaf had sales about mln dlrs reuter 
crude	nymex will expand off hour trading april one the new york mercantile exchange set april one for the debut new procedure the energy complex that will increase the use energy futures worldwide april one nymex will allow oil traders that not hold futures position initiate after the exchange closes transaction that can subsequently hedged the futures market according exchange spokeswoman this will change the way oil transacted the real world said said thomas mckiernan mckiernan and chairman foreign traders will able hedge trades against nymex prices before the exchange opens and negotiate prices differential nymex prices mckiernan explained the expanded program will serve the industry because the oil market does not close when nymex does said frank capozza secretary century resources inc the rule change which has already taken effect for platinum futures nymex expected increase the open interest and liquidity energy futures according traders and analysts currently least one trader this transaction called exchange for physical efp must hold futures position before entering into the transaction under the new arrangement neither party has hold futures position before entering into efp and one both parties can offset their cash transaction with futures contract the next day according exchange officials when nymex announced its proposed rule change december nymex president rosemary mcfadden said expansion the efp provision will add globalization the energy markets providing for effect hour trading the commodity futures trading commission approved the rule change february according cftc spokeswoman reuter 
acq	rospatch rpch respond diagnostic drs rospatch corp said will have news release later response today acquisition bid diagnostic retrieval systems inc for dlrs share rospatch earlier requested its stock halted over the counter trading last trade diagnostic said its bid was for total mln dlrs through cash tender offer for all but not less than pct rosptach outstanding common for its fourth quarter ended december rospatch reported net loss dlrs share compared loss cts profit for the period december the brookehill group new york said had pct stake parini rospatch chief executive responded january eight saying the investment was vote confidence the company reuter 
earn	green tree acceptance inc gnt sets dividend qtly dividend cts cts pay march record march reuter 
acq	rospatch corp rejects offer from diagnostic retrieval systems inc 
acq	north american group namg buys georgia firm north american group ltd north american acquisition corp said has definitive agreement buy pct pioneer business group inc atlanta terms the acquisition were not disclosed closing the acquisition scheduled for april north american acquisition said the agreement subject due diligence and satisfactory review pioneer operation pioneer makes business forms reuter 
acq	talking point viacom international via bidding war for viacom international inc one the largest entertainment companies pitted management group and other investors against national amusements inc closely held theater operator both sides raised their bids over the weekend source close the management side insisted that timing was his side said outside directors approve the management proposal merger plan could put vote shareholders with proxy material going out late this week would take days from the day mail said the source the source predicted national amusements controlled investor sumner redstone would need half year complete tender offer because the regulatory approvals that must accompany any change control viacom broadcast licenses and cable television franchises redstone was not available for comment some wall street arbitrage players said was rare situation that could only enjoyed true bidding war one said redstone could begin tender offer whenever wanted and enough people were convinced his proposal was superior the viacom management plan would have chance win the independent directors viacom were called into meeting today word decision was expected early tomorrow viacom shares climbed midafternoon one major wall street firm issued sell recommendation think the end now terms bidding said the firm arbitrageur who spoke condition not identified both redstone proposal and the management proposal would create restructured company heavily leveraged with debt the management plan would result balance sheet with about billion dlrs debt and nearly mln dlrs preferred stock convertible into pct the common stock redstone newest proposal offers holders dlrs cash fraction share exchangeable preferred stock with value dlrs and one fifth share common stock stock arsenal holdings representing pct the equity interest the restructured viacom one arbitrageur calculated the equity the redstone plan was worth dlrs making the total package worth dlrs per share management offered dlrs cash exchangeable preferred stock worth dlrs and fractional share convertible preferred the arbitrageur said the equity portion was worth about dlrs for total dlrs redstone newest plan raised the amount interest would pay the cash portion his offer for every day beyond april that merger with arsenal not consummated the plan calls for intest paid annual rate nine pct during may and pct thereafter previously redstone offered eight pct interest other arbitrageurs said both redstone and the management group led president and chief executive terrence elkes were offering high prices redstone really wants own the company one said another said management seemed have the edge the timing issue redstone company owns pct viacom mln shares wall street analyst said was hard determine what the equity the newly leveraged company would worth noted example that new stock fmc corp fmc which adopted highly leveraged structure last year inititally traded dlrs per share dipped nine dlrs and now just over dlrs last week viacom reported fourth quarter earnings fell two two cts per share from cts the company said interest costs from several 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 which owns stake warner rose viacom was created and spun off from cbs inc cbs the company has cable television subscribers operates nine satellite television services and owns television and radio stations one the largest distributors films and other programs for television reuter 
earn	right inc upri qtr oper net oper shr five cts cts oper net revs mln mln year oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note oper data does not include qtr extraordinary credit dlrs qtr extraordinary loss dlrs five cts per shr for year does not include extraordinary credit dlrs three cts per shr and dlrs five cts per shr reuter 
trade	talks show new canadian confidence group says canada decision raise the issue free trade pact with the was sign what many see new spirit canadian self confidence public policy study group said suggests the canada the immediate post war period when was major player the process building postwar world the washington based atlantic council said and canadian negotiators opened talks last summer aimed dismantling trade barriers between the two countries the world biggest trading partners with crossborder shipments about billion dlrs annually the council study said the trade talks with deadline october for agreement are the biggest issue canadian relations the study said liberalized trade between the two countries would improve the competitiveness their economies world markets and lessen trade irritants which now mar their ties the council said the past most canadians have shied away from the notion free trade arrangement fearing overwhelmed economically and politically closer association with country times their size population but the same time added canadians realized their domestic market was too small permit the mass production and sales needed raise productivity the level demanded increasingly competitive world the council said that the talks canada chiefly interested minimizing the imposing duties against allegedly subsidized exports recent example was the per cent duty the imposed canadian lumber exports grounds the shipments were being subsidized the council said the chief concerns included ending curbs against banking insurance telecommunications and the called cultural industries publishing broadcasting and films said other major canadian issues were defense cooperation acid rain and the rejection canadian assertion sovereignty over waters the northwest passage reuter 
earn	albertson inc abs raises qtly dividend shr cts cts pay may record may eight reuter 
acq	wavehill international make acquisition wavehill international ventures inc said has agreed acquire personal computer rental corp coral gables fla transaction which shareholders personal computer will receive shares respresenting about pct interest the combined company the company said will have about two mln shares outstanding fully diluted basis after the transaction said after the acquisition will infuse perconal computer with cash for expansion said personal computer now has franchised locations and plans add over seeking eventually expand into markets the and abroad reuter 
acq	security pacific spc completes merger security pacific corp said completed its planned merger with diablo bank following the approval the comptroller the currency security pacific announced its intention merge with diablo bank headquartered danville calif september part its plan expand its retail network northern california diablo has bank offices danville san ramon and alamo calif security pacific also said reuter 
earn	intec inc intk qtr net shr six cts five 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 which relates lower effective tax rate based operating results for the year whole 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 three cts oper net profit profit revs mln mln note excludes loss dlrs nil gain dlrs nil qtr and gain dlrs two cts gain dlrs one year from net operating loss carryforwards reuter 
acq	albertson abs adopts stockholder rights plan albertson inc said its board has adopted stockholder rights plan intended protect them the event any proposed takeover the company under the plan stockholders will receive dividend distribution one right for each share common stock held march the rights are exercisable ten days after person group acquires pct more alberston common stock announces tender offer for pct more the stock each right will entitle the shareholder buy one newly issued share alberston common stock for dlrs reuter 
acq	rospatch rpch rejects diagnostic drs bid rospatch corp said rejected proposal diagnostic retrieval systems inc acquire its stock dlrs share rospatch board believes that the long term interests its shareholders will best served continuing independent public company this time the company said response unsolicited offer from diagnostic retrieval rospatch said diagnostic offer february variation previous offer january the nature which was not disclosed rospatch said advised diagnostic retrieval that would contrary the best interests the corporation engage any discussions concerning business combination with 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 said completed its acquisition johnson and johnson pitman moore unit producer animal health products terms the acquisition were not disclosed international minerals and chemical said annual sales the unit are about 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 has not been approached former ted bates worldwide chairman robert jacoby about the possibility syndicate buying pct stake jwt group friendly basis company spokesman said said jwt would have comment advertising age report that jacoby considering heading venture capital syndicate purchase pct stake jwt group jacoby was not immediately available for comment the report ted bates now owned saatchi and saatchi the world largest advertising agency reuter 
earn	coeur alene mines corp cour qtr loss shr loss cts loss one net loss loss revs year shr loss cts loss ten cts net loss loss revs mln note loss included one time loss dlrs write off certain silver oil and gas interests reuter 
acq	foote mineral fte sells cambridge plant foote mineral said signed letter intent with shieldalloy corp wholly owned subsidiary metallurg inc for the sale its cambridge ohio business the company said the sale which will explained greater detail after the definitive agreement has been signed part foote previously announced plan sell the entire company reuter 
earn	gelco gel sees flat pretax operating net gelco corp said that excluding the effects restructuring plan expects pre tax operating earnings for the year end july about the same those last year for the year ended july gelco reported pre tax operating earnings mln dlrs dlrs share however final results will affected certain charges including legal and investment advisors fees preferred stock dividends and other costs restructuring said expenses associated with restructuring are expected offset significant gains from the sale some gelco business units said the final outcome for the fiscal year will determined the timing and proceeds from the sale added reuter 
acq	utilicorp ucu acquires dominion subsidiary utilicorp united inc said has closed the previously announced acquisition west virginia power from dominion resources inc for about mln dlrs reuter 
acq	pesch sees shareholder support ami ami bid chicago physician leroy pesch said has had discussions with several american medical international inc shareholders and sees support for restructuring the company pesch said has discussed his sweetened billion dlr takeover bid for american medical with several large shareholders including the biggest investor the bass family texas however the bass family has not indicated support one way the other for his offer said pesch interview with reuters said based the conversations held with shareholders could not guage whether had majority support said however there support for his offer pesch would not identify shareholders with whom held discussions other than the bass family and the wedge group inc the only other holder more than five pct american medical stock earlier today wedge group which has pct stake said held discussions with pesch american medical management and other american medical shareholders wedge filing with the securities and exchange commission said believes restructuring american medical and its business would highly desirable and appropriate this time that the sort position that find large segment shareholders ami really share said pesch pesch said held discussions with wedge about joining his takeover effort which offering dlrs cash four dlrs preferred stock and one dlr common stock for each american medical share wedge said has plans join effort seek control american medical but would not rule out future takeover try pesch said did not discuss joint takeover proposal with the bass family some analysts saw the wedge statement boost pesch takeover effort and further sign that there could some shareholder dissatisfaction following american medical previous rejection dlr per share all cash offer from pesch american medical expected resist pesch latest bid larry feinberg analyst with dean witter reynolds inc said management led leveraged buyout cannot ruled out american medical spokesman said the company will comment the new pesch offer march analysts continue view the bass family factor the outcome the bid for control american medical the bass family holds pct stake american medical and the company has previously said the investors support management internal plan improve the company performance the bass family would not comment american medical pesch pesch who led the leveraged buyout republic health corp last year continues face credibilty problem wall street because the long time took finish the republic acquisition republic also has substantial debt and has left wall street questioning whether financing can completed for the much larger american medical takeover proposal pesch first offer for american medical was made without investment banking firm another cause for concern wall street however pesch entered his second offer with representation from donaldson lufkin and jenrette securities and security pacific merchant banking group don have any doubt that the current transaction can worked out and completed provided get the point where ami management will sit down and talk friendly environment pesch said pesch would not elaborate what type financing arrangements are being made did say succeeds acquiring american medical plans keep much american medical management place said plans combine the company with republic form efficient network hospitals analysts said they not believe much higher offer could made for american medical byron nimocks hutton group said improved second fiscal quarter earnings could make american medical stock worth about dlrs per share nimocks estimates american medical earnings for the second quarter ended february could cts compared loss last year nimocks said pesch revised offer not worth much more than the dlrs cash offered previously but feinberg said there better chance transaction could completed because the revised structure the offer think much more doable said analysts have said american medical has begun turnaround replacing some members management and reducing costs reuter 
coffee	senior delegates pessimistic ico talks efforts break impasse between coffee exporting and importing countries over regulating the world coffee market the face falling prices appear have failed senior delegates said after contact group meeting the full ico council due meet this evening president the brazilian coffee institute ibc jorio dauster told reuters after the contact group meeting there had been agreement quotas consumers had tried dictate market shares rather than negotiate them dauster said there are plans yet renew negotiations later date reuter 
earn	glamis gold ltd glgvf six mths dec net shr cts cts net revs reuter 
acq	approves buyout coastal bancorp csbk coastal bancorp said the federal reserve board approved the acquisition coastal suffield financial corp ssbk the acquisition still requires approval from the banking department maine the company noted reuter 
earn	little prince productions ltd ltlp qtr loss qtr ended dec shr profit nil loss nil net profit loss revs reuter 
acq	amca ail sell some dominion bridge assets amca international ltd said finalized agreement sell certain assets and inventories its dominion bridge steel service center operations federal industries ltd russelsteel inc unit terms were undisclosed said the sale involved assets and operations the general line steel service centers toronto and edmonton alberta and steel from inventories closed amca branches the company said the sale was part previously announced restructuring program allow focus certain core businesses and generate cash cut debt reuter 
acq	scott hospitality acquires capital food scott hospitality inc said acquired capital food services ltd ottawa largest catering and food service company for undisclosed terms scott said would operate capital food separate unit under capital current name and management reuter 
acq	union national unbc signs definitive pact union national corp said signed definitive agreement under which its first national bank and trust washington unit will merge with second national bank masontown under previously announced merger agreement each share second national common stock will converted into shares union national common reuter 
acq	analysts see other bidder for purolator pcc several analysts said they not believe another suitor will top the mln dlr bid for purolator courier corp hutton lbo inc and management group from purolator courier division there had been speculation another offer might forthcoming but analysts mostly believe the dlrs per share price being paid hutton and the managers acquisition inc fully valued analysts and some wall street sources said they doubted another bidder would emerge since purolator had been for sale for sometime before deal was struck with hutton friday purolator stock slipped today close had been trading slightly higher than the dlr offer friday least one analyst friday speculated the company might fetch dlrs per share analysts and wall street sources doubted competitive offer would emerge since the company has been for sale for sometime before the deal with hutton was struck friday hutton had been talks with purolator adviser dillon read and since late december hutton spokesman said hutton offering dlrs cash per share for pct the shares all shares are tendered shareholders would receive dlrs cash six dlrs debentures and warrants for stock subsidiary acquisition containing the purolator courier operation hutton values the warrants two three dlrs per share wall street sources also said today that rival bidder might discouraged breakup fee purolator would have pay ends its agreement with hutton the sources would not reveal the amount the fee which will noted documents the transaction made public later 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 nine mths shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note net for nine mths includes gains from dispositions dlrs four cts share dlrs two cts share avg shrs and shr data restated reflect three 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 was 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 four cts loss cts net profit loss note net includes tax credit dlrs one per share reuter 
earn	ltd 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 said has formed joint venture with paris based alsthom inudstrial group export epxertise specialty composite materials the european market ferro said although the airframe and aerospace industries are the prime users composite materials today plans develop applications for the ground transportation and industrial markets the near future ferro also announced has agreed purchase compositair developer composit materials applications for undisclosed sum reuter 
crude	nymex rule change seen boosting energy trade the new york mercantile exchange said will introduce exchanges for physicals efps its energy futures markets april one exchange spokeswoman said the change will allow oil traders that not hold futures position initiate after the exchange closes transaction that can subsequently hedged the futures market efps already effect for platinum futures nymex are expected increase the open interest and liquidity energy futures according traders and analysts the commodity futures trading commission approved the rule change february according cftc spokeswoman reuter 
copper	refinery copper stocks fall january refined copper stocks held refineries fell short tons the end january from short tons the end december the american bureau metal statistics reported commodity exchange comex copper stocks climbed tons january from tons december combined refinery and comex stocks eased tons january from tons december refined production declined tons january from tons december crude output increased tons january from tons revised lower december preliminary figures showed refined deliveries rose tons january from tons december reuter 
acq	ccl unit acquires nestle canada can operations ccl industries inc continental can canada inc unit said acquired the wallaceburg ontario metal can making operations nestle enterprises ltd wholly owned nestle switzerland terms were undisclosed continental can said would supply nestle equivalent can requirements under long term agreement nestle said decided stop manufacturing cans order better position take full advantage the changes underway the horizon food packaging technology reuter 
copper	copper stocks outside increase december refined copper stocks held refineries outside the increased preliminary short tons the end december from preliminary short tons revised higher the end november the american bureau metal statistics said london metal exchange stocks fell tons december from tons november combined refinery and lme stocks rose preliminary tons from tons revised higher january lme stocks were tons preliminary figures showed refined production outside lower tons december versus tons november crude output decreased tons from tons revised higher refined copper deliveries decreased tons from tons revised lower reuter 
earn	mfs managed muncipal bond trust sets payout mfs managed muncipal trust bond said declared monthly payout income distribution cts share compared with cts for the previous month said the distribution payable march shareholders record march two reuter 
copper	brass mill copper stocks lower january brass mill copper stocks fell short tons copper content the end january from short tons the end december according the american bureau metal statistics consumption brass mills increased short tons january from short tons december mills consumed tons refinery shapes january versus tons december scrap consumption increased tons january from tons december total brass mill shipments increased tons january from tons december while receipts rose tons from tons reuter 
earn	mfs municipal income trust mfm sets payout mfs municipal income trust said declared monthly income distribution cts share compared with cts share paid the previous month said the 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 the armstrong rubber said agreed sell its industrial tire and assembly division dyneer corp dyr for undisclosed sum said the agreement covers the division tire production facility clinton tenn and its plants serving original equipment and replacement markets armstrong tire armtek unit will continue sell replacement industrial tires the company said final closing expected the third fiscal quarter ending june reuter 
earn	petrolite corp plit sets payout qtly dividend cts cts pay april record april reuter 
money-supply	australian annual broad money supply growth pct january 
heat	exxon xon cuts heating oil barge price oil traders new york said exxon corp exxon unit reduced the price charges contract barge customers for heating oil new york harbor cent gallon effective today they said the reduction brings exxon contract barge price cts the price decrease follows sharp declines heating oil prices spot and futures markets traders said reuter 
crude	greece says has right aegean oil drilling greece responding warning turkey against conducting oil activities the aegean sea said today had the right decide where and how research drilling work the area government spokesman said the greek position was made clear turkey ambassador nazmi akiman when met greek foreign affairs undersecretary yannis kapsis last week acting turkish prime minister kaya erdem said earlier today greek activities the northern aegean contravened the berne agreement which set the framework for talks the aegean continental shelf disputed between ankara and athens the greek statement today said greece not prepared give even trace its sovereignty rights the seabed has been stressed akiman that the decision where how drill belongs exclusively the greek government the greek government has repeatedly let the turkish side know that considers the berne protocol inactive through the fault turkey said the greek statement said athens was ready put the continental shelf issue before international courts reuter 
acq	leucadia luk has pct minstar mnst leucadia national corp said two its subsidiaries have acquired pct stake minstar inc corporation controlled corporate raider irwin jacobs and used him his forays acquire stock companies filing with the securities and exchange commission leucadia said its lnc investments inc newark del investment firm and charter national life insurance louis joint stock life insurance company bought their combined minstar common shares for investment purposes only the leucadia subsidiaries had held pct stake minstar but cut pct shares last july since july leucadia said its companies have bought minstar common shares for total mln dlrs leucadia said bought the minstar stake obtain equity position the company and has intention seeking control nearly half leucadia common stock owned tlc associates salt lake city utah general partnership whose partners include the chairman and president leucadia and other investors reuter 
earn	basix corp bas qtr loss oper shr loss eight 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 from 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 the 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 
money-supply	australian january annual broad money pct australia broad money supply rose pct the year ended january from revised pct december the reserve bank said this compares with the previous january pct january broad money growth slowed pct from december pct and compared with nil growth january within the broad money total non bank financial intermediaries rose pct from revised decline december and previous january pct increase the january year nbfi borrowings rose pct from revised december and compared with previous january the end january broad money stood mln dlrs dlrs from december mln dlrs and january level mln the same period borrowings from the private sector the nbfis rose mln dlrs from december mln and the previous january mln reuter 
acq	microbio mrc plans acquisition financing microbiological research corp said entered into letter intent for proposed business combination with privately owned datagene scientific laboratories inc and milex corp newly formed company through stock swap also said received dlrs from the sale convertible note ventana growth fund part overall equity financing plan with ventana under that plan minimum dlrs and maximum one mln dlrs additional new capital provided fund the combined operations the three companies microbiological also said that the maximum additional capital raised will own about pct shares common outstanding the new combined company datagene holders will own pct and ventana and others will own pct said the remaining nine pct will held milex shareholder norman monson who will become chief executive officer the combined companies reuter 
coffee	ico council ends failure agree quotas special meeting the international coffee organization ico council failed agree how set coffee export quotas ico delegates said producers and consumers could not find common ground the issue quota distribution eight days arduous often heated talks delegates said export quotas the major device the international coffee agreement stabilise prices were suspended year ago after coffee prices soared reaction drought brazil which cut its output two thirds delegates and industry representatives predicted coffee prices could plummet more than stg tonne new four year lows tomorrow response the results the meeting reuter 
acq	painewebber pwj unit ups shaer shoe shs stake mitchell hutchins asset management inc new york investment firm and subsidiary painewebber group inc said raised its voting stake shaer shoe corp shares pct from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission mitchell hutchins said bought shares between jan and feb prices ranging from dlrs share and obtained voting control over another shares the firm has said bought the stake investment behalf its clients but said has had discussions with shaer management did not disclose the topic the talks reuter 
earn	telecredit inc tcrd qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln nine 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 said will redeem all its preferred stock purchase rights for cts right effective today rexnord said the rights will redeemed because expected its shares will tendered under january takeover offer from banner acquisition corp the rights trade tandem with rexnord common stock reuter 
acq	cantrex unit merge with ontario group groupe cantrex inc said plans merge new wholly owned subsidiary merger agreement with cap appliance purchasers inc woodstock ontario group about appliance and electronics retailers said cap shareholders will receive first preferred groupe cantrex shares entitling the holders receive dlrs per share the equivilant class subordinate voting cantrex shares the merger effective april one and subject shareholder approval reuter 
acq	investment firm boosts ldbrinkman dbc stake two affiliated investment firms and the investment funds they control said they raised their combined stake ldbrinkman corp shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission fidelity international ltd bermuda based firm said its funds bought ldbrinkman common shares between jan and feb prices ranging from dlrs share funds controlled fmr corp boston based investment firm affiliated with fidelity hold shares bringing the combined total shares fidelity said reuter 
earn	itt itt hartford unit posts qtr gain hartford insurance group unit new york based itt corp said higher worldwide premiums help boost net income for the fourth quarter mln dlrs from net income mln dlrs for the quarter for the full year hartford said earned mln dlrs from mln dlrs hartford said results for the year were aided gain mln dlrs the sale its remaining pct stake abbey life group plc for the company posted gain mln dlrs the sale pct abbey life hartford said total property casualty and life health written premiums rose pct eight billion dlrs from billion dlrs reuter 
acq	sec probes tre tre takeover attempt the federal securities and exchange commission sec looking for possible securities laws violations connection with unsuccessful bid hollywood producer burt sugarman take over tre corp attorneys contacted sec investigators said during the takeeover attempt unit sugarman giant group ltd one point held pct stake tre had help that effort from jefferies group inc los angeles investment banking firm which sold option portion the shares sugarman eventually acquired addition company controlled sugarman raised mln dlrs debt offering underwritten drexel burnham lambert inc with help from jefferies and used portion the proceeds buy tre stock finally reliance group holdings inc acquired nearly six pct tre according seec filing the attorneys who asked not identified said the sec was investigating whether sugarman and other firms with tre holdings were working together without disclosing their cooperation would required the federal securities laws one attorney said sec probers also were examining whether sugarman and drexel had made adequate disclosures its intended usage the proceeds the prospectus for the mln dlr bond offering tre spokesman confirmed that tre since december unit aluminum america had been contacted sec investigators and was cooperating with the probe the spokesman added that tre chairman leopold wyler had been interviewed the sec probers jefferies spokesman said the sec had asked for information few months ago part informal probe the spokesman said jefferies had cooperated with the agency and had heard nothing more since that time the best our knowledge jefferies not the target formal sec investigation connection with the tre bid said drexel spokesman acknowledged that his firm had underwritten the debt offering for sugarman but added had nothing with tre matter policy the sec routinely declines comment its enforcement activities reuter 
ship	canadian seafarers threaten strike canadian seafarers are almost certain strike this spring refusal meet rollbacks wages and benefits asked for their employers seafarers international union official roman gralewicz said percent guarantee you strike gralewicz said interview the union represents about workers the great lakes and canada east and west coasts contract talks broke off january and conciliator has been appointed try help settle the dispute the current contract expires the end march the seafarers employers are also asking for reduction crew levels move which the union said would cost about 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 from 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 said declared semi annual dividend cts per share payable march shareholders record march the dividend equal the company previous semi annual payout reuter 
earn	bank new england corp bkne qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter 
jobs	japan unemploymnent rises record january japan seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose record pct january the worst since the government started compiling unemployment statistics under its current system from the previous record pct december the government management and coordination agency said unemployment was from pct year earlier unadjusted january unemployment totalled mln people from mln december and mln year earlier male unemployment january remained pct equal the second worst level set last december record male unemployement pct was set july female unemployment january remained pct equal the record level marked april august september and december last year january record pct unemployment rate mainly stemmed from loss jobs manufacturing industries particularly export related firms due the yen continuing appreciation against the dollar officials said employment manufacturing industries fell from year earlier mln including mln employed the textile industry down from year earlier and mln transport industries such carmakers and shipbuilders down reuter 
earn	ford europe earnings pct last year ford europe net earnings soared per cent last year mln dlrs kenneth whipple chairman ford europe said whipple here attend the geneva auto show which opens thursday said that the ford motor unit had sold record million vehicles europe net earnings were mln dlrs sales represented per cent the european market share whipple said ford will invest billion dollars europe and total seven billion over the next seven years added reuter 
lei	south korea leading indicators fall december south korea index leading indicators fell pct base december after pct rise november representing pct year year gain from december economic planning board provisional figures show the index based indicators which include export values letters credit received warehouse stocks and money supply figures and the composite stock exchange index reuter 
crude	opec within output ceiling subroto says opec remains within its agreed output ceiling mln barrels day and had expected current fluctuations the spot market one two dlrs indonesian energy minister subroto said told reporters after meeting with president suharto that present weakness the spot oil market was the result warmer weather the and europe which reduced demand for oil prices had also been forced down because refineries were using old stock said denied that opec was exceeding its agreed production ceiling asked what opec output level was now replied below mln barrels per day did not elaborate said there appeared have been some attempts manipulate the market but all opec members stick the cartel december pricing agreement would get through present price difficulties predicted that prices would recover again the third and fourth quarters also reiterated that there was need for emergency opec meeting said opec had expected see some fluctuations the spot price hope the weak price will overcome and predict the price will better the third and fourth quarters refiners said appeared have used old stock deliberately cause slack demand the market and the price fall but opec would get through this period members stuck together reuter 
coffee	coffee traders expect selloff after ico talks fail the failure the international coffee organization ico reach agreement coffee export quotas could trigger massive selloff london coffee futures least stg per tonne today coffee trade sources said prices could easily drop low dlr even cents this year from around dlrs now they said special meeting between importing and exporting countries ended deadlock late yesterday after eight days talks over how set the quotas further meeting discuss quotas was set delegates said quotas the major device used stabilize prices under the international coffee agreement were suspended year ago after prices soared following damaging drought brazil with propects for quotas sight heavy producer selling initially and price war among commercial coffee roasting companies will ensue the trade sources predicted lower prices are sure trickle down the supermarket shelf this spring coffee dealers said the and brazil the largest coffee importer and exporter respectively each laid the blame the other for the breakdown the talks jon rosenbaum assistant trade representative and delegate the talks said statement after the council adjourned majority producers led brazil were not prepared negotiate new distribution based objective criteria want insure that countries receive export quotas based their ability supply the market instead their political influence the ico brazilian coffee institute ibc president jorio dauster countered negotiations failed because consumers tried dictate quotas not negotiate them previously quotas were determined historical amounts exported which gave brazil pct share global market about mln kilo bags majority producers wanted quotas continue under this basic scheme but most consumers and maverick group eight producers proposed carving the export market the basis exportable production and stocks which would reduce brazil share pct consumer delegates said this method would reflect changes many countries export capabilities and make coffee more readily available consumers when they need last minute attempt colombia the second largest exporter rescue the talks with compromise interim proposal could not bring the two sides together delegates speculated brazil financial problems illustrated its recent suspension interest payments bank debt have increased political pressure the country protect its coffee export earnings developing coffee producing countries that depend heavily coffee earnings particularly some african nations and colombia are likely hurt the most the ico failure agree quotas analysts said the expected drop prices could result losses much three billion dlrs year producer delegates forecast the ico executive board will meet march but the full council not due meet again until september delegates said reuter 
earn	cra ltd net profit mln dlrs mln 
bop	quarterly current account deficit narrows new zealand current account deficit for the quarter ended december narrowed mln dlrs from mln revised down from mln for the september quarter and from mln year earlier the statistics department said the deficit for the year ended december narrowed billion dlrs from billion dlrs revised down from billion for the year ended september the deficit for calendar was billion the december quarter showed mln dlr surplus for merchandise trade unchanged from the september quarter surplus which was revised down from mln dlrs the december quarter showed mln dlr deficit imports for the december quarter were billion against billion the september quarter and year earlier exports were billion against billion and billion imports for the year ended december were billion dlrs compared with billion exports were billion against billion government borrowing stood billion dlrs for calendar against billion for borrowing the december quarter rose billion from the september quarter and mln year earlier repayments stood billion for the year from billion repayments the december quarter accounted for billion dlrs against mln the september quarter and mln year earlier official reserves totalled billion dlrs end december compared with billion end september and billion one year earlier reuter 
acq	transamerica sells occidental life australia equity investment company battery group ltd said had agreed buy occidental life insurance australia ltd from transamerica corp the for mln australian dlrs the acquisition has been made possible the efforts its major shareholder pratt and financial services pty ltd battery group said statement the purchase will partly funded the issue eight mln shares dlrs each and four mln free options the pratt group controlled entrepreneur dick pratt plus four mln shares professional investors each said the balance will funded debt battery group said the acquisition subject the approval its shareholders completion the share placements pratt group will effectively have pct battery enlarged capital assuming exercise all options said battery now has mln shares issue battery said occidental life major underwriter individual term life insurance and recent but fast growing entrant the individual account superannuation market has some mln dlrs funds under management reuter 
earn	cra ltd craa net net mln dlrs mln shr cents final div announced after july final cents making sales revenue billion billion investment income mln mln shrs mln mln note net after tax mln dlrs mln interest mln mln depreciation mln mln but before net extraordinary loss mln profit mln reuter 
rubber	malaysia imposes export duties rubber the malaysian government said has imposed export duties rubber cent per kilo after the gazetted price moved above the threshold price cents per kilo the gazetted price effective march rose cents per kilo from february the duty for research remains cents per kilo and the replanting duty also unchanged cents reuter 
earn	comalco ltd net profit mln dlrs loss mln 
earn	comalco ltd 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 after july first and final cent sales billion billion other income mln mln shrs mln same note net after tax paid mln dlrs credit mln interest mln mln depreciation mln mln and minorities mln loss but net before net extraordinary loss mln nil extraordinaries comprise exchange losses mln provision for goldendale smelter closure costs mln and increase future tax provision mln reuter 
jobs	japan unemployment rate seen rising pct japan unemployment rate expected continue climb about pct within the next year from january three pct record senior economists including susumu taketomi industrial bank japan said december pct was the previous worst level since the government management and coordination agency began compiling statistics under its current system there general fear that will become country with high unemployment said takashi kiuchi senior economist for the long term credit bank japan ltd the government which published the january unemployment figures today did not make any predictions present not have forecast for the unemployment rate this year but difficult foresee the situation improving labour ministry official said finance minister kiichi miyazawa said the government had expected the increase and had set aside money help people find jobs fiscal beginning april prime minister yasuhiro nakasone told press conference the record rate underlines the need pass the budget which has been held opposition proposed tax reforms the yen surge has caused layoffs the mainstay steel and shipbuilding industries other export dependent industries such cars and textiles have laid off part time employees and ceased hiring economists said although the growing service industry sector has absorbed great number workers the trend starting slow down said koichi tsukihara deputy general manager sumitomo bank ltd economics department however other economists disagreed saying the service sector would able hire workers longer needed the manufacturing sector over the next five years the economists said the service sector should grow the government stimulates domestic demand under its program transform the economy away from exports although japanese unemployment rates appear lower than those other industrialised nations methods for calculating statistics make them difficult compare economists warned the three pct figure could translate into relatively high figure european methods were used one economist said more than half january increase jobless from year earlier were those aged between and sumitomo tsukihara said reuter 
bop	south korean trade surplus narrows february south korea customs cleared trade surplus narrowed mln dlrs february from mln january provisional trade ministry figures show february there was deficit mln dlrs february exports rose billion dlrs fob from billion january and billion february cif imports were billion against billion january and billion february last year reuter 
trade	japan moves tighten chip export curbs the ministry international trade and industry miti acted tighten restrictions microchip exports countries other than the preserve japan pact semiconductor trade but major japanese chipmakers doubt its usefulness miti spokesman said his ministry had asked chipmakers issue certificates specified trading houses stating they are authorised exporters trading houses applying for miti export licence will required show such certificate but those without will not automatically denied licences said but some industry officials predicted any government measures were likely have limited effect long the world semiconductor market remained weak government and industry officials have complained repeatedly that japanese chipmakers continue sell below cost third countries despite the july agreement japanese firms and officials turn argue the flow cheap chips third countries due grey market sales third party brokers who seek profit from the gap between low prices japan and higher prices based production costs and set for japanese makers under the agreement the miti spokesman said the percentage grey market increasing for one specific company suggests they are distributing their products through their sales network knowing they will exported some means that case will ask them what they are doing reduce the figure miti earlier asked makers cut output certain chips pct first quarter spokesmen for the firms said but they doubt the usefulness the latest move long there gap between prices set under the pact and market prices there will people who want exploit the gap make money hitachi ltd hit spokesman said reuter 
jobs	finnish unemployment pct december finnish unemployment was pct december last year compared with pct november and pct december the central statistical office said said people were unemployed december november and december reuter 
reserves	bankers see sharp rise thai foreign reserves thailand improving economy will likely cause foreign reserves increase least five billion dlrs end from record nearly billion end february private bankers said bank thailand statistics show foreign reserves rose billion end january from billion year earlier nimit nonthapanthawat chief economist the bangkok bank ltd said thailand strong export performance its relatively high interest rates foreign participation its stock market and growing foreign investment especially from japan contributed the projected sharp rise thai exports rose pct and are expected expand another pct this year bankers said embassy report said last month thailand could achieve five pct real gross domestic product growth from projection pct for and pct nonthapanthawat said economic growth continues its current pace and oil prices and major currencies remain stable the five billion reserves target can easily reached thailand calculates foreign reserves include gold special drawing rights and convertible currencies the target equivalent five and half months worth imports reuter 
bop	sweden has current payments surplus sweden had current balance payments surplus billion crowns compared with deficit billion the preceding year according preliminary figures from the central bank the december current account had mln crowns deficit against yearago mln deficit december trade balance was billion surplus against yearago two billion the trade balance showed surplus billion crowns compared with billion surplus the bank said 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 being closure and restructuring costs mln mln operating profit includes pharmaceutical mln mln scientific equipment mln mln horticulture mln mln note company said plans one for one capitalisation reuter 
interest	major swiss banks raise customer time deposit rates point three 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 the philippines must devalue the peso wants its exports remain competitive economic planning secretary solita monsod told reuters the peso dollar rate has undercut make our exports more competitive monsod said interview question about saying you cannot argue with success taiwan south korea west germany japan all those miracle economies deliberately undervalued their currencies the peso has been free floating since june currently about the dollar finance secretary jaime ongpin has said the government does not intend devalue the peso and wants flexible and able continue respond market conditions monsod said ongpin was looking the exchange rate from the point view finance the dollar rate goes higher our debt service terms pesos gets higher the financing very difficult she said but looking terms the economy she said she was not trying oppose official policy just saying keep competitive not want become uncompetitive because then are dead monsod said the ideal movement the peso dollar rate movement that will reflect differences inflation rates the philippines versus the other country arithmetic thing official figures show philippine inflation averaged pct calendar ongpin told reporters saturday was expected touch five pct this year said the government and the international monetary fund had set the peso dollar target rate the peso lost pct value slump the dollar when was floated reuter 
acq	clears cons gold purchase the trade department said would not refer consolidated goldfields plc cgld purchase american aggregates corp the monopolies commission cons gold said last month that its arc america corp unit had agreed buy the ohio based company for dlrs share cash mln dlrs deal recommended the aggregates board reuter 
tin	zaire accepts tin export quota atpc says zaire agreed limit its tin exports tonnes for months from march line with association tin producing countries atpc plan curb exports the atpc said atpc executive director victor siaahan told reuters received telex from zaire indicating its willingess take part the plan limit total atpc exports tonnes for year from march siaahan said zaire expected produce tonnes tin calendar and that its output and exports were about tonnes the atpc hopes cut the tonne world surplus tonnes and boost prices all atpc members except zaire and australia recently agreed adhere the export quotas allocated them under the plan australia said its quota tonnes was roughly equal its expected output this year the atpc consists malaysia indonesia thailand bolivia australia nigeria and zaire china and bolivia important producers tin are not members reuter 
crude	pemex signs mln dlr japan loan for pipeline mexican state oil firm petroleos mexicanos pemex signed for mln dlr untied loan from the export import bank japan finance its pacific petroleum project pemex japan representative tito ayal said further details the loan were immediately available ayala told oil seminar the project due for completion aimed improving distribution oil products the domestic market mainly along the pacific coast the project consists pipeline linking nueva teapa the gulf mexico with salina cruz the pacific coast and construction the second phase the salina cruz refinery the project also includes construction liquified petroleum gas lpg storage tanks santa cruz additional crude oil storage both ends the pipeline ammonia complex lazaro cardenas the pacific coast and expansion the infrastructure the port salina cruz ayala said pemex will buy mln dlrs worth foreign equipment and materials for the project said the new pipeline will enable japan load mexico maya crude oil salina cruz rather than the gulf mexico pemex will also have some lpg surplus available salina cruz that may help japan diversify its 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 less 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 ltd craa said expected pay final dividend not less than cents share after july making cents for the year against the mining and smelting group earlier reported net earnings rose mln dlrs from mln against analysts forecasts yesterday mln mln cra said was deferring consideration dividend until later this year provide the benefit dividend imputation its shareholders after july dividends will tax free shareholders provided they come out earnings which the full pct company tax rate has been the company operates substituted tax year not the fiscal year ending june and result has incurred tax the pct rate earnings cra said statement consequently has funds available for distribution with dividend imputed but waiting see the imputation legislation before determining the final payout said despite the higher net earnings cra said was poor year for the minerals industry with the notable exception gold producers prices for major metals expressed real dollars declined the lowest levels about years said fluctuating exchange and interest rates added volatility and uncertainty while the revaluation the yen leading substantial restructuring japanese industry cra said world demand for metals growing slowly inventories have steadily declined with supply and demand better balance but overcapacity continues cra said turning contributions its earnings cra said bougainville copper ltd buva contributed mln dlrs while its share comalco ltd cmac net was mln net earnings from iron ore operations were mln dlrs against mln said lead zinc and silver mining and smelting operations incurred net loss mln dlrs against mln loss cra said coal activities resulted net profit mln dlrs against mln while salt raised its contribution mln from mln cra share earnings from the argyle diamond project amounted mln dlrs against nine mln cra said the main item its mln dlr extraordinary loss was mln writeoff unrealised foreign exchange losses borrowings required new accounting standard other extraordinary items were mln dlrs provided for closures and writedown assets and mln increase future tax provisions cra said cash flow continued high level being mln dlrs before capital expenditure against billion the strong cash flow coupled with the proceeds the rights issue and the use existing cash balances enabled group debt reduced nearly mln dlrs cra said held forward contracts year end buy mln dlrs hedge part its foreign debt this cost mln dlrs after tax included the net interest cost reuter 
trade	swiss capital exports rise january swiss capital exports rose billion francs january after billion december and year earlier billion the swiss national bank said new bond issues accounted for billion the total after december billion and credits mln after mln january before the national bank ended the distinction between notes and bonds bond issues totalled billion francs notes billion and credits mln reuter 
trade	china calls for better trade deal with china called the united states remove curbs its exports give favourable trading status and ease restrictions exports high technology but the embassy replied that chinese figures showing years trade deficits with the out the last are inaccurate and said peking itself would have persuade congress change laws which limit its exports the official international business newspaper today published china demands editorial coincide with the visit secretary state george shultz extremely important that the market reduce its restrictions chinese imports provide the needed facilities for them and businessmen from both sides help expand chinese exports the editorial said the should quickly discard its prejudice against favourable tariff treatment for chinese goods and admit china into the generalised system preference gsp despite easing curbs technology exports recent years control them still extremely strict and influences normal trade between the two countries added the paper also printed article china commercial counsellor its washington embassy chen shibiao who said that all kinds difficulties and restrictions were preventing bilateral trade fulfilling its full potential named them protectionist behaviour curbs technology transfer and out date trade legislation the paper also printed table showing that since bilateral trade began china has had deficit every year except and shows the and deficits billion and billion dlrs embassy official said the did not accept peking trade figures all mainly because they exclude goods shipped hong kong and then trans shipped while figures are based country origin said that china wants obtain gsp status will have lobby congress itself persaude amend several laws which currently prevent peking getting such status the trade act says that qualify for gsp china must member the general agreement tariffs and trade gatt for which applied july and not dominated controlled international communism the official said china was well aware the laws some which date the anti communist early but that there not sufficient political will the change them china has been the subject about dozen cases involving anti dumping the within the last two years which the side won said but for the first time china signed last week agreement which itself initiated voluntarily restrain exports least two categories steel goods which may lead the side withdraw the anti dumping case added another diplomat said willingness provide such voluntary export restraints would important issue bilateral trade issues and peking application gatt china has the potential disrupt world markets especially textiles other gatt countries will nervous about china this respect but there precedent for other centralled planned economies gatt the diplomat said poland czechoslovakia hungary and romania are members gatt but none has china massive market potential for imports its vast labour pool produce cheap exports speech today the northeast city dalian secretary state george shultz said his country welcomed china interest participating gatt the process chinese accession will not accomplished overnight the gatt rules were not designed for large economy the chinese type shultz said china can play important role actively joining gatt discussions seeking expand general trading opportunities and enhance market access for exports worldwide china can further develop its foreign trade system gain the maximum benefit from its gatt participation said the problems facing china trade and gatt membership are similar pricing system which many foreign businessmen regard arbitrary and not related actual costs especially for exports and facto dual currency system memorandum backing its application presented gatt last month china said was gradually reforming its economic system and replacing mandatory instruction with guidance planning and economic levers the diplomat said that join gatt china had much reuter 
cpi	italy consumer prices rise pct february italy consumer price index rose pct february compared with january after rising pct january over december the national statistics institute istat said the year year rise february was pct down from pct january and compared with pct february istat said its consumer prices index for the families workers and employees base was february against january and february reuter 
crude	mobil plan open peking office china daily says mobil corp mob the plans open office peking develop oil exploration opportunities china the china daily said quoted mobil president richard tucker currently peking saying optimistic about investment prospects china and that peking will continue encourage foreign private businesses invest here said mobil bought mln dlrs crude oil and oil products from china and sold lubricant and fertiliser but gave more details reuter 
acq	klm take pct stake air klm royal dutch airlines klm said agreed take pct stake air ltd subsidiary british and commonwealth shipping plc bcom transaction worth around two mln stg klm spokesman said klm already cooperated closely with air which runs flights week amsterdam schipol airport from nine cities british and commonwealth shipping said last week held preliminary talks about klm minority stake air but gave further details klm said hoped the move would attract more british feeder traffic amsterdam airport reuter 
reserves	reserves show underlying rise february britain gold and currency reserves showed underlying rise mln dlrs february after mln dlrs rise january the treasury said the underlying trend which guide bank england operations support the pound foreign exchanges net borrowings and repayments this was above market expectations for mln dlrs rise the treasury said the bank england used the opportunity strong demand rebuild reserves after losses last autumn and said the underlying rise was still relatively modest actual reserves rose mln dlrs february billion dlrs after rising mln january billion accruals borrowings under the exchange cover scheme were mln dlrs last month after mln january while repayments were mln dlrs after the previous mln treasury spokesman said capital repayments totalled two mln dlrs january capital repayments totalled mln dlrs with valuation change that resulted fall mln dlrs due the quarterly rollover from the european monetary cooperation fund swap the treasury would not comment the bank england market operations but currency traders reported moderate bank england intervention curb upward pressure the pound today treasury spokesman commenting the reserves figures said that the government does not want sterling either rise too far fall substantially from current levels noted that the chancellor the exchequer nigel lawson stressed this after the recent paris currencies meeting reuter 
acq	ultramar sells marketing units for mln stg ultramar plc umar said had reached agreement principle sell its wholly owned marketing companies kuwait petroleum corp for around mln stg ultramar marketing units include ultramar golden eagle ltd which made profit around mln stg before financing and group administration charges small loss was recorded for the first nine months the sale due take place april with the proceeds intended reduce group debt the short term but ultramar said the funds would ultimately used for further development its core businesses the and north america reuter 
money-supply	hong kong rises pct january hong kong broadly defined money supply rose pct billion dlrs january after pct rise december for year year rise pct the government said statement local currency rose pct billion dlrs from december when was pct from november for rise pct the year total rose pct billion dlrs january from december when rose pct the previous month local rose pct billion dlrs january from december when climbed pct total and local rose pct and pct the year ago month respectively total rose pct billion dlrs january after pct rise the previous month local rose pct billion dlrs after pct rise total and local year year growth was and pct respectively total loans and advances rose pct billion dlrs from december when they rose pct loans for financing hong kong visible trade rose pct billion dlrs after pct rise december reuter 
acq	woolworth underwoods fail agree bid underwoods plc said had not been possible agree terms bid made woolworth holdings plc wluk during talks the two companies had been holding exploratory discussions spokesman for either company was immediately available say why terms could not agreed nor whether the possibility bid was now being abandoned last week underwoods shares rose ahead any announcement the talks the announcement today brought them back down from last night close woolworth was unchanged reuter 
crude	mobil plans open office peking mobil oil corp plans open office peking develop oil exploration opportunities china the china daily said quoted mobil president richard tucker currently peking saying optimistic about investment prospects china and that peking will continue encourage foreign private businesses invest here said mobil bought mln dlrs crude oil and oil products from china and sold lubricant and fertiliser but gave more details reuter 
earn	unilever plc and combined pre tax profit billion stg mln 
crude	opec within output ceiling subroto says opec remains within its agreed output ceiling mln barrels day and had expected current fluctuations the spot market one two dlrs indonesian energy minister subroto said told reporters after meeting with president suharto that present weakness the spot oil market was the result warmer weather the and europe which reduced demand for oil prices had also been forced down because refineries were using old stock said denied that opec was exceeding its agreed production ceiling asked what opec output level was now replied below mln barrels per day did not elaborate said there appeared have been some attempts manipulate the market but all opec members stick the cartel december pricing agreement would get through present price difficulties predicted that prices would recover again the third and fourth quarters also reiterated that there was need for emergency opec meeting said opec had expected see some fluctuations the spot price hope the weak price will overcome and predict the price will better the third and fourth quarters refiners said appeared have used old stock deliberately cause slack demand the market and the price fall but opec would get through this period members stuck together reuter 
jobs	japan unemployment rate seen rising pct japan unemployment rate expected continue climb about pct within the next year from january three pct record senior economists including susumu taketomi industrial bank japan said december pct was the previous worst level since the government management and coordination agency began compiling statistics under its current system there general fear that will become country with high unemployment said takashi kiuchi senior economist for the long term credit bank japan ltd the government which published the january unemployment figures today did not make any predictions present not have forecast for the unemployment rate this year but difficult foresee the situation improving labour ministry official said finance minister kiichi miyazawa said the government had expected the increase and had set aside money help people find jobs fiscal beginning april prime minister yasuhiro nakasone told press conference the record rate underlines the need pass the budget which has been held opposition proposed tax reforms the yen surge has caused layoffs the mainstay steel and shipbuilding industries other export dependent industries such cars and textiles have laid off part time employees and ceased hiring economists said although the growing service industry sector has absorbed great number workers the trend starting slow down said koichi tsukihara deputy general manager sumitomo bank ltd economics department however other economists disagreed saying the service sector would able hire workers longer needed the manufacturing sector over the next five years 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 same making billion stg mln the two companies proposed five for one 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 three mln debit attributable profit mln stg mln making mln mln full year turnover billion stg billion reuter 
acq	hotels soars takeover speculation the price hongkong and shanghai hotels ltd shlh stock soared speculation takeover battle between major shareholders the kadoorie family and the evergo industrial enterprise ltd evgh group stock brokers said they noted heavy buying hotel shares after announcement evergo china entertainment and land investment ltd unit that bought about pct hotels from the firm deputy chairman david liang for billion dlrs the stock rose dlrs dlrs today thomas lau evergo executive director declined comment whether the group seeking further stake hotels but told reuters the group will hold the pct stake bought from liang long term investment said evergo was attracted the underlying strength hotels analysts said evergo may looking for possible redevelopment the peninsula hotel one asia best known hotels and another site hong kong island both are owned hotels lai sun garment ltd yesterday said acquired pct stake hotels from liang for mln dlrs lau denied any link between china entertainment and lai sun their acquisitions the hotels stake purely coincidence said but analysts were not certain saying that the evergo group which has reputation corporate raider may team with lai sun garment for takeover lau also denied any contact with the kadoorie family which analysts estimate has more than pct hotels michael kadoorie chairman hotels lau said two representatives evergo will nominated the hotels board source close the kadoorie family said the family has not considered any countermoves far analysts said would difficult for evergo and the kadoorie family cooperate because different management styles evergo may want split the hotel management and property developments hotels but that strategy may not fit the conservative kadoorie family said analyst who asked not named another analyst noted the price hotels had been distorted the takeover talks because its net asset value only worth about dlrs share the offers evergo and lai sun were for dlrs share though that well below the current trading price trading was suspended today shares lai sun evergo china entertainment and the group associate chinese estates ltd chinese estates lost cents dlrs yesterday china entertainment five dlrs and evergo one cents lai sun gained cents dlrs reuter 
acq	bryson pays mln dlrs for cenergy corp stake bryson oil and gas plc said paid cash consideration around mln dlrs for about pct cenergy corp oil and gas exploration and production company bryson said its board has been considering number possible investments expand the company interests and believes the opportunity acquire investment cenergy provides suitable extension its existing interests cenergy reported net loss mln dlrs the nine months september while total stockholders equity the same date was 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 one split reuter 
ship	neither side optimistic rotterdam port issues employers and the port union fnv are meet again this afternoon attempt settlement the six week old dispute rotterdam general cargo sector but neither side optimistic spokesmen for both sides told reuters little progress was made last night three hours talks with both sides largely reiterating their positions there still very large gap between the employers and the fnv and can say that expect reach any agreement but least are still talking union spokesman said employers organization chairman jacques schoufour accused the fnv intransigence refusing alter its stance all over the past two months the fnv not serious about our discussions and really not optimistic about changing its point view all find this afternoon that the fnv still refuses accept the necessary redundancies the general cargo sector then will break off the talks and the redundancies may begin later this month schoufour said the series strikes which employers say has cost them more than seven mln guilders lost import business the past six weeks began january protest plans for redundancies from the sector workforce starting with this year late last month social affairs minister louw graaf said unless the dispute was settled yesterday would withdraw the sector mln guilder annual labour subsidy both sides wrote the minister yesterday setting out their cases but schoufour said did not expect hear from him before wednesday the earliest reuter 
earn	unilever improves most sectors during the unilever plc and group saw improved performance almost all sectors during the anglo dutch group said its results statement very good progress was made last year while the recent acquisition chesebrough pond inc cbm was significant addition which will greatly benefit the group the years come earlier unilever reported combined fourth quarter pre tax profit mln stg level with the year earlier period making billion stg compared with mln for the full year unilever said plans change its depreciation policy the more conventional practice depreciating assets individually rather than depreciating fixed assets average rates the new method expected lead reduction the accumulated provision for depreciation and thereby increase the net book value tangible asssets about mln stg january unilever plc shares are since yesterday buoyant response the results and share split proposal though profits were not ahead market forecasts dealers added reuter 
lei	leading indicators fell pct jan after revised pct dec rise 
lei	leading index fell pct january the index leading indicators fell seasonally adjusted pct january after revised pct december gain the commerce department said the department previously said the index rose pct december the decline january was the biggest for any month since july when the index fell pct the january decrease left the index over its base and was led fall contracts and orders for plant and equipment total six indicators available for january contributed the decline besides contracts and orders for plant and equipment they were building permits manufacturers new orders for consumer goods change sensitive materials prices slower deliveries from vendors and higher average weekly claims for state unemployment insurance four indicators were positive including stock prices new business formation average work week and money supply the main factor for the december upward revision was new business formation there was revision the pct increase the leading indicators index for november the index coincident indicators which measures the current economy fell pct january after increases pct december and pct november the index lagging indicators which measures past economic activity rose pct january after decrease pct december and increase pct november reuter 
earn	burlington coat factory warehouse corp bcf net jan end shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter 
coffee	coffee price fall short term dutch roasters this morning sharp decline coffee prices following the breakdown late last night negotiations london reintroduce international coffee organization ico quotas will short lived dutch roasters said the fall technical and emotional reaction the failure agree reintroduction ico export quotas but will not long before reality reasserts itself and prices rise again spokesman for one the major dutch roasters said the fact that while there are ample supplies coffee available present there shortage quality said average prices fell around cents following the news the breakdown but expect them move back again around cents within few weeks the roaster added dutch coffee roasters association secretary jan vries said although the roasters were disappointed the failure consumer and producer ico representatives agree quota reintroduction was equally important that quotas reallocated more equitable basis there absolute need for quotas this moment because the market well balanced and must not lose this opportunity renegotiate the coffee agreement said there still lot work done number clauses the international coffee agreement and would not welcome quota reintroduction until have complete renegotiation vries added with this mind and with dutch roasters claiming have fairly good forward cover the buying strategy for the foreseeable future would probably buy coffee hand mouth basis and sliding scale when market prices were below cents roasters said reuter 
acq	greenwood resources grrl sells company stake greenwood resources inc said has sold its common share majority holding new london oil ltd london affiliate guinness peat group plc london and affiliate sidro belgium for total dlrs cash the company said will apply the proceeds the sale support its line credit and part proposed debt restructuring with colorado national bancshares colc and greenwood shareholders said will retain seat the new london board reuter 
earn	woolworth qtr shr dlrs dlrs 
acq	heinz interested buying guinness brewing heinz hnz chairman tony reilly would interested buying guinness plc guin brewery division were for sale spokesman said the spokesman reacting irish and british press reports said continues interested were the group offer the brewery side guinness for sale but has not put together consortium nor has been buying shares was quoted the irish magazine business and finance saying would interested came the market and that had the support two international banks decided such purchase might worthwhile the magazine article suggested that brewing profits were calculated the region mln punts the asking price would not higher than mln punts multiple ten times earnings would the top whack for the brewing division the current guinness situation said this would mean expensive exercise right the edge but not impossible added the deal would mean buying the dublin london nigerian and malaysian breweries because could only sold integral unit was going sold all reilly said reuter 
earn	equatorial communications equa have losses equatorial communications said expects report losses about mln dlrs for the fourth quarter and mln dlrs for the full year revenues about mln dlrs for the quarter and mln dlrs for the year equatorial said the losses will include charge about mln dlrs from costs associated with the restructuring its business including adjustments reflect the market value transponders owned and leased equatorial and other reserves for inventory receivables and excess facilities equatorial said the fourth quarter operating results will also include restructuring costs about dlrs addition the mln dlr charge equitorial also said that march one operating technical default under its lease transponders the galaxy iii satellite due its inabiliuty maintain agreed upon financial ratios said talks with the lessors attempt restructure lease obligations further equitorial said default two other oblitations connection with the purchase lease transponders result cross default provisions equatorial said has 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 over six month period for repayment starting december the company said conteol under the agreement would assume portion equatorial rights and obligations under the galaxy iii transponder lease with burnham leasing the occurrence certain events equatorial said would grant contel option buy about common shares dlrs each equatorial said its understandings with contel are subject equatorial ability restructure significant portion its obligations and obtain concessions from lenders and lessors particular under its galaxy iii transponder lease said hopes finalize contel agreement april equatorial earned dlrs after dlr gain from early debt retirement revenues mln dlrs for the first nine months the company lost dlrs revenues mln dlrs compared with dlr profit after the early retirement gain revenues mln dlrs reuter 
earn	transamerica have australian sale gain transamerica corp said will have after tax gain about mln dlrs the sale its occidental life insurance australia ltd affiliate pratt and financial services pty ltd melbourne for mln australian dlrs the sale was announced earlier today australia proceeds will used enhance the growth north american operations its transamerica occidental life subsidiary the company said reuter 
acq	viacom international inc gets another new 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 one stock split may reuter 
trade	asks japan end agriculture import controls the wants japan eliminate import controls agricultural products within three years visiting under secretary state for economic affairs allen wallis told eishiro saito chairman the federation economic organisations keidanren spokesman for keidanren said the spokesman quoted wallis saying drastic measures would needed stave off protectionist legislation congress wallis who attending sub cabinet level bilateral trade meeting made the remark yesterday talks with saito wallis was quoted saying the reagan administration wants japanese cooperation the white house can ensure any trade bill moderate one rather than containing retaliatory measures antagonising any particular country was also quoted saying the would pleased were japan halve restrictions agricultural imports within five years the country cannot cope with abolition within three the spokesman said japan currently restricts imports agricultural products ban rice imports triggered recent complaints about japan agricultural policy reuter 
earn	firstcorp fcr sees gain condemnation firstcorp inc said weill report after tax gain dlrs cts per share primary and cts fully diluted from the proposed condemnation and acquisition parking deck operates wake county the company said reinvested proceeds similar property within months the gain the sale would deferred for tax purposes reuter 
earn	national sea products ltd 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 five 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 again ups viacom via bid viacom international inc said national amusements inc has again raised the value its offer for viacom publicly held stock the company said the special committee its board plans meet later today consider this offer and the one submitted march one mcv holdings inc spokeswoman was unable say the committee met planned yesterday viacom said national amusements arsenal holdings inc subsidiary has raised the amount cash offering for each viacom share cts dlrs while the value the fraction share exchangeable arsenal holdings preferred included was raised cts dlrs national amusements already 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 from march reeacquisition company its original shareholders before august initial public offering reuter 
earn	precambrian shield resources ltd 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 other 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 eight cts profit cts oper net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note operating net loss excludes income from discontinued operations equal cts the quarter and cts the year compared with dlrs the quarter and dlrs the respective periods operating net loss also excludes extraordinary charges cts the quarter and cts the year operating net profit excludes extraordinary gain cts reuter 
earn	mark resources inc year loss shr not given loss mln revs mln note prior year results not given results include accounts pct owned precambrian shield resources ltd acquired november reuter 
earn	transform logic toog revises results downward transform logic corp said has revised downward its previously reported fourth quarter and year ended october results reflect compensation expense for employee stock options the company said resolution this disagreement with its auditors came result securities and exchange commission involvement the company will amend its option granting procedure conform the sec decision which will eliminate future charges added transform said its fourth quarter profit was revised dlrs two cts share from the previously reported dlrs which left the company with fiscal loss dlrs two cts share instead the reported dlrs profit reuter 
earn	american stores asc sees lower year net american stores said expects report earnings per share dlrs per share sales slightly over billion dlrs for the year ended january the supermarket chain earned dlrs per share sales billion dlrs last year the company did not elaborate reuter 
earn	kasler corp kasl qtr jan net shr profit three cts loss seven cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter 
earn	unilever has improved margins volumes unilever plc and group reported improvements margins and underlying sales volume growth five pct after stripping out the effects falling prices disposals and currency movements unilever plc chairman michael angus said told reporters that volumes north america increased some pct while european consumer goods rose about pct after being flat for some years much the disposal strategy aimed concentrating activities core businesses had now been completed noted but the process acquisitions would with strategic acquisitions taking place from time time said the company earlier reported pct rise pre tax profits for billion stg from mln previously guilder terms however profits the pre tax level dropped three pct billion from billion angus said the recent purchase chesebrough pond inc cbm for dlrs share was unlikely bring any earnings dilution however would not add much profits with much the company operating profits paying for the acquisition costs finance director niall fitzgerald added that while gearing debt equity plus debt rose about pct end from pct last year this was expected drop back about pct end the same divergence was made full year dividend with unilever rising pct guilders and unilever plc increasing pct approximately line with the change attributable profit angus said the prospectus for the sale parts chesebrough was due published shortly however said that there was target date for completing the process also declined say what sort sum unilever hoped realise from the operation beyond noting that chesebrough had paid around billion dlrs for stauffer chemical which operates outside unilever core activities the organic growth from the lipton foods business considerable expansion the household products business and margarine had been behind the overall sales increase however noted that the household products business had turned planned loss with fourth quarter performance better than expected despite the anticipated heavy launch costs its surf detergents reuter 
acq	sara lee sle buy pct dim sara lee corp said agreed buy pct interest paris based dim subsidiary bic cost about mln dlrs dim hosiery manufacturer had sales about mln dlrs the investment includes the purchase newly issued dim shares valued about mln dlrs and loan about mln dlrs said the loan convertible into additional dim shares noted the proposed agreement subject approval the french government said reuter 
trade	china calls for better trade deal with china called the united states remove curbs its exports give favourable trading status and ease restrictions exports high technology but the embassy replied that chinese figures showing years trade deficits with the out the last are inaccurate and said peking itself would have persuade congress change laws which limit its exports the official international business newspaper today published china demands editorial coincide with the visit secretary state george shultz extremely important that the market reduce its restrictions chinese imports provide the needed facilities for them and businessmen from both sides help expand chinese exports the editorial said the should quickly discard its prejudice against favourable tariff treatment for chinese goods and admit china into the generalised system preference gsp despite easing curbs technology exports recent years control them still extremely strict and influences normal trade between the two countries added the paper also printed article china commercial counsellor its washington embassy chen shibiao who said that all kinds difficulties and restrictions were preventing bilateral trade fulfilling its full potential named them protectionist behaviour curbs technology transfer and out date trade legislation reuter 
lei	commerce secretary says export rise needed commerce secretary malcolm baldrige said after the release sharply lower january leading indicator index that pickup exports needed the best tonic for the economy now would pickup net exports said statement after the department reported the index fell pct january from december the sharpest drop since pct fall july the main reasons for the january decline after pct december rise were declines building permits new orders for plant and equipment and for consumer and industrial goods reuter 
earn	precambrian shield takes mln dlr writedown precambrian shield resources ltd earlier reporting large loss against year ago profit said the loss was mainly due dlr writedown its operations uneconomic coal and other mineral properties precambrian which pct owned mark resources inc said took the writedown accordance with new canadian insititute chartered accountants guidelines for full cost method accounting oil and gas companies precambrian earlier reported loss mln dlrs compared profit mln dlrs the prior year reuter 
acq	scott hospitality acquires capital food scott hospitality inc said acquired all issued shares capital food services ltd ottawa terms were not disclosed scott said capital food had sales more than mln dlrs and will continue operate under its present name with existing management capital food provides food services several ottawa institutions the company said reuter 
coffee	zimbabwe coffee output set rise zimbabwean coffee output will reach tonnes this year just over tonnes produced the commercial coffee growers association said administrative executive robin taylor told the domestic news agency ziana that zimbabwe earned the equivalent mln dlrs from coffee exports last year would not say how much the country would earn taylor said the commercial coffee growers under his association had increased production from tonnes more than tonnes reuter 
acq	video display vide sell cable unit video display corfp said has reached tentiative agreement sell its existing cable television business for undisclosed terms and expects report gain the transaction the buyer was not named the company said will redeploy its service assets into manufacturing and distribution said the operations being sold accounted for about five pct revenues for the year ended february and lost money reuter 
earn	intek diversified corp idcc qtr net shr three cts three cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs mln reuter 
housing	single family home sales fell pct jan after revised pct dec gain 
housing	home sales fell pct january sales new single family homes the united states fell pct january from december seasonally adjusted annual rate units the commerce department said the department revised downward december sales pct rise units from the previously reported pct increase the january decline sales was the largest since last october when sales fell pct before seasonal adjustment the number homes actually sold january was from december but down from january the january fall brought home sales level pct below january when they were seasonally adjusted units the average price was record dlrs surpassing the previous record price set december the median price home january reached dlrs the first time the price has exceeded dlrs that compared with median price dlrs december and dlrs january year ago new homes available the market january totaled seasonally adjusted units unchanged from december and equal months supply the supply december was months reuter 
acq	community bank cbsi make acquisition community bank system inc said has entered into definitive agreement acquire nichols community bank for dlrs common stock said subject approval nichols shareholders and regulatory authorities the transaction expected completed later this year reuter 
jobs	belgian unemployment falls february belgian unemployment based the number jobless drawing unemployment benefit fell pct the working population the end february from pct the end january the national statistics office said the rate compares with pct the end february the total number jobless stood compared with the end january and the end february the statistics office said reuter 
earn	pharmacia phab year sales billion crowns billion profit after financial items mln crowns mln the results include once off writedown mln crowns for intangible assets mainly the know how paid for the takeover number high tech companies the group pharmacia said earnings per share after real tax including the writedown crowns crowns earnings per share after real tax not including the writedown crowns earnings per american depository receipt adr according accounting principles after real tax including the writedown crowns crowns earnings per adr according accounting principles after real tax without the writedown crowns one adr represents pct one free share pharmacia the board proposed dividend crowns reuter 
earn	pharmacia forecasts higher earnings pharmacia phab forecast earnings after financial items one billion crowns mln last year condition that exchange rates remained their present parities sales would such circumstances six billion crowns from billion said weakening dollar was mainly responsible for five pct negative impact sales during which the company blamed currency movements last year results were also badly hit once off writedown mln crowns for intangible assets the company said mainly this represented the premium the group had paid for the know how various high tech firms had taken over the accounts also showed financial deficit billion crowns deficit mln which was covered partly drawing down company liquidity mln one billion and partly increasing borrowing billion mln pharmacia said the financial deficit was caused having used more funds than generated group operations mainly because the billion paid cash for shares lkb produkter and the assets intermedics intraocular inc reuter 
gnp	canada real qtr gdp rose pct after qtr pct rise official 
bop	canada qtr current account deficit billion dlrs qtr billion deficit official 
ship	mclean industries mii unit transers service mclean industries inc said its shipping subsidiary united states lines inc reached agreement principle transfer its south american service american transport lines inc subsidiary crowley maritime corp under the terms the agreement united states lines will lease five vessels american transport for months with option extend the period years the company said return lines will receive fixed payment and percentage revenues for least three years and possibly long american transport utilizes its vessels and conducts trade south america the company said the companies will consummate the transactions soon the required approvals are obtained mclean said reuter 
gnp	canada december gdp pct after november pct fall official 
earn	first federal savings ffkz year net shr cts one 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 from accounting changes from one time expenses associated with proxy contest and increase loan reserves first 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 all 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 may record may reuter 
earn	berkshire gas bgas pays regular qtlry div qtrly div cts cts pay april record march reuter 
gnp	canada gdp rises pct canada real gross domestic product seasonally adjusted rose pct the fourth quarter the same the growth the previous quarter statistics canada said that left growth for the full year pct which down from four pct increase the rise was also slightly below the pct growth rate finance minister michael wilson predicted for february budget also forecast gdp would rise pct statistics canada said final domestic demand rose pct the final three months the year after pct gain the third quarter business investment plant and equipment rose pct the fourth quarter partly reversing the cumulative drop pct the two previous quarters 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 said will split its stock two for one effective april two shareholders record march also said will pay six cts per share dividend the pre split shares regular quarterly dividend april two shareholders record march reuter 
gold	lac lac intersects more gold doyon mine lac minerals ltd and cambior inc said they completed second hole their jointly owned doyon mine quebec which showed two significant gold intersections one intersection graded ounce gold short ton over feet depth feet while the other graded ounce gold ton over feet feet the companies said the hole feet east the previously reported first hole they said they were now drilling another hole feet the west the first drill hole and expected report results late march early april reuter 
acq	calmar clmi seeks acquired kebo calmar inc said keboo sweden which now owns about pct calmark has approved the acquisition remaining calmar shares dlrs cash the request the calmar board calmar said special meeting its board will held march nine form special committee directors not affiliated with kebo evaluate the transaction kebo turn pct owned investment beijar sweden reuter 
acq	italy bnl negotiating purchase german bank italy state owned banca nazionale del lavoro bnl said negotiating buy west german bank part its foreign expansion policy bnl president nerio nesi told news conference the italian bank was currently involved talks but declined name the german institution said the takeover move could seen bnl reply deutsche bank dbkg which entered the italian market december with the purchase bankamerica bacn subsidiary banca america italia nesi said bnl had also approved mln dlr credit line the soviet union aimed enabling soviet companies pay for italian imports gave further details bnl officials said the group had also decided increase its activities the soviet union opening representative office moscow this month through its subsidiary sogecred which specialises italian soviet trade reuter 
zinc	three killed south africa zinc refinery clash three black workers were killed and seven injured fighting south african zinc refinery last night gold fields south africa ltd said the company said two groups workers began attacking each other about local time with machetes knives and sticks hostel the zincor plant some kms east johannesburg said the fighting was quelled after minutes its own security staff police were called but the fighting had ended the time they arrived company spokesman said had idea the cause the fighting investigation was underway said reuter 
interest	fed expected add temporary reserves the federal reserve expected enter the government securities market add temporary reserves economists said they expect supply the reserves indirectly arranging two billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements the fed may add the reserves directly instead via system repurchases federal funds which averaged pct yesterday opened pct and stayed there early trading analysts said the rate under upward pressure partly from settlement billion dlrs five year treasury notes reuter 
ipi	industry output growth slows european community industrial output increased average around two pct last year compared with pct growth recorded against year earlier the statistics office eurostat said growth was highest portugal five pct while greece output contracted pct eurostat said statement eurostat noted output growth also fell the and japan production increased pct after pct while japan output contracted pct after rising pct year earlier eurostat said industrial production december rose pct compared with months earlier but added that after adjustment for seasonal factors output growth had been clearly slowing down since the beginning the summe reuter 
earn	lsb industries inc lsb qtr net shr profit five 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 are based the weighted average number common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during each period after accounting for preferred stock dividends the qtr and year includes provision for restructuring costs related the sale its energy business and parts its bearing business the qtr and year includes charges and respectively for restructuring costs and operating losses which were charged against the previously provided accruals for restructuring costs the qtr and year includes deferred income taxes and respectively year net includes operations friedrich climate master inc which the company acquired august for the full period while the comparable period for includes only operations from august dec third qtr includes extraodinary tax gain from early extinquishment certain drafts payable reuter 
gold	more gold detected doyon mine lac minerals ltd and cambior inc said they completed second hole their jointly owned doyon mine quebec which showed two significant gold intersections one intersection graded ounce gold per short ton over feet depth feet while the other graded ounce gold per ton over feet feet the companies said the hole feet east the previously reported first hole another hole being drilled feet the west the first drill hole and results are expected late march early april 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 from discontinued operations loss from discontinued operations includes mln dlrs charge equal cts share provide for additional liabilities resulting from the closure lead zinc and silver mining smelting and refining business year operating net includes pre tax gain mln dlrs equal cts share from pension plan termination and gain mln dlrs cts share from reduction deferred taxes effective jan company changed oil and gas accounting successful efforts from full cost increasing year net mln dlrs cts share and increasing loss mln dlrs cts share the cumulative effect the change was decrease retained earnings dec mln dlrs reuter 
coffee	coffee talks collapse eases need for bill the collapse international coffee organization ico talks export quotas yesterday removes the immediate need reinstate legislation allowing the customs service monitor coffee imports analysts here said the reagan administration proposed trade legislation offered congress last month that authority monitor coffee imports resumed that authority lapsed september bill also was introduced rep frank guarini however the failure the ico talks london reach agreement export quotas means the legislation not immediately needed one analyst said earlier supporters the coffee bill hoped could passed congress quickly you going have hard time convincing congress now this urgent issue the coffee analyst said reuter 
earn	pansophic systems inc pns qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln nine mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter 
money-fx	former treasury official urges currency reforms former treasury official fred bergsten said new exchange rate system needed replace the fixed and flexible exchange rate systems which said had not worked prefer move target zones which the major countries would determine ranges pct within which they would pledge hold their exchange rates direct intervention and necessary changes monetary and other policies bergsten now the director the institute for international economics said statement house banking subcommittee the substantial correction the exchange rate that has occurred since early enormously welcome and should produce sizeable reduction the trade deficit this year and next but the imbalance will not fall much below billion dlrs present policies much more needed said reuter 
earn	knutson mortgage corp knmc sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter 
earn	ford motor canada ltd 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 said has agreed sell its remaining south african business norton pty ltd global mining and industrial corp south africa for undisclosed terms the company said the unit accounts for less than two pct norton revenues and being sold because growing societal pressures the united states and the unsettled situation south africa had required disproportionate amount management tiome oversee norton said the unit profitable norton said will provide the south afrcian unit with future technical support and products makde under that agreement will continue marketed under the norton trademark reuter 
bop	canada current account deficit quarter canada current account deficit widened seasonally adjusted billion dlrs the fourth quarter from deficit billion dlrs the third statistics canada said the shortfall for the full year rose billion dlrs from mln dlr deficit the federal agency said the agency said the rise the merchandise surplus billion dlrs from billion dlrs the third quarter was more than offset high deficits servicies and investment the total non merchandise deficit grew billion dlrs from billion dlrs the current account deficit was mln dlrs the fourth quarter the capital account not seasonally adjusted there was total net inflow billion dlrs the fourth quarter from net inflow billion dlrs the third quarter quarter the total net capital inflow rose billion dlrs from billion dlr reuter 
earn	home federal the 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 the rockies net includes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year net includes pretax loan loss provisions dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year reuter 
gnp	canada december gdp gains pct canada gross domestic product industry rose seasonally adjusted pct december the largest monthly gain since april statistics canada said gdp which fell pct november was pct above the december level the federal agency said output goods producing industries rose pct the month with virtually all the growth occurring manufacturing and mining services producing industries expanded pct reuter 
acq	saatchi and saatchi buys cleveland consulting advertising agents saatchi and saatchi plc sachy said was buying cleveland consulting associates inc for initial consideration mln dlrs additional payments may made annually through the year ending march bring the total consideration pct cleveland average post tax profits the last two years the period the purchase cleveland further step saatchi and saatchi fast growing consulting industry the company said said its consulting operations now provide platform for major future expansion for the months ended march cleveland had dlrs pretax profits and forecasts one mln for the saatchi and saatchi annual meeting today the company reported particularly strong start the current year with profits sharply higher than the same period last year saatchi and saatchi shares rose one pence the cleveland announcement after yesterday close reuter 
acq	unilever chesebrough offers sell bass chesebrough pond inc recently acquired unit unilever said offering sell its bass shoe division result ongoing evaluation the long term direction its businesses the diversified maker health and beauty aids said acquired falmouth maine based bass and when the company reported annual sales mln dlrs bass known for its high quality casual shoes chesebrough said bass sales exceeded mln dlrs reuter 
earn	continental gic sees net from tax law continental corp said the fresh start provision the tax reform act may add earnings per share the insurance holding company had net earnings mln dlrs per share john loynes continental chief financial officer said the fresh start provision allowed the company discount opening tax reserves january which released deferred taxes into earnings loynes said the provision potential benefit would decline gradually over the next four years during which time continental will pay mln mln dlrs more taxes loynes added however the higher taxes are not expecetd have significant impact earnings reuter 
earn	ford motor canada ltd 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 three for two october stock split reuter 
earn	dasa corp dasa year net shr profit three cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln reuter 
acq	group trims material sciences msc stake investor group led central national gottesman inc new york investment firm and its executive vice president edgar wachenheim said they cut their stake material sciences corp less than five pct filing with the securities and exchange commission the group said sold material sciences common shares between feb and prices ranging from dlrs share leaving with shares pct long the group stake remains below five pct not required disclose further dealings material sciences common stock reuter 
interest	fed sets billion dlr customer repurchase fed says 
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 has retained the investment banking firm kahn and harris sell its furnace product line the company said has already been contacted several potential buyers tylan furnace product shipments the represented mln dlrs the 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 via customer repurchases the federal reserve entered the government securities market arrange billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements fed spokesman said dealers said federal funds were trading pct when the fed began its temporary and indirect supply reserves the 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 respectively reuter 
earn	american vanguard corp amgd year net shr cts cts net sales mln mln note qtr data not available reuter 
earn	north american biologicals inc nbio qtr oper shr one three 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 the company recognized expenses for restructing the combined operations bbdo doyle dane bernbach and needham harper worldwide august before tax gains these relate primarily the conosolidation and elimination duplicate facilities and staff for the year the provisions for mergers and restructuring expenses brought non recurring expenses before tax gains which represented merger costs and related restructuring the combine operations reuter 
earn	correction ashton tate item torrance calif item ashton tate tate qtr net please read quarter average shares mln not mln reuter 
cpi	chilean consumer prices rise pct february chile consumer price index rose pct february december equals after increases pct january and pct february the government national statistics institute said inflation measured the index rose pct over the months the end february compared with pct last month and pct the end february the first two months the year inflation was pct against pct the same period reuter 
copper	copper study group considered geneva meeting major copper producing and consuming countries are considering proposal set study group review the world copper market delegates said the initiative was introduced last december meeting held here under the auspices the united nations conference trade and development unctad the the world largest copper consumer and second biggest producer after chile has proposed setting body improve statistics and market transparency the copper economy and provide forum for discussion the new body would not aim negotiating measures stabilise depressed world prices this week meeting which began yesterday due end friday reuter 
earn	royal bank canada sees higher loan losses royal bank canada said estimates loan losses one billion dlrs mln dlr increase over last year royal bank said set its provisions given the continued debt servicing problems the north american energy industry and the uncertain outlook for energy prices and also continued add its general provisions for loans troubled borrower countries the bank loan loss provision for the first quarter ended january rose mln dlrs from mln dlrs the year ago quarter the bank said non accrual loans net provisions for loan losses totalled billion dlrs january from billion dlrs year ago reporting lower first quarter earnings chairman allan taylor said problems with credit quality particularly loans associated with the energy sector continue have substantial adverse effect the bank earnings taylor said profitability the bank international operations remains weak reflecting resource related difficulties private and public sector borrowers and unsatisfactory results from capital market activities taylor said would premature speculate the outcome debt resturcturing negotiations with brazil their potential impact the royal bank the bank earlier reported first quarter profit fell mln dlrs from mln dlrs year ago reuter 
acq	pantera pant and pizza pza agree merge pantera corp said agreed principle acquire pizza inn inc cash and stock transaction under terms the proposed transaction each pizza inn share can exchanged for either three dlrs cash plus the lesser shares pantera common stock dlrs market value pantera stock four dlrs cash plus unit consisting one share pantera stock and non transferrable right receive share pantera stock under certain conditions said completion the transaction subject arrangement financing negotiation definitive agreement and various regulatory approvals said pantera said pizza inn largest shareholder spillman previously granted pantera option buy more than one mln shares pizza inn common stock owned him pantera also said retained drexel burnham lambert inc act its financial advisor connection with the merger pizza inn has retained dean witter reynolds inc act its financial advisor pantera said yesterday pantera stock closed dlrs nasdaq while pizza inn stock was quoted dlrs when the amex halted trading pending the announcement the proposed merger from its dallas headquarters pizza inn said completion the transaction subject certain conditions including that the price pantera stock average not less than seven dlrs during the trading days before the merger under the agreement pizza inn said will still permitted complete leveraged buyout agreement with pizza inn acquiring corp which has been approved its shareholders but subject otaining financing more 
iron-steel	nigeria guinea set iron ore firm with liberia nigeria and guinea agreed set new company with liberia carry out the year old mifergui nimba iron ore project official communique said the communique was issued after two days talks here between guinean natural resources minister ousmane sylla and nigerian minister mines and power bunu sheriff musa originally guinea held pct the project and nigeria pct with firms from several other countries also involved but the project ran into problems over funding and the slump world iron ore markets musa said liberia was invited join and its share will decided after project feasibility study this would completed may after which finance will sought officials said the study will undertaken with the help the world bank which also expected give financial support production originally estimated mln tonnes year will mln initially and expected begin early agreement between the two countries prospect for uranium guinea the communique said musa and sylla agreed that because poor market conditions would extended cover exploration for gold diamonds cobalt nickel and silver reuter 
earn	distributed logic corp dlog qtr loss qtr ended jan shr loss nine cts profit cts net loss profit revs reuter 
ipi	canada industrial production pct canadian industrial production rose pct december after falling pct november statistics canada said the federal agency said year over year production was off pct december compared with decline pct november reuter 
acq	lifetime lft buy shares nippon lace lifetime corp said agreed buy five mln shares pct nippon lace ltd for dlrs share mln dlrs said plans enter the health care business japan addition said koba electronics ltd affiliate lifetime will buy four mln unissued shares pct stake nippon for mln dlrs five dlrs share the company said ohta shoji chief executive officer toho mutual life insurance owns the majority koba electronics shares toho mutual life also the largest shareholder nippon lace the company said lifetime also said the private bank and trust zurich behalf lifetime director and shareholder terence ramsden intends subscribe for two mln shares nippon lace the same 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 five cts per share for discontinued operations for the 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 from 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 said expects strong earnings performance for its initial fiscal second quarter earnings ending march since going public september albert holderson knutson chairman said expects earnings about cts per share for the quarter result strong mortgage business during the quarter knutson earlier declared quarterly dividend cts share versus cts share prior payable april shareholders record march reuter 
reserves	danish reserves rise february denmark net official reserves rose billion crowns february from billion january against revised billion february the central bank said its monthly balance sheet report total net reserves including reserves held commercial and major savings banks rose billion crowns from billion january compared with revised billion february last year the bank said provisional figures showed net registered private and public capital imports billion crowns february reuter 
earn	intermedics inc itm qtr feb one 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 one per share and loss from discontinued operations dlrs reuter 
earn	carme inc came qtr jan net shr nine cts one net sales six mths shr cts five 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 the 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 respectively for corporate restructuring reuter 
earn	ford motor canada ltd cuts annual div annual div six dlrs dlrs prior pay march record march note payout includes two dlrs share extra dividend payout includes four dlrs share extra dividend reuter 
copper	total copper stocks lower january total copper stocks held rod mills and refiners including wirebars cathodes scrap rod and process material dropped lbs the end january from lbs the end december the american bureau metal statistics said rod stocks held refiners and rod mills decreased lbs january from lbs december cathode inventories rod mills fell lbs january from lbs december while wirebar stocks were lower lbs versus lbs december december rod mill wirebar use nearly doubled lbs january from lbs december cathode use mills and refiners increased lbs january from lbs december 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 from recognition tax loss carryforward dlrs six cts share year and dlrs seven cts share both 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 respectively reuter 
earn	datamag inc dmag qtr dec loss net loss profit sales note per share data not available company went public january reuter 
earn	royal bank sees improved results royal bank canada reporting pct drop first quarter earnings said 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 with the restraint non interest expenses should lead improved results the periods ahead chairman allan taylor said statement the bank earlier reported profit for the first quarter ended january fell mln dlrs from mln dlrs year ago taylor said loans the energy sector continue substantially hurt earnings while profitability the bank international operations remains weak reflecting resource related difficulties private and public sector borrowers and unsatisfactory results from capital market activities the bank said earnings from domestic operations rose mln dlrs the first quarter from mln dlrs year ago while earnings from international operations plunged mln dlrs from mln dlrs last year royal bank said first quarter international net interest income declined from last year reflecting reduced revenues from international investment banking well significant loss disposal its affiliate trinidad and tobago other income rose mln dlrs from mln dlrs last year the rise was due higher commercial banking and retail deposit service fees and higher foreign exchange revenue but lower securities commissions from international investment bank operations partly offset the gains royal bank said the bank said two billion dlr increase total assets billion dlrs was due mainly continued growth consumer lending particularly residential mortgages reuter 
trade	belgian says would react textile bill belgian foreign trade minister herman croo said congress passed legislation curbing world textile imports the only way the european community could react was retaliate croo said news conference you limit textile imports you will orient textiles europe and that said would trigger taxes goods congress passed textile bill two years ago but was vetoed president reagan grounds that curbing imports protect the domestic textile industry would trigger retaliation trading partners similar bill has been introducted this year congress with bigger democratic majority and with president weakened the iran scandal croo here for talks with administration officials and congressmen said textile bill passed the only way could react would retaliation and would cause more retaliation which not good way deal with problems said textile bill was enacted will impose taxes lot american products said would stupid have avoid that said congressmen seem upset mosty with japan because its massive trade suprlus with the united states and not with nations but nations will hurt the diverted shipments asian textiles croo also criticized the way officials try solve trade issues saying each time come contact conflict contact the clouts are coming fom the west said then crisis atmosphere with officials cross the atlantic and dramatized with headlines this not the way work serious way between two big powers croo said 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 former subsidiary dec company distributed remaining pct interest subsidiary kay corp holders amts restated connection with company distribution investment kay jewelers inc qtr and oper net excludes dlrs dlrs per share and dlrs dlrs per share respectively for equity net income spun off unit qtr and oper net excludes dlrs dlrs per share and dlrs dlrs per share respectively for equity net earnings spun off unit oper net also excludes cts per share for adoption new pension accounting rules and ine cts per share for gain from assets sales reuter 
trade	rostenkowski says will oppose protectionist trade bill house 
earn	pantasote inc pnt qtr loss oper shr loss four 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 from provision for roofing products warranties and costs from 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 said congress must avoid temptation pass protectionist trade bill this year remarks prepared for delivery before the national press club rostenkowski ill predicted major trade legislation will sent president reagan the end this year but warned that his conciliatory message the trade bill did not mean would oppose proposal that would warn other countries their access the american market would curtailed unless they opened their markets goods complaints about foreign trade restraints are not smoke screen for protectionism they plea for fairness rostenkowski said only reasonable ask the nations that have denied access open return for continued freedom the american market added however said there would likely changes the market access proposal from the plan which cleared the house last year that plan would have set specific time table for foreign countries ease import restraints they would face pct cut exports the united states reuter 
acq	imtec imtc gets merger offer imtec inc said some shareholders computer identics inc cidn have proposed merger the two companies the company said the shareholders had previously expressed dissatisfaction with computer identics management and had informed computer identics that the present board longer had the support majority shares held said the shareholders had called for the resignation all but one computer identics directors and suggested that new board pursue merger talks with imtec but imtec said merger talks havew yet taken 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 
coffee	ico pact unlikely autumn italian adviser the prospects the international coffee organization ico reaching agreement coffee export quotas before september appear dim alberto hesse former president the european coffee federation said there real goodwill certain delegations quotas hesse who advises the italian foreign affairs ministry coffee issues told reuters declined name the delegations special meeting between importing and exporting countries ended deadlock late yesterday after eight days talks over how set quotas the ico executive board will meet from march april but the full council not due meet again until september not optimistic about agreement soon hesse said reuter 
earn	wall street stocks anacomp inc aac anacomp inc one the most actively traded nyse issues rose today least one analyst expected earnings boosted its planned acquisition micrographics company anacomp rose volume shares after trading high seven earlier howard harlow analyst whale securities corp said anacomp earnings for fiscal ending september could doubled cts share from the cts share had forecast before anacomp agreed buy datagraphix micrographics firm from general dynamics corp the company can earn cts share fiscal maybe much dlr share because datagraphix harlow said most the benefit will the fourth qtr because will integrate the company the second half anacomp earnings will less has problems integrating datagraphix harlow said spokesman anacomp said the company expects complete its deal for datagraphix later this month she would not say how much will pay for datagraphix but noted that datagraphix contributed mln dlrs earnings general dynamics revenues mln dlrs harlow said fellow analyst whale securities estimates that anacomp will pay between mln dlrs mln dlrs for datagraphix the estimates the street narrow down between mln dlrs and mln dlrs harlow added anacomp reported net mln dlrs nine cts share its first qtr ended december from dlrs one share anacomp fiscal earned dlrs cts share whale securities recommends buying the stock harlow said reuter 
acq	corrected lifetime lft buy nippon lace sahres lifetime corp said agreed buy five mln shares pct nippon lace ltd for dlrs share mln dlrs said plans enter the health care business japan addition said koba electronics ltd affiliate nippon will buy four mln unissued shares pct stake lifetime for mln dlrs five dlrs share corrects show nippon affiliate koba buying stake lifetime reuter 
trade	exports body gets new executive director export credits guarantee department has named malcolm stephens director export finance barclay bank plc and former career civil servant ecgd for years the post executive director department spokesman said stephens replaces jack gill who retiring early aged drop the ecgd business volume and rise its debt the exchequer have led criticism parliament recent years stephens said the fall business volume was top convern adding that the department may have compete more aggressively with private insurance firms providing similar services the department annual report for the year ended march showed exports insured the department fell billion stg from billion the year before while its debt the exchequer almost doubled mln stg stephens said had specific list changes but among his chief concerns was the weakened condition lesser developed countries and their ability pay for their imports the agency will have review its policies insuring export credits lesser credits country country basis said large lump political risk insurance the sort thing want take look you have try look forward see you are simply peak and trough situation more long term thing stephens said response qustion about whether ecgd will strike more countries from its list political risk insurance recipients noted that certain countries have already been removed from the list reuter 
veg-oil	oils fats stocks seen falling sharply visible stocks oils and fats are probably peaking now and are likely fall sharply october this year the oil world newsletter said oil world forecast that stocks oils and fats may cut only mln tonnes the end this season compared with mln year earlier its survey covered oils soy cotton groundnut sun rape sesame corn olive coconut palmkernel palm lin and castor and four animal oils and fats butter fish oil lard and tallow greases oil world analysis predicted only slight production increase mln tonnes the year end september compared with increases mln and mln tonnes the previous two seasons said world consumption was continuing rise unusually low prices prevailing since early had stimulated demand for both food and non food purposes said world consumption could increase record mln tonnes mln tonnes this season and would even higher the indian government did not artificially curb domestic demand oil world said did not expect the european community introduce vegetable oils tax but such tax were introduced would have negative impact consumption reuter 
coffee	colombia traders say new coffee strategy vital coffee producing countries must quickly map out fresh common strategy following the failure the international coffee organization ico reach agreement export quotas gilberto arango president colombia private coffee exporters association said arango told reuters that the most intelligent thing now would seek unifying stand from producers including brazil order map out strategy defend prices ico special meeting ended last night london with exporting and consuming nations failing agree resumption export quotas suspended one year ago after prices soared following prolonged drought brazil arango said there would imminent catastrophe but predicted that over the short term prices would undoubtedly plummet however said the market should also take into account evident factors such brazil low stocks and the sale the near totality the central american crop trade sources said colombia coffee was today quoted dlrs new york its second lowest price the past years cardenas said these countries apparently fail understand the true impact such failure for coffee producing nations well for industrialized countries difficult believe that while efforts are made solve the problem the developing world external debt decisions are being taken which cut earnings used for repaying those debts said colombia case watch with consternation that while try effectively combat drug trafficking countries which support this fight seek cut our jugular vein cardenas said reuter 
acq	tender loving tlci staff staf extend pact tender loving care health care services inc said and staff buildiers inc have extended the term their merger agreement until may tender loving care also said norrell corp agreed not acquire any additional staff builders shares until september adding norrell was paid dlrs for the standstill arrangement tender loving care said agreed buy the staff builders common held norrell about pct those outstanding for dlrs immediately prior the consummation the merger tender loving care said the extended merger agreement continues provide for the exchange its shares for each staff builders share outstanding announced february the staff builders shareholders meeting vote the merger originally convened and adjourned december will reconvened april tender loving care said its payment norrell will include dlrs cash and five mln dlrs new series eight pct tender loving care convertible preferred tender loving care said and staff builders have filed revised registration and proxy statement with the securities and exchange commission upon clearance the revised proxy statement the commission and its distribution staff builders shareholders that company management will continue solicit proxies for approval the merger tender loving care said will have the power vote about pct staff builders shares the adjourned meeting with spokesman explaining that this represents the proxies held norrell which started buying the stock after the record date for the meeting addition staff builders officers and directors own about pct its stock and have agreed vote favor the merger accordingly the vote additional pct the outstanding shares will required approve the merger tender loving care said reuter 
sugar	colombia sell sugar london traders say colombia holding snap selling tender tonight for one cargo world market raw sugar traders said the sugar for march april shipment and bids are being sought based the new york may delivery futures contract they added reuter 
acq	varian var talks with philips electronics varian associates inc said holding discussions with philips electronics regarding the purchase philips broadcast transmission unit the 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 said agreed principal sell part its controls division enercon data corp minneapolis terms the sale were not disclosed the transaction expected closed march involves the controls division energy management and power line carrier product lines butler said costs associated with the sale were included its restructuring charge taken last year fourth quarter and will have effect its earnings reuter 
earn	fertility and genetics research baby qtr periods ended december shr loss cts loss seven cts net loss loss revs reuter 
trade	rostenkowski reluctant back tax hike house ways and means committee chairman dan rostenkowski said would reluctant back the tax increase did not have president reagan support told national press club luncheon there would number tax proposals that could debated reagan sought tax increase help balance the budget however said would prefer leave the tax rates enacted last year tax reform bill unchanged there have been calls congress hold the rates the level rather than allow them fall next year reagan proposed billion dlrs revenue part his budget proposal but did not include general tax increases trade issues rostenkowski said did not expect the major trade bill this year would single out any industry for special protection after individual items trade bill suicide said this apparently ruled out congressional approval another textile trade bill limit quotas textile imports was proposed again this year reuter 
acq	magellan corp sets merger with balzac magellan corp said has entered into letter intent acquire balzac investments inc transaction that will result former balzac shareholders owning about pct the combined company the company said completion the merger the combined company wopuld known power cell inc and engaged the development balzac technology related its quick charge product for charging auto batteries the transaction subject approval shareholders both 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 may one record april three reuter 
acq	american aircraft corp buys private firm american aircraft corp said has acquired pct interest privately held hunter helicopter nevada inc the purchase was made for undisclosed amount american aircraft stock the company said said the acquisition will increase shareholder equity american aircraft cts per share from cts per share hunter helicopter builds two passenger helicopters that retail for about dlrs reuter 
earn	aid corp aidc raises quarterly dividend qtly div nine cts eight cts prior qtr payable march record march reuter 
acq	international technology itx makes acquisition international technology corp said has purchased western emergency services inc pooling interests transaction international technology hazardous materials management company said purchased western emergency environmental services firm offer broader range environmental services the gulf coast area reuter 
earn	howden and ltd 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 
coffee	peru coffee crop unaffected rains recent heavy rains have not affected the peru coffee crop and producers are looking forward record harvest the president one peru four coffee cooperative groups said justo marin ludena president the cafe peru group cooperatives which accounts for about pct peru exports told reuters harvest quintales kilos was expected this year said peru exported quintales the year september spokesman for the villa rica cooperative said flood waters last month had not reached coffee plantations and the crop was unaffected floods early february caused extensive damage villa rica whose coffee cooperative exported quintales last year according the state controlled coffee organisation marin said the rains would only affect the coffee crop they continued through next month when harvesting starts said peruvian producers were hoping for increase this year the pct export quota about quintales assigned them the international coffee organisation ico said peru exported quintales ico members last year with value around mln dlrs and another quintales valued around mln dlrs non ico members 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 from tax carryforwards reuter 
earn	profit outlook aided engine order one general electric biggest businesses aircraft engines will ride wave increasing profits into because new contract worth mln dlrs wall street analysts said previously was expected the business would peak and decline some point the next five years the improved outlook results from amr corp amr decision order new planes powered engines creative financial footwork helped get the order said nicholas heymann analyst drexel burnham lambert inc amr declined into detail financing arrangements for its order boeing and airbus industrie twinjet long distance aircraft but amr said was using rent plane leases that allow operate the aircraft without adding its debt structure amr also has the right decline delivery the planes return them short notice the arrangement protects amr the case unexpected development such severe downturn the economy from point view the package looks like good deal for several reasons heymann said will able record revenue sale the time delivery heymann noted and for some reason amr decides not take the planes financial arm general electric financial services inc would have little trouble rounding another airline that wanted the fuel efficient planes the whole the deal appears pose little risk for heymann said stock declined shares midafternoon smith analyst smith barney harris upham and said for billion dlr revenue company one order will have much effect the stock russell leavitt analyst salomon brothers inc said the order will help maintain good level production and profitability the aircraft engine business for heymann sees operating profits from jet engine business rising from mln dlrs last year billion dlrs revenue from jet engines was close six billion dlrs last year with well over half the business the military sector according analysts estimates the rosy outlook for jet engine business coincides with upbeat performance other segments heymann expects earn dlrs per share the first quarter saying many will suprised the results believes has shown through its acquisition rca corp that has unique ability buy major business and reshape pruning some parts and recombining parts with other elements its business areas smith sees earning dlrs per share the current quarter credits good results rca turn aided the nbc broadcasting operation and lower interest rates leavitt sees dlrs for the current quarter part crediting significant benefits from the 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 seven 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 said itd nine million dlr backlog for orders and less expensive operating environment should yield significant levels operating profits for buckhorn manufacturer reusable plastic shipping and storage containers recorded dlrs per share operating net loss for buckhorn said the year results included non recurring expense incurred complete major restructuring efforts and defend against the hostile tender offer from ropak corporation reuter 
alum	alcan bertone make aluminum structure car alcan aluminium ltd said joined with carrozzeria bertone exhibit alcan technology aluminum structured vehicles geneva international auto salon alcan said and bertone have built several bertone sports cars with structures adhesively bonded sheet aluminum said the bodies were made presses used for bertone steel structured sports cars alcan said two the cars are currently being tested britain the motor industry research association alcan said has developed and tested the aluminum structure technology that suitable for modern auto making methods and plants alcan said the technology which reduces the weight car basic structure pct can improve handling and performance and reduce fuel consumption for any size car said the structures also provide long life without the need for rust protection the structure provides the same stiffness and safety present materials while continuously bonded seams allow pct reduction spot welds alcan said reuter 
earn	ccr video qtr nov net shr cts nil net sales reuter 
earn	del webb investment dwpa qtr net shr eight cts cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs del webb investment properties inc reuter 
earn	woolworth profits rise pct the specialty retailing area continues pay off for woolworth once known only five and dime store chain which said its income rose pct was the fourth consecutive year profit increases for the new york based retailer which was founded over years ago woolworth income rose mln dlrs dlrs per share compared with profit mln dlrs per share revenues for the year rose billion compared with the prior year billion for the fourth quarter the company reported profits rose pct mln dlrs dlrs per share compared with fourth quarter results mln dlrs per share revenues rose billion from billion dlrs roy garofalo woolworth vice president told reuters that income generated the company specialty store operations accounted for pct the parent company profits said the company now has specialty stores operating under different names woolworth plans open more specialty stores this time last year operated specialty stores garofalo said garofalo said the largest specialty chain operated woolworth kinney shoe stores followed the richman apparel unit among other units are little folk shop chain discount children apparel stores the place discount drug health and beauty aid operation and face fantasies which sells cosmetics there are currently about woolworth general merchandise stores operating worldwide which are the united states harold sells chairman and chief executive woolworth said statement these results are especially gratifying they are improvement over last year record earnings sells that was the fourth successive year earnings each quarter improved over the corresponding year earlier period woolworth variety store operations were hard hit the and early the quickly growing discount store industry attempt compete the woolworth opened discount general store chain woolco and brannam discount apparel chain both were failures the united states although woolco still operates canada however woolworth changed its strategy and announced that would operate specialty stores that time the company said would create new groups such stores specialty stores generally have higher sales per square foot than 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 
gnp	canada economy expected grow moderately canadian economic growth expected slow further but improved the trade picture should keep the country from recession economists said the economy ready for about pct rate growth over the course said carl beigie chief economist dominion securities pitfield ltd statistics canada reported that gross domestic product grew pct the fourth year continuous expansion but down from four pct the final quarter gdp prices and annualized rates rose slight pct after expanding pct the third quarter essentially flat performance said warren jestin deputy chief economist the bank nova scotia economist wendy smith cork the brokerage nesbitt thomson bongard inc said shows the economy not moving along very steadily not very promising number weren surprised expected see one bad quarter canada but don think there will recession she added the rise gdp was below the pct increase forecast federal finance minister michael wilson his budget last month also projected the economy would expand pct this year many economists are less optimistic predicting growth will likely the pct range statistics canada also reported the country trade performance deteriorated sharply last year the deficit the current account rose record billion canadian dlrs from the previous year shortfall mln dlrs the sharp increase the deficit originated from merchandise trade transactions where imports continued advance strongly whereas exports were virtually unchanged the federal agency said statement the merchandise trade surplus was pared billion dlrs from billion dlrs but economist cork said the expected upturn the economy will lead increased demand for canadian goods and help fuel the country modest expansion nearly pct canada exports are shipped the each year reuter 
acq	american aircraft buys into helicopter builder american aircraft corp said has acquired pct interest privately owned hunter helicopter nevada inc for undisclosed amount stock american aircraft official said the company has option acquire the remaining pct hunter helicopter the business building two passenger helicopter retailing for about dlrs each which certified the federal aviation administration the 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 said has purchased privately held western emergency service inc stock transaction western emergency environmental services firm has annual sales between one and two mln dlrs compared international technology roughly mln dlr annual sales spokesman for international technology said 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 from sale securities dlrs four cts share and dlrs five cts share respectively qtr and year and dlrs nil per share qtr net for year includes loss from sale securities dlrs eight cts share reuter 
earn	margaux controls inc margx qtr loss shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs nine mths shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss mln loss revs mln note current periods include loss mln dlrs from 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 respectively which includes provision for income taxes dlrs and dlrs for the periods respectively 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 respectively reuter 
earn	continental general cgic sets stock dividend continental general insurance said its board directors declared pct stock dividend common shares payable april one shareholders record march the company yesterday paid quarterly cash dividend cts share unchanged from the previous quarter shareholders record february reuter 
earn	margaux controls inc margx qtr dec loss shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs nine mths shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss mln loss revs mln note net losses inlcude dlr charge from discontinued operations building management system sold cetek system inc jan reuter 
acq	harris cuts stake bell industries harris associates chicago investment advisory limited partnership said lowered its stake bell industries inc shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission harris said sold bell common shares between dec and feb prices ranging from dlrs each harris said its dealings bell stock are behalf its advisory clients reuter 
acq	goodyear chairman criticizes corporate raids the chairman goodyear tire and rubber concern that survived recent hostile takeover bid charged that terrorists three piece suits are undermining the nation industrial base speech meeting south florida business executives goodyear chairman robert mercer lashed out corporate raiders and takeover specialists accusing them causing serious harm the companies they target their interest not preserving and strengthening america industrial and providing jobs said their product simply deals and that not product which country can base future last year mercer fought off takeover attempt british industrialist sir james goldsmith but goodyear independence was preserved high price mercer said the company bought back goldsmith stock for mln dlrs giving him mln dlr profit goodyear also paid him mln dlrs for expenses and bought about mln other shares for over two billion dlrs effort trim its new debt goodyear closed down three plants mercer believes otherwise could have been saved sold its motor wheel and aerospace units and reduced its payroll pct said mercer who plans testify tomorrow senate hearing proposed bill control corporate raiders said hostile takeovers have also hurt workers reuter 
earn	tiverton petroleums ltd nine mths dec net shr six cts five 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 seen entering spring shaky note soviet winter grains could off faulty start this spring after enduring usually dry fall and cold winter weather and crop analysts said prospects for another near record grain harvest the soviet union appear dim this point but premature forecast any major crop problems analysts said but the situation bears careful watching over the next six weeks and will ultimately impact the soviet grain supply and future buying plans analysts the soviet union said from weather standpoint you can say with certainty that the soviets are not getting off good start and will have lower crop than last year gail martell chief meteorologist for hutton said the next six weeks the ussr grain growing areas will the crucial period that will determine the final outcome the winter crops martell and other analysts said where the crop really made broken still ahead agriculture department authority the ussr said the soviet union recently reported that nine mln hectares winter grain will have reseeded due winterkill this would equal about pct the total winter crop and would the second highest winterkill ten years the usda analyst said with timely spring soviet farmers would probably able reseed the damaged acreage with spring crops but analysts noted that spring crops normally yield lower than winter crops sometimes much pct lower normally winterkill caused inadequate snowcover combined with cold temperatures this winter however snowcover soviet grain areas has generally been excellent the bulk winterkill analysts speculate likely has been due very dry fall and subsequent poor crop germination fall dryness may problem there good correlation between mediocre crops and fall dryness martell said precipitation last fall was little pct normal southern and northern ukraine and below normal over the entire winter crop area she said recent cold temperatures grain areas which the snowcover has been gradually melting could also have caused problems ice crusting and winterkill jim candor senior forecaster for accu weather said livestock feed needs have probably increased because the fall and winter analysts said the dry fall damaged pastures the cold winter raised feed demands and late spring would require longer off pasture feeding they said the soviets are not desperate situation they don have buy grains now usda official said but the soviets are worried about their winter crops and they feel that last year huge crop mln tonnes was one time fluke brought perfect conditions more soviet buying might occur insure crop supplies said bad weather during the next six weeks could push the soviets back into the market weather analysts said lot winterkill could occur during the next month and half martell said reuter 
alum	alcan close west german smelter alcan aluminium ltd closing its aluminum smelter ludwigshafen west germany this june due high operating costs alcan spokesman said the smelter near frankfurt had annual capacity about metric tons but was operating about half that january spokesman fernand leclerc said leclerc said alcan decided would cost too much modernize the plant said there possibility the company will sell the smelter which currently employs people before its scheduled closing reuter 
earn	royal resources corp rrco qtr dec loss shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs avg shrs first half shr loss cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs avg shrs note losses include charges mln dlrs both periods mln dlrs both periods for write down oil and gas properties reuter 
acq	hanson trust han completes kaiser purchase hanson trust plc said kaiser cement shareholders today approved the previously announced merger agreement making kaiser cement indirect wholly owned unit hanson trust hanson said that promptly following the filing the certificate merger kaiser cement common shares will delisted from the new york stock exchange hanson also said accordance with the merger agreement kasier cement also has redeemed all outstanding shares its dlr convertible preferance stocks and its outstanding pct convertible debentures due the acquisitions total purchase price including cost financing the above mentioned redemptions will about mln dlrs hanson said reuter 
crude	oil prices rise saudi effort crude oil prices rallied today moving over dlrs barrel because saudi arabia determined effort support prices analysts said the saudis and other opec nations are jawboning the market hoping restore confidence and prices and this without another meeting said sanford margoshes oil analyst with shearson lehman brothers inc but opec not out the woods yet longshot due seasonal declines demand and some cheating added oil industry analysts said saudi arabia has led the attempt get other opec members resist pressures discount from the official prices agreed last december the analysts said that get others hold the line saudi arabia pushed hard the meeting deputy oil ministers the gulf cooperation council last weekend and the cooperation council oil ministers meeting the previous week the saudis have also offered support members having difficulty selling their oil analysts said they are trying make sure that one discounts and prevent that appears that saudi arabia some other opec member will allocate some their oil sales help members that lose sales margoshes said added that the allocations would probably the form loans repaid when these nations resume sales analysts said this would useful keeping line nations like qatar which has had trouble selling oil but also likely that such assistance would provided nigeria which under pressure extend discounts analysts said that saudi arabia with assistance from opec president rilwanu lukman was trying avoid emergency opec meeting for fear that would give the appearance that the december pact falling apart daniel mckinley oil analyst with smith barney upham harris and said both physical and futures markets have been oversold and only took small spark bring short covering rally believes iranian trade mission tokyo which refused discounts japanese buyers brought japanese refiners into the market cover their short positions oil traders said one japanese refiner came into the market but cargoes may dubai which sent prices mideast sours with dubai trading dlrs after trading yeterray low dlrs and then spilled over into the north sea crude oil market traders said that there have been persistent rumors today that japanese buyers are looking pick cargoes brent for japan and european trade sources indidate rumors vessels being fixed make such shipments north sea brent today rose over dlrs with trades reported high dlrs one dlr opec members denials that they are producing over their quotas sparked moves cover short postitions indonesian oil minister subroto said today that opec production was below the mln bpd quota agreed last december but gave details opec production against claims was more least one mln bpd above that level the production probably about their quota level and largely because saudi arabia will not discount and canot sell its oil result margoshes said analysts have mixed opinions about the extent the current rally some believe prices can continue rise saudi arabia and opec hold steady refusal discount but others said that despite the rally today there were still several fundamental factors including demand which could cut the rally short marion stewart indepedent petroleum economist said slow growth the economies the and oecd would keep demand for oil slack and now estimates that demand rise about pct over reuter 
money-supply	treasury balances fed rose feb treasury balances the federal reserve rose feb billion dlrs from billion dlrs the previous business day the treasury said its latest budget statement balances tax and loan note accounts fell billion dlrs from billion dlrs the same respective days the treasury operating cash balance totaled billion dlrs feb compared with billion dlrs feb reuter 
earn	kasler corp kasl qtr jan net shr profit three cts loss seven cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter 
coffee	coffee may fall more before new quota talks coffee prices may have fall even lower bring exporting and importing countries once more round the negotiating table discuss export quotas ico delegates and traders said the failure last night international coffee organization ico producing and consuming countries agree export quotas brought sharp fall international coffee futures markets today with the london may price reaching year low one stage stg per tonne before ending the day stg down stg from the previous close the new york may price was down cents pressure will now build producers returning from the ico talks sell coffee which had been held back the hope the negotiations would establish quotas which would put floor under prices some senior traders said the ico day average price stood cents for march this compares with target range cents under the system operating before quotas were suspended february last year following sharp rise international prices caused drought damage the brazilian crop reuter interview brazilian coffee institute ibc president jorio dauster urged producers not panic and said they need make hard commercial decisions have failed the ico least have tried dauster said adding now time and sell coffee but brazil keeping its marketing options open plans make official estimate the forthcoming crop next month dauster said too difficult forecast now trade sources have put the crop over mln bags compared with previous crop mln brazil defining details public selling tenders for coffee bought london futures market last year basic condition will that does not back the market one but sold over minimum six months the breakdown the ico negotiations reflected split between producers and consumers how set the yardstick for future quotas consumers said objective criteria like average exports and stocks should determine producer quota shares dauster said all elements this proposal were open negotiation but consumers insisted they did not want return the hoc way settling export quotas virtual horse trading amongst producers whilst consumers waited the corridors the ico dauster said stocks and exports ico members and non members all need considered when setting quotas and that brazil would like apply the coffee pact with set ratio overall quota reflecting stock holdings simplistic misconception that brazil can dictate policy other producers while consumer countries are welcome participate they cannot dictate quotas which are very difficult allocate different objective criteria achieve different share outs quota dauster said other delegates said there was more open talking the ico and least differences were not hidden bad compromise consumer delegates said they had not been prepared accept the producers offer abandon quotas proves impossible find acceptable basis for them want the basis quotas reflect availability and encourage stock holding alternative buffer stock supplies are needed later stage one delegate said some consumers claimed producer support for the consumer argument was gaining momentum towards the end the ico session but said uncertain whether this will now collapse and how much producers will sink their differences should prices fall further and remain depressed the ico executive board meets here march april but both producer and consumer delegates said they doubt real negotiations will begin then the board due meet indonesia june with full council scheduled for september more cynical traders said the pressure market forces and politics debt heavy latin american producer countries could bring ico members back around the negotiating table sooner than many imagine that case quotas could come into force during the summer but most delegates and traders said quotas before october are unlikely while brazil dauster noted the ico has continued although there were quotas from clear difference between the pressures already being felt importers and exporters was that consumers would have been happy agree formula for future quotas even could not imposed now least that way they said they could show direct relationship between quotas and availability contrast producers wanted stop gap quotas plug the seemingly bottomless market and were prepared allow these lapse should lasting agreement not found producers were offering jam tomorrow but after their failure discuss them last year promises were insufficient and wanted cast iron commitment now one consumer said reuter 
earn	seaman furniture seam stock split seaman furniture inc said its board declared two for one split the company outstanding stock said holders its common will receive one additional share for each share held march said certificates representing additional shares will distributed soon possible after april reuter 
earn	scott hospitality inc qtr jan net oper shr eight cts eight cts oper net revs mln mln nine mths oper shr cts cts oper net mln mln revs mln mln net excludes extraordinary gain dlrs cts shr net reflects three for one stock split qtr and issue mln subordinate voting shares qtr reuter 
earn	telxon corp tlxn sees higher revenues telxon corp reported expects revenues for the quarter ending march between mln dlrs the company said earnings per share for the period should between cts cts the company making announcement this time response analysts fourth quarter revenues and earnings per share estimates mln mln and cts cts respecivtely said raymond meyo president and chief executive officer telxon recorded revenues mln dlrs for the quarter last year and earnings per share cts adjusted for three for two stock split may reuter 
acq	royal resources rrco sets vote sale royal resources corp said its board set april shareholders meeting vote the sale its oil and gas properties for dlrs increase authorized common mln shares from mln and the change the company name royal gold inc the company has agreed sell its oil and gas properties victoria exploration perth western australia royal resources also said the sale its interest two gold properties the colosseum mine san bernardino county calif and the camp bird mine near ouray colo was closed february the company said received mln dlrs and cancellation the remaining balance due the acquisition the interest adding this represents mln dlrs more than paid for the interest reuter 
earn	american vanguard corp amgd year net shr cts cts net sales mln mln note qtr figures not given reuter 
earn	harper international inc hnt qtr jan shr cts cts net revs avg shrs nine 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 one 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 one record march reuter 
earn	harper international inc hnt qtr net qtr ended jan shr cts cts net revs avg shrs nine 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 says distillate stocks off mln bbls gasoline off crude 
alum	alcan close west german smelter alcan aluminium ltd closing its aluminum smelter ludwigshafen west germany this june due high operating costs alcan spokesman said the smelter near frankfurt had annual capacity about tonnes but was operating about half that january spokesman fernand leclerc said leclerc said alcan decided would cost too much modernize the plant said there possibility the company will sell the smelter which currently employs people before its scheduled closing reuter 
crude	pancanadian sell british interests pancanadian petroleum ltd said agreed sell its working interest its north sea properties and its british unit canadian pacific oil and gas canada ltd whitehall petroleum ltd private british company pancanadian pct owned canadian pacific ltd said would receive mln british pounds cash mln canadian dlrs closing expected two three months said the deal subject approval regulators and its partners the properties which consist exploration wells will also retain royalty interest the properties reuter 
earn	telxon txln sees slightly higher qtr net telxon corp said expects per share earnings for its fourth quarter ending march about cts cts revenues mln dlrs mln dlrs for the year ago quarter the company earned cts share adjusted for three for two stock split revenues mln dlrs the company said made the earnings estimate response analysts forecasts which said 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 said has decided divest its test products division located santa clara the company said will entertain offers through march also said steven reid company founder and president the test division has made offer purchase the unit the company test division accounted for about ten pct total revenues the year ended sept and currently running revenue rate under two mln dlrs per year said 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 five cts five cts pay may record may reuter 
crude	api says distillate gas stocks off week distillate fuel stocks held primary storage fell mln barrels the week ended feb mln barrels from mln the previous week the american petroleum institute api said its weekly statistical bulletin the oil industry trade group said gasoline stocks fell barrels mln barrels from revised mln while crude oil stocks rose barrels mln from revised mln said residual fuel stocks fell barrels mln from mln barrels api said refinery runs the week fell mln barrels per day from revised mln and refinery use operating capacity was pct off from revised pct crude oil imports the week fell mln bpd from revised mln api added reuter 
earn	jones medical industries inc jmed qtr net shr six cts five 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 the wine institute said the san francisco based promotional group said per cent the exported wine was from california and the top three markets were canada japan and britain japan which edged out britain the 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 the institute said the declining value the dollar and strong promotional efforts the part the california wine industry contributed significantly the increased shipments the wine exports were valued mln dlrs from mln dlrs the previous year reuter 
orange	usda reduce citrus estimating program the agriculture department national agricultural statistics services nass said will change its citrus estimate program for california and arizona starting nass said will discontinue california forecasts for lemons during december february march may and june and for grapefruit and tangerines for those months plus november forecasts for lemons will issued october november january april and july and for grapefruit october january april and july and for tangerines october january and april there will change the estimating program for california oranges arizona forecasts will dropped for lemons oranges grapefruit and tangerines november december february march may and june with forecasts retained october january april and july said there will changes the estimating program for citrus texas florida reuter 
earn	trimac ltd year net shr nine cts six cts net revs mln mln note year includes tax gain dlrs reuter 
acq	oppenheimer ups viacom via stake pct oppenheimer and new york brokerage firm said raised its stake viacom international inc the equivalent shares pct the total from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission oppenheimer said bought net viacom common shares between jan and march prices ranging from average dlrs each part its stake options said bought the shares part its arbitrage and investment business movie theater magnate sumner redstone and viacom management group are 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 nine mln reuter 
trade	senate panel could consider trade measure the senate agriculture committee may take bill tomorrow that would strengthen the activities agricultural trade teams selected developing countries committee staff said the measure sponsored committee chairman patrick leahy and sen john melcher mont would establish trade teams between six and nine persons drawn from federal agencies and private voluntary organizations staff said the trade missions would seek generate interest the government food donation and commercial programs section export credit and export enhancement and upon return required advocate extension concessional commercial benefits interested countries the trade teams would made representatives the agriculture department state department the agency for international development and private voluntary organizations such wheat associates the bill would require teams within six months visit seven countries mexico philippines indonesia india bangladesh senegal and nigeria within one year after passage the measure another eight countries would have visited peru kenya the dominican republic costa rica malaysia venezuela tunisia and morocco other countries could added the list senate staff members said the bill still the drafting stages had broad support and was expected approved the committee tomorrow reuter 
earn	florida public fput splits stock ups div florida public utilities said its board declared three for two stock split its common stock said holders record april will receive one additional share may one for each two shares held the company also said raised the dividend its common stock two cts cts share pre split basis the dividend payable april one holders record march reuter 
earn	city investing trust cnvlz sets cash payout city investing liquidating trust said declared cash distribution cts unit payable april unit holders record april one the trust last paid stock distribution general development corp gdb shares july reuter 
orange	fcoj supplies significantly above year ago usda total supply frozen concentrated orange juice fcoj expected significantly above year earlier levels even with carry stocks well below the previous season the agriculture department said summary its fruit situation report the department said florida imports fcoj mostly from brazil have shown sharp gains date the department noted the price fcoj will probably affected the final decision scheduled for april whether the considers brazilian fcoj exports the have caused injury continuing strong demand for fresh and processing fruit coupled with seasonal declines supplies mean that grower prices will remain higher this spring than year earlier the department said stocks fresh apples cold storage the beginning february were moderately larger than year earlier but strong demand has kept apple prices firm view the strong demand and seasonally reduced supplies apple prices are projected stay firm during the remainder supplies most processed noncitrus fruit will smaller than year ago said movement canned fruit has improved and remaining suppies for some canned fruit items are tight and consequence prices have strengthened the department said 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 five cts share reuter 
earn	timminco ltd year net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note net excludes extraordinary gain dlrs seven cts shr ago gain dlrs one 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 respectively qtr and year and dlrs and dlrs respectively qtr and year results restated for three for two stock split net income for has been restated due change the method used computing deferred acquisition costs results include the effect stock offering resulting the 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 other items which raised final net dlrs cts share and lowered final net dlrs cts share full year results exclude extraordinary and other items which raised final net dlrs dlrs per share and net dlrs per share results restated reflect june two for one 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 seven cts six cts prior pay april record april three reuter 
earn	kaneb energy kep may omit future payouts kaneb energy partners ltd said may forced omit lower future quarterly cash distributions because contract dispute with two major customers and the continued slump oil and gas prices the partnership said however that will pay regular quarterly distribution cts unit april holders record march reuter 
earn	brascan ltd 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 ltd year net shr cts cts net revs reuter 
crude	saudi success seen curbing opec production saudi arabia will succeed pressuring other members the organization petroleum exporting countries stay within their production quotas said morgan stanley group managing director john wellemeyer wellemeyer speaking reporters offshore oil engineering conference also said expected opec nations attempt hold prices under dlrs barrel for several years keep industrial demand for residual fuel oil strong over the next few weeks think you see concerted effort the saudis get production down wellemeyer said the saudis are committed that price level dlrs barrel and are willing make happen again said recent weeks oil prices fell the dlrs barrel level market reports some ope members producing above their quota pushing total opec production mln barrels per day but prices rebounded today with april crude prices about one dlr over dlrs barrel belief saudi arabia attempting curb opec output wellemeyer said that sharp declines oil production could push demand for opec oil above mln barrels per day early and mln barrels per day although the projected increases demand for opec oil should strengthen world prices wellemeyer said believed the organization would hold its official price below dlrs barrel for some time prevent residual fuel users from switching natural gas supplies the interfuel swing market accounts for about eight mln barrels day pct the world demand for oil reuter 
earn	zenith labs zen will report qtr loss zenith laboratories inc said the company will report fourth quarter loss and the amount will determined completion its year end audit the company did not elaborate further for the third quarter ended sept zenith reported loss dlrs cts per share adjusted for may for stock split the company also said received food and drug administration approval market cefadroxil generic version antibiotic with domestic sales exceeding mln dlrs zenith said will not market the drug until questions relating the applicability certain patents have been resolved reuter 
earn	dexleigh corp six mths dec net shr four cts three cts net revs mln mln reuter 
grain	congress look soil program exemptions the senate agriculture committee expected take bill tomorrow that would exempt from government conservation regulations those farmers who have rotated alfalfa and other multiyear grasses and legumes with row crops committee staff said under current called sodbuster law farmers who planted alfalfa and other multiyear grasses and legumes highly erodible land the years through lose federal farm program benefits they produce row crop that land later years sen edward zorinsky neb sponsor the measure said recently that those crop rotating practices resulted less erosion than the practices many farmers who produced strictly row crops reuter 
carcass	national pork board allocates mln dlrs the national pork board monday allocated mln dlrs discretionary funds collected from the pct national checkoff program three industry organizations the national pork producers council nppc will receive almost mln dlrs for use the areas food service consumer education and marketing addition the board allocated dlrs use pork the other white meat campaign according pork board spokesperson the national livestock and meat board will receive dlrs continue work educating health care officials dlrs matching funds will provided the meat board for use the development better market for processed meats the meat export federation was awarded dlrs increase the market for chilled and processed pork japan and singapore retail stores these two countries will providing additional funding for the program total dlrs for work encouraging mcdonalds expand its mcrib sandwich japan and singapore was also awarded the meat export federation reuter 
acq	nippon steel invests mln dlrs gtx corp gtx corp said nippon steel japan move diversify into high technology invested eight mln dlrs gtx nippon move was the result current exchange rates and the revaluation the yen which have made the electronics industry attractive investment opportunity for japanese corporations according 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 them into data bases reuter 
acq	dealer extends bid for canadian tire dealer holdings ltd said extended its previously announced offer for pct canadian tire corp ltd midnight march ctc group canadian tire dealers which already owns pct canadian tire currently appealing ontario court against previously announced ontario securities commission ruling blocking ctc mln dlr bid the blocked bid did not include non voting shareholders who hold pct canadian tire equity reuter 
earn	rockwell rok sees improvement rockwell international corp continues expect significant improvement results despite the somewhate disappointing performance one its business segments president donald beall told reuters rockwell reported net earnings its first quarter ended december mln dlrs dlrs per share compared mln dlrs cts per share year ago operating earnings however were off about four pct and analysts have attributed the decline rockwell allen bradley unit which has suffered from weakness the industrial automation market soft market now but are not concerned moving forward with market development and enhancing market share beall said allen bradley unit beall who was los angeles address technology management conference said first quarter sales for the allen bradley unit were flat compared year earlier said the company does not break out operating earnings unit quarterly basis beall said the recent trend toward cost sharing the research and development phase government contracts should not have major impact rockwell near term performance noted however the increasing focus cost sharing could limit technological innovation worry that are heading into period misuse contracting approaches too early the development stages important military contracts beall said adding long term have very serious problem addition beall told the conference the greatest competitive threat defense contractors defense electronics due the government attempt take advantage competitively priced products made outside the 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 said has signed letter intent acquire american trust hendersonville tenn for undisclosed amount cash american trust had year end assets over mln dlrs reuter 
interest	pontiac has interest rate incentives general motors corp said its pontiac division has established interest rate support incentive program effective immediately alternative its current option bonus program the company said qualified buyers pontiacs may now select special finance rates pct month contracts pct month contracts pct mopnth contracts pct month contracts the program scheduled expire april under the option bonus program which also scheduled expire april buyers receive cash bonuses the purchase pontiacs equipped with option group packages with the amount depending the option level each vehicle the company said the special interst rate program applies ann new and pontiacs sold from dealer stock and delivered customers during the program period customer may choose only one program said reuter 
earn	westar mining ltd qtr loss shr not given oper loss profit revs mln mln year shr not given 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 said has agreed principle sell its industrial chemicals and plastics business interests south africa and related assets group south african investors for undisclosed terms completing the sale the company south african assets dow said will continue support its 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 from discontinued operations and writedowns holdings texasgulf inc restated reuter 
earn	geonex sees sales hurt production shift geonex corp geox said bellsouth corp bls unit southern bell telephone and telegraph decision postpone the start new conversion assignments geonex chicago aerial survey unit could negatively affect its fiscal revenues the company said had expected higher revenues from the records conversion work but now foresees revenues from southern bell work about eight mln dlrs the same level last fiscal year geonex said southern bell will let cas continue work progress and expects perform mechanized posting and records conversion for southern bell through but added that the southern bell decision has forced pursue opportunities with other telephone companies and municipalities replace the southern bell work reuter 
earn	nwa inc qtr shr profit cts loss nine cts 
sugar	intervention says sold tonnes white sugar rebate ecus 
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 from writeoffs certain assets net loss includes charge about mln dlrs from settlement class action lawsuit reuter 
sugar	intervention board details sugar sales total tonnes current series white sugar received export rebates maximum european currency units ecus per kilos today european community tender the intervention board said out this traders the received tonnes the netherlands denmark and west germany tonnes earlier today london and paris traders said they expected the subsidy for the current season whites campaign for licences end july between and ecus per kilos they had also forecast today total authorised sugar tonnage export awards between and tonnes versus last week when the restitution was ecus reuter 
rubber	japan firm develops ultra heat resisting rubber shin etsu chemical ltd said had developed ultra thermal resistance rubber which can used centigrade continuously without losing its properties shin etsu put potential demand for the product two tonnes month mainly for microwave ovens and sealant but increasing use the product parts attached car engines will raise demand and the company will boost output tonnes march from two now said 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 after tax loss from discontinued flexi van operations mln dlrs primary earnings per share data calculated after 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 both periods excludes charge dlrs from cumulative effect accounting change for patents net both periods includes charge about dlrs from severance obligations year net includes charge dlrs from writeoff seed commitments reuter 
earn	merrimac industries inc mmac qtr net shr five cts cts net sales year shr cts dlrs net sales mln mln reuter 
earn	resources has agreement credit facility british columbia resources investment corp earlier reporting higher full year operating losses said reached agreement principle with five lenders providing for mln dlr credit facility over four year term the company said the credit facility extendable under certain circumstances with annual principal payments five mln dlrs the agreement subject certain lender approvals and completion formal documentation earlier reported losses before extraordinary items rose mln dlrs from year ago mln dlrs resources also said dividends its series preferred shares and exchangeable preferred shares will remain suspended however payment will made account the quarterly dividend the exchangeable preferred shares the company trustee from deposit account resources said sufficient funds should available pay full amount the march dividend exchangeable preferred shareholders with payment expected early april shareholders record march the company said future dividends are not declared after the april exchangeable preferred quarterly payout future payment will depend the amount dividends received from westcoast transmission wtc resources said the company said its increased fourth quarter and full year operating losses primarily resulted from lower oil prices and four month labor shutdown its balmer coal mine british columbia resources also recorded mln dlr extraordinary loss which included losses disposition north sea oil and gas interests pct owned westar mining ltd resources extraordinary charge also included writedown its investment westar petroleum gains the sales westar timber skeena and celgar pulp mills and terrace sawmill partially offset the extraordinary loss the company said the company said the asset sales have eliminated resources long term financing commitment the north sea and exposure the fluctuating pulp market also said cut long term debt mln dlrs from billion dlrs year end and management changes and staff cuts have significantly reduced costs reuter 
money-fx	money market given mln stg late help the bank england said had provided the money market with late assistance around mln stg this brings the bank total help far today some mln stg and compares with its latest forecast mln stg shortage the 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 three for two stock split may reuter 
earn	williams wmb has qtr charge williams cos said fourth quarter charge mln dlrs from discontinued operations and writedowns contributed net loss mln dlrs dlrs share against earnings mln dlrs cts the loss the quarter was mln dlrs dlrs against income mln dlrs cts year ago revenues the quarter fell mln dlrs from mln and the year fell billion dlrs from billion williams also said the previously announced sale its agrico chemical unit freeport mcmoran resource partners ltd has cleared antitrust review and should close next week the first quarter will include proceeds from the agrico sale for mln dlrs cash closing plus deferred payments and proceeds mln dlrs from the sale stake peabody holding completed january the first quarter williams reported net mln dlrs cts share sales mln dlrs williams said the charges the current year were related ongoing restructuring the company said the restructuring moves had improved its balance sheet and improved the outlook for future stability and growth earnings operating profit the company northwest pipeline corp unit fell pct mln dlrs from lower sales the williams natural gas unit had operating profit mln dlrs compared mln dlrs lower sales volumes profit williams gas marketing rose mln dlrs from about mln and the 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 nine 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 new restrictions risk arbitrageurs the very least high time that require all risk arbitrageurs register seperately and specifically with the securities and exchange commission and that consider precluding brokerage firms and their employers from investing owning any securities issued third party risk arbitrage operations proxmire said the start hearing corporate takeovers burning issue must whether there ought complete seperation the future risk arbitrage and investment banking proxmire said said was concerned that hostile takeover attempts were hurting the economy view shared corporate executives who tesitified the hearing believe that takeovers have become abusive and tilted favor the financial buccaneers that remedial action required usx corp chairman david roderick said for congress allow the takeover game continue unchecked would 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 the infe export institute apolonio ruiz ligero said the target raise exports pct gross domestic product over the next four years compared pct now said this the minimum prevailing level the and there reason why should lag behind countries like italy which have similar productive structure said the plan calls for providing soft loans tax cuts and other fiscal benefits exporters and raising spain presence international trade fairs consumer goods such fashion and wine well traditional industrial exports will promoted ruiz ligero said infe would double its annual budget billion pesetas finance the four year plan while the government development aid fund fad would provide special billion peseta grant the plan calls for boosting exports five six pct real terms this year after pct decline last year ruiz ligero attributed this drop lack demand developing countries and rally domestic consumer demand which rose six pct last year after pct added that pct spain exports went organisation for economic cooperation and development oecd countries the accounts for pct the market and exports the community rose seven pct last year the government plans concentrate efforts western europe and the the problem convincing businessmen that exports are vital survival the context competition said said spanish businessmen traditionally turned the domestic market satisfy rises consumer demand while turning their backs foreign markets they have realise their share the home market going shrink with growing deregulation said foreign companies are taking positions the 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 said its pct owned subsidiary skis dynastar agreed buy canadian ski stick and boot manufacturer cfas from warrington inc rossignol spokesman declined give financial details but said turnover cfas was about mln french francs doubling the rossignol group activities the boot and stick sectors reuter 
earn	usf and corp raises quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts the prior quarter payable april record march reuter 
earn	brnf liquidating trust sets distributions brnf liquidating trust said trustees declared liquidating dividend dlrs per unit payable april one holders record its series and certificates march the 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 five pct stock dividend december reuter 
pet-chem	dow chemical dow unit increases prices the dow chemical said its engineering thermoplastics department will increase the selling prices standard grades magnum abs resins three cts per pound also announced increase five cts per pound for performance grades the resins both increases are effective april reuter 
earn	swift energy sfy qtr net shr cts eight 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 said completed the purchase and industruments inc for two mln dlrs cash and shares common stock said and private company headquartered kansas and had sales dlrs buffton said the company designs and manufactures aviation computer display systems and engine instrumentation reuter 
earn	vereins und westbank reorganize network und westbank vhbg plans streamline its branch network improve its distribution financial services management board member eberhard rainer luckey said told news conference results that branches hamburg and schleswig holstein would merged closed branch frankfurt opened and that the bank was considering opening branch london luckey said the bank total operating profits rose nearly pct parent bank net profit rose mln from mln and the dividend remained unchanged marks the group balance sheet including for the first time vereinwest overseas finance jersey rose pct billion marks luckey said the parent bank balance sheet rose mln marks billion while business volume was almost unchanged billion credit volume eased billion from billion while loans companies rose seven pct foreign business and securities trading turnover also increased higher earnings from trading the bank own account contributed record operating profits net interest income rose firmer interest margins mln marks mln net commission income rose mln mln luckey said foreign commercial business was influenced fall west german foreign trade but earnings were still satisfactory the bank exposure latin america was less than two pct its total foreign credit and africa less than one pct the bank continued sell some its exposure and will also continue stock risk provisions said reuter 
trade	baldrige concerned about korean taiwan deficits secretary commerce malcolm baldrige expressed concern about the continuing trade deficits with south korea and taiwan and said that without adjustment exchange rates there little likelihood improvement speaking the president export council industry advisory group baldrige said the trade deficit issue was under discussion with those countries feel that unless see exchange rate adjustment probably won able see much change the large surplus that taiwan particular has with said wide ranging discussion trade matters baldrige also repeated concern about attempted takeover japan fujitsu company fairchild computer said that the japanese were resisting allowing companies into the giant computer business while the same time attempting acquire control company that does major computer business the market lastly baldrige said that the united states was hopeful that could complete free market agreement with canada the autumn but said major issues including acid rain remained unresolved reuter 
acq	allwaste alws make acquisition allwaste inc said has agreed principle acquire air moving and related industrial services company did not identify for dlrs common stock reuter 
earn	castle and cooke cke takes fourth qtr loss castle and cooke inc said would take fourth quarter after tax loss mln dlrs from the previously reported sale its flexi van container leasing business itel corp itel for about mln dlrs earlier the company reported loss for the fourth quarter ended january mln dlrs cts share compared with loss mln dlrs cts per share fourth quarter for the year however the diversified holding company reported net profit mln dlrs cts share versus mln dlrs cts share david murdock chairman and chief executive officer said both our food business and our real estate operations increased their earnings during the year but added that flexi van results were hit depressed daily rental rates for leased equipment caused oversupplies the company also reported that george elkas formerly executive vice president has been named president and chief operating officer flexi van corp while william burns has been named executive vice president flexi van reuter 
acq	convenient food mart cfmi agrees buy chain convenient food mart inc said has tentatively agreed buy all the outstanding stock plaid pantries inc and two associated businesses oregon and washington for undisclosed terms plaid pantries owns and operates convenience stores the portland and seattle areas the other business are two companies involved the wholesale distribution groceries and health and beauty aids said closing expected may reuter 
earn	wal mart stores inc qtr shr cts cts 
acq	marine midland buys brokerage assets marine midland banks inc said has acquired the customer account base new york discount brokerage firm ovest financial services inc for undisclosed terms expand its discount brokerage operations the northeastern said will combine ovest activities with those its marine midland brokerage service unit reuter 
sugar	dom republic sells czarnikow tons sugar the dominican republic sold long tons sugar for immediate delivery with option for tons more czarnikow rionda new york the state sugar council announced was not immediately clear when the sale was made what price council communique said the sale was made the best prevailing conditions the world sugar market reuter 
gas	backs new move encourage unleaded gasoline the executive commission has backed plan allow member countries ban regular leaded gasoline move designed encourage use unleaded fuel said statement backed proposal allow states ban sales regular grade gasoline containing lead six months notice the proposal which needs approval ministers would not force any member state impose the ban option not obligation spokesman said but the commission said imposing the ban would encourage the use unleaded fuel well making easier for gas stations cutting the number types gasoline they had stock reuter 
crude	sun raises crude oil postings one dlr across board wti now dlrs bbl 
earn	devtek corp qtr jan net shr cts nine cts net revs mln mln six mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
earn	saxton industries ltd saxif year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note current results for months after change fiscal year end december from august reuter 
earn	toronto sun plans two for one stock split toronto sun publishing corp said planned two for one split its common shares subject regulatory approval and approval shareholders the 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 both 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 
rubber	leaf disease hits sri lanka rubber leaf disease affecting seven pct sri lanka rubber plantations may reduce output this year and raise currently depressed prices industry officials and researchers told reuters about hectares rubber planted with the rubber research institute rri clone have been hit the fungus corenes pora which attacks the roots the tree and kills the leaves the disease was first discovered about six months ago trade sources say prices might boom once again the crisis leads output below the target tonnes last year output estimated between and tonnes researchers say the fungus could spread other rubber clones immediate action taken the rri considering asking estates remove the trees seriously affected the fungus because was too late use chemicals kill the disease institute spokesman said senior industry and research officials met yesterday padukka east here discuss ways controlling the fungus which affecting estates mostly belonging the state plantations corp and janatha estates development board the two state owned groups account for pct rubber land with the balance belonging small private producers with total hectares the rric new clone propagated the research institute high yielding and recommended two years ago for planting only the two state groups seriously planted these clones while smallholders preferred the low yielding but older pbx malaysian clones officials yesterday crisis meeting said was decided uproot only some the affected trees while others would treated they declined comment other decisions taken trade sources said supplies had improved the past week but prices had hit their lowest since last december there shortage rubber prices are bound rise spokesman for company buying behalf the soviet union said rubber prices particularly crepe fell sharply about four rupees kilo between december and march the best crepe one traded rupees kilo averaged this week auction sheet prices fell rupee the same period quantities offered the auction also fell average tonnes per auction last month from tonnes december because wintering early february producing areas over tonnes were offered this tuesday auction with the supply position showing improvements trade sources said the smaller availability rubber last month did not raise prices previous occasions some factors like less storage space from excess stocks meant could not buy much the auction until disposed the rubber already had one buyer said other sources said there were few forward contracts and speculative buying last month while delays steamer arrivals aggravated the problem european buyers delayed their purchases because winter closures factories and also the hope that prices would ease further they said another problem that could hit the industry the dry spell producing areas the inter monsoonal rains expected late march april are delayed would have further shortages one official said but this again could benefit prices buyer said reuter 
earn	pyro energy corp btu year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
sugar	commission details sugar tender the european commission confirmed authorised the export tonnes current series white sugar maximum rebate european currency units ecus per kilos out this traders the received tonnes the netherlands denmark and west germany tonnes 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 before taxes for the mths ended jan includes gains for fire insurance settlement and unusual charges for provisions for estimated cost severance pay for terminated workers and one time writedown inventory and equipment reuter 
earn	buehler international inc bulr qtr net shr five 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 both 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 three cts three cts prior pay april record march reuter 
cpi	german institute sees inflation rising the cost living west germany will likely about pct higher average than when the cost living actually fell average pct the first recurrence negative inflation since the the hwwa economic research institute said the emergence inflation will result mainly from the fading two factors which influenced the fall the cost living the steep decline both oil prices and the value the dollar the institute said report the institute said inflation will see rising trend the course but will average only pct for the year whole because year year rates will remain negative the first part provisional inflation figures for february released last week showed the cost living last month was pct lower than february january prices had fallen pct against the same month year earlier the hwwa said its forecast assumed the dollar would remain around marks and oil prices would range between and dlrs per barrel reuter 
earn	ideal school supply corp idel qtr net oper shr cts eight cts oper net sales avg shrs three mln year oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs three mln note net both periods includes dlr tax credit reuter 
earn	salomon inc sets regular quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april one rcord march reuter 
acq	piedmont aviation pie board meet today piedmont avaition inc board directors will conduct special meeting beginning est today piedmont spokesman said the spokesman would not say what was the agenda mid february piedmont said its board would meet discuss all proposals acquire the company its board also withdrew recommendation accept dlrs share cash offer from norfolk southern corp nsc light competing revised bid from air group inc air offer buy pct the company stock for dlrs share cash and the remaining for dlrs share its stock reuter 
earn	first union fur leaves dividend unchanged first union real estate investments said its board left the quarterly dividend unchanged cts per share payable april record march the trust which has raised its quarterly dividend frequently the past two years and the first quarter both years said the tax reform act has limited its flexibility dividends and trustees will now consider the appropriateness any dividend increases only during the later quarters the year reuter 
earn	rykoff sexton inc ryk qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln nine mths shr cts dlrs net sales mln mln reuter 
earn	system software associates ssax qtr net periods end january and shr cts nine 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 said the suggestion the american stock exchange has changed the record date for the per share quarterly dividend its class and class common stock that payable april one march from march coincide with the record date for three for two stock split declared february said the record date for the dividend its four pct cumulative preferred stock has also been changed march from march reuter 
earn	goodyear tire details tax refund goodyear tire and rubber said its results include tax refund mln dlrs from the costs restructuring the company successful defense against takeover attempt james goldsmith chairman robert mercer said heavy restructuring costs related the takeover attempt combined with government tax incentives for investments resulted this federal tax refund the refund was included but not broken out its initial results spokesman said reported net income mln dlrs against mln dlrs year earlier reuter 
earn	great northern nekoosa gnn announces split the great northern nekoosa corp said will recommend shareholders two for one common stock split the company said will make the proposal shareowners its annual mmeting may dothan ala near the company great southern paper division operations conjunction with the stock split proposal the shareowners will asked approve increase the authorized common stock from mln mln shares the company said the company said will propose increase its dividend rate the split approved effective with the june payment the company said the present rate gnn common cts per share the company said would recommend quarterly rate cts share the split stock this would equal dividend cts share the present common seven pct higher than the current rate the company said had increased the dividend pct last december great northern nekoosa last common stock split three for two was december said dec there were shares gnn common stock outstanding according the company reuter 
acq	harris lifts builders transport truk stake harris associates chicago investment advisor said raised its stake builders transport inc the equivalent shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission harris said bought builders transport common shares feb dlrs share also said bought debentures feb that could converted into shares harris said its dealings builders transport were behalf its advisory clients has also said has intention seeking control the company reuter 
coffee	coffee talks failure seen pressuring failure talks establishing international coffee organization ico coffee quotas last week may put political pressure the united states particularly the state department reassess its position but the unlikely back away from its basic demand quotas set objective criteria officials said jon rosenbaum assistant trade representative and head washington delegation the talks told reuters his return from london that the united states willing resume the coffee negotiations early april necessary rosenbaum said the united states will flexible discussing the method establishing objective criteria and any transition new quotas but not the basic aim establishing objective method setting quotas the ico talks major consuming nations led the proposed that future coffee export quota shares calculated formula incorporating producer recent exportable production and verified stocks while large producers led brazil proposed maintaining the traditional hoc division shares the consumer position would have effect reduced the market share brazil far the world largest producer rosenbaum said the administration would continue support legislation now before congress which would allow the customs service monitor coffee imports way comply with any future coffee quotas said the reagan administration would reviewing the coffee policy situation following the collapse the london talks but nobody proposing change our position however other government officials involved coffee policy said they are bracing for diplomatic and coffee market offensive from producer countries led brazil and colombia soften the consumer position knowing that its next crop fairly large brazil will kind want test the resolve other producers and consumers said one official the official who asked not identified said brazil and colombia may flood the coffee market the next few months effort drive down prices and pressure other countries particularly the splinter group small producers who differed with the major producers london this turn could lead urgent appeals from latin american countries faced with mounting debt problems the state department and the national security council the white house for easing the position officials said the state department major player setting coffee policy may then face conflicting pressures particularly from politically sensitive allies central america officials said salvador and guatemala both backed brazil and colombia the london talks resisting pressures for quotas based objective criteria but the dominican republic and costa rica joined the splinter group which said would agree objective criteria there strong feeling among some the state department that the united states should continue support the splinter group producers who have taken the politically risky step opposing brazil the objective criteria question officials said within the consuming countries there also expected some pressure reassess positions london the was supported the the netherlands west germany japan australia and new zealand the issue objective criteria officials said this bloc represented enough votes among consuming nations successfully prevent adoption the producer proposals however sources said west germany support was times qualified and there some concern that the european community could come under pressure more accommodative producers future talks france backed the ivory coast and other african producers during the talks softening the stance would make more difficult although not impossible for the block producer plans while political manuevering small producers and consuming countries will important officials said the key any future outcome will brazil position officials blamed brazil intransigence for the failure the talks and said more flexible position from brasilia would the most important step toward agreement reuter 
acq	investors have pct exovir xovr mark hammer private investor from melville and members his family told the securities and exchange commission they have acquired total shares exovir inc pct the total outstanding hammer said his group has been accumulating exovir stock since oct for investment purposes and may buy more shares sell all part his current stake while said has intention seeking control the company hammer said that because his extensive business experience and his interest exovir stock may invited become member the company board reuter 
acq	lotus lots acquire computer access corp lotus development corp said has signed letter intent acquire substantially all the 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 the company said the acquisition subject approval both 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 one record march reuter 
trade	appoints new trade chief the european community commission today appointed its chief spokesman hugo paemen its top official charge multilateral trade negotiations commission spokesman said paemen belgian official who had previously been chief aide former external affairs commissioner etienne davignon has been his post since january the spokesman said paemen will continue chief spokesman until the retirement may paul luyten who now charge departments handling negotiations the world trade body gatt the oecd and other forums reuter 
sugar	india buys cargoes sugar traders india bought cargoes white sugar buying tender today which originally called for just two three cargoes march april shipment traders said london trader and man said sold two cargoes dlrs tonne cif for march april shipment with option sell additional two cargoes the same price traders said least one other international trader made similar contract while french house sold two cargoes outright price dlrs cif without the option this brought total indian purchases least six cargoes with traders having options sell another four reuter 
acq	hayes albion hay delays special meeting hayes albion corp said has delayed the special meeting which shareholders will vote its merger into harvard industries inc hava until march from march due delay securities and exchange commission clearance proxy materials reuter 
earn	grossman inc gros qtr loss oper shr loss nine 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 from settlement liabilities under plan reorganization from chapter bankruptcy quarter net includes dlr provision for loss future store closings offset reduction pension liabilities reuter 
acq	comdata network cdn new acquisition talks comdata network inc said active talks with other parties possible acquisition recapitalization comdata effort maximize shareholder values comdata said rosewood financial inc together with cypress partners and driftwood ltd have acquired over five pct comdata stock and rosewood intends acquire over pct comdata comdata said has not yet reached definitive agreement with mason best for the previously announced recapitalization and self tender offer reuter 
earn	webcor electronics inc wer qtr dec shr loss cts loss cts net loss mln loss mln revs mln nine 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 from discontinued operations equal three cts compared with nine 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 said because much the crude oil california fields thick heavy and expensive extract oil prices would have increase near levels before any significant recovery seen drilling they said companies will probably only drill their best prospects said john curti analyst with birr wilson securities inc few new wells now are being drilled only rigs about one quarter the total available were drilling for oil onshore california last week compared about last year said bill bolster munger oil information services which tracks california drilling activity the dregs right now said bolster the state drilling activity current prices are not enough justify increased drilling said malmgreen the california independent producers association while organization petroleum exporting countries pact curb production boosted oil prices early this year prices eventually fell prices for california marker grade line blend have slumped about pct the last month dlrs from high about dlrs more than half california oil comes from stripper wells those producing less than barrels day and that much that oil costs between and dlrs barrel extract malmgreen said not unusual for stripper well cost dlrs malmgreen said many stripper wells along the southern california coast produce eight times much water crude oil and inland wells frequently require the use steam injection spur extraction the thick heavy oil said the outlook for future production california clouded lack exploratory drilling now analysts said the heart california oil patch kern county which produces about two thirds the state oil exploratory drilling has slowed crawl only exploratory wells were drilled kern county compared according david mitchell the state energy commission far this year only five exploratory wells have been drilled don think they even get what they did last year mitchell said pickup exploratory drilling likely for the rest the decade mitchell said along with the fall drilling has come decrease the number producing wells and overall production between february and october the number producing oil wells california fell pct from more than said bill guerard the california energy commission line with that decrease california crude oil output fell about pct last year due low oil prices and expected remain that lower level analysts said between february and october california crude oil production slipped from all time high mln barrels per day mln bpd guerard said total estimated crude oil production california for was mln bbls compared with mln bbls and mln bbl according the california department conservation production will probably hold around levels guerard said reuter 
nat-gas	standard oil srd texas natural gas find standard oil said the friendswood development number one well the fostoria deep wilcox field montgomery county texas flowed cubic feet natural gas per day from depths feet through inch choke said has contracted for perry gas cos inc purchase natural gas from the well and perry will build four inch gathering pipeline connect natural gas pipeline transmission line reuter 
earn	webcor electronics wer technical default webcor electronics inc said remains technical and payment default under its revolving credit agreement and technical default under certain other obligations its lender although its lender has not enforced its right demand payment the debt full continues reserve its right any time said earlier webcor reported third quarter net loss mln dlrs and nine months net loss mln dlrs reuter 
acq	first savings bank florida fsbf sets meeting first savings bank florida said expects special shareholder meeting held around may consider the proposed merger into gibraltar financial corp gfc said the annual meeting will held april elect two directors and ratify the appointment auditors reuter 
grain	izvestia says soviet winter crops need reseeding the government daily izvestia said considerable amount soviet winter crops need reseeded and the state grain harvest target mln tonnes will not easy fulfil without giving figures the newspaper said considerable part the winter crops must reseeded but that creates extra effort the fields spring the soviet union has previously said nine mln hectares winter grain will have reseeded because winterkill department agriculture analyst washington has said the figure nine mln hectares would equal about pct the total winter crop and would the second highest winterkill years the planned task bringing less than mln tonnes grain not simple izvestia said this week sudden fall temperatures has affected large parts the country and has caused fieldwork stop the ukraine said adding that temperatures fell low minus centigrade byelorussia reuter 
acq	borman brf buy safeway utah division safeway stores inc said agreed sell the assets and operations its salt lake city division borman inc under undisclosed terms the division includes operating supermarkets five states most which are utah idaho and wyoming together with distribution and manufacturing facilities safeway said said sales for the division for the year ended january three were about mln dlrs safeway also said the transaction subject borman ability obtain financing and successfully negotiate new labor agreements with the various unions involved reuter 
acq	fisher foods fhr says stake firm sold fisher foods inc said american financial corp has sold its fishers shares pct interest group consisting american seaway foods inc rini supermarkets inc and rego supermarkets inc the company said connection with the transaction all five american financial representatives have resigned from its board reuter 
grain	senate panel makes conservation exemption the senate agriculture committee approved measure that would exempt farmers who planted alfalfa other multiyear grasses and legumes between and from federal conservation requirement sen edward zorinsky neb said his bill would restore equity under federal sodbuster rules which currently deny farm program benefits farmers who between and planted alfalfa and other multiyear grasses and legumes without interrupting the plantings with row crop official from leading conservation group who asked not identified said the panel move was unfortunate first action because could lead the exemption potentially millions acres from the sod buster regulations established under the farm bill reuter 
earn	pico products inc ppi qtr jan shr profit three cts loss nine 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 one cts qtr and six months for discount early long term debt repayment reuter 
acq	outboard marine rising takeover rumor wall street traders said the stock outboard marine corp was rising rumor over cable television program that outboard likely takeover target sun chemical corp snl outboard was tuesday rose tuesday report cable news network today said sun chemical has pct outboard and conducting study whether for control the whole company outboard marine spokesman would not comment the rumor the cable program said buyout outboard would for dlrs share for total mln dlrs spokesman for sun chemical was not immediately available outboard marine last june adopted shareholder rights plan that will triggered when person group acquires beneficial ownership pct more its common begins tender offer that would result pct ownership wayne jones vice president outboard for strategic planning said management wants stay independent are not trying sell the company are proceeding with our strategic plans said that plan includes integrating five boat companies that outboard marine has bought since the middle december jones said all five will cost between mln dlrs mln dlrs analyst who wanted anonymity said dlrs share decent price for outboard bdding war dlrs share stretching maybe dlrs share tops said outboard which has mln shares outstanding registration for two mln common share offering with morgan stanley inc makes sense the analyst said for sun chemical strike before the 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 eight cts shr ago gain dlrs cts shr reuter 
earn	genova inc gnva qtr dec net oper shr profit four cts loss four cts oper net profit loss sales mln note prior year net includes dlr tax credit but 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 from tax loss carryforward reuter 
earn	gulf applied technologies inc gats qtr oper shr loss five 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 both periods excludes dlr tax credit net excludes gains from 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 said acquired all the 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 said reuter 
earn	kaneb services inc kab qtr loss oper shr loss dlrs profit nine 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 from 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 also includes writedowns oil and gas assets and tubular goods inventory mln dlrs and dlrs respectively for mths reuter 
earn	suspensions parts industries ltd spilf year shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln note full name suspensions and parts industries ltd 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 eight cts net profit loss revs reuter 
trade	korean trade surplus with seen falling south korea record billion dlrs trade surplus with the bound diminish the country switches purchases from japan favor companies trade minister woong bae rha said rejected suggestions the korean won undervalued and denied any plans for drastic and sudden revaluation rha heading trade mission cities last year south korea ran billion dlr trade surplus including record billion surplus with the and billion dlr deficit with japan rha told reuters interview the current trade mission looking for billion dlrs purchases from companies about quarter which represents transferred purchases from japanese sources rha said the items being sought the current mission are mainly chemicals machinery and parts said south korea the fourth largest importer agricultural products the current mission not involved that area but there are plans buy substantial amounts cotton from the noted his country clearly not open the american market nor reasonable expect that should considering south korea has billion dlr foreign debt and spends six pct its gross national product defense reuter 
earn	cri insured cii set special distribution cri insured mortgage investments inc said its advisor will recommend special distribution cts per share due the sale federally insured first mortgage park meadows madison wis for dlrs said received dlr return capital and dlrs income the sale and the distribution would represent return principal and capital gain and would payable june holders record may reuter 
earn	kaneb energy partners ltd kep qtr loss unit loss one 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 with full cost accounting methods reuter 
acq	digicon dgc completes sale unit digicon inc said has completed the previously announced disposition its computer systems division investment group led rotan mosle inc rotan mosle technology partners ltd affiliate reuter 
acq	computer horizons chrz acquisition computer horizons corp said purchased computerknowledge inc software training education company headquartered dallas terms were not disclosed reuter 
acq	policy management pmsc makes acquisition policy management systems corp said has acquired the majority the assets and business allied research inc salem ore and consolidated insurance services inc springfield for undisclosed terms said the two companies which had combined revenues about two mln dlrs provide underwriting information services property and casualty insurers reuter 
acq	unicorp canada uni cuts purolator pcc stake unicorp canada corp told the securities and exchange commission cut its stake purolator courier corp shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct unicorp management and investment holding company controlled its chairman george mann said sold purolator common shares march and and dlrs share purolator agreed this past weekend acquired managers its 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 said acquired american nutrition works inc through transaction which american nutrition shareholders received mln shares nusource stock exchange for their shares american nutrition operates chain stores sellings vitamins and health products nusource said shareholders elected new board consisting richard trydahl samuel mineo and charles flink and voted change the name the company anw inc reuter 
trade	gatt council defers decision semiconductors the ruling gatt council deferred decision whether set dispute panel the basis european community complaint against the japanese agreement exports computer semiconductors david woods spokesman the general agreement tariffs and trade gatt told news briefing that the main parties would continue bilateral talks this was the hope resolving the row before the next council meeting april the five year accord signed july aims protect the market from dumping low price japanese microchips officially known semiconductors the complained the accord breached gatt trade rules allowing tokyo monitor prices allowing set minimum prices for japanese chips sold third countries the nation community also charged the agreement gave producers preferential access the japanese market woods said many nations hong kong canada switzerland singapore sweden malaysia and nigeria had supported the complaint during the heated council debate japan delegate minoru endo and ambassador michael samuels replied the debate that the charges were unfounded but they were willing continue bilateral talks reuter 
acq	first southern fsfa make acquisition first southern federal savings and loan association said has agreed principle acquire horizon financial corp and horizon funding corp from victor federal savings and loan association muskogee okla for undisclosed terms the company said the purchase subject approval the boards first 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 with lotoquik int chatsworth enterprises inc publicly held shell corporation said signed letter intent merger with lotoquik international ltd nassau bahamas based maker video lottery machines under terms the merger agreement chatsworth said lotoquik shareholders would own majority the surviving company reuter 
acq	asbestec buy contractor receives contract asbestec industries inc said signed letter intent buy asbestos abatement contractor stephens for three mln dlrs cash stock and notes the transaction expected completed early the third quarter its fiscal year ending september asbestec also said expects sign march six dlr contract remove asbestos from major apartment complex washington the project scheduled begin march nine reuter 
trade	gatt sets dispute panel canadian herring the ruling gatt council set formal dispute panel examine complaint that canadian law prohibiting export unprocessed herring and salmon was discriminatory david wood official spokesman the general agreement tariffs and trade gatt told news briefing the decision was taken after bilateral consultations failed resolve the row ambassador michael samuels charged during the council debate that canada was trying preserve domestic jobs insisting that herring and salmon processed home robert white canada deputy chief delegation replied the law was line with gatt rules and was for conservations reasons but agreed setting the dispute panel reuter 
cpi	colombian inflation rises pct february colombia cost living index rose pct february after pct increase january and pct rise february the government statistics institute said the rise brought year year inflation pct compared with pct end february and pct for the year ending january the government has predicted that inflation this year would lower than when reached pct reuter 
earn	talking point general motors general motors corp staged explosive rally wall street after share buyback program announced yesterday but analysts said future remains clouded stiff competition and erosion market share shares rose active trading analysts agreed that investors liked the repurchase program but they differed sharply over the carmaker long term prospects very positive said jack kirnan kidder peabody and they clearly committed enhancing shareholder value however some analysts worry about how will pay for the buyback and whether new models will enable the carmaker recapture lost market share after the market had closed yesterday said would buy back pct its common stock the end the announcement sent investors today scrambling for shares with more than mln shares changing hands mid day the buyback plan caused several analysts bullish the stock reiterate buy recommendations this morning and least one increased his earnings estimates for based good performance expected from new car models but david healy drexel burnham lambert inc said the repurchase program not positive the buyback doesn really change the earnings outlook and puts more stress the balance sheet said since will have borrow money pay for the stock purchases the stock should settle back down around added healy projects will earn five dlrs share and dlrs compared earnings dlrs healy numbers are near the low end wall street estimates which range from five dlrs dlrs and from four dlrs dlrs like other analysts healy sees share the domestic car and truck market falling balance cars are not selling well their competitors said late february car sales fell pct from the year ago period while competitors ford motor and chrysler corp both posted increases but said february sales showed improvement over january adding that expects improvement coming months overall share car and truck sales should fall around pct from pct the end analysts said the numbers include imports kidder peabody kirnan said cost reductions and product improvements this year should lead positive cash flow the fourth quarter which will help finance the buyback stock has been real laggard and now rolling its sleeves and getting serious think there major earnings surprise the winds said kirnan raised his earnings estimates slightly today part reaction the announced buyback and sees earning dlrs this year and dlrs the company more concerned than ever about improving their relative valuation with respect ford and chrysler said another positive for the stock dividend currently five dlrs share annually which gives higher yield than its competitors kirnan said and will raise the cash dividend cts share next year predicted but analyst michael lucky shearson lehman brothers inc said car sales will weaken and new products successful will only slow but not halt the erosion its market share believe their new cars will successful but that will only curtail losses market share which will fall around pct lucky said philip fricke goldman sachs and falls the middle the bulls and bears while recommending stock said results will not improve until not looking for improvement this year this transition year for said fricke who estimates earnings dlrs and dlrs said cost cutting and new car models will not affect results but the key thing isn much what they earn this year the momentum beyond this year that important reuter 
acq	partnership cuts stake erc international erc parsow partnership ltd nevada investment partnership said lowered its stake erc international inc shares pct the total outstanding common stock from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission parsow said sold erc common shares between jan and march prices ranging from dlrs each the partnership said its dealings erc stock are for investment purposes and has intention seeking control the company reuter 
crude	iranian oil minister due algeria friday iranian oil minister gholamreza aqazadeh expected here friday for talks with his algerian counterpart belkacem nabi the official algerian news agency aps said today aqazadeh who will accompanied large delegation will have talks bilateral relations the field energy and exchange views with algerian officials the current world energy situation said 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 from utilization tax loss carryforward dlrs four cts share and mln dlrs cts share respectively qtr and year and dlrs nine cts share and mln dlrs cts share respectively qtr and year year oper net excludes loss from cumulative effect change accounting principle dlrs one share reuter 
crude	oil industry said not permanently damaged the offshore oil industry has suffered from last year collapse oil prices but should not sustain any permament damage minister state for energy alick buchanan smith said the drilling diving and supply vessels sectors had been most affected buchanan snith told the house commons energy committee noted however that oil companies were still spending six mln stg day maintain north sea production added that report the manpower services committee which said jobs were lost the industry should seen the context total workforce prices north sea brent grade crude dipped low dlrs barrel last july from peak over dlrs the previous november they recovered around dlrs barrel after last december opec meeting and brent traded today around dlrs buchanan smith said the has intention adopting opec style quotas noting that britian oil consuming well oil producing nation reuter 
acq	chase manhattan studying italian expansion chase manhattan bank considering expanding its operations italy particularly the consumer banking sector chase manhattan official said robert hunter chase manhattan area executive for europe africa and the middle east said news conference that plans broaden the bank activities the italian market have not been finalised however asked chase manhattan would consider acquisition italy hunter said will look any opportunity but the prices italian banks have been quite high chase manhattan has branches milan and rome reuter 
acq	hrs ihirf reducing stake hal roach hrsi international industries inc said would reduce its stake hal roach studios inc pct from pct return for mln dlrs from qintex inc qintex america media ltd unit said that under the deal first stage closng march would sell qintex hal roach shares seven dlrs share each for total mln dlrs and roach will repay mln dlrs advances qintex will also complete the mln dlr buy mln roach treasury shares seven dlrs each and provide roach with mln dlrs financing for expansion said said that the agreement also provided for second stage over one year which had put option exercisable one year from closing sell qintex all part its two mln roach shares for dlrs share said qintex had day call option exerciseable nine months from closing buy from all part one mln roach shares the greater dlrs each the average roach share price for three months before exercise date qintex will also acquire another mln roach treasury shares seven dlrs share months after closng for another mln dlrs said reuter 
earn	total still expects billion franc loss french oil group total cie francaise des petroles tpn still expecting billion franc consolidated net loss including minority interests for after taking account stock losses billion francs the company said communique after board meeting here late january group president francois xavier ortoli told journalists that the slump oil prices and the weak dollar had caused the stock depreciation turning consolidated net profit before 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 the subsidiary before stock depreciation crd made net profit before stock depreciation and currency factors billion francs last year after billion loss but its net loss last year taking account that depreciation well currency fluctuations was billion francs after billion loss crd sales fell pct mln tonnes from mln due the growth imports independent distributors following relaxation regulations guilbaud said the subsidiary expecting cut its workforce this year and from last year under job reduction scheme which will eventually save the group mln francs said concerning business said that january was good month but the situation deteriorated february reuter 
earn	steego corp stg qtr jan loss oper shr loss cts loss cts oper net loss loss sales mln mln nine mths oper shr loss nine cts loss two cts oper net loss loss sales mln mln note current nine mths net includes dlr pretax gain sale property prior year net both periods includes pretax gain dlrs pension plan termination current quarter net includes dlr tax credit prior year net includes losses from discontinued operations dlrs quarter and dlrs nine mths results restated for discontinued operations reuter 
earn	systems inc esy sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april one record march reuter 
crude	texas oil regulator calls for state tax breaks texas railroad commissioner james nugent saying that the ailing oilpatch cannot wait for congress act today urged texas state lawmakers adopt incentives find new oil reserves and exempt severance taxes oil produced from stripper wells nugent said speech the texas house representatives that the state must take the initiative molding energy policy and finding new ways assist troubled oil producers his proposal revitalize texas oil industry would exempt stripper wells that produce barrels oil less each day from the state pct severance tax said that the majority texas oil wells fall within the stripper well category and price swing two three dlrs barrel can crucial determining the well remains production nugent also called for state lawmakers exempt new wildcat wells from the state severance tax for five years financial incentive explore for new oil reserves secondary and tertiary oil production expensive methods production that inject water gas into the ground recover oil should also exempted from the severance tax nugent said his plan would exempt existing secondary and tertiary wells that produce rate less than three barrels day for three years until the price oil reaches barrel been sitting back and waiting two federal administrations develop coherent energy policy for the nation follow say have waited long enough nugent said other words let tell washington either lead follow get out the way nugent said that the financial losses the state treasury exempting marginal oil production from state severance taxes would more than made stimulating new business for the oil supply and service industry reuter 
earn	unicorp american corp uac sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter 
coffee	colombia blasts for coffee talks failure colombian finance minister cesar gaviria blamed inflexible position for the failure last week international coffee organisation ico talks export quotas understand that the position was more inflexible than the one brazil where current economic and political factors make difficult adopt certain positions gaviria told reuters interview the and brazil have each laid the blame the other for the breakdown the negotiations introduce export quotas after being extended through the weekend london gaviria stressed that colombia tried ensure successful outcome the london talks but deplored that intransigent attitudes both from producing and consuming nations made impossible conversation later with local journalists gaviria said the attitude would have serious economic and political consequences not necessarily for country like colombia but certainly for other latin american nations and for some african countries told reuters that colombia because the relatively high level its coffee stocks would probably suffer less according gaviria colombia can hope earn about mln dlrs this calendar year from coffee exports which traditionally account for pct the country total export revenue that estimate would represent drop revenues mln dlrs from colombia which held stockpiles mln bags the start the current coffee year exported record mln bags the coffee year ending last september 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 the company sees continued earnings growth above the billion dlrs dlrs per share earned guinn also said that capital spending stood about billion dlrs and the company expected the figure remain flat each year through noted that all captial spending will internally financed guinn also told analysts that the company faced some regulatory uncertainties ongoing rate cases its pacific bell operating company rates hearings before the california public utility commission guinn said the company faced potential mln dlr revenue reduction and due ongoing discussions with the commission said the figure might even greater the company also faces some opposition mln dlr rate hike requested for guinn said the commission found mln dlrs the hike was based questionable calculations and assumptions while mln dlrs might represented unneeded modernization costs guinn also said that the company still studying whether join international consortium that plans lay transpacific telephone cable between the and japan have not agreed anything guinn said but added would soon recieve feasibility study the venture and the company would make decision soon participating asked analyst about the recent recommendation the department justice which would allow the bell operating companies offer limited long distance services guinn said the company would likely shy away from that type expansion long distance services very competitive business commodity business and becoming more said not sure would interested getting back into that business however guinn generally applauded the recommendations saying they would give more latitude for the bell operating companies expand into non regulated businesses and provide more flexibility form strategic alliances with other companies added that while the company welcomes the expansion into new areas not currently involved any acqusition talks not have anything actively under consideration said 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 from sale eight real estate properties reuter 
ship	kenya signs pact establish own shipping line kenya has signed agreement with british and german interests establish shipping line that will handle pct the country external trade sources close the deal said the state owned kenya ports authority kpa signed agreement with the hamburg based shipping line unimar seetransport establish the kenya national shipping line with initial capital mln shillings sources said kpa will hold pct the shares the new company the line will initially charter vessels operate services between mombasa and the main ports industrial europe but may eventually build buy its own ships the sources said would 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 one holders record march nine reuter 
acq	dynamics corp dya settlement with cts cts dynamics corp america said has reached agreement with cts corp resolving all differences between the two companies said result the settlement cts special board committee has stopped soliciting orders purchase some all cts dynamics which now owns pct cts outstanding stock said agreed limit its shareholdings not more than pct the outstanding shares for year following the company annual meeting dynamics said the cts board will recommend cts shareholders vote the annual meeting favor the company paying dynamics dlrs reimbursement for its cts releated costs and granting dynamics option buy enough cts common dlrs share give ownership pct the outstanding stock dynamics said the price stock under the option exercisable for one year based the average closing price for the stock for the five days ending march two dynamics said cts chairman george sommer will assume the additional title president former president robert hostetler resigning director chief financial officer gary erekson ted ross and donald kacek dynamics said the cts board will reduced seven members for eight with the remaining four members the current board and three representatives dynamics new directors reuter 
grain	renewal ussr grain pact said uncertain prospects for renewal the five year ussr grains agreement are uncertain this point soviet trade official told reuters the current trade imbalance between the united states and the soviet union high commodity prices and increased world grain production make renewal the supply agreement next year less certain albert melnikov deputy trade representative the soviet union said interview the current agreement expires sept melnikov said that world grain markets are different than when the first agreement was signed statements from both and soviet officials have indicate that long term grains agreement might not attractive for both sides once was have had one agreement have had second agreement but with the second agreement had difficulties with prices melnikov said cannot give you any forecasts response the future about the agreement not want speculate what will happen after sept said melnikov noted that has seen indications from soviet government officials that they would pushing for renewal the agreement the situation different comparison three five ten years ago can produce more said reuter 
earn	danaher dhr expects earnings increase danaher corp said expects higher earnings versus expect significant increases earnings and revenues steven rales danaher chairman and chief executive officer said earlier the company reported net earnings mln dlrs dlrs share versus mln dlrs dlrs share also reported fourth quarter net mln dlrs cts share from mln dlrs cts share the 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 said has proposed cash merger usair group with twa which the holders usair common would receive dlrs cash exchange for their stock twa said the offer was made letter edmin colodny chairman and president usair twa said however that the negotiated deal not acceptable may make offer directly usair shareholders for pct usair outstanding stock purchased voting trust price lower than today offer twa said filing application with the department transportation seeking approval the merger well application for approval expedited basis its purchase pct usair common and the deposit the stock voting trust pending dot approval twa said that respect usair recent offer for piedmont aviation pie believes that usair shareholders would prefer cash merger proposal for usair over its proposed acquisition piedmont twa said however also would interested discussing three way deal among usair piedmont and twa twa said the merger subject the usair board redeeming the preferred stock purchase rights the poison pill issued shareholders last year and taking action that the vote majority the outstanding common stock required approve its proposed move additionally twa said would need satisfactory due diligence review usair twa said has not yet had opportunity obtain the necessary financing for the deal but added confident that will get reuter 
acq	cts cts and dynamics dya reach accord cts corp and dynamics corp america reached agreement resolving all outstanding differences between them according joint statment result the settlement special committee the board directors cts stopped soliciting offers buy all part the company said cts and dca also agreed dismiss all pending litigation between the two companies except for one appeal pending before the supreme court relating the indiana control share chapter said under the agreement the cts board will immediately reduced seven from eight with four current directors and three representatives dca being elected the board said this board will presented the slate for cts annual shareholders meeting added cts directors will recommend shareholders that they approve reimbursement dca about mln dlrs expenses relating cts and grant dca option buy pct cts shares said addition dca said agreed limit its ownership cts for the year following the annual meeting not more than pct the outstanding stock dca currently holds pct the outstanding shares cts both companies said they support the agreement and believe fair both sides reuter 
acq	measurex sells south african unit measurex corp said completed the sale its measurex south africa pty subsidiary group employees who manage the operation measurex maker computer integrated manufacturing systems said the subsidiary represented less than one pct worldwide revenues and the sale will have impact this year earnings reuter 
acq	jefferies making market usair jefferies and said making market the stock usair group inc usair received offer from trans world airlines buy the airline dlrs cash per share usair was halted the new york stock excahnge for dissemination the news was indicated reuter 
earn	trans lux tlx sets five pct stock dividend trans lux corp said its board declared five pct stock dividend payable april nine holders record march the company said directors also declared regular quarterly dividends presently outstanding shares both classes common payable april nine holders record march said unchanged dividend two cts will paid the common and cts the class stock reuter 
earn	kaneb energy partners ltd kep qtr loss shr loss one cent net loss revs mln mths shr loss dlrs net loss mln revs mln note february kaneb services inc contributed all its domestic oil and gas operations kaneb partners which was newly formed and exchanged approximately depositary units respresenting limited partnership interests kep for approximately million shares the outstanding common stock kaneb servies inc kaneb now owns approximately pct kep during the mths operation the partnership wrote down the carrying value its oil and gas properties mln dlrs the write downs reduced income dlrs per limited partnership unit reuter 
earn	dalton communications inc dalt qtr jan shr profit three cts loss two cts net profit loss revs mln mln nine months shr profit five cts profit six cts net profit profit revs mln mln reuter 
earn	correction shaw supermarkets earnings item headlined shaw supermarkets inc shaw year jan please read per share earnings drs dlrs correcting order results reuter 
earn	wtd industries inc wtdi qtr jan net shr profit cts loss one net profit loss sales mln mln avg shrs nine 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 said began selling five mln shares common stock dlrs share the company said also selling shares healthcare international inc hii giving the company pct stake healthvest reuter 
orange	cacex denies brazil fcoj price rise rumours there has been rise the price frozen concentrated orange juice fcoj spokesman for the banco brasil foreign trade department cacex said was responding rumours the international market that brazil had raised its fcoj prices range dlrs per tonne 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 respectively and extraordinary gain mln dlrs and mln dlrs respectively year and qtr include capital gains mln dlrs and mln dlrs respectively 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 respectively this compares with loss dlrs cts share and again mln dlrs share for the fourth qtr and year respectively reuter 
earn	industries inc sets qtrly payout qtrly div five cts five cts qtr pay april one record march reuter 
earn	wtd industries inc wtdi qtr jan net shr profit cts loss one net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs nine mths shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln avg shrs note company went public october reuter 
earn	alaska air group inc alk qtly dividend shr four cts four cts prior qtr pay may five record april reuter 
acq	usair has comment twa twa offer usair group inc said had comment offer received from trans world airlines buy usair for dlrs cash per share usair spokesman david shipley also declined comment piedmont aviation inc pie usair has offered dlrs cash per share for half piedmont stock and dlrs its own stock for the balance piedmont also received offer from norfolk southern corp nsc dlrs cash per share piedmont board was meeting today but the company declined say what was the agenda spokesman said could not comment the twa action norfolk southern corp nsc spokesman said the company had comment twa offer for usair its proposal negotiate three way merger between twa usair and piedmont don have all the details norfolk southern spokesman said the company dlr share cash offer for piedmont stands said its offer twa said alternative merger with usair would interested discussing three way combination among usair piedmont and twa said the three way merger would serve the best interests the shareholders all three companies employees and consumers reuter 
reserves	south african foreign reserves sharply feb south africa total gold and foreign assets rose mln rand february billion rand after rising almost one billion rand january reserve bank governor gerhard kock said kock interviewed state run television gave breakdown the reserves also said that curb inflation salary increases would have below the inflation rate the state must set example keeping wage increases below the inflation rate said consumer prices rose pct the year january reuter 
earn	leaseway transportation corp ltc qtly div qtly div cts cts prior pay april eight record march reuter 
sugar	peru sugar harvest seen lower usda sugar production peru for the season has been revised tonnes raw value down pct from the previous forecast and pct below the harvest the agriculture department said its world production and trade report said while rains the northern mountain region are improving the supply irrigation water the major benefits will not occur until the season reuter 
acq	itel itel gets financing for anixter buy itel corp said obtained commitments from syndicate banks for six year secured loan about mln dlrs and had separately filed registration statements for two public offerings for total mln dlrs fund its december acquisition anixter bros inc said one the offerings will new mln dlrs issue convertible exchangeable series preferred and the other will mln dlr issue seven year senior subordinated notes both offerings will through merrill lynch capital markets said portion the proceeds from the offerings together with the proceeds form the new bank loan wll used repay the mln dlr bridge loan merrill lynch and inc mer provided for itel buy anixter itel said the banks obtained commitments from include manufacturers hanover trust mhc chemical bank new york and the first national bank chicago reuter 
acq	great american gta gains over mln loans great american first savings bank said the bank recorded gains exceeding mln dlrs sales loans and mortgage securities valued billion dlrs the san diego based bank said prepared release its report analysts here that the gains included mln dlrs arbitrage profits from the premium paid for the separation interest and principal components new federal national mortgage association strip securities the bank said reported profit more than mln dlrs the transaction involving mln dlrs fnma securities including the 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 which resulted new offices and three billion dlrs assets the bank also said plans expand into other major western banking markets and considering acquisition colorado reuter 
acq	tandy brands tab sells unit tandy brands inc said sold its grate home and fireplace division investor group that includes some members grate management for dlrs cash and secured notes the company said the sale will not materially offset the dlr non recurring charge took against the sale the division reuter 
earn	browing ferris bfi declares for split browning ferris industires inc said its board declared two for one stock split payable april holders record march reuter 
earn	pennwalt corp psm qtly dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable may one record april three reuter 
acq	banner industries inc bnr completes purchase banner industries inc said completed the purchase all rexnord inc rex common shares for its dlrs per share cash tender offer that ended feb the purchase follows banner receiving earlier today mln dlrs under credit agreement with citicorp industries credit inc and the bank nova scotia and additional mln dlrs from offerings made for banner and its subsidiary through drexel burnham and lambert result the tender offer banner said will own approximately pct the outstanding shares rexnord the company said merger rexnord and subsidiary banner will completed before mid may reuter 
crude	murphy raises crude oil posted prices one dlr bbl wti dlrs today 
acq	phoenix steel receives offer for claymont mill phoenix steel corp said group investors offered buy its clayton steel plate mill for eight mln dlrs and the assumption bond obligation phoenix did not disclose the indentity the investors phoenix was forced close the clayton mill last month the company said the offer represents major step restructuring the 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 the distribution one share class common stock for every two shares common stock held record july reuter 
acq	viacom via merger expected days sumner redstone president national amusements inc predicted can win regulatory approvals wrap the billion dlr acquisition viacom international inc days redstone catapulted himself into the big leagues entertainment early today when group viacom managers and their financial backers decided not top national bid had counsel working for some time every region where viacom has cable televison systems redstone told reuters telephone interview redstone also said viacom committed working very closely with obtain approvals viacom has been seeking approvals for transfer its broadcast licenses and cable systems since september when its management group first advanced buyout plan but redstone turned the situation into spirited bidding contest which was capped the announcement this morning that viacom independent directors behalf viacom entered into defintive merger agreement with national national family business which operates chain movie theaters dwarfed viacom redstone said was weary after talks dragged through the night but also excited the prospect running leading electronic media company noted that the number motion picture admissions the has shown growth years nine satellite television channels operated viacom four are motion picture oriented pay channels redstone said exclusive contracts with pay television networks are the emerging trend until recently you could see any motion picture any pay channel redstone said noted viacom has exclusive agreements with two studios and plans sign deal with third company next month redstone said the management group investment bankers will paid what due for termination its merger agreement such fees could total about mln dlrs that will company expense redstone said said bankamerica bac corp has had numerous inquiries from lenders who want participate billion dlr financing for the deal bankamerica will provide mln dlrs after the merger viacom will subsidiary national but pct the company will public hands reuter 
trade	british aide criticizes protectionism senior british official said that protectionist bills being considered congress could trigger retaliation the european community eec and threaten the global trading system paul channon secretary for trade and industry said congress passed legislation curb textile imports which would hit shipments well shipments from major asian textile producers the community would have retaliate his comments echoed those made yesterday belgian trade minister herman croo who said the bill passed the community would retaliate imposing taxes exports channon made his remarks news conference after two days talks with reagan administration officials and members congress croo was also washington for trade talks channon said there was greater protectionism sentiment congress since his visit here last year congress and the administration tried find ways reduce the trade deficit which last year hit record billion dlrs channon also called for greater cooperation force japan open its markets foreign goods channon said japan trade surplus causing everyone problems its surplus with the united states last year was billion dlrs and with nations billion dlrs the more united pressure there could the better said channon also called for increased cooperation avoid trade disputes said the two sides narrowly avoided confrontation earlier this year over lost grains sales when spain and portugal joined the community and its liberal imports regulations were tightened conform standards but both sides drew back from the brink that time said does not mean that they would another occasion channon added that there increasing reesentment europe over the tactic negotiating under the pressure unilaterally imposed deadlines said other potential conflicts are already sight alleged european government subsidies airbus aircraft and taxes fats and oils and the commuity and the united states must therefore learn manage their relations better said another bill let the united states retaliate against nation that nation market was not open goods would bypass the trade pact gatt general agreeeement tariffs and trade arbiter trade practices said foreign trade law should judged gatt and not the united states adding the trade law interpreted the united states and not the gatt what happen the rest reuter 
earn	industries inc set regular payout qtly div five cts five cts prior pay march record march reuter 
sugar	china sugar output seen lower usda china sugar crop has been revised mln tonnes raw value down four pct from the previous forecast and five pct below the previous season the agriculture department said its world production and trade report the department attributed the decline relatively poor profitability sugar causing harvested area cane and beets decline seven pct from beet sugar production for now estimated tonnes five pct less than earlier forecast and down five pct from the previous season while cane output projected mln tonnes down four pct from previously forecast and five pct below the previous season said reuter 
earn	general host sees year loss general host corp said will report loss from continuing operations and sharp decline net income for the year ended january due substantial operating losses its frank nursery and crafts unit for the year ended january general reported net income mln dlrs the company said discovered problems its unit computerized accounts payable system said results its other nursery and craft unit flower time inc are not affected said its accountants are investigating the problem which will delay release its 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 
alum	kaiser aluminum klu raises product prices kaiser aluminum and chemical corp said increasing prices for broad range common alloy coil flat sheet and plate products the company said prices distributors and direct customers shipments new orders placed march and after will increased four eight cts per kaiser said the increases are due increased demand and the need set prices relative the cost primary aluminum reuter 
acq	robertson ups capital wire cwcc stake pct new york investor julian robertson and several investment partnerships controls said they raised their stake capital wire and cable corp shares pct the total from pct filing with the securities and exchange commission robertson and his tiger jaguar puma and tiger management entities said they bought capital wire common shares between feb and dlrs share robertson said his group has spent total mln dlrs its investment the company far reuter 
acq	twa twa tangles piedmont pie situation trans world airlines inc complicated the bidding for piedmont aviation inc offering either buy piedmont suitor usair group alternatively merge with piedmont and usair piedmont board was meeting today and wall street speculated the board was discussing opposing bids from norfolk southern corp and usair the twa offer was announced shortly after the piedmont board meeting was scheduled begin twa offered buy usair for dlrs cash per share also said was the largest shareholder usair and threatened directly usair shareholders with offer for pct the stock lower price twa also said believed its offer was better deal for usair shareholders than acquisition piedmont but said alternatively would discuss three way combination the airlines market sources and analysts speculated that twa chairman carl icahn made the offer order put his own airline into the takeover arena just wondering not just trying get twa into play there speculation the street just wants move onto somthing else said one arbitrager think twa might just putting trial balloon analysts said the offer must taken seriously usair but that the airline will probably reject because the price relatively low compared other airline deals they also said icahn must prove his offer credible revealing financing arrangements they need show their commitment and their ability finance think credible offer said timothy pettee bear stearns analyst think certainly the low end relative values airline deals said pettee pettee estimated dlrs would more reasonable range based other airline mergers usair stock soared after twa made public its offer spokesman for usair declined comment and said usair had not changed its offer for piedmont usair offered buy pct that airline stock for dlrs cash per share and the balance for dlrs per share usair stock usair closed volume mln shares piedmont which slipped close also remained silent the twa action piedmont has outstanding dlr cash per share offer from norfolk southern corp norfolk southern declined comment but said stuck with its offer for piedmont norfolk owns about pct piedmont and opened the bidding when said would propose takeover piedmont some analysts said icahn may trying acquire usair make his own airline more attractive takeover target icahn think had wanted sell his airline and there were takers think the strategy might have called for making his investment more attractive one way accomplish that specific objective out and acquire other airlines said andrew kim eberstadt fleming don know whose going buy them but least this way becomes much more viable package said kim but icahn financing ability for such transaction remains doubt part because twa heavy debt load wall street sources said twa has some cash with which the offer the sources said icahn has not lined outside financial advisers and plans make his own arrangements icahn earlier this year abandoned plans buy usx corp and still retains pct that company stock some wall street sources said the financier usx plan was impacted the cloud hanging over his adviser drexel burnham lambert inc because wall street insider trading scandal industry sources also predicted usair might reject the twa offer price and financing concerns littered with contingencies and doesn even have financing arrangement said one executive another major airline but the executive conceded merged twa usair would strong contender with usair east coast route system and planned west coast presence from psa usair could feed the intenrational flights twa which has midwest presence its louis hub adding piedmont dominant the southeast the mix would develop even stronger force the combined entity would also have twa pars reservation system such merger would complex and analysts said would result airline iwth pct market share reuter 
earn	forest oil corp foil qtr shr loss cts profit eight 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 said plans july trip china discuss trade issues including china admission the general agreements tariffs and trade yeutter told congressional hearing was possible china could member gatt before the end the year they are making major moves becoming full scale member the world economy told the house appropriations subcommittee which oversees his agency budget depending how the negotiations the terms china gatt membership yeutter said could put the final touches the part the agreement during his trip the admission china gatt which the multinational group nations which negotiates international rules trade would offer both potential export markets and potential competition for industries said that has lot potential well risks for business yeutter said think china will develop into fine market for added reuter 
coffee	rio coffee trade prefers pact quota cut the failure talks introduce new coffee export quotas within the international coffee agreement ica was preferable the alternative brazil having sharply reduced quota had been proposed president the rio janeiro coffee trade association carlos calmon said told reuters proposals reduce brazil quota pct the world share from pct present were unacceptable the country has large stocks and good harvest expected brazil has the capacity export mln bags this year calmon added calmon said assuming mln bag global ica quota brazil share under the proposals would have been mln bags which soluble would have accounted for mln leaving just mln bags green coffee for export pity the talks broke down but for brazil this was better than such quota reduction added brazil exported mln bags soluble and green coffee including about two mln bags non members severe drought and marketing problems cut exports last year under mln bags calmon estimated stocks january mln bags which mln have already been sold for export the harvest this year should around mln bags added the latest brazilian coffee institute estimate for last year harvest mln bags although many traders believe was higher than this reuter 
grain	cabinet council set mull farm issues the reagan administration cabinet level economic policy council scheduled meet friday discuss among other issues the status agricultural legislation administration officials said the officials said discussion agriculture department wheat export subsidy the soviet union was not the agenda matters not the agenda however can brought before the council the officials said grain trade officials have speculated that usda would make wheat export enhancement offer moscow but usda officials have said the matter not under active consideration usda today transmitted congress package legislative proposals including bills that would 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 before preferred dividend payments and includes after tax gain from sale real estate properties mln dlrs reuter 
acq	banner bnr completes rexnord share purchase banner industries inc said completed the previously announced purchase rexnord inc rex said owns pct rexnord outstanding following the purchase all rexnord common validly tendered pursuant its dlr per share cash tender offer ended february banner also said received mln dlrs pursuant credit agreement with citicorp industrial credit inc and the bank nova scotia and mln dlrs from offering made through drexel burnham lambert inc the merger rexnord with subsidiary banner will copmleted before mid may the company said reuter 
veg-oil	reaffirms opposition oils tax plan meeting among government agencies today reaffirmed the strong opposition the united states proposed new tax vegetable oils and fats the european community trade officials said representatives the major government agencies agreed trade policy review group meeting which includes officials the deputy secretary rank continue diplomatic pressure member states all agencies are together this said one trade official one source said the would continue make clear member states and the commission that brussels proceeds with the vegetable oils tax there will great cost officials said formal list european products which the might retaliate has yet been drawn don think that point yet said one trade official adding that the has only begun deliberations its farm price package suzanne early assistant trade representative told reuters the interagency meeting was discuss strategy the vegetable oils issue asked about retaliation she said sometimes its better not specific trade representative clayton yeutter monday warned another major transatlantic trade row will develop the proceeds with the vegetable oils tax 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 non voting shares reuter 
earn	transcontinental group ltd qtr net shr cts nine cts net mln mln revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln note period ended january reuter reuter 
acq	piedmont aviation recesses meeting without taking action merger proposals 
gnp	canada central bank head sees moderate growth bank canada governor john crow said expects the canadian economy will grow moderately the coming year despite the near flat growth the final quarter see moderate growth crow told news conference following presentation the central bank annual report the house commons today said there were positive signs growth the economy particularly the drawdown business inventories the fourth quarter yesterday statistics canada reported gross domestic product expanded slight pct the quarter crow reiterated the bank previous statements that inflation remains major priority setting monetary policy and said only zero inflation would acceptable canada inflation rate currently hovering around the four pct mark the governor said canada banking system remains sound despite recent concern about exposure the country banks debt plagued countries such brazil the debt problem not happy development but think can overplayed terms its impact crow told reporters reuter 
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 respectively for realized investment gains qtr and oper net also excludes dlrs and dlrs respectively for tax loss carryforwards qtr and oper net excludes realized investment gains dlrs cts per share and dlrs cts per share respectively qtr oper net also excludes loss dlrs for carryforward reuter 
acq	piedmont pie takes action piedmont aviation inc said its board meeting recessed today without taking action proposals combine piedmont with other corporations piedmont has received opposing bids from norfolk southern corp and air corp earlier today trans world airlines inc offered either buy piedmont suitor air alternatively merge with piedmont and air prepared statement piedmont said there would further announcements concerning this situation today the company declined say when the board would meet again reuter 
trade	yeutter concerned about export picture trade representative clayton yeutter said expects imports fall soon but was concerned about the lack improvement exports given the dollar decline the last months convinced about see improvement the import side more concerned about the export side told house appropriations subcommittee part the blame goes other countries which have not generated the economic growth increase demand for goods and part some companies which are not generating competitive exports said reuter 
trade	house trade bill drafting postponed the house ways and means trade subcommittee postponed until next week its opening session start drafting major changes trade laws committee aide said the subcommittee had not yet completed the preparatory work start writing the legislation the aide said 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 three cts three cts pay march record march reuter 
crude	southland slc unit raises crude prices southland corp citgo petrleum corp said raised the contract price will pay for all grades crude oil one dlr barrel effective today the increase brings citgo posted price for west texas intermediate dlrs bbl west texas sour also now priced dlrs bbl and light louisiana south posted dlrs bbl february citgo lowered its crude postings cts dlrs per bbl and cut wti one 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 
coffee	coffee price drop not affecting colombia debt the sharp fall international coffee prices will not affect colombia external credit situation finance minister cesar gaviria told reuters our foreign debt high but can pay and hope the foreign banking community will maintain its position toward said said the current decline world coffee markets was not totally unexpected and would have immediate bearing colombia financial state which described sound gaviria said the decline coffee prices could mean loss billion dlrs revenues for the conservative party and the country largest trade union called this week for the debt rescheduled following the price drop colombia the only major latin american country not have rescheduled its external public debt has total foreign debt billion dlrs reuter 
reserves	south african foreign reserves sharply south africa total gold and foreign assets rose mln rand february billion rand after rising almost one billion rand january reserve bank governor gerhard kock said kock interviewed state run television gave breakdown the reserves also said that curb inflation salary increases would have below the inflation rate the state must set example keeping wage increases below the inflation rate said consumer prices rose pct the year january reuter 
acq	wtc international waf sets south africa trust wtc international said has sold its affiliates south africa independent trust created continue the operations that country the purchase price was about mln dlrs represented ten year interest bearing note payable annually pct paid the trust out proceeds from the south african operations the company said wtc said its board concluded view the social political and economic situatin south africa was best separate the company from its interests there reuter 
coffee	ivory coast says coffee price fall short lived ivory coast today predicted that the present coffee price crash recorded after the collapse the recent international coffee organisation ico meeting london would not last long commenting monday failure producer and consumer nations agree new export quotas needed tighten oversupplied coffee market ivorian agriculture minister denis bra kanon told reporters that traders would eventually obliged restore their positions convinced the market going reverse april told news conference here his return from the failed london talks robusta coffee beans for may delivery ended the day london down about sterling sterling tonne the lowest since bra kanon estimated least billion cfa francs billion dlrs the overall loss revenues earned ivory coast from all its commodities exports this year the slide the world markets continues disclosed that his country the world biggest cocoa producer and the third largest for coffee would spearhead african initiative reach compromise formula the end next month ivory coast has been chosen the abidjan based inter african coffee organisation iaco speak behalf the continent producer nations the london talks initiative from iaco likely very soon said without elaborating following the london collapse have immediately embarked concertation course avoid breaking already fragile market said questioned journalists the minister said president felix houphouet boigny estimated for the moment that his government would not forced reduce the price guaranteed the state ivorian coffee growers for the current season last year the west african nation announced that the coffee producer price would stay cfa francs cents per kilo bra kanon said that his country would strive diversify its agricultural production avoid beeing too dependent from world market fluctuation communique read over the state run television tonight said that during today weekly cabinet meeting the veteran ivorian leader reaffirmed his faith ivory coast bright economic future despite the commodities price slide the agriculture minister also announced the government decided earmark sum billion cfa francs mln dlrs support the country small farmers financially strapped ivory coast long regarded one africa showpiece economies going through difficult times following the sharp slump the world price cocoa and coffee ivory coast real gross domestic product expected grow only one pct this year compared five pct according recent finance ministry estimate reuter 
gold	reagan remarks help gold recover hong kong gold rose about cents ounce following statement president ronald reagan that the arms for hostages deal with iran was mistake dealers said bullion rose dlrs from initial low this compares with the opening and new york close dealers noted mild short covering the metal after some initial selling local investors trading was fairly quiet this morning partly owed the slow dollar activities they added however reagan remarks had only short lived bullish impact the gold price which now stabilising dlrs dealers said the local market the metal traded narrow range and dlrs tael against yesterday close reuter 
money-supply	taiwan issues more cds curb money supply growth the central bank has issued billion dlrs worth certificates deposit cds bringing the value issues far this year billion bank spokesman told reuters the new cds with maturities six months one year and two years carry interest rates ranging from pct the issues are designed help curb the growth the money supply which has expanded along with taiwan foreign exchange reserves the spokesman said the reserves reached record high more than billion dlrs wednesday reuter 
ship	taiwan shipbuilder looks for japanese ventures taiwan state owned china shipbuilding corp csbc plans seek joint production agreements with japan and further diversify into ship repairing try trim its debts chairman louis said told reuters interview that csbc first joint production venture build two hulls for onomichi dockyard ltd was success talks similar projects have been held with other japanese firms including mitsubishi heavy industries ltd mith and ishikawajima harima heavy industries ltd jima said said csbc delivered the hulls two teu twenty foot equivalent unit container ships this year onomichi which would complete production expect the successful cooperation between and onomichi will pave the way for further cooperation with other japanese shipbuilders the future said said japanese firms would gain from the lower cost shipbuilding taiwan while csbc would benefit from japanese technology and marketing this would pose challenge competitors europe and south korea said csbc has made losses about mln dlrs since beginning operations its total debt now stands about mln dlrs with annual interest payments nearly three mln dlrs but said the company which taiwan largest shipbuilder still has full government support and had begun diversifying into ship repairing and manufacture pipes and other machinery hope can survive and prosper through diversification said said income from ship repairing almost doubled mln dlrs the year ended june compared with the previous financial year estimated income would rise more than mln dlrs csbc has orders build ships totalling dead weight tons dwt this financial year compared with ships dwt said said the prospects for shipbuilding were gloomy least until due overtonnage but the outlook for ship repairing was bright reuter 
crude	opec sticking firm official prices subroto opec countries are all sticking firmly official crude oil prices but the volatility spot prices likely continue into the third quarter indonesian minister mines and energy subroto told reuters subroto attending pacific energy cooperation conference blamed recent rapid spot price changes unbalanced supply and demand stick the production limitation the third quarter will better balance said the market period transition while the impact opec december agreement cut output and fix prices average dlrs barrel worked through asked whether opec members the gulf cooperation council gcc had any concrete proposals help qatar sell its crude oil the face strong resistance its official prices subroto said apparently they have taken care that they the gcc meet very often among themselves think they help each other said subroto said that was not member opec price differentials committee did not know why the meeting had been postponed from its scheduled april date maybe they find better not have the meeting because everyone sticking official prices said reuter 
coffee	thai coffee exports rise thai coffee exports rose tonnes from year earlier the customs department said reuter 
money-supply	south korean money supply rises february south korea money supply rose pct billion won february from billion january when fell revised pct from december provisional bank korea figures show the february figure was pct from year earlier money supply rose pct billion won february from january when fell pct from december the february figure marked year year rise pct the bank previously said fell pct january reuter 
reserves	pakistan foreign exchange reserves fall pakistan foreign exchange reserves fell billion rupees february from billion january compared with billion february the state bank pakistan said the bank gave reason for the fall but local bankers said big import bills had affected the reserves the federal bureau statistics has not yet released last month import and export figures reuter 
earn	hoechst group pre tax profit falls hoechst hfag said its group pre tax profit would slightly lower than the billion marks posted while parent company pre tax profits rose slightly from the billion group turnover fell slightly billion marks from billion and parent company turnover fell around billion marks from billion the company said statement reuter 
gold	bhp float gold unit with one for three issue the broken hill pty ltd brkn bhp said plans renounceable one for three issue rights float new company bhp gold mines ltd bhpgm which will hold most bhp gold interests statement bhp said the cent par rights would priced cents for mln the bhpgm shares offer bhp will subscribe for the remaining mln shares pct issued capital the same terms bhpgm will pay mln dlrs for bhp gold interests excluding its stake papua new guinea tedi mining ltd and those interests held bhp utah international inc the bhp statement said the issue will made shareholders registered march opens april and closes april and underwritten were and son rights will traded australian stock exchanges from march april and the new shares will quoted from june bhp said the new company will one australia larger gold producers with annual output exceeding ounces said there are plans boost production ounces the early bhpgm portfolio will include several australian mines pct telfer pct ora banda and browns creek and pct the new boddington development the statement said bhpgm would also hold bhp pct stake the coronation hill property the northern territory and its pct stake new venture near gympie queensland bhpgm chairman designate john gough said was quality gold stock the diversity and depth bhp gold portfolio give the company sound foundation current gold production and exciting potential for growth said reuter 
earn	bank expected post pct profit rise the hongkong and shanghai banking corp hkbh likely show rise profit between and pct for reflecting stronger than expected loan growth share analysts polled reuters said their estimates the bank net earnings for last year ranged from billion dlrs results will announced tuesday the net profit was billion they forecast final dividend cents for total cents for the year against cents adjusted for one for five bonus issue analysts said they expected the bank recommend bonus issue this year probably one for three one for five the bank pct subsidiary hang seng bank ltd hsgh report its results friday analysts expect hang seng announce net profit more than one billion dlrs for the first time increase pct they expect hang seng pay final dividend dlrs for total dlrs for the year against analysts said that while the use undisclosed inner reserves banks here makes forecasting very imprecise hongkong bank benefited from the unexpected strength the hong kong economy when gross domestic product grew nearly nine pct against initial forecast pct they benefited considerably from the pickup loan demand their loan portfolio well balanced analyst mansion house securities ltd said government figures show that total loans and advances rose pct compared with pct increase loans finance hong kong visible trade the mainstay the local economy rose pct against decline five pct low interest rates also helped the bank interest received loans was low with the prime rate pct end but interest paid savings was two pct hongkong bank and hang seng bank control half all deposits the banking system giving them access large base low cost funds the strength the real estate market was another major income source for the bank group loans finance property development and instalment mortgages rose sharply the hongkong bank group still the leader mortgage business despite tough competition from the bank china group and other foreign banks one analyst said the high level activity the capital and equities markets contributed sharp improvement hongkong bank subsidiaries wardley ltd waia and james capel and analysts said wardley had tremendous year acting financial adviser and underwriter analyst said wardley was underwriter for last year billion dlr flotation cathay pacific airways ltd which hongkong bank owned pct the time the bank stake has since been cut pct return for billion dlrs also sold its entire pct stake south china morning post ltd the larger two english language daily newspapers here for billion dlrs the proceeds will reserves for acquisitions and will not show the profit and loss accounts analysts said analysts said the bank had also been helped reduced need write off bad debts the need for provisions was much lower than the year before said tony measor hong leong securities ltd last year profits should have been billion dlrs not for the huge provisions former hongkong bank chairman michael sandberg said the bank wrote off hundreds millions dollars against its shipping exposure lesley nickolds county securities asia ltd said she saw major shipping writeoffs she forecast profit billion dlrs the bank latin american exposure mainly through its pct owned marine midland banks inc appears have improved substantially analysts said marine midland fourth quarter loan loss provisions fell mln dlrs from mln year before its net profit rose mln dlrs from mln reuter 
acq	hughes tool directors reject merger with baker the directors hughes tool said they would recommend shareholders that they reject merger with baker international corp bko today hughes vice president ike kerridge said the recommendation would put shareholders meeting scheduled for local time gmt discuss the proposed merger kerridge said the board met yesterday discuss the merger but decided against the hughes board objected department justice requirement that baker sell off several specialised subsidiaries businesses related oil drilling the hughes board last week indicated that might cancel the merger because the department justice requirement the board directors the california based baker had approved the merger february baker said had signed agreement sell one the subsidiaries the companies had been given until april comply with the justice department requirement kerridge said 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 the company attributed the profit fall largely the yen appreciation during the period domestic sales rose pct billion yen from year earlier while exports declined pct billion reuter 
tin	thai tin exports rise january thailand exported tonnes tin metal january from december and year ago the mineral resources department said said major buyers last month were singapore japan britain the netherlands malaysia and the reuter 
trade	belgolux trade moves into surplus the belgo luxembourg economic union bleu moved into narrow trade surplus billion francs after billion franc deficit figures given spokesman for the national statistics institute show said imports fell last year billion francs from while exports were also lower billion francs against billion december the bleu had billion franc trade surplus after billion franc surplus november and billion franc surplus december reuter 
money-supply	spain raises banks reserve requirement the bank spain said raised the reserve requirement for banks and savings banks pct deposits from pct drain excess liquidity which threatened money supply and inflation targets statement issued late last night the central bank said the measure would take effect from march recent weeks there has been excess liquidity the spanish economy which not controlled would threaten the monetary and inflation targets set the government the statement said banking sources said the measure would drain about billion pesetas from the system the maximum reserve requirement allowed law pct the move follows half point increase yesterday the bank spain key overnight call money rate which now stands pct today auction however the bank left the rate unchanged spain principal measure money supply the broad based liquid assets public hands alp grew annualised rate pct january compared with pct during the whole and target eight pct for banking sources said that although the january money supply figures were good compared with annualised rates pct december and pct january alp growth appeared have accelerated february raising government concern regarding inflation recent figures have suggested that prices were under control secretary state for trade miguel angel fernandez ordonez said this week that the annualised inflation rate for february not yet officially announced fell pct from six pct january compared with inflation pct during and government target five pct for this year reuter 
iron-steel	india and japan discuss iron ore prices the state owned minerals and metals trading corp will send team japan next week negotiate iron ore export contract for beginning april trade sources said japan the biggest buyer indian iron ore with imports around mln tonnes year has asked india reduce prices from the current average dlrs tonne the sources said japan has said may forced reduce ore imports from india next year new delhi fails reduce the price one source said but declined give further details reuter 
sugar	firs slightly raises beet sugar output estimate the french sugar market intervention board firs raised its estimate beet sugar production the member european community mln tonnes white equivalent its end february report from mln month earlier its forecast for total sugar production including cane and molasses rose mln tonnes from mln portugal which joined the community january was estimated mln tonnes white equivalent unchanged from the previous forecast and compared with mln tonnes for production for the current campaign spain was higher than reported last month mln tonnes compared with tonnes beet sugar production expressed white equivalent was estimated mln tonnes france mln tonnes west germany mln italy mln britain mln the netherlands tonnes belgium luxembourg denmark greece ireland and portugal reuter 
crude	papua new guinea plans resources investment agency the papua new guinea government will establish public corporation invest resources projects minerals and energy minister john kaputin said intend provide means through which less privileged individuals can become part owners and beneficiaries from the development mining and petroleum projects told parliament existing policy allowing the state pct equity major mining projects and pct oil and gas projects would maintained said the planned agency could take over the state equity current developments kaputin said papua new guinea was experiencing boom with exploration companies spending about mln kina annually about mining and petroleum projects the government determined ensure that papua new guinean ownership minerals and petroleum projects increases orderly way said kaputin did not say when the corporation would established exactly what form would take but said the government would study whether should directly involved exploration development reuter 
money-fx	nigerian currency firms latest auction the nigerian naira firmed pct against the dollar after banks were disqualified from bidding today weekly foreign exchange auction the central bank said the naira finished the dollar against last week only mln dlrs the mln dlrs offer was sold with all bidding banks successfully obtaining hard currency the effective rate including central bank levy for transactions the coming week was against last week the failure sell the whole allocation was due the central bank unprecedented disqualification banks punishment for inadequate documentation previous transactions banks are required submit proof that their bids are based valid commercial transactions and the central bank has complained the past that many are failing produce the right paperwork within the specified time reuter 
trade	tells japan more cut trade surplus undersecretary state for economic affairs allen wallis said had urged japan much more reduce its large trade surplus with the united states our central message japan this week was that while have made progress some areas much needs done told press conference after three days talks what need resolution trade issues need visible efforts restructure the economy encourage more imports and need greater domestic led growth forecasting sluggish economic growth japan this year wallis urged tokyo stimulate domestic demand help reduce its trade surplus which hit record billion dlrs named several areas particular concern washington computer microchips supercomputers kansai airport agricultural products and car telephones warned that the japan agreement governing trade semiconductors was jeopardy despite the pact japanese producers are still dumping microchips foreign markets other than the united states while penetration the japanese market has not increased said reuter 
gnp	german economic outlook seen fairly bright the outlook for the west german economy relatively bright with gross national product expected expand three pct this year kiel university institute for world economy said the gnp forecast the institute one five leading economic research bodies west germany more optimistic than that the other institutes some which have recently reduced their gnp forecasts between two and pct report the kiel institute said west germany export outlook has not deteriorated fundamentally despite the mark strength against the dollar and other major currencies the danger that exports will slump appears all all limited the report said the contrary slight rise exports can expected the institute said past experience has shown west german exporters will move counterbalance currency factors cutting costs trying penetrate new markets and adjusting their product ranges they will aided expected slight rise economic growth industrial countries the same time the decline exports oil producing countries looks set slow this year west german gnp growth will led renewed advances domestic consumption and investment spending both which will turn buoyed expansionary monetary policy the institute said however said the labour market would see only slight improvement because companies will reluctant hire additional workers due higher labour costs caused partly agreed reductions working hours the institute cautioned that the expansionary stance monetary policy west germany was likely bring marked acceleration inflation also warned that what called the worldwide synchronization monetary policy heightened the risk new global recession said central banks industrialized countries including the bundesbank had followed the federal reserve board expansionary course the institute said this turn was bound lead eventually rise worldwide inflation and shift policy towards more restrictive policy other central banks were likely follow suit causing recession that could aggravate the debt crisis developing countries well increase protectionism around the world although germany cannot entirely shield itself from the negative effects the global synchronization monetary policy should all can strengthen the forces growth home the institute said this could done ensuring that fiscal policy fosters willingness work and invest taxes should cut greater amount than currently planned and wage increases and should markedly lower than also said the bundesbank should reduce inflationary pressures cutting the current rate growth money supply about four pct reuter 
coffee	creditor banks may buy into singapore coffee firm the nine creditor banks the singapore coffee trader teck hock and pte ltd are thinking buying controlling stake the company themselves creditor bank official said since last december the banks have been allowing the company postpone loan repayments while they try find overseas commodity company make offer for the firm least one company has expressed interest and negotiations are not yet over banking sources said however the banks are now prepared consider taking the stake they find investor willing inject six seven mln dlrs the company but not take control the banking sources said teck hock financial adviser singapore international merchant bankers ltd simbl will work the new proposal with the creditor banks they said major holdings are likely held the two largest creditor banks standard chartered bank stch and oversea chinese banking corp ltd ocbm they added teck hock owes over mln singapore dlrs and the creditor banks earlier this week agreed let teck hock fufill profitable contracts help balance earlier losses the nine banks are oversea chinese banking corp ltd united overseas bank ltd uobm banque paribas bangkok bank ltd citibank standard chartered bank ltd algemene bank nederland abnn banque nationale paris bnpp and chase manhattan bank reuter 
trade	economic spotlight polish sanctions poland says sanctions have cost its economy billion dlrs and has made clear wants washington take lead repairing the damage after lifting remaining restrictions two weeks ago polish officials are unable provide precise breakdown the figure saying takes into account number hypothetical losses some them are too sophisticated convert into financial terms one banking source said but western economic experts say the effect sanctions impossible calculate they say blurred the poor performance poland economy and dismiss the billion dlr figure illusory sanctions have provided very useful excuse for under achieving they did have bad effect yes but they only contributed largely internal economic problems one said the imposed the measures and withdrew most favoured nation mfn trading status from poland retaliation for suppression the solidarity free trade union under martial law the estimated cost the polish economy was originally devised several years ago the institute national economy offshoot the central planning commission according one western envoy expert polish economic affairs extrapolated information growth trends trade with the united states well increases credits from western commercial and government lenders but the calculations were based time when trade was booming and credits still flowed freely said dismissing the estimate theoretical projection based high point which has real scientific evaluation foreign trade ministry official said polish exports the the late averaged around mln dlrs annually and had fallen half since the sanctions were imposed imports have suffered slumping from around mln dlrs mln credits ran out poland has dwindling trade surplus with the west last year was one billion dlrs against targeted billion official figures show acknowledging that sanctions have lost poland important markets including agricultural equipment textiles chemicals and some foodstuffs western economists say credits dried for economic not political reasons poland accusing the west letting economic relations deteriorate for political reasons said one expert illusion based misunderstanding western economy there limit how much you can giving someone who has hope repaying another said adding that poland had benefited from global phenomenon easy credits the which were longer today reality describing the billion dlr assessment nebulous one diplomat said also included losses hypothetical orders and setbacks polish research through the curbing scientific links and exchanges western officials say the lifting sanctions and new mfn status will have little impact poland which has hard currency debt billion dlrs and lacks the means modernise its industry mfn doesn really mean anything only that poland will not treated worse than other countries will difficult regain access the market because different forces are play now said one western envoy said polish products were not competitive and their quality was too low trade wars and possible protectionist measures amongst the japan and europe would also hamper poland efforts regain entry deputy foreign trade minister janusz kaczurba recognised this fact recently kaczurba told the official pap news agency recently making our lost position will take long time and uncommonly difficult and certain cases impossible period two three years will possible increase the level exports only about mln dlrs while poland unlikely seek compensation says has moral right assistance from the which says imposed the sanctions illegally but western economist said the argument that sanctions were unilateral torpedoing the polish economy won cut any ice the americans will just reply that the poles acted immorally crushing solidarity nevertheless polish national bank head wladyslaw baka talks washington last week with the international monetary fund imf and world bank made clear that poland was looking for lead from the united states was quoted pap saying that poland would meet its financial obligations the united states but not short time and not without cooperative stand the part its foreign economic partners stressed that the had particular opportunity play part the cooperative policy poland partners interested the settlement polish debt putting more sharply one senior banking official blamed washington for obstructing talks with the world bank imf and paris club western creditor governments recent years and said should now play more positive role major superpower the united states can influence international organisations said citing recent meetings aimed stabilising currencies example the extent which western nations were prepared cooperate reuter 
wpi	belgian wholesale prices fall january belgian wholesale prices fell pct january from year earlier after pct year year fall december figures from the economics ministry show ministry spokesman said the wholesale price index base and excluding value added tax stood january this compared with december janua and december january wholesale prices were pct lower than year earlier reuter 
interest	bundesbank leaves credit policies unchanged the bundesbank left credit policies unchanged after today regular meeting its council spokesman said answer enquiries the west german discount rate remains pct and the lombard emergency financing rate pct reuter 
sugar	turkey import tonnes crystal sugar turkey has announced tender import tonnes white crystal sugar with advertisement local newspapers turkish sugar factories said the advertisement there was pct option increase decrease the amount and bids should reach before march the semi official anatolian agency recently quoted turkish minister industry and trade cahit aral saying turkey will export tonnes sugar this year and import the same amount reuter 
money-fx	egyptian central bank dollar rate unchanged egypt central bank today set the dollar rate for commercial banks for march dollars unchanged from the 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 seen well below ceiling opec crude oil output the first few days march was running about mln bpd down from mln bpd average for february and well below the mln bpd ceiling the group adopted december reuter survey shows the figures were polled reuters correspondents from oil traders industry executives and analysts europe the middle east africa latin america and asia they back recent statements opec ministers that the group producing within its ceiling support the return fixed price system which came into effect last month opec output for the whole february was about bpd above the ceiling largely because overproduction the united arab emirates and kuwait the figures show the uae together with the much smaller producer ecuador was also producing above quota the first days march the survey reveals but such overproduction was compensated for sharp fall saudi arabian output together with iran inability export much its quota allows iraq rejected its opec quota mln bpd and produced mln bpd february and early march the figures showed saudi output excluding movements into stocks fell mln bpd early march from mln bpd february against mln bpd quota the saudi figures include bpd share neutral zone production kuwait which has consistently denied quota violations was estimated pumping mln bpd february and early march both figures including bpd its share neutral zone output against its bpd quota reports customer resistance fixed prices set some opec states were reflected output from qatar and nigeria both substantially under quota february and early march qatar february output was bpd and this fell bpd early march compared with its bpd quota industry sources say japanese buyers are resisting qatar prices and gulf arab oil states have pledged make for any shortfall sales which fellow gulf state suffers nigeria early march output was about one mln bpd down from mln bpd february and its quota mln bpd industry sources say nigeria customers believe its bonny grades are overpriced compared with compatible brent crudes from the north sea country country production figures are 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 said has filed suit state court houston compel hughes tool complete its proposed merger with baker late yesterday hughes said had terminated the merger agreement because baker would not agree alternative divestiture plan devised hughes hughes board had previously found unacceptable justice department consent decree that would have required broader divestitures baker said has not obtained any satisfactory explanation from hughes its objections the provisions the justice department consent decree hughes yesterday adjourned the special meeting which shareholders were vote the merger without permitting the counting votes the deal baker said believes the vote was overwhelmingly favor the merger baker said the new terms that hughes proposed for the merger alternative the consent decree were more burdensome than those the consent decree themselves baker said divestitures under the consent decree would reduce revenues for the combined company about mln dlrs three pct baker said will continue pursue the divestitures the units named the consent decree said its suit names defendants hughes and certain its directors and seeks either injunction forcing hughes live the merger agreement substantial monetary damages did not name baker said believes the merger the best interests shareholders both companies reuter 
interest	spain deregulates bank deposit interest rates spain finance ministry deregulated bank deposit rates effort raise competition among banks and bring legislation into line with the european community ministry spokesman said the measure was published today the official state gazette takes effect tomorrow and lifts restrictions rates now limited six pct deposits days the government also enacted decree cutting one pct from pct the proportion total assets which banks must lend favourable rates industries classified public interest some bankers expect the deregulation rates result pct drop profits this year secretary state for the economy guillermo dehesa told reuters recent interview the reduction fixed asset investments would offset losses from the rate liberalisation reuter 
acq	usair rejects twa twa takeover bid usair group inc said its board has rejected trans world airlines inc offer acquire usair for dlrs per share cash grossly adequate and not the best interests usair shareholders employees passengers the company said the unsolicited bid the carl icahn led twa was highly conditional usair said its board and that piedmont aviation inc pie met separately yesterday consider usair offer acquire pct piedmont for dlrs per share and remaining shares for common shares each valued about dlrs per share based the average closing price usair common during period just before the merger the company said continuing talks with piedmont arriving definitive merger agreement and the two companies hope reach one very shortly usair said light the highly conditional nature and other terms the twa offer the timing the offer and the circumstances under which was made usair group believes that the purpose the twa offer interfere with usair group proposed acquisition piedmont twa proposal nothing more than attempt carl icahn disrupt the eleventh hour usair group acquisition piedmont transaction which the usair group board views most beneficial usair group shareholders employees and passengers and which icahn obviously regards contrary his own personal interests usair said its board has authorized counsel explore all appropriate legal remedies against what called twa last minute attempt interfere with usair group acquisition piedmont the company said conditions the twa offer include twa obtaining financing the usair board redeeming defensive rights issued shareholders last year and acting render the fair price provision contained usair charter inapplicable the twa offer and transportation department approval reuter 
jobs	first time jobless claims fall week new applications for unemployment insurance benefits fell seasonally adjusted the week ended feb from the prior week the labor department said the number people actually receiving benefits under regular state programs totaled the week ended feb the latest period for which that figure was available that was from the previous week reuter 
earn	jaguar sees strong growth new model sales jaguar plc jagr about sell its new model the and japanese markets and expects strong reception based its success the chairman sir john egan told news conference commenting pct growth group turnover mln stg and pre tax profits mln stg slightly below mln egan said jaguar aimed average profit growth pct per year however the introduction the new model had kept this year pre tax profit down jaguar starts selling the may and plans sell its total production there sales now account for pct total turnover finance director john edwards said price for the car has not been set yet but edwards said the relatively high car prices dollars west german competitors offered umbrella for jaguar added the had also compete with luxury car producers which would restrict the car price jaguar hedges majority its dollar receipts month rolling basis and plans for larger part its receipts for longer periods john egan said the longer term capital expenditure will amount pct net sales research and development will cost four pct net sales and training two pct jaguar builds half its cars and buys components for the other half the firm early stages considering the building own press shop britain for about mln stg but egan said this would take least another three years the london stock exchange jaguar shares were last quoted down from yesterday close after reporting results which were line with market expectations dealers said reuter 
crude	diamond shamrock raises crude posted prices one dlr effective march wti now 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 
copper	quake damage chuquicamata mine spokesman the earthquake which hit northern chile today registering the open ended richter scale caused damage the copper mine chuquicamata mine spokesman said chuquicamata public relations director guillermo barcelo told reuters telephone from the mine that the quake had caused problems and operations continued usual spokesman for the state chilean copper commission santiago confirmed there had been damage chuquicamata reuter 
acq	five groups apply buy french telephone group five consortia have applied buy the french state owned telephone equipment manufacturer cie generale constructions telephoniques cgct which will give the owners control pct the french telephone switching market sources close finance minister edouard balladur said the french government has given itself until the end april decide which applicant will accepted they added while several foreign groups have said they want gain foothold the french market their potential stake cgct limited pct under privatisation laws passed last year with pct left french hands the finance ministry sources gave details the groups interested cgct but several have publicly announced their candidacies telecommunications giant american telephone and telegraph which has been the centre the two year battle for cgct has teamed with the dutch based philips telecommunications industrie subsidiary philips gloeilampenfabriek pglo and societe anonyme telecommunications sat present joint bid association with holding company cie midi mcdp and five french investment funds second bid has come from the west german electronics group siemens sieg which hopes take pct stake cgct with the french telecommunications jeumont schneider taking the remaining pct sweden ericsson has also submitted bid for the maximum pct permitted association with french defence electronics group matra which would hold between and pct and construction group bouygues matra has already acquired cgct private telephone business reuter 
ship	blizzard closes bosphorus blizzard conditions halted shipping through the bosphorus waterway and piled snow cms deep central istanbul paralysing the city for the second day running snow whipped kph winds continued fall istanbul and northwest anatolia after hours and weather reports predicted relief for another two days port officials said least six large vessels the black sea and the sea marmara were waiting for conditions improve istanbul ataturk international airport has been closed since yesterday reuter 
acq	japan fund jpn seekers confident financing the sterling grace capital management group said confident financing can arranged the japan fund board recommend the group acquisition proposal the group which also includes anglo american security fund and pickens iii tuesday proposed entity controls acquire for cash all the assets japan fund for pct the fund aggregate net asset value the group said has had number meetings over the past few days with domestic and overseas financial institutions the sterling grace capital group said certain these institutions have expressed serious interest providing financing for the proposed acquisition japan fund adding are reasonably confident that the financing can quickly arranged the japan fund board directors willing recommend the transaction shareholders reuter 
earn	pegasus gold inc pgulf qtr dec net shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs nine 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 after november class subordinate floating share issue reuter 
acq	hutton efh starts purolator pcc bid hutton group inc said has started its previously announced offer purchase common shares purolator courier corp dlrs each newspaper advertisement the company said the offer proration period and withdrfawal rights will expire april one unless extended the offer conditioned receipt least purolator shares pct interest and the first step merger agreement that has been approved the purolator board hutton said reserves the right buy more than shares but has present intention doing said may waive the condition that least shares tendered long received least pct interest were receive fewer shares than that said would only purchase sharesd with the consent purolator reuter 
money-fx	yeutter puts currency burden taiwan korea responsibility for the appreciation the taiwan dollar and the south korean won lies soley with those countries said trade representative clayton yeutter speaking the asia society yeutter said that those countries own long term interest raise the value their currencies against the dollar yeutter was responding question about what the could encourage appreciation those currencies against the dollar order reduce the large trade deficits with taiwain and korea undervalued currency will help those countries exports the short term but the long run they have concerned about how they are perceived the international business community yeutter said for taiwan yeutter said that with its per capita trade surplus with the much larger than that japan and with huge foreign exchange reserves was difficult defend the high import tarrifs and other barriers that prevail that country also said that the south korean won should begin move reflect underlying economic fundamentals otherwise two three years time korea will the same situation that prevails taiwan turning the deficit with japan more than billion dlrs yeutter said that this situation was not sustainable something must give soon not there great threat legislative action counteract that trend yeutter said 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 from takeover defense expenses also includes losses mln dlrs dlrs from equity limited partnerships reuter 
acq	orange holder raises stake orange inc said its largest shareholder summit resoureces inc has increased its stake pct from pct and now owns shares reuter 
earn	horizon corp hzn qtr net oper shr profit dlrs loss eight 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 both periods excludes dlr loss from discontinued operations net both periods includes pretax gain mln dlrs from sale remaining interest paradise hills development reuter 
earn	international thomson organisation ltd year shr net mln mln revs billion billion note figures sterling share results after deducting preferred share dividends one 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 one time restructuring charge mln dlrs net income includes extraordinary gain mln dlrs cts reuter 
earn	international thomson organisation ltd year shr 
acq	trimedyne tmed spin off stake unit trimedyne inc said will distribute one class common share automedix sciences inc for each four trimedyne shares held record march nine the company said the spinoff distributing its entire pct interesdt automedix the spun off stock will not saleable for months the company said reuter 
earn	casey general stores inc casy qtr jan shr cts cts net sales mln mln nine mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter 
crude	diamond shamrock dia raises crude oil postings diamond shamrock said raised its posted prices for all grades crude oil one dlr barrel effective yesterday the one dlr increase brings west texas intermediate wti the benchmark crude dlrs bbl the company said diamond shamrock joined sun coastal citgo and murphy oil raising crude oil posted prices one 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 five 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 from discontinued operationgs dlrs one cent share dlrs eight cts share quarter and mln dlrs dlrs share mln dlrs cts share year year operating loss also excludes extraordinary gain mln dlrs cts share backlog which includes only orders shipped within mths was mln dlrs january orders shipped beyond mths were 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 the diversified engineering and pipe making group interested taking stake company companies but has not yet found suitable firm spokesman said reply questions mannesmann managing board chairman werner dieter told the business weekly wirtschaftswoche interview that mannesmann wanted invest company order strengthen its presence the market dieter said mannesmann would act quickly when and found firm which wanted take stake the mannesmann spokesman declined say which industrial sector the group may make acquisition how big the acquisition might also said the group had not yet completed taking over stake car components firm fichtel und sachs mannesmann had said january hoped take pct stake fichtel und sachs holding company sachs the first quarter the spokesman said mannesmann had letter intent the takeover from the heirs the company late owner but completion has been delayed legal questions concerning the 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 from capital gains from investments reuter 
earn	systems for health care one for split systems for health care inc said repositioned the company through one for reverse stock split said there are now common shares outstanding with quoted price about bid compared shares outstanding prior the split another recent development systems for health care formally changed its name its present form from orcas corp reuter 
interest	bankers welcome spanish reserve requirement hike bankers welcomed the bank spain decision raise the reserve requirement for banks and savings banks saying reflected the socialist government determination not ease the fight against inflation despite the painful social effects four years austerity the central bank last night raised the requirement one percentage point pct from march saying that excess liquidity threatened money supply and inflation targets bankers said the move represented change tactic the bank which until now has relied raising interest rates choke off money supply growth think good measure senior foreign banker said faster way get the job done than using interest rates and avoids unpleasant effects other areas the economy shows that the political will very strong they know that controlling inflation will make industry more competitive and bring down unemployment the long run added the head another foreign bank said that only month ago the bank spain had dismissed his suggestion rise reserve requirements preferring pursue its strategy raising interest rates but bankers said the high real interest rates offer now around eight pct for overnight funds was attracting money from abroad strengthening the peseta and making spanish exports less competitive the government says industry competitiveness also being hit hard inflation pct last year the rate was way above that spain major trading partners the european community which joined year ago help meet this year target five pct insisting pay rises stay that level setting the stage for clashes with trade unions who say they have made enough sacrifices demonstrations workers students and farmers whose demands essentially involve more government spending have become almost daily occurrence but prime minister felipe gonzalez insists that the state doing much can bankers said the reserve requirement increase could have some impact commercial lending rates but should not hit the money market too hard the bank spain which only yesterday raised its key overnight call money rate pct left unchanged today auction the rate has been increased nine times since the start the year when was below pct bankers said commercial lending rates were set rise any case with the end the six pct maximium interest rate banks can offer for time deposits six months the measure will take effect tomorrow following the publication the decree today official gazette bankers say the liberalisation will increase the cost funds and inevitably push lending rates higher companion measure reducing the proportion funds which banks must invest specific areas also takes effect tomorrow officials said when the cut was approved last month that was 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 gives final okay for air pacific southwest acquisition 
gold	africa mine managers face charges disaster seven managers and employees general mining union corp ltd kinross mines ltd will face charges culpable homicide following last year disaster when gold miners died the attorney general office said the mineworkers were killed last september kinross when fire set off toxic fumes which suffocated miners underground three the accused face alternative charges breaking safety regulations set out the mines and works act the spokesman said the case would probably heard witbank regional court near kinross mid may reuter 
earn	american software amswa sets stock split american software inc said its board declared three for two stock split class and class common shares payable march record march the company said expects increase its semiannual dividend pct six cts per share post split from eight cts pre split reuter 
acq	comdata cdn merger agreement comdata network inc said has entered into letter intent with limited partnership managed welsh carson anderson and stowe wcas merge comdata into corproration formed wcas comdata said the merger each share the company stock would converted the holders election into either dlrs cash combination dlrs cash and unit securities including common stock comdata said the terms are subject the condition that wcas affiliate investors would own minimum pct the fully diluted stock the new entity comdata said wcas and its affiliate investors would commit mln dlrs buy the securities comprising the new entities units securities resulting from the merger the same proportions and the same price the company shareholders comdata said the move subject execution definitive agreement and approval comdata shareholders well obtaining mln dlrs debt financing wcas told comdata believes that can get commitments for this financing reuter 
earn	wajax ltd 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 nine mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter 
acq	bankamerica bac sell german banking unit bankamerica corp said agreed sell bankhaus centrale credit its german consumer banking subsidiary and german credit card operations banco santander spain terms were not disclosed the deal expected close the second quarter the bank holding company said bankhaus centrale credit with branches had total assets mln marks year end the credit card operation services visa card holders and merchants germany said reached later bankamerica spokesman said the company would record pretax gain mln dlrs from the transactions the spokesman declined however disclose the price paid for the operations banco santander other terms the deal reuter 
reserves	french official reserves billion francs end jan billion end dec official 
earn	copley properties inc cop qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr dlrs cts net revs note company began operations after its july public offering therefore annual data are 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 said has acquired caledonian airmotive ltd from british caledonian group plc for undisclosed terms caledonian airmotive repairs and rebuilds aircraft engines reuter 
acq	trelleborg take larger slice boliden swedish tyres process equipment and components firm trelleborg said was taking larger stake mining and metals concern boliden blds than had originally intended trelleborg had previously announced was exercising option acquire pct boliden voting rights statement the company said they had received offers pct the rights and that they would accept all reuter 
earn	polaroid prd reaffirmed opinion shares polaroid corp rose following reiterated recommendation merrill lynch and that focused strong earnings momentum for the company traders said have been recommending the stock since was the but reiterated today because expectations strong earnings momentum its benefits from the lower dollar and anticipation nice gains margins merrill lynch analyst charles ryan said said negative opinion another brokerage house hurt the stock wednesday and can bought relatively bargain price today ryan said you always have look polaroid its weakness its volatile stock that has caught weakness polaroid stock which gained more than point early this morning was trading was down over three points wednesday morning before closing down polaroid working overtime production cameras and film expect first quarter earnings about pct ryan said estimating earnings cts share the first quarter compared cts share earned year earlier expects the company earn four dlrs share compared dlrs share last year reuter 
earn	swedish match smbs year profit after net financial items mln crowns mln sales billion crowns billion proposed dividend crowns crowns reuter 
reserves	french official reserves fall sharply january french official reserves fell billion francs billion the end january from billion the end december the finance ministry said statement said the fall was largely due sales foreign currency that preceded the january realignment the european monetary system ems foreign currency reserves fell billion francs during the month the ministry said this reflected outflows billion francs through operations the french exchange stabilisation fund counterbalanced gain billion francs resulting from the quarterly adjustment the value dollar deposits held with the european monetary cooperation fund fecom but most the decline reflected billion franc deficit that france built during the month with fecom result using very short term financing instruments the bank france conjunction with the bundesbank and other central banks intervened heavily foreign exchange markets between late december and the january ems accord attempt hold down the mark which was attracting flight funds from the dollar and simultaneously shore the franc january the mark was revalued three pct against the french franc relieving pressure the french currency the fall foreign exchange reserves took these reserves billion francs the end january from billion end december gold reserves were unchanged billion francs reserves european currency units fell billion francs from billion end december claims the international monetary fund fell mln francs billion francs 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 said agreed sell its european refractories and building products operations for about mln dlrs austrian investor group the european operations had sales mln dlrs the last year for which results have been released the company said the sale group headed girozentrale bank austria subject shareholder approval april said its board has approved the deal said general refractories mineral operations are not affected reuter 
coffee	brazil has set coffee export targets ibc brazil has set target for its coffee exports following this week breakdown international coffee organization talks export quotas president the brazilian coffee institute ibc jorio dauster said told press conference brazil now had reconsider its export plans and that the mln bag export figure which had proposed for itself earlier should longer taken the country export target ico member countries the mln bag offer had been made the assumption agreement would bring stability world markets added had been gesture ease negotiations but the lack agreement leaves longer valid and exports could above below mln bags said dauster said would talk producers exporters and market analysts before taking any decision export policy but any future policy would flexible and adjusted market conditions will not take any short term decisions which might cause markets panic dauster added said would policy which shows brazil has coffee sell and that could without ico agreement brazil has coffee sell and wants show that does not need ico agreement crutch dauster said commenting the breakdown the talks dauster said consumer proposals would have implied reduction one two mln bags brazil export quotas was proposal which would lead substantial loss for brazil and which would difficult for the country recover said the consumer proposal base quotas six year moving average exportable production surpluses would lead overproduction countries boosted output win higher quotas said dauster rejected reports which said brazil inflexibility had been the cause for the breakdown talks noting that its stance had the backing pct producing countries close links would continue with these producers particularly colombia mexico and francophone african countries but dauster said joint marketing action was envisaged present also said brazil currently had plans return system roaster buying contracts although hypothesis has been abandoned dauster said had not yet decided when registrations for may shipment coffee will opened declined comment whether the ibc will adopt policy opening registrations for six months advance some exporters had suggested noted export registrations for the first four months the year totalled around mln bags more than half the mln exported when drought reduced the crop between mln and mln bags said that although had heard forecasts mln bags for the coming crop the ibc would not make any estimate until late april reuter 
earn	pepsico pep upgraded kidder peabody kidder peabody and analyst roy burry issued strong buy recommendation pepsico inc citing improved profit outlook for both domestic soft drinks and frito lay snack foods pepsico climbed shares midmorning burry forecast earnings dlrs per share and dlrs the company earned dlrs per share burry previously had sell recommendation pepsico looking pct earnings growth for frito lay trend that should continue through the decade reuter 
acq	shad sees progress insider trading securities and exchange commission chairman john shad said progress was being made stopping insider trading but the chairman house subcommittee with jurisdiction over securities laws said was concerned about conditions wall street greed has created feeding frenzy wall street and the process laws are broken and multi billion dlr corporations have become easy prey rep edward markey mass the chairman the telecommunications and finance said the start hearing sec activities congress understandably nervous perceive the current scandals warning even worse things come markey said the frenzy and disruption created merger mania particularly distressing shad said the recent cases involving ivan boesky dennis levine and others was warning that those who engage insider trading were taking heavy risk imprisonment high fines and disbarment from the securities industry insider trading has not been eradicated but has been inhibited and multimillions dollars profits that boesky and others have been siphoning off the markets are now flowing through legitimate investors and traders shad said his statement shad said insider trading cases involved only pct less sec enforcement actions recent years but they have increased significantly cases brought during the past five years compared cases the preceeding years markey said did not favor banning takeovers but thought the tender offer process needed reform including earlier disclosure takeover attempts rep mathew rinaldo the senior subcommittee republican said was introducing legislation create five member commission study the securities industry for year and report its findings and recommendations congress commission members would appointed the sec its primary mission would analyze the extent illegal trading insider trading and assess the adequacy existing surveillance systems and government oversight operations the commission would advise congress what additional resources civil criminal remedies are needed combat fraud and improve compliance with federal laws rinaldo said reuter 
crude	opec says february output under ceiling opec output february was well below the mln bpd ceiling set december and all countries are strictly adhering their quotas the opec news agency opecna quoted opec secretariat official saying the official was quoted saying that lower output was the result member countries firm determination defend the organisation official price dlrs per barrel and refrain from selling any quantity below that price the unnamed official was further quoted saying that opec meeting was foreseen before the next biannual opec session planned start june the official gave figure for february output the statement said only that the reduction total supplies namely actual exports crude oil and products plus local deliveries member countries even more pronounced those supplies fell very noticeably during that month matter what the pressure member countries lifters align the official selling price the ongoing market price member countries are without exception strictly adhering the official selling price spite the financial hardship this may entail the statement said the very recent improvement the price structure indicator such determination the organization stick the official selling price the statement said free spot market prices rose from around dlrs barrel early december last year near opec official levels towards the end the year after the opec pact there has been oil industry speculation that opec might have hold extraordinrary meeting prior its scheduled june session discuss reports overproduction some states and strains the differential matrix which prices each opec crude according its quality and distance from main markets the official said the statement that such emergency session was scheduled because member countries firm determination defend the price system agreed december opec differential committee was have met vienna starting april but this session has been postponed with new date set according official the united arab emirates which chairs the seven state body other members are 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 said acquired atomika technische physik based munich west germany high technology concern specializing surface science instruments terms the acquisition were not disclosed said atomika will became part its physical electronics division based eden prairie minn the division part its materials surface technology group reuter 
acq	okays usair pacific southwest purchase the department transportation said gave final approval usair group proposed mln dlr acquisition pacific southwest airlines the department said the acquisition not likely substantially lessen competition and would not harm the public interest the department had given its tentative approval the acquisition january the department said decided make final its tentative decision after reviewing the public response the agency said rejected assertion air north america which currently not operating but plans start service some the cities served usair and psa that the acquisition would lessen chances new entry into those markets other carriers the agency said air north america provided support for its claim that the transaction would give the two carriers monopoly power some markets the transportation agency said air north america also failed show that there are barriers that would prevent new entrants into those markets prevent other carriers from increasing their service the agency noted its final order that psa operates exclusively the west and mexico while usair serves the west for the most part with some long haul flights from the east and midwest the two carriers serve five point common los angeles san diego san francico phoenix and tucsonm the agency said the transportation department also rejected request the teamsters union which represents some psa workers require protections for psa workers the agency noted that usair has promised give protective benefits psa workers and that unions representing psa workers have collective bargaining agreements that provide such protections reuter 
earn	mci mcic president sees profit improvement mci communications corp president bert roberts said expects mci financial performance improve the current quarter compared the previous quarter said american telephone and telegraph long distance rate cuts had cut into mci fourth quarter performance but added there going continuing impact profits but expect this quarter better than the fourth quarter the current quarter ends march for the fourth quarter mci reported mln dlr loss due mainly write offs and staff reductions roberts said the att long distance rate reductions which had been ordered the federal communications commission have had significantly negative impact our profits reported earlier today mci said plans ask the fcc immediately deregulate att apparently hopes that unregulated att would pocket greater proportion its revenues rather than cut rates further reuter 
earn	national gypsum qtr net net revs mln mln year net mln revs billion billion note current year includes earnings mln dlrs for the four months ended april year ago earnings not comparable because 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 eight pct nil group profit after tax mln crowns mln reuter 
earn	signtech inc nine 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 after preferred dividends reuter 
acq	triumph capital inc make acquisition triumph capital inc said has signed letter intent acquire first securities transfer systems inc pompano beach fla for undisclosed terms the company said also entering the commercial finance business through the formation triumph financial corp said the new wholly owned unit has 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 five cts five cts prior pay april record march reuter 
interest	fed not expected take money market action the federal reserve not expected intervene the government securities market add drain reserves economists said most economists said they did not expect the fed add reserves with federal funds trading below six pct they said the funds rate softer tone may indicate that the need add reserves the current bank reserve maintenance period smaller than 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 said regal international inc has doubled its offer for bell stock one regal share for each bell share from half share previously the company said seriously considering the new offer but has also received expression interest for possible merger into fortune company did not identify that will investigated meetings held later this week said will explore all possibilities before recommending final course 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 one profit cts net loss profit revs year shr loss seven cts loss one net loss loss revs reuter 
livestock	antibiotics feed aid deadly bacteria study study salmonella poisoning has uncovered new evidence that the common practice feeding antibiotics cattle helping create deadly bacteria that can infect humans and resist medicines researchers the federal centers for disease control tracked the spread unusual strain salmonella that resistant the drug chloramphenicol and were able link the resulting food poisoning farms that used the drug promote the growth cattle cattlemen often give their animals constant supply antibiotics feed help them grow faster but critics have been warning for years that the constant exposure the drugs helping bacteria learn resist the drugs industry officials have disputed this saying the diseases that develop resistance cattle probably not affect humans but the new study reported thursday new england journal medicine shows the diseases can spread humans the research team led john spika said the number people who have developed the chloramphenicol resistant infection los angeles county alone jumped from the following year two those victims died and half the victims their study patients had hospitalized for their illness they also discovered that cooking the meat didn always prevent the disease only pct the victims reported eating raw infected hamburger thus the researchers concluded the majority cases appear have been caused eating hamburger that was least partially cooked the researchers said the results show that food animals are major source antimicrobial resistant salmonella infections humans and that these infections are associated with antibiotic use farms reuter 
earn	national convenience ncs have qtr loss national convenience stores inc said expects report loss for the third quarter ending march due continued poor sales texas especially houston last year third quarter national convenience earned dlrs eight cts per share including gain dlrs from the sale stores another operator said the results also included earnings from gasoline operations dlrs cts per share caused unusually high gross margins gasoline sales cts per gallon that were caused rapidly falling oil prices national convenience said its third quarter usually 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 has been studying oil imports including their effect national security make its report soon the white house said spokesman marlin fitzwater said the panel set last october examine oil import needs would make its report soon probably within the next few weeks said national security adviser frank carlucci will wait until that report and then see there any special action needed taken the national security area implement reuter 
earn	chrysler sets three 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 one company changed fiscal yearend january from october results were restated reflect the 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 from 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 from sale real estate and real estate development company fiscal net includes extraordinary charge mln dlrs six cts share all per share data reflects two for one stock split paid june reuter 
earn	zayre plans more store openings zayre corp said plans open additional zayre stores new maxx stores and hit miss shops addition zayre said plans add six new wholesale clubs and eight new homeclubs its warehouse group earlier the company reported earnings ended january mln dlrs dlrs per share versus mln dlrs dlrs per share fiscal also 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 said its board declared three for two stock split the form pct stock dividend and raised the quarterly dividend seven pct the company said the dividend was raised cts share from cts pre split basis equal dividend post split basis chrysler said the stock dividend payable april holders record march while the cash dividend payable april holders record march said cash will paid lieu fractional shares with the split chrysler said mln shares remain purchased its stock repurchase program that began late that program now has target mln shares with the latest stock split chrysler said statement the actions reflect not only our outstanding performance over the past few years but also our optimism about the company future reuter 
acq	banco santander buy west germany bank banco santander signed letter intent with bank america bac purchase its west german affiliate bankhaus centrale credit bank the bank said statement amplifying earlier report from frankfurt the incorporation bank our group will provide major boost for chanelling investment between spain and the european community the statement said this operation enables take solid position west germany ahead spain full integration into the financial system five years time the deal included the license for visa credit cards reuter 
earn	canadian imperial sees lower loan losses canadian imperial bank commerce earlier reporting higher net income for the first quarter ended january said expects loan losses lower than last year mln dlrs however the bank said will maintain the high level provisioning for loan losses established last year because many market uncertainties commerce bank set loan loss provisions mln dlrs fiscal ended october the bank earlier said first quarter net income rose mln dlrs from mln dlrs the prior year profit per basic share after dividends fell cts from year ago cts commerce bank said because market uncertainties used estimate mln dlrs for fiscal loan losses calculating first quarter results the bank first quarter provision for loan losses rose mln dlrs from mln dlrs the prior year commerce bank also said will continue adopt agressive posture adding its general provisions against loan exposure countries designated the federal government inspector general banks first quarter net partly benefitted from net interest income mln dlrs from year ago mln dlrs commerce bank said improved other income which rose mln dlrs from year earlier mln dlrs and net income was partially offset the increased loan loss provisions non interest expenses and income taxes the bank said first quarter total assets increased billion dlrs from mln dlrs the prior year due mainly continued expansion consumer loan and mortgage fields return assets increased two cts cts per dlrs average assets from the first quarter fiscal but declined two cts from fiscal fourth quarter the bank also said total non accrual loans increased billion dlrs the first quarter from year ago billion dlrs however non accrual loans declined mln dlrs from fiscal year end despite the recent announcement the suspension interest payments brazil virtually all the bank loans this country were income producing january and there was little adverse impact the bank earnings prior the announcement commerce bank said the bank did not disclose forecast the 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 
sugar	india bought least eight cargoes sugar trade india bought eight cargoes white sugar buying tender this week but also gave sellers options sell extra eight cargoes the same prices traders said four international firms shared the business which gave each them sales two cargoes mar apr shipment sugar dlrs cif and options two cargoes apr may this brings recent options india has given traders some tonnes fixed prices and makes future indian purchases very dependent price fluctuations traders said dlrs cif the sugar sold this week was discount dlrs current prices some traders said reuter 
acq	unitel video shareholder proposes possible sale liquidation company 
earn	allegheny power system inc ayp sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter 
earn	selkirk communications ltd 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 respectively reuter 
earn	houston oil royalty trust rth payout lower mthly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter 
earn	engelhard corp sets three for two stock split and raises quarterly 
acq	holder proposes unitel unv sale liquidation michael landes major stockholder unitel video inc said has asked the company consider liquidating selling some all its assets landes has requested the company implement program maximize shareholder values which might include sale all part the company liquidation said filing with the securities and exchange commission landes and another unitel video investor albert schwatz have formed shareholder group and together hold common shares pct the total outstanding common stock landes and schwartz had reached agreement principle with the new york video tape service company dlr share takeover proposal last september but subsequent merger talks broke down october the investors told the sec they are continuing review their positions company and may acquire more shares sell some all their current stake reuter 
acq	huges tool company says 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 may final dividend payable june holders record may shell transport dividend and per share results based new york shares which are equal four ordinary shares dollar final dividend will determined sterling dollar exchange rate may current rate with tax credits equal dlrs final dividend payable may holders record april fourth quarter dollar figures for group translated from sterling average rate exchange for the quarter which was dlrs per pound and dlrs full year dollar figures are sum sterling translations dollars for first second third 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 been used company said royal dutch per share net would have been dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year shell transport per share net would have been 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 was credit cts charge cts quarter and credit cts charge dlrs year shell transport was credit cts charge cts quarter and credit nine cts charge cts year net also 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 eight cts cts quarter and cts cts year reuter 
acq	investment firm boosts purolator pcc stake halcyon investments new york investment partnership that deals mainly risk arbitrage and stock trading said raised its purolator courier corp stake shares pct from pct filing with the securities and exchange commission halcyon whose managing partner alan slifka and said bought purolator common shares between feb and march prices ranging from dlrs each halcyon which said has spent mln dlrs for its purolator common shares said also acquired options feb giving the right buy shares for mln dlrs reuter 
acq	aetna aet sell canadian operations aetna life and casualty said its aetna life and casualty canada ltd subsidiary has agreed prnciple sell its casualty property subsidiary aetna casualty canada laurentian group montreal for undisclosed terms the company said the agreement subject canadian government approval reuter 
earn	southern mineral corp smin qtr loss shr loss two cts profit three cts net loss profit revs year shr profit eight cts profit cts net profit profit revs note per share figures adjusted for four for three stock distribution effective dec results include extraordinary tax benefit dlrs one share each period reuter 
interest	bank england resists pressure for rate cut the bank england again fought against money and bond market pressure for pre budget interest rate cut leaving the pound take the strain with further rise its trade weighted index six month high closed its best level since september pct its value the index foreign investors continued buy into currency which offers high relative returns and the possibility short term capital gains dealers said meanwhile opinion divided over whether the bank can stop cut before budget day march and why should want the bank latest strong signal the market that wants rates stay steady for the moment came midafternoon when lent the discount houses penal rate pct relieve money market shortage they really making the discount houses suffer said stephen lewis economist brokerage house phillips and drew eleven and three quarters pct way above money market rates this money market signal was apparently not accompanied any sterling sales the foreign exchanges talk which had inhibited strong rises yesterday and tuesday buyers came strongly into the pound the pound surged high dlrs the london close from the previous finish and marks from this pressure keeps there possibility that rates could drop before the budget said jeremy hale economist finance house goldman sachs international corp some gilt traders are forecasting half point cut the base rate from the current pct early tomorrow however analysts said the bank england will need convinced that the present rise fundamental rating rather than result short term speculative gains there are valid reasons for the bank cautious said peter fellner economist brokers james capel and markets have become highly optimistic about the chances conservative party victory any early general election and disappointment prime minister margaret thatcher decides hold back could lead decline the pound and setback for bonds fellner said election could delayed until mid but most forecasts say will this year others note that the pound could yet prove vulnerable oil price losses change fortune for the dollar however analysts agree the bank largely trying set the timing cut than holding out against one altogether the authorities traditionally prefer single sustainable rate move one way the other half points here and there some add the bank will influenced signs that least proportion the latest bout sterling buying long term capital coming into the london market notably from japan they argue that the pound being perceived safer bet than the dollar given the latters recent sharp falls and current political upheavals washington the bank may want see another few points the trade weighted index before the budget argued lewis but then sterling should firm enough satisfy even the bank england added the bank declined comment its reasons for resisting pressure for rate move before the budget but banking sources said the authorities see the recent rise sterling more than just marking foreign exchange traders meanwhile analysts noted the market ignored potentially harmful news the trade front today figures showing that the current account deficit was billion stg this was above previous estimates the current account deficit and compares with surplus billion stg fellner said that under more normal conditions this would have given the bond and currency markets pause but that they were too bullish worry about such fundamentals the guessing game over the timing cut has the clearing banks divided well the markets privately some bank officials forecast the bank will hold out least for this week but least one bank says rise possible tomorrow move comes before march forecasts are for half point cut with another half full point about budget day reuter 
earn	engelhard corp sets stock split engelhard corp said its board declared three for two stock split and raised the quarterly dividend cts per share presplit from cts both payable march holders record march reuter 
crude	egyptian crude oil output down non opec egypt produced mln tonnes about mln barrels crude against mln tonnes about mln barrels according official figures released today the egyptian general petroleum corp egpc officials say egypt can produce one mln bpd per day but production was cut when world prices plunged last year attempt help opec stabilize the world market egypt cut its production target bpd its current output bpd egypt which exports third its output currently sells its 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 down 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 said signed agreement acquire entrepo financial resources inc philadelphia based company which leases and remarkets high technology equipment terms the acquisition were not disclosed said entrepo has assets mln dlrs reuter 
earn	washington national corp wnt votes dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr pay april record march reuter 
sugar	kaines sells jordan two cargoes white sugar trade house kaines said sold jordan two cargoes white sugar its buying tender today the sale comprised two tonne cargoes plus minus pct for mar apr shipment kaines trader said traders said the business was done dlrs tonne cost and freight reuter 
acq	community bank system cbsi buys nichols bank community bank systems inc and the nichols national bank said they have signed definitive agreement for nichols become member the cbsi group banks for exchange stock worth mln dlrs cbsi said expects complete the deal pending nichols shareholder and regulatory approval later this year reuter 
acq	eastman kodak acquires pct interest enzon inc 
sugar	turkey seeking tonnes sugar trade turkey holding buying tender for tonnes white sugar march traders here said the sugar being sought for early arrival and will probably met with april may shipment sugar they added earlier today newspapers turkey carried advertisement from turkish sugar factories inviting offers tonnes crystal sugar with pct option increase decrease the amount over the period turkey each year has exported between and tonnes whites iran and between and tonnes iraq following lower sugar crops the past two years analysts said turkey needs import sugar now continue filling these export contracts and may need buy more last month london broker czarnikow estimated turkish production mln tonnes raw value against mln and average mln the previous three seasons the semi official anatolian agency recently quoted turkish minister industry and trade cahit aral saying turkey would export tonnes sugar this year and import the same amount reuter 
acq	shad favors shortening disclosure period securities and exchange commission chairman john shad said the sec favors shortening the current day period for disclosing takeover attempts but opposes putting restrictions the use called junk bonds favor shortening the disclosure period two days shad told members the house telecommunications and finance subcommittee when asked for his recommendation said the sec responsibility was provide full disclosure for securities including junk bonds and not make decisions based merit said junk bonds had some value because their liquidity shad said opposes proposals require those attempting takeovers file statement the impact the takeover would have the communities involved opposed the past goes far beyond investor protection shad said said 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 from qtr and nine mths reuter 
acq	hughes tool says baker bko merger alive hughes tool chairman kistler said its counter proposal merge with baker international corp was still under consideration and that merger was the best interests both companies our hope that can come mutual agreement that good for both companies kistler said the proposed merger that would result billion dlr oil field service company working very hard this merger hughes board today again adjourned shareholders meeting vote the proposed merger and rescheduled for march give baker more time consider the counter proposal the hughes board which had previously expressed concern about department justice consent decree that would require baker sell its drilling bit operations and submersible pump business met yesterday and threatened terminate the proposed merger the hughes board made counter proposal that the two companies first find acceptable buyers for the businesses before signing the decree the directors baker immediately after receiving the counter proposal filed law suit texas texas state court force hughes complete the merger the uncertainty the price and conditions that might imposed the department justice makes very nervous about what the outcome might kistler said explaining why hughes had made the counter proposal need additional time understand why baker did not accept our proposal kistler also said that the law suit filed baker was not factor the board decision keep its merger proposal the table declined comment the allegations the lawsuit kistler said hughes would willing consider compromise counter proposal but declined more specific the justice department january said would block the hughes and baker merger anti trust grounds unless both companies agreed sign consent decree that would provide for the sale the assets after the merger took place the hughes board said would not sign the decree because its was too unreasonable hughes said that baker should instead complete the sale the disputed assets before the merger finalized and given government approval under the decree baker unable find acceptable buyers within specified period time after the decree approved federal trustee would become responsible for finding buyer kistler said that under those terms the trustee could take years complete the sales also expressed concern that the combined companies might required the government conditions license some its technology any purchaser the assets baker said last night statement that the required assets sold would reduce revenues about mln dlrs representing about three pct the revenues the combined companies reuter 
earn	aequitron medical inc aqtn qtr loss period ended january shr loss five cts profit eight cts net loss profit sales nine 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 both periods includes charge dlrs seven cts shr from early note retirement and charge seven cts shr from reversal tax credits current year net both periods includes gain six cts shr from plywood manufacturers litigation settlement reuter 
acq	france sell stake societe generale unit the french government sell the public its pct direct holding societe generale stgn regional bank subsidiary societe generale alsacienne banque sogenal from next monday sogenal officials said sogenal founded and nationalised the leading french regional bank and has branches austria belgium luxembourg east and west germany and switzerland chairman rene geronimus told news conference the share offer price expected announced tomorrow finance minister edouard balladur would between and francs societe generale which will itself privatised later this year will retain its pct majority holding the bank chairman marc vienot said sogenal officials said they forecast consolidated group profit around mln francs after estimated mln this year and mln sogenal privatisation will preceded capital increase mln francs from mln earning about mln francs new funds its shares will divided eight giving capital mln shares francs nominal the bank will listed the nancy stock exchange line with the finance ministry and government aim regional operation geronimus said said was hoping for shareholders total around against the before nationalisation ten pct the capital floated will reserved for employees with the rest offered the public there will not share reserved for foreign investors this too small operation and anyway they will able buy shares france said stockbroker sources said that likely share offer price francs would value sogenal billion francs geronimus said the bank future aim would reinforce its existing strong points with major projects planned apart from the opening soon basle branch sogenal the only french bank austria set the first foreign exchange dealing room outside paris its strasbourg headquarters and the only foreign banking subsidiary broker the zurich bourse the government banking adviser for the operation was banque privee gestion financiere bpgf owned french financier pierre moussa pallas group assisted britain hambros bank ltd reuter 
earn	midland mla sets stock split midland said its board declared two for one stock split subject approval doubling authorized common shares the annual meeting april and increase the quarterly dividend cts pre split from cts the dividend payable april record march and the split would payable may record april reuter 
earn	prudential insurance year earnings the prudential insurance company america privately held company said today that net income rose billion dlrs from the billion dlrs reported the year earlier assets under management rose billion dlrs from billion dlrs while consolidated assets jumped billion dlrs from billion dlrs discussing its major subsidiaries the company said that prudential capital and investment services inc the holding company for brokerage house prudential bache securities and certain other related subsidiaries earned million dlrs that the securities operations prudential bache netted mln dlrs after taxes and charge mln dlrs reuter 
earn	aequitron aqtn sees qtr charge aequitron medical inc said costs related its previously announced plan consolidate life products operations boulder colo are expected total dlrs eight cts share for the fourth quarter ending april said the costs including moving expenses severance pay and future lease payments the company said will consolidate life products into the 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 which has pct stake jacobs engineering group inc said its chairman siggi wilzig was appointed the jabobs board filing with the securities and exchange commission wilshire which holds jacobs common shares said wilzig was appointed the jacobs board directors march after the company annual shareholder meeting wilshire also said that jacobs chairman joseph jacobs has agreed recommend second wilshire nominee for election the board the person was found qualified reuter 
retail	february retail sales not sign upturn retailers posted stronger than expected sales february but not enough prompt analysts change their expectations sluggish sales growth for the first half feeling that february borrowed some the business normally see later the quarter and the real strength general merchandise sales will the second half said bear stearns and analyst monroe greenstein don think march will strong because easter falls april this year said morgan stanley analyst walter loeb analysts generally average the sales results march and april account for the variation easter occurrence analyst edward johnson johnson redbook associates said sales for february rose between six and pct compared pct increase last year analysts noted that february considered small transitory month between winter and spring addition sales comparisons were boosted especially soft february last year which was adversely affected severe weather apparel sales outshone other product groups sales according retailers and analysts february strong sales reflected lot fresh merchandise the shelves and higher consumer income due tax reductions said greenstein bear stearns analysts expect apparel sales remain good sales durable and houseware items grow softer due the continuing high levels consumer debt may department stores may and mart corp were among the strong performers posting comparable store sales gains pct and pct respectively may had overall sales gain pct and mart had pct sales gain last month favorable consumer response our merchandise programs continued positively impact our sales comparisons addition the strong contribution mart stores all our specialty retailing companies had excellent february sales said mart chairman bernard fauber sears roebuck and posted pct increase domestic sales were led better than average increases apparel home fashions and hardware and especially strong catalog sales said sears chairman edward brennan analysts were little disappointed penney inc jcp which started out with especially strong sales early the month penney posted pct increase comparitive store basis and pct gain overall sales penney chairman william howell said store sales were strongest during the early part the month while catalog demand was consistently strong throughout the period store sales activity varied throughout the country ranging from good the east weak the depressed southwest analysts also said gross profit margins were high retailers were not overly promotional due leaner inventories than year ago february not big month seasonally but these numbers suggest fairly good trend for consumer spending said drexel burnham lambert analyst jeff edelman february sales for major retailers store pct sears bill bill mart bill bill wal mart mln mln penney mln mln federated mln mln may mln mln dayton hudson mln mln zayre mln mln montgomery ward mln mln 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 said has acquired pct equity interest enzon inc pharmaceutical company specializing protein therapy kodak said secured worldwide marketing rights for three enzon peg enzymes used the treatment oxygen toxicity disorders hyperuricemia and gout the company said acquired two mln enzon shares for mln dlrs with loans enzon two mln dlrs and interest dlrs credited against the purchase price kodak said the drugs covered the marketing rights are initial stages the food and drug administration approval process said the investment should provide the necessary capital complete the fda review process and provide marketing outlet for the drugs the drugs are peg superoxide disdmutase and peg catalase for use against oxygen toxicity disorders that cause the often fatal tissue damage associated with severe burns organ transplants heart attacks and trauma and peg uricase for treatment gout and other conditions caused the buildup high levels uric acid the body reuter 
earn	gemcraft inc gemh year net shr cts dlrs net sales mln mln avg shrs note net includes dlr pretax charge from writedown land and abandonment land and pretax charges dlrs from pending rescission offer settlements with agencies adjustment the prior booking residuals arising from collateralized mortgage obligation bond issues writedowns land held joint venture startup costs associated with entering new 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 nine 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 seven cts net loss profit revs year shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln reuter 
earn	anglo american gold investment ltd 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 said lowered its stake triad systems corp shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission harris said sold net triad common shares between dec and feb prices ranging from dlrs share said its dealings triad common stock were done behalf its advisory client reuter 
earn	libra bank expects brazil reach debt accord london march london based libra bank plc said when announcing its annual results that expected brazil reach agreement with its creditors over debt repayments recent years brazil has demonstrated its ability generate surpluses sufficient service its debt and have doubt that due course will reach agreement with the banks and its other creditors libra managing director peter belmont said statement earlier the bank which specialises providing finance latin america and the caribbean announced pretax profits mln stg for calendar against mln libra net worth increased pct mln stg last year and belmont said the improvement the bank balance sheet was due profits being mostly retained the bank and the issue mln stg cumulative redeemable preference shares during the 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 ltd bancomer snc banco itau credito italiano spa and banco espirito santo comercial lisboa all have shareholdings reuter 
acq	idea inc idea buy private firm idea inc said signed letter intent buy privately held structural instrumentation inc the purchase for undisclosed sum will made mostly with idea common stock the company said idea said the purchase will add about cts per share its fiscal earnings idea reported earnings four cts per share for the quarter ended october reuter 
acq	ducommun inc dco sells division ducommun inc said sold its airdrome parts division group investors headed airdrome management for cash price mln dlrs ducommun said the sale coupled with its sale last month metermaster were steps taken improve the company balance sheet and that further sales are being 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 said has entered into preliminary agreement purchase pct interest privately held specialty plastics manufacturing company did not name texon said completion the acquisition subject the consent banks and third parties and the acquisition would made for promissory notes and common stock reuter 
earn	allied ald affiliate restates loss larger allied signal inc pct owned union texas petroleum affiliate said has restated its fourth quarter and full year losses and revenues increase the provision for the proposed settlement price dispute involving indonesian liquefied natural gas said the restated increases the provision against fourth quarter earnings mln dlrs from mln dlrs estimated earlier union texas said its fourth quarter loss was increased mln dlrs from mln dlrs reported previously and revenues reduiced mln dlrs from mln dlrs union texas said for the full year restated its loss mln dlrs from mln dlrs and revenues billion dlrs from billion dlrs the restatement results from tentative agreement reached february with pertamina the indonesian state owned petroleum enterprise and japanese purchasers lng kohlberg kravis roberts and also owns pct union texas and the remainder owned management reuter 
earn	amrep corp axr qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln nine mths shr cts dlrs net revs mln mln note share adjusted for three for two stock split december reuter 
earn	ici ici sees growth pharmaceuticals imperial chemical industries plc expects earnings from its pharmaceuticals operations grow about pct world profits within the next five years compared with current pct chairman elect denys henderson told financial analysts over the next five years expect launch one major new product each year henderson said also said research and development spending this business segment will increased pct total sales income from pct mln sterling ici the world fifth largest chemicals firm terms sales recently reported profits about mln dlrs billion dlrs sales compared with income mln dlrs billion dlrs sales year earlier sales the united states totaled about three billion dlrs ici executives said addition henderson said overall corporate growth will come from ici research and development activities but the company intends continue grow through acquisition program ici spent just under one billion dlrs for acquisitions during the largest which was the mln dlr purchase cleveland ohio based glidden inc paints resins and coatings company from hanson trust plc ici financial director alan clements said the company borrowing limits are level about billion sterling billion which have already been used while the company has current plans for major acquisition are ready move quickly the acquisition field the need arises clements said reuter 
earn	safecard services sfcd sets split ups payout safecard services inc said its board declared three for two stock split and maintaining the quarterly dividend post split shares the same six cts now pays for effective pct increase both the split and the dividend are 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 eight 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 the annual mln guilder labour subsidy for rotterdam strike hit general cargo sector from july late last month graaf said that the dispute was not settled monday this week would withdraw the subsidy the chairman the port employers organization svz jacques schoufour said was unhappy with the decision and added there was now alternative proceeding with redundancy plans the series strikes the sector started january protest employers plans make redundancies from the strong workforce starting with this year meanwhile the port and transport union fnv attacked loss figures given for the port for this year the figures issued accountants behalf the svz put total losses for last year mln guilders and mln earlier the employers had put the figure around mln the fnv said the actual losses were nearer mln and said the employers had inflated the figures part their plan restructure completely the port general cargo sector reuter 
earn	sayi take qtr loss from sale industries inc said expects loss about two mln dlrs its third quarter ended february from the proposed sale its omnilab inc health care unit said its board directors approved the unit sale because omnilab was losing about dlrs quarter longer see near term prospect for reasonable return our investment romilly humphries president and chief executive officer said said proceeds from the sale would used increase the company market share automotive products packaging and diversify its 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 ltd qtr jan net shr four cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
acq	unicorp american uac acquisition advances unicorp american corp said has signed definitive agreement for the previously announced acquisition lincoln savings bank the company said the transaction still subject regulatory approvals reuter 
acq	first eastern corp febc completes acquisition first eastern corp said has completed the acquisition peoples bank nanticoke exchange first eastern shares for each peoples share peoples has assets about mln dlrs reuter 
acq	bishop graphics bgph completes store sale bishop graphics inc said completed the sale its newport beach art supply center standard brands paint sbp art store unit terms were not disclosed bishop also said has opened new sales and service office irvine calif reuter 
ship	striking brazilian seamen hold pay talks striking brazilian seamen who say they have made idle ships and halted brazilian exports today held pay talks rio janeiro with labour minister almir pazzianotto union officials said jorge luis leao franco senior official the national merchant marine union told reuters was optimistic the talks would lead end the stoppage which began last friday brazil seamen are seeking pay rise pct the union official said the strike had halted total vessels including brazil main port santos and about more rio janeiro abroad six ships lay idle the netherlands spain venezuela france and south africa said economic analysts said the strike was serious concern the government which has already had suspend interest payments part brazil foreign debt following drastic deterioration the country trade balance the head the national merchant marine authority murilo rubens habbema was quoted today gazeta mercantil newspaper saying that the strike continued foreign ships could authorized transport brazilian exports brazil living through crisis the moment and not conceivable that exports hit said but even using foreign ships must not forget that are going lose foreign exchange paying freight charges abroad and all this through the fault the seamen rubens habbema said spokesman for the port santos which has been the scene labour unrest and congestion recent months said movement ships out the port was running about half its normal level ships day said total ships were either waiting anchor moored the 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 from 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 says 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 one nil net revs mln mln reuter 
earn	amoskeag amos sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march five 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 from equity pct owned companies reuter 
acq	stanley works swk makes acquisitions stanley works said has acquired acme holding corp maker sliding and folding door hardware and the designs patents and other righs plan flex designer which provides kits for home design and remodeling projects said acme had sales over mln dlrs terms were 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 eight cts eight cts prior pay may 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 from tax loss carryforwards includes gains dlrs and dlrs qtr and year respectively reuter 
earn	carmel container systems ltd kml year oper net oper shr dlrs cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note excludes gain dlrs dlrs from benefit tax loss carryforward results for tel aviv israel based company translated rate one dlr new israeli shekels reuter 
earn	tandem computers tndm sees higher net tandem computers inc said expects higher earnings and revenues its second fiscal quarter ending march against year ago feel will continue see higher growth the quarter james treybig president and and chief executive officer told meeting securities analysts the second fiscal quarter last year tandem earned dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs treybig declined offer specific projections for the quarter but said the results might lower than those for the first quarter fiscal when tandem earned mln dlrs cts share said tandem second quarter traditionally slower than the first rothschild unterberg towbin analyst frederic cohen estimated tandem second quarter net cts per share for the full year said expects the computer maker earn about dlrs share fiscal tandem earned dlrs share treybig who founded the cupertino calif based company said has seen rebound computer orders the united states the economy picking and buying decisions are being made didn see that year ago said the executive said tandem will increase its research and development spending about mln dlrs this year from mln dlrs fiscal said the company plans introduce several products including two low end systems and data base that uses the sql programming language industry standard tandem also won major order from the bank tokyo reuter 
interest	fed johnson says does not see increasing pressure interest rates 
acq	first union func buy florida bank first union corp said has agreed acquire first state bancshares inc pensacola fla and its first state bank pensacola subsidiary for about common shares first state has assets about mln dlrs the acquisition expected treated pooling interests expected completed the third quarter subject approval regulatory agencies and first state shareholders reuter 
earn	oppenheimer raises nwa nwa earnings estimate oppenheimer and analyst robert mcadoo raised his earnings estimate for nwa inc parent northwest airlines following strong quarterly report the company yesterday according oppenheimer market strategist michael metz nwa shares rose active trading mcadoo raised his estimate dlrs share from five dlrs and maintained buy recommendation the stock metz said mcadoo was traveling and could not reached for comment yesterday minneapolis based nwa reported fourth quarter net about mln dlrs cts share against loss two mln dlrs nine cts the quarter for the year earnings rose mln dlrs dlrs from mln dlrs the results include republic airlines since nwa acquired aug reuter 
earn	yellow freight yell sees lower qtr net yellow freight system inc said its expects first quarter profits substantially below the mln dlrs cts share earned the same period year ago revenues have been depressed recent price discounting added costs from expansion programs lower shipping volumes and increased costs associated with severe weather conditions the east coast company officials told analysts here industry wide rate hike pct set for april one will cover yellow freight upcoming labor and other costs but will not make contribution operating margins said reuter 
pet-chem	nova subsidiary raises polyethylene prices novacor inc unit nova alberta corp said would raise prices for customers five cts pound linear low density and low density polyethylene effective april the company did not immediately disclose the actual new prices novacor official later said reply inquiry that the new prices effective april would range from cts pound about cts the official said the increase reflected improved market conditions although noted the new prices would still lower than those three years ago reuter 
acq	moulinex stake sold some institutions the pct stake moulinex moup sold scovill inc the was spread among least institutional investors worldwide spokesman for brokers james capel said capel handled the deal the buyers were based centers ranging from europe north america and japan added moulinex capital split among jean mantelet president the company with pct along with private investors holding pct and the pct which has just been sold company sources said earlier paris reuter 
acq	talking point piedmont pie carl icahn bold takeover bid for usair group has clouded the fate piedmont aviation inc which was being courted usair yesterday icahn transworld airlines inc twa made billion dlr offer for usair group the move complicated usair takeover offer for piedmont which was believed close accepting the bid today usair rejected icahn dlr per share offer and said the bid was last minute effort interfere its takeover piedmont icahn was unavailable for comment piedmont fell one volume twa was off usair fell doubt spread would taken over analysts and market sources view the twa bid attempt either trigger counter offer from usair attract suitor who might want both airlines once they merged the next move either icahn starts tender offer piedmont and usair announce deal speculated one arbitrager some arbitragers said there now some risk the current price piedmont since not clear that usair bid will succeed piedmont largest shareholder and other suitor norfolk southern corp nsc has offered dlrs per share for the company usair offered dlrs cash per share for half piedmont stock and dlrs per share stock for the balance some arbitragers however believe the depressed price piedmont offers buying opportunity since the airline destined acquired someone usair they said the least likely bought icahn who has long talked about further consolidation the airline industry also offered usair the alternative three way airline combination including twa and piedmont but wall street has given little credibility icahn offer which lacked financing and was riddled with contingencies still has succeeded holding merger two airlines both which analysts said would fit well with twa you can discount him said one arbitrager analysts however said icahn would have prove serious following through with his threats making new offer making the offer for usair icahn threatened directly shareholders for pct the stock lower price usair rejected his offer clear icahn wants sell and bluffing said one arbitrager analysts said the dlr per share offer was underpriced about six dlrs per share some analysts believe icahn proposed three way airline combination might face insurmountable regulatory hurdles but others believe could cleared the companies are acquired separately twa would have the surviving company for the deal work said one analyst analysts said such merger would costly and complicated twa has the best cost structure since icahn succeeded winning concessions from its unions order for the other carriers come down twa wage scale merger twa would have the surviving entity analysts said such move does not necessarily free icahn twa they said they said showed skill reducing ozark airlines costs when merged into twa last year and might necessary ingredient for merger work however other analysts speculated the managements piedmont and usair would not tolerate icahn head new company they said usair acquisition twa might way for him exit the company usair airline then merged into twa reuter 
acq	baker int bko hopes complete merger baker international corp treasurer eric mattson said the company hoped iron out snags proposed merger with hughes tool but declined say what compromises might acceptable the proposed merger that would create billion dlr oilfield services company was thrown into limbo yesterday when hughes management balking the terms government consent decree offered counter proposal baker earlier today hughes adjourned shareholders meeting called vote the proposed merger until march and said hoped resume negotitations with baker hughes chairman kistler told reporters that hughes did not want sign the department justice consent decree until after baker submersible pump and drilling bit operations were sold mattson told reuters that baker still believed merger was possible between the two giant oilfield service companies the company position would like see the merger completed which the best interests our shareholders and their shareholders mattson said our goal for merger occur because the litigation can any further than that said baker filed lawsuit texas state court late yesterday force hughes abide terms the proposed consent decree mattson also declined comment whether the directors baker and hughes have scheduled any meetings discuss the merger reuter 
earn	lucky stores inc reinstates quarterly dividend cts per share 
earn	homestead financial hfl ups cash dividend homestead financial corp said has increased the dividend its class common shares cts share from five cts prior while declaring initial dividend its class common stock cts share homestead said the two classes stock emerged part its recapitalization plan which also doubled the number authorized common comprising both classes mln shares homestead said the dividends are payable april shareholders record march homestead also said that class shareholders who want increase their dividends may exchange their shares for equal number class shares before march reuter 
earn	electro sensors inc else year oper net oper shr cts cts oper net sales note earnings exclude extraordinary securities loss dlrs two cts share gain dlrs seven cts share reuter 
crude	opec president says output well below ceiling opec conference president rilwanu lukman said the group was producing well below the mln bpd ceiling set december partly because liftings had been delayed postponed customers unwilling pay fixed opec prices lukman during brief visit london his way home from jamaica told reuters telephone interview that february opec had underproduced partly because members were strictly abiding production quotas and partly because they were resisting the temptation sell discounts official prices around dlrs barrel are determined stand firm the december accord said have spoken every other opec minister and they are committed making the accord work said lukman gave specific figures for february output said the opec secretariat vienna was finalizing these figures told reuters survey published today which estimated that opec output far this week was below mln bpd said that could well correct opec news agency opecna today issued statement saying group output was well below its ceiling february but gave figures but one source close opec indicated that february output may have been between and mln bpd the reuter survey estimated opec february output around mln bpd opec agreed december cut output pct mln bpd and return fixed prices starting february lukman said qatar nigeria saudi arabia and iran had all produced february below their opec quotas iraq which said would not honour its mln bpd quota under the december pact had produced less than had been anticipated said lukman said that some industry reports may correct that february nigeria propuced bpd below its mln bpd quota saudi arabia bpd less than its mln allocation and qatar pct under its bpd quota said that sweet crudes such those produced his country were coming under price pressure because they were currently officially priced above sweet north sea grades and the united states west texas intermediate wti crude however said opec december had anticipated that demand would slack this time year for seasonal reasons and expected the market firm two three weeks have patient for two three weeks the market now firming actual fundamentals said adding that expected and even beyond official prices after early april this when traditionally there more demand for gasoline rich crudes such nigeria the opec president said producers such kuwait venezuela and indonesia were having less problems with output than producers like his own country because they exported oil products also some venezuela heavy grades were outside the opec pricing system said lukman said that refiner buyers now refusing lift some opec oil official prices instead used their own stocks and ran them down dangerous levels they would eventually have buy opec oil when they realise not free for all the market they will realise they should buy now instead paying more later said lukman asked about industry reports that nigeria was being pressured equity producers for better terms said was important know that terms with them were negotiable flexible and under constant review not only when the market seemed weak said that far meeting the seven nation ministerial differentials committee had been scheduled and that such meeting now twice postponed was not high priority for opec the moment this time have get our priorities right said the most important thing now ensuring that the accord working not dealing with differential cents between grades but any opec member raised concerns objections over the differential system meeting would called said reuter 
earn	lucky stores inc lks reinstates quarterly div qtly div cts nil pay april record march note quarters preceeding qtr dividend was cts reuter 
earn	carmel container systems ltd kml year oper net oper shr dlrs cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note excludes gain dlrs dlrs from benefit tax loss carryforward results for tel aviv israel based company translated rate one dlr new israeli shekels reuter 
orange	set orange juice duties monday the commerce department monday will set final dumping duties frozen orange juice from brazil department officials said preliminary duty pct was set last oct the imports which run about mln dlrs year commerce ruling monday will reset the duties the basis more detailed cost information industry officials said the duties now are being assessed temporary basis pending final ruling the international trade commission itc whether the imports are injuring the domestic orange industry the itc ruled provisionally last june that the domestic industry was being injured brazilian orange juice imports complaint that the brazilian imports were being dumped below costs the market was filed behalf growers the florida citrus mutual lakeland fla group alcoma packing inc and barry citrus products officials say about half the orange juice consumed the united states comes from brazil reuter 
earn	longview fibre lfbr quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay april record march reuter 
earn	bei holdings ltd beih qtr jan net shr cts eight cts net rev mln mln note qtr includes extraordinary gain dlrs six cts share versus dlrs two cts share fiscal first qtr reuter 
nat-gas	endevco agrees buy mississippi pipeline endevco inc said has agreed acquire mile inch pipeline marion and pearl river counties mississippi for undisclosed terms the company said the pipeline was recently constructed from the poplarville gas field pearl river county proposed interconnect with pipeline operated occidental petroleum corp oxy united gas pipe line subsidiary marion county but has nmot been placed service endevco said plans extend its existing mississippi fuel system southern mississippi miles the new pipeline 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 may record may eight reuter 
earn	ffb ffct sets initial quarterly dividend ffb corp parent the first federal bank connecticut fsb said declared initial quarterly dividend five cts per share the company said the dividend payable march holders record march reuter 
earn	union carbide says operating profits for qtr were mln dlrs loss three mln dlrs 
money-supply	money market fund assets rose mln dlrs latest week billion 
earn	combined internmational pma sees strong combined international corp should have another strong year president patrick ryan told analysts although declined forecast earnings specifically the company reported operating income dlrs share from dlrs share year earlier revenues increased billion dlrs from billion dlrs ryan said combined testing direct response long term care product through its union fidelity life insurance and has plans offer through ryan insurance group answer question combined possible exposure aids related health claims ryan said was minimal although conceded that every carrier who provides coverage vulnerable reuter 
earn	chartwell group ltd ctwl qtr net shr nine cts three 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 said will acquire chicago steel corp exchange for portion its stock reuter 
gold	giant bay gbylf details gordon lake deposit giant bay resources ltd said metallurgical study its gordon lake gold deposit indicated overall recovery pct pct the gold can achieved either direct cyanidation ore flotation followed cyanidation concentrate continuation underground program the property will begin june extending existing drift along the foot level where the main ore zone was encountered giant bay said the company did not elaborate production figures for the property 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 here demonstrated growing european consensus the need for urgent and collective overhaul world farm trade and production vital that work together bring more freedom and harmony into the world agricultural trade not the disruptions markets may grow even more severe the walls protection climb higher and the level possible retaliation become more harmful department agriculture deputy administrator william bailey said bailey said his attendance the two day meeting which ends tomorrow demonstrated the recognises the need adjust its policies the changing market environment the need for urgent reforms justified the imbalance and tensions the world economy the secretary general the organisation for economic cooperation and development jean claude paye said and the forum for such reform the general agreement tariffs and trade noted paye stressed the need for progressive and joint reduction agricultural subsidies well social measures help farmers unprofitable areas another possible solution would stop supporting farm prices allowing them fixed supply and demand and instead help farmers through income support and adjustment aids proposed james howard executive vice president cargill usa one the world largest cereal houses franz josef feiter agricultural adviser west german chancellor helmut kohl agreed the european community must take greater heed market constraints fixing farm prices however differentiated policy treatment required take account large disparities the situation around the said agriculture efficient sector the european economy and will remain the right policy pursued within the community said reuter 
acq	rexcom rxsc acquire marketing firm rexcom systems corp said agreed buy all the assets postech inc from comtech group international ltd canadian computer service company for pct rexcom voting shares the purchase will for rexcom common and preferred stock postech the canadian firm marketing arm sells computerized restaurant management systems and security systems the the deal subject approval the 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 from sale non operating assets dlrsm versus mln dlrs net includes nonrecurring cost mln dlrs and provision for separation pay mln dlrs reuter 
earn	union carbide says long term debt rises union carbide corp said its long term debt was billion dlrs compared billion dlrs the company released its audited results the company also said its long term debt was reduced about billion dlrs from the third quarter the end the year asset sales and equity offerings union carbide sold its battery products home and automobile products and agricultural products businesses the fourth quarter offered mln shares stock raising about mln dlrs the asset sales and equity offering were part recapitalization plan undertaken the chemicals company last year audited net earnings mln dlrs dlrs share compared loss mln dlrs dlrs were unchanged from the company preliminary earnings report made jan the earnings results for the fourth quarter were also unchanged included the numbers are mln dlr gain from sale the different businesses mln dlr pension credit and charge mln dlrs from the purchase long term debt premium under the recapitalization the audited results released today the company broke down results business segment operating profit the fourth quarter for all the company operations consolidated basis before corporate and interest expense and taxes was mln dlrs against loss three mln dlrs the quarter the year operating profit was mln dlrs compared loss mln dlrs statement the company said defeated hostile takeover attempt gaf corp gaf and recapitalized the company adding while all this was going our continuing businesses performed very soundly with substantial operating profit improvement over carbon products posted operating profit eight mln dlrs the quarter down from mln dlrs and mln dlrs the year against loss mln dlrs chemicals and plastics had fourth quarter operating profit mln dlrs compared year ago loss mln dlrs the year chemicals and plastics earned mln dlrs against losses mln dlrs operating income industrial gases rose mln dlrs from mln the quarter and mln dlrs from mln the year the company specialties and services segment cut its losses the quarter mln dlrs from mln dlrs and the year three mln dlrs from mln dlrs eliminations business conducted between the company industry segments contributed two mln dlrs fourth quarter profits but did not affect the quarter the eliminations caused losses three mln dlrs compared six mln dlrs the year the operating results include host unusual writeoffs and depreciation charges totaling mln dlrs the quarter and mln dlrs the year capital expenditures rose mln dlrs from mln dlrs segment spending carbon products fell mln dlrs from mln dlrs and spending fell specialties and services mln dlrs from mln dlrs chemicals and plastics expenditures rose mln dlrs from mln and industrial gases they rose mln dlrs from mln dlrs the company cash and equivalents fell mln dlrs year end from mln dlrs year end after net decrease mln dlrs during current assets year end fell billion dlrs from billion dlrs and current liabilities fell billion dlrs from billion reuter 
earn	first 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 non 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 one company acquired holt rinehart and winston and saunders and the dryden press and their foreign subsidiaries including these companies for the single month december qtr earnings were raised seven cts per shr and for the year eight cts per shr reuter 
acq	lone star lce agrees buy concrete operations lone star industries inc said has agreed acquire ready mixed concrete and aggregates businesses from riedel international inc portland ore for undisclosed amount cash lone star one sentence statement gave further details and company spokesmen were not available reuter 
earn	shell francaise returns profit shell francaise sfmf subsidiary shell petroleum returned the black last year for the first time since with parent company net profit mln francs against losses mln and billion posted profit mln the company said statement that cash flow had improved strongly although remained negative mln francs against billion due largely improved performances its main profit centres said the results could have been even better had not been for the collapse refining and sales profit margins the last quarter the year shell sold mln tonnes oil products against mln tonnes the company said the results were line with its targets for the second year its three year recovery programme meanwhile societe shell chimie said also returned profit for the first time since posting net profit mln francs against loss mln other details were available 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 may one record april two reuter 
money-supply	commercial paper falls billion dlrs feb week fed says 
money-supply	business loans rise mln dlrs feb week fed says 
acq	financial corp fin unit buys branches financial corporation america american savings and loan association unit said signed definitive agreement buy three retail savings branches from gibraltar financial corp gfc gibraltar savings unit the purchase which must approved the federal home loan bank and the california department savings and loans would increase american savings deposits about mln dlrs the branches are jolla mesa and san juan capistrano calif reuter 
crude	confidence opec firms energy futures renewed confidence opec ability limit production helped energy futures settle above yesterday closing prices according analysts they also said the heating oil contract found additional support from short covering rally the close april crude closed cts higher dlrs april heating oil was cts higher cts gallon most traders expected follow through profit taking from yesterday but the market found suport from bullish reports that opec producing within its quota said simon greenshields vice president with morgan stanley and inc news today including opec president rilwanu lukman statement that opec february production did not exceed its official quota mln barrels per day helped bouy prices traders said reuter survey found opec production early march was mln bpd addition short covering heating oil found support from traders buying against sales gasoline and crude well from expectations for continued drawdowns stocks refiners shut down for maintenance traders said 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 because company changed reporting period end december months loss includes mln dlrs writedown certain 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 said signed definitive agreement acquire lincoln savings bank fsb under terms the agreement announced january lincoln would acquired unit unicorp which minority owned lincoln president alton marshall the acquisition will take place through voluntary conversion lincoln federally chartered stock savings bank from mutual federal savings bank connection with the conversion unicorp will contribute mln dlrs cash lincoln reuter 
money-supply	money supply rises billion dlrs feb week fed says 
money-supply	bank discount borrowings average mln dlrs day march week fed says 
coffee	coffee fall not seen affecting colombia debt the sharp fall international coffee prices will not affect colombia external credit situation finance minister cesar gaviria told reuters said the current depression world coffee markets was not totally unexpected and would have immediate bearing colombia financial state which described sound our foreign debt high but can pay and hope the foreign banking community will maintain its position toward said colombia the only major latin american country not have rescheduled its external public debt has total foreign debt billion dlrs calls for rescheduling the debt have come this week from the opposition conservative party and the biggest trade union following the coffee price drop gaviria said lower coffee prices this year could mean loss billion dlrs revenues for gaviria submitted the world bank and the inter american bank last week new york borrowing plan for total billion dlrs disbursed over the next four years which said was approved reuter 
money-supply	money supply rises billion dlrs money supply rose billion dlrs seasonally adjusted billion dlrs the february week the federal reserve said the previous week level was revised billion dlrs from billion dlrs while the four week moving average rose billion dlrs from billion economists polled reuters had forecast range from down mln dlrs billion dlrs the average forecast called for billion dlr rise reuter 
acq	humana hum declares shareholders rights plan humana inc said its board approved shareholder rights plan called poison pill plan ensure its shareholders receive fair treatment the event proposed takeover humana said now aware any effort gain control the company under the plan its board declared dividend distribution one right for each outstanding common share held march said each right entitles holders purchase unit share newly authorizes series participating preferred dlrs per unit humana said the rights become effective after entity acquires pct more its outstanding common tenders for pct its stock after such acquisition then each right entitles holders purchase securities the company acquiring entity having market value twice the right exercise price humana said the rights expire march unless redeemed earlier said the rights may redeemed the company for one per right any time prior days following public announcement that pct position has been 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 does not include loss from discontinued operations dlrs cts per shr qtr loss mln dlrs dlrs per shr the year gain mln dlrs dlrs per shr also does 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 said will purchase three retail banking branches south florida with total deposits mln dlrs great western said will purchase branches deerfield beach and hollywood with approximately mln dlrs deposits from guardian savings and loan association and one palm beach with approximately mln deposits from goldome savings bank reuter 
acq	hughes changes stance merger after suit one billion dlr lawsuit pushed hughes tool into about face its rejection proposed merger with baker international corp bko wall street analysts said last night hughes said the planned merger with baker was off baker then filed suit seeking punitive damages from hughes for calling off the merger midday today hughes said was still interested the merger the analysts also said hughes may worried that its troubles could make takeover candidate there was speculation today that harold simmons the dallas investor might try acquire hughes but simmons told reuters not interested simmons said intends file with the securities and exchange monday reporting stake five pct more some publicly traded company declined identify the target other than rule out hughes one analyst said another factor the latest hughes turnabout was borg warner corp bor which owns pct hughes borg warner chairman bere who serves the hughes board believed favor the merger with baker despite the hughes statement that interested merger and baker response that merger still possibile analysts said one could certain where the situation was going think the merger not going through said phil pace analyst kidder peabody and said the merger lost lot its appeal when the department justice required that baker sell off its reed tool operation although the reed operation relatively small view the total size combined baker hughes pace said pct the cost savings are tied that they hughes are obviously concerned about the lawsuit said james crandell analyst salomon brothers inc apparently they are willing continue discussions but whether they will alter their position don know getting little confusing said james carroll analyst painewebber group inc said the arguments cited hughes yesterday for not doing the merger tend weak hughes said yesterday that condition the merger wanted reed tool and other businesses sold prior april the projected merger date government decree allowed longer period time hughes contended was better formally combine the companies with the status reed already settled baker apparently sees reason speed the sale carroll said baker had previously estimated mln dlrs savings the companies were combined without selling reed but said baker now thinks mln dlrs will saved while hughes sees saving only mln dlrs carroll also noted that since the merger accord was first signed the outlook for the industry has improved materially hughes may simply feel the pressure the oil service industry lifting reuter 
acq	armtek arm sells tire truck tire business armtek corp formerly known armstrong rubber said signed agreements with condere corp for the sale its natchez miss tire plant and its and truck tire sales and services corp terms were not disclosed armtek spokesman john sievers said and mln dlr business earlier this week armtek announced the sale its industrial tire and assembly business division dyneer corp scotsdale ariz cash proceeds from both sales will used reduce outstanding debt under long term supply agreement with condere anticipated that truck tires produced the natchez plant will supplied the armstrong tire armtek operating company the company said the closing scheduled concluded march said reuter 
earn	elxsi ltd elxsf qtr loss shr loss four 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 ltd year loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs note net includes dlr writedown oil and gas properties reuter 
nat-gas	ferc issues take pay gas policy plan the federal energy regulatory commission ferc issued proposed policy statement for the recovery take pay costs imposed existing natural gas contracts between producers and pipelines put out the statement vote for day comment period also put out alternative policy statement commissioner charles stalon ferc said press release that the proposed policy statement estblishes exception the commission general policy that take pay buy out and buy down costs must recovered through pipeline commodity sales rates ferc added that specifically cases where pipelines assume equitable share buy out buy down costs the commission proposes permit the pipelines recover the remaining costs through their demand rates said wanted guidelines for buying out and reforming existing contracts help spread the impact these take pay costs responsible fair and equitable way commission chairwoman martha hesse said this proposal represents the commission sincere attempt help the industry through this difficult period transition more competitive market hesse said hope that our proposed policy will encourage and guide the timely resolution take pay contractual disputes that have impeded the industry transition more competitive environment vital the industry that get this problem behind reuter 
earn	times mirror tmc quarterly dividend qtly div cts cts pay june record may 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 from tax gains and proceeds from sale minnesota utility operations net includes extraordinary gain dlrs shr after 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 first qtr loss qtr ends dec shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln reuter 
earn	spar aerospace ltd 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 said submitted merger proposal the board reph acquisition the parent company republic health corp which pct owned pesch interests the balance reph common stock owned members republic management mcdonnell douglas corp donaldson lufkin and jenrette and pacific asset holdings republic currently owns hospitals and manages other facilities states details the proposal were not disclosed company representatives were not immediately available the proposal provides that reph would become wholly owned subsidiary alpha and that the existing reph common stockholders would become stockholders alpha said reph board has appointed special committee negotiate terms the proposed merger pesch said last year republic was acquired reph leveraged buyout transaction led leroy pesch the principal shareholder pesch and alpha recently submitted second offer acquire the stock american medical international inc ami dlrs share cash and securities which still being considered american medical board pesch said reuter 
earn	spar sees sees strong five year growth spar aerospace ltd reporting sharply lower profit said anticipated solid profit and revenue growth during the next five years looking the longer term spar confident that its continuing concentration advanced robotics satellite based communications and electro optical defense systems will lead significant growth revenues and earnings over the next five years the company said also forecast higher sales due increased order backlog revenues last year fell mln dlrs from mln while profit fell mln dlrs from mln spar added that lower development costs the communications group and return normal operations gears and transmissions and aviation services will remove serious drain profits this year attributed its reduced earnings communications group losses resulting from continued heavy investment new products and market development four month strike its toronto plants and delays receipt authorization from customers start work new programs reuter 
earn	chesapeake utilities corp chpk regular div qtly div cts cts prior pay april three record march reuter 
earn	swift independent packing sftpr qtr net periods ended january net revs mln mln reuter 
acq	chemlawn says rejects dlrs per share tender offer from waste management 
trade	france yugoslavia commission boost trade france and yugoslavia agreed set joint economic commission part efforts promote commercial links and industrial cooperation between the two countries the french finance ministry said the commission composed businessmen was agreed during talks between foreign trade minister michel noir and yugoslavian minister without portfolio egon padovan ministry statement said both sides had agreed the need boost trade links keeping with accord signed last year calling for pct rise commercial exchanges between the two countries over the next six years french trade with yugoslavia has grown little over the past two years reuter 
acq	chemlawn chem rejects waste wmx offer chemlawn corp said its board rejected waste management inc dlr per share tender offer and urged its shareholders not tender their shares chemlawn said its board asked management and its financial advisor smith barney harris upham and inc seek other purchasers the company maximize shareholder value chemlawn also said adopted shareholder rights plan poison pill during intermin safeguard period its board adopted deter attempts acquire the company through any means other than all cash tender offer while seeks other purchasers chemlawn also said began litigation against waste management federal court columbus seeking injunctive and other relief the suit alleges among other things that certain waste management officers and directors purchased chemlawn stock before making the tender offer chemlawn claimed such purchases possibly violated the officers fiduciary duties and the securities and exchange commission insider trading rules last week waste management made tender offer acquire chemlawn for dlrs per share mln dlrs chemlawn said its board was determined that waste offer was inadequate and not the best interest shareholders and could adversely affect the interests its employees suppliers creditors and customers our board carefully reviewed waste management offer and concluded that does not fully reflect the value the company strongly urge our shareholders not tender their shares waste management said chairman jack van fossen chemlawn said its rights plan designed protect shareholders against abusive tactics such market accumulations waste management others under the plan one comon stock purchase right will distributed dividend each outstanding share chemlawn common chemlawn said its rights holders can buy share its common for one dlr any entity acquires pct more its commmon other than all cash tender offer for all its shares approved acquisition agreement its board said the rights expire july three days after they become exercisable later than that date said its board may redeem the rights for five cts per right any time prior their exercise date chemlawn said the plan will not triggered purchases purusant waste management present tender offer said the dividend will paid shareholders record march reuter 
earn	cambior inc five mths dec net shr cts not given net not given revs mln not given reuter 
acq	conagra cag acquire monfort mmft conagra inc agreed acquire monfort colorado inc stock transaction both companies said according the letter intent signed the companies conagra will acquire all monfort mln outstanding shares for mln its own shares based conagra closing price dlrs today the transaction worth about mln dlrs the merger expected completed june they said the companies said the acquisition will result restatement conagra earnings for the fiscal year ending may but the restatement not expected materially change the previously reported upcoming fiscal year end earnings fiscal conagra had net income mln dlrs sales billion dlrs for its fiscal year ending august monfort reported mln dlrs earnings sales billion dlrs the company one the largest lamb and beef producers the producing transporting and selling the products domestically and internationally reuter 
acq	mcdonnell douglas not approached pesch mcdonnell douglas corp which has five mln dlr investment republic health corp reph said has not been approached sell its shares republic health earlier alpha health systems corp unit pesch and said submitted merger proposal the board reph acquisition the parent republic health leroy pesch the principal stockholder pesch have not been approached pesch anybody else with respect our holdings republic health mcdonnell douglas spokesman told reuters reuter 
earn	paradyne pdn pleads guilty criminal charge paradyne corp said pleaded guilty criminal charges conspiracy defraud the social security administration and agreed pay mln dlrs fines and costs the government the company also reached agreements principle for mln dlr settlement class action law suits about mln dlrs the class action settlement will provided paradyne insurance carrier the settlement contingent court approval after notice class members said the criminal case settlement dismisses all charges including bribery and false statement except for conspiracy which paradyne pleaded guilty the criminal settlement includes the lifting the government suspension the dismissal the federal civil false claims suit and all charges against the individuals the mln dlrs the insurance carrier will provide for the civil settlement dlrs will settle derivative lawsuit for the year ended december paradyne reported net loss mln dlrs the year end results include mln dlrs provision for future legal and settlement costs cover the civil and criminal settlements announced today paradyne also said named jerry kendall president and chief executive officer succeeding robert wiggins who resigned chairman and chief executive officer part the settlement the indictment kendall formerly served executive vice president and chief operating officer the company also said that due the sluggish marketplace does not expect profitable the first quarter but optimistic about the outlook for the year for the first quarter the company reported net income dlrs sales mln dlrs wiggins was among five paradyine executives who were charged along with three former officers federal indictment stemming from mln contract awarded paradyne build computer network for the social security administration the men were accused conspiring bribe government officials and defaud the social security administration wiggins and other defendants were also charged with providing false testimony and obstructing justice during securities and exchange commission investigation under the settlement announced today federal prosecutors agreed defer all charges against wiggins and three other defendants under one year pretrial agreement the charges would then dropped the defendants successfully complete the probation period details the requirements the agreement were not immediately available reuter 
crude	greece repeats can decide aegean drilling greece replying warning from turkey that will stop athens from seeking oil the aegean sea repeated today that has exclusive right decide where when drill the area government spokesman said statement that ankara believed greece was contravening international law could bring the issue before the courts the spokesman was responding statement turkish foreign ministry spokesman yalim eralp that ankara would take action stop greece oil activities beyond its territorial waters they were violation the 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 one loss two cts net profit loss sales year shr loss one cts loss five cts net loss loss sales mln reuter 
acq	santa southern pacific appeals merger ruling santa southern pacific corp will later today formally ask the interstate commerce commission icc reconsider its earlier rejection the merger the holding company railroad assets company spokesman said expect file papers late tonight asking the icc reopen the rail merger case spokesman rich hall said telephone interview from the company chicago headquarters the icc had rejected july grounds would reduce competition the merger the santa and southern pacific railroads the deadline for seeking icc reconsideration the merger plan midnight tonight santa southern pacific owns the santa railroad and holds the southern pacific railroad assets trust while awaiting federal approval the merger plan the icc had ordered the holding company divest one the other railroad but stayed its ruling pending decision the request for reconsideration the icc ultimately decides not reopen the case expected reinstate the divestiture order reuter 
crude	iea says opec february crude output mln bpd opec produced average mln barrels per day bpd crude oil february down from mln the previous month and overall mln bpd fourth quarter the international energy agency said few opec countries last month exceeded the production quotas set their last conference december but liftings were reduced from several countries said its latest monthly oil market report these cutbacks were due part buyer resistance fixed prices introduced from february particularly for fixed volumes over 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 the iea said while saudi production stayed below its quota mln bpd actual sales might exceed output due norbec stock disposals contracts for saudi crude have been signed but understood they have much leeway required liftings the report said the reduction iraqi air attacks iranian export facilities allowed iran output reach mln bpd january but buyer resistance fixed prices apparently cut february production said iraqi exports are about mln bpd through the turkish pipeline mln truck through jordan and mln via the saudi pipeline yanbu internal consumption some mln bpd the iea estimated total non communist world oil supply february mln bpd down from mln january and mln the fourth quarter the 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 other developing countries crude and ngls net trade mln bpd with centrally planned economies mln bpd non conventional crudes such tar sands and oil from coal and mln bpd from processiing gains within the oecd preliminary norwegian data show record mln bpd output january with lower production expected february accordance with government curtailments approximately bpd announced support opec reuter 
acq	enfield corp plans notes preferred issue enfield corp ltd said planned issue mln dlrs principal amount notes and mln class preferred shares dlrs share the notes would bear pct yearly interest mature march and convertible common shares either march the business day before fixed redemption date dlrs share enfield said said each preferred share would convertible common shares either march the business day before fixed redemption date gordon capital corp and dominion securities inc agreed acquire the issues said enfield said would use proceeds retire short term bank debt and boost its pct stake consumers packaging inc and its interest federal pioneer ltd through open market purchases reuter 
acq	wichita wro buy fountain oil fgas wichita industries inc said agreed buy fountain oil and gas inc wichita said will acquire all the outstanding shares fountain exchange for about mln newly issued wichita common shares wichita presently has about mln shares outstanding the transaction calls for the issuance shares wichita common for each outstanding fountain share wichita also said made number refinancing agreements connection with the acquisition reuter 
cpi	argentine inflation rose pct february argentina cost living index grew pct january down from last month pct the national statistics institute said said consumer prices rose pct over the last months against pct inflation the calendar year reuter 
crude	pemex lowers february far east crude oil prices the mexican state oil company petroleos mexicanos pemex said its far east customers would charged dlrs per barrel for isthmus crude february and dlrs for the heavier maya pemex said this was cts less than january isthmus and cts less than january maya far east customers primarily japan which buys average barrels per day which isthmus pay retroactively while european and clients are charged per delivery reuter 
retail	december quarter retail sales fall pct retail sales the quarter ended december fell seasonally adjusted pct compared with pct rise the september quarter and pct fall year ago period the statistics department said actual retail sales the december quarter totalled billion dlrs compared with billion the previous quarter and billion year ago period the largest decreases the december quarter were recorded the same stores which recorded the highest increase sales the september quarter before the introduction pct value added goods and services tax october reuter 
acq	reph acquisition negotiate pesch merger bid reph acquisition said its board appointed special committee negotiate the terms offer made earlier today pesch and merge with its republic health corp reph unit pesch through its alpha health systems corp unit offered acquire the pct republic health stock that does not already own terms pesch offer have not been disclosed reuter 
acq	hunt group has comdata stake seeks influence investor group led members the hunt family dallas texas told the securities and exchange commission has acquired pct stake comdata network inc cdn and may try influence company policy the investor group led rosewood financial inc said opposes company recapitalization plan worked out between comdata and mason best texas investment firm which last reported holding about pct the company stock the hunt group said offered march buy the entire pct stake held dissident shareholder donald carter dlrs each but has received reply yesterday rosewood which owned the caroline hunt trust estate whose trustees include margaret hunt hill also said has notified the federal trade commission its intent buy between and pct comdata common stock under federal law cannot buy more than pct comdata stock until day waiting period over unless the ftc gives early approval under the proposed comdata recapitalization plan the company would buy mln its common shares dlrs each mason best which belongs cni parnters texas partnership would not tender any its stake under the plan but would instead buy another one mln comdata common shares and would get representation the company board the hunt group said has told comdata that considers required payments under the plan such mln dlr fee and the issuance warrant buy common shares waste the company assets the hunt group which also includes securities texas firms cypress partners and driftwood ltd said spent mln dlrs its comdata common shares reuter 
acq	santa southern pacific appeals merger ruling santa southern pacific corp will later today formally ask the interstate commerce commission icc reconsider its earlier rejection the merger the holding company railroad assets company spokesman said expect file papers late tonight asking the icc reopen the rail merger case spokesman rich hall said telephone interview from the company chicago headquarters the icc had rejected july grounds would reduce competition the merger the santa and southern pacific railroads the deadline for seeking icc reconsideration the merger plan midnight tonight reuter 
earn	viner holdings ltd eavkf qtr loss shr loss cts profit seven 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 three 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 said cut its stake allied products corp shares pct from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission gfi said sold allied products common shares march dlrs each and donated another shares two universities said its dealings the company common stock were for investment purposes only reuter 
ship	talks fail end brazilian seamen strike pay talks aimed ending week old national seamen strike collapsed today and the strike will continue union official said the walkout brazil seamen has idled ships various ports jorge luis leao franco senior official the national merchant marine union told reuters the strikers who are seeking pct pay increase have rejected offers pct raise from the state oil company petrobras and pct increase from the national union maritime navigation companies syndarma leao franco said eight hours talks rio janeiro with labor minister almir pazzianotto ended today without resolving the dispute said six ships were idle abroad the netherlands spain venezuela france and south africa economic analysts said the strike was major concern the government which has suspended interest payments part brazil foreign debt following drastic deterioration the country trade balance the head the national merchant marine authority murilo rubens habbema was quoted today saying that the strike continued foreign ships could authorized transport brazilian exports brazil living through crisis the moment and not conceivable that exports hit told the gazeta mercantil newspaper reuter 
acq	shearson has pct chicago milwaukee chg shearson lehman brothers inc the brokerage subsidiary american express axp said has acquired shares chicago milwaukee corp pct its total outstanding common stock filing with the securities and exchange commission shearson said bought the stake for mln dlrs for investment purposes and has intention seeking control the company reuter 
earn	viner eavkf viable after heck hex move viner holdings ltd said the earlier reported chapter bankruptcy filing heck inc hex which viner holds shares would not materially affect viner capital position its ability carry its profitable brokerage business viner said its brokerage subsidiary edward viner and had regulatory capital mln dlrs year end the company said heck chapter filing could however affect viner previously reported legal action recover costs from aborted merger agreement with heck said and the toussie viner group with which made the merger offer were assessing their options regarding the heck investment viner earlier reported fourth quarter loss dlrs after mln dlr writedown its stake heck earned dlrs the previous fourth quarter full year earnings totaled mln dlrs against year earlier loss mln dlrs the full year earnings included dlr net writedown the heck stake said reuter 
acq	twa twa sues usair over poison pill trans world airlines inc said filed suit delaware chancery court against usair group inc and its board directors seeking invalidate its poison pill anti takeover plan twa vice president and general counsel mark buckstein said twa also sought declaratory judgement from the court that its dlr per share takeover offer for usair would way interfer with usair possible buyout peidmont aviation inc pie buckstein said twa asked the court enjoin the enforcement usair shareholder rights plan poison pill such provisions which typically allow for the issue securities shareholders the event hostile takeover bid are aimed deterring takeovers making them more expensive usair earlier today rejected twa offer saying twa bid was attempt interfer with its buyout piedmont usair also had said its counsel would investigate the matter tonight spokesman for usair said the airline had comment twa lawsuit usair did respond however twa request the department transportation for permission buy pct usair stock and place the stock voting trust pending approval takeover usair said the request was hastily pasted together order take advantage regulatory anamoly that would allow twa accomplish regulated environment actions that would impermissable the non regulated economy large usair called the transportation department reject twa request reuter 
earn	four 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 said raised its quarterly dividend cts share from cts and declared both extra dividend cts share and pct stock dividend said the dividends will paid april one shareholders record march for the stock dividend ivey said will pay for fractional shares dlrs per share reuter 
coffee	mexico suspends overseas coffee sales mexico has temporarily suspended overseas coffee sales due falling prices triggered the failure the international coffee organisation ico meeting agree quota system its latest meeting the official notimex news agency said just waiting while for prices improve unidentified mexican trader told the agency mexico has already sold pct its export coffee produced the year last september the source said the country exports about mln kilo bags year reuter 
acq	group boosts scandinavia fund scf stake shareholder group led swedish investment firm and norwegian investor said raised its stake the scandinavia fund inc shares pct the total from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission the group which includes ingemar rydin industritillbehor the firm and investor erik martin vik said bought the additional shares between feb and march reuter 
acq	offshore investment firm ups france fund stake vbi corp offshore based investment firm told the securities and exchange commission raised its stake the france fund inc frn shares pct the total from pct vbi which based turks and caicos islands the british west indies said bought the additional shares between feb and march has said bought its france fund stake for investment purposes only reuter 
coffee	costa rica optimistic about reforming ico costa rica economy minister said sees new hope for winning changes the international coffee organisation system export quotas minister luis diego escalante who serves president the costa rican coffee institute said was hopeful because the support offered costa rica and other smaller producing nations such major consumers the united states britain and the netherlands last week ico meeting london escalante told news conference here carried the weight the negotiations the meeting calling for larger export quotas for the smaller coffee growing nations costa rica insisting escalante said new quota system based producing nation real export capacity once has satisfied internal demand there are countries such our own whose sales possibilities are close above pct their current quotas escalante said the same time there are countries favoured the current system that have been assigned quotas far above their export potential said the current ico quota system unfair and autocratic escalante said escalante attributed the nosedive international coffee prices over the last week speculation rather than real matters supply and demand careful warned there not much coffee the world they say what there are bags sawdust reuter 
money-supply	money growth slows sharply economists say money supply growth slowing down rapidly and some economists believe that all three the federal reserve main monetary aggregates may even have contracted february contraction unlikely major concern for the fed especially would follow long period torrid growth but could give the central bank extra leeway the weeks ahead decided that relaxation monetary policy was justified account weakness the economy money supply for the week ended february reported today rose billion dlrs billion but preliminary forecasts call for drop next week around two billion dlrs the monthly average january was billion dlrs makes about quarter and fifth with other components such money market deposit accounts and small time deposits also falling the stage set for falls the broader aggregates too economists say has been largely discredited because its traditional link economic growth has disintegrated under the impact falling interest rates and banking deregulation but the consistent behavior all three aggregates likely impress the fed said ward mccarthy merrill lynch economics inc the fed has confidence the aggregates when they all sending the same signal this going raise some eyebrows the fed mccarthy said stephen slifer shearson lehman brothers inc added have some very good looking monetary aggregate data coming lot weaker than thought the economists were quick caution that one month data prove nothing especially because money growth previously had been rapid the last weeks has grown pct rate and pct rate the past weeks moreover some the contraction can probably explained shift funds from savings vehicles into the booming stock market and thus not indication slowdown the business expansion but the data raise the tantalizing possibility for the bond markets that the slowdown money growth partly reflection weaker economy that needs more fed stimulus mccarthy noted that the slower money growth coincides with signs that the economy losing momentum the quarter progresses some the economic indicators are not rosy they were month ago noted expects only five six pct growth march and rises and about four pct slifer sees stronger growth pct and five pct less for and but the rates would still moderate enough encourage the fed ease policy gross national product for the first quarter proved weak you certainly more inclined ease than you would the past there was certainly nothing the fed latest balance sheet however suggest change policy already under way economists said discount window borrowings were line with expectations mln dlrs day robert brusca nikko securities international inc argued that easier fed policy unlikely much solve america most urgent economic problem its massive trade deficit because the possibility that further dollar depreciation and thus rising inflation may needed close the trade gap brusca said not prepared all that optimistic about the bond market reuter 
cpi	ecuador consumer prices rise pct february ecuador consumer price index rose pct february base the national statistics and census institute said the rise compared pct rise january and pct rise february the institute said accumulated overall inflation for the first two months this year was pct compared pct for the same period last year inflation for the months ending february was pct compared pct for the months ending february reuter 
earn	tpa america inc tps qtr loss shr loss five cts net loss revs avg shrs mln year shr loss seven cts net loss revs mln avg shrs mln note company started operating august results reflect change fiscal year from november end reuter 
gold	silver state mining ssmc sees production rise silver state mining corp said expects gold production this year more than double ounces the company production was ounces reuter 
earn	mcgrath rentcorp mgrc sees net rising mcgrath rentcorp said result its december acquisition space expects earnings per share dlrs per share from cts the company said pretax net should rise nine mln dlrs from six mln dlrs and rental operation revenues mln dlrs from mln dlrs said cash flow per share this year should three dlrs reuter 
earn	silver state mining corp ssmc qtr net shr one one net revs year shr seven cts one net revs reuter 
earn	sizzler restaurants international inc sizz net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln nine mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter 
acq	mcandrews and forbes are offering dlrs per share for revlon stock 
money-fx	money market deficit revised mln stg the bank england said had revised its estimate the shortage the money market back its initial forecast mln stg midsession the central bank changed the shortfall mln and provided assistance worth mln stg through bank bill purchases bands one 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 seven cts net loss profit revs mln mln nine mths shr loss cts profit seven cts net loss profit revs mln mln note shr figures adjusted for issue shares october avg shrs not given full name peter miller apparel group inc reuter 
earn	krelitz industries inc krlz qtr net period ended jan shr seven cts cts net sales mln mln nine mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln note prior year period ended sept comparable periods reflect change fiscal yearend april from december reuter 
earn	donegal dgic projects full year results donegal group inc which today reported earnings dlrs revenues dlrs for the period from august startup through the end said expects much improved profits for the full year revenues about mln dlrs reuter 
acq	macandrews and forbes holdings bids for revlon mcandrews and forbes holdings inc said will offer dlrs per share for all revlon group inc rev outstanding common stock mcandrews said terms the acquisition have not been determined and are subject the acquisition financing revlon closed yesterday the new york stock exchange the company said would bid for all stock its affiliates not already own mcandrews and forbes said informed the board directors revlon that expects make formal proposal the near future also said there can assurance the terms the proposals that the deal can concluded reuter 
acq	borealis gold exploration pact with faraway borealis exploration ltd said entered into agreement with faraway gold mines ltd vancouver british columbia under which faraway will acquire interest borealis whale cove gold property the keewatin district the northwest territories faraway will spend mln dlrs exploration over three years and will hold pct the property until all expenses are paid out when the interest will drop pct also borealis and faraway will issue treasury shares each other and faraway will buy borealis shares from borealis president lorne spence reuter 
acq	imre imre sells stock european institutions imre corp said has received commitments for group european institutions buy about imre shares for dlrs with closing expected march reuter 
acq	instrumentarium acquires nokia subsidiary finland medical group instrumentarium inmr said has acquired electronics components importers and marketers ferrado and insele subsidiaries finland electronics group nokia noks said statement ferrado and insele will merged into instrumentarium professional electronics and information systems division did not disclose price for the acquisitions but said had issued restricted shares partial payment nokia reuter 
earn	fuqua industries inc fqa sets quarterly qtly div six cts six cts prior pay april one 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 one stock split june reuter 
acq	dome petroleum reaffirms dome mines stake for sale right price spokesman says 
acq	commonwealth mortgage ccmc buys armonk firm commonwealth mortgage said purchased westfiar funding corp armonk for undisclosed amount cash commonwealth said westfair originated mln dlrs residential mortgage loans during reuter 
earn	corp inc raises dividend semi annual div cts five cts pay april nine record march reuter 
crude	permian pbt raises crude prices permian corp said that effective march raised its posted prices for crude oil cts barrel the raise brought its posted prices for west texas intermediate cts dlrs barrel west texas sour was also raised cts dlrs barrel permian spokesman said that the south louisiana sweet posted prices was also 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	far west industries inc raises dividend annual div four cts cts pay march record march reuter 
earn	far west industries inc year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
livestock	officials study salmonella calf feed link officials are studying the possible link between the use antibiotics calf feeds and the spread drug resistant strains salmonella humans ministry agriculture official said study published the new england journal medicine yesterday stated that the spread unusual strain salmonella that resistant the drug chloramphenicol had been shown linked farms that used the drug promote the growth cattle the ministry agriculture working with the department health and the public health laboratory investigate the whole subject resistant strains salmonella the ministry agriculture concerned about the possible effects human and animal health the official said the government also studying recommendation from the farm animal welfare council fawc restrict the trade calves under days old through markets the fawc says this would help reduce the spread salmonella reuter 
acq	dome dmp repeats dome mines stake for sale dome petroleum ltd pct stake gold producer dome mines ltd continues for sale the right price spokesman david annesley said response inquiry reaffirming remarks made last year chairman howard macdonald annesley said the company considering selling its stake dome mines concerning dome petroleum pct stake encor energy corp ltd annesley said encor strategic investment for dome and have intention selling dome spokesman annesley said answer question that was not aware any negotiations now under way toward the sale dome petroleum mln dome mines shares also declined specify what price the company would consider selling shares clearly today prices more than dlrs share dome mines stock are very attractive annesley commented were considering the sale the right price time when the shares were priced around nine dlrs added price around dlrs share would considered fairly attractive annesley said annesley also dome petroleum may able sell its dome mines shares premium market prices there might opportunity pick premium that because would virtually control block dome mines said dome mines shares traded earlier dlrs off the toronto stock exchange dome petroleum now negotiating plan restructure debt more than billion canadian dlrs with group major creditors which includes dome mines and encor energy the company previously said expects detail the plan lenders early next week reuter 
earn	selecterm inc sltm qtr loss shr loss not given 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 said and southwest forest industries inc swf completed all waiting period requirements under the hart scott rodino anti trust improvements act stone said will proceed with its previously proposed acquisition southwest reuter 
coffee	ico quota talks failure paralyse hamburg market the failure international coffee organization talks the reintroduction quotas has paralysed business the hamburg green coffee market the past week trade sources said there was only sporadic activity for spot material which was mainly requirement buying they said adding that pre registered coffees were longer available they said they expected brazil and colombia open export registrations for may shipment next week however the president the brazilian coffee institute jorio dauster said yesterday had not yet decided when its registrations would reopen 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 said and stone container corp have complied with all federal waiting period requirements for stone proposed dlr per share cash acquisition southwest southwest currently has mln shares outstanding the companies entered into merger agreement january and made their initial findings with the department justice and the federal trade commission february three southwest said the waiting period expired march without receiving formal second request for information reuter 
earn	okc limited partnership okc sets lower payout okc limited partnership said will make five per share distribution unitholders down from cts december and payable march holders record march the partnership said the payout the largest quarterly cash distribution allowable under terms its letter credit reuter 
earn	biotech research laboratories inc btrl qtr shr profit one loss seven cts net profit loss revs year shr loss seven cts loss cts net loss loss revs shr out 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 says pact just start treasury secretary james baker said the agreement among industrial nations paris last month only start washington drive intensify economic cooperation among leading countries speech the national newspaper association baker said the six steps beginning with the plaza agreement and culminating the paris accord are only start added see our role steward process which sit down with our industrial allies find ways promote more balanced international growth the paris agreements called trade surplus countries strengthen their growth and the reduce its budget deficit under such circumstances the countries agreed their currencies were within ranges broadly consistent with economic fundamentals baker also said still sees ominous signs pressure for protectionist trade legislation and this pressure for protectionism coming from new areas society but also said believed coalition was forming that supported free trade reuter 
trade	treasury baker forecasts reduction japanese trade surplus this year 
earn	boston bancorp sbos sets two for one split boston bancorp said its board declared two for one stock split payable march record march reuter 
acq	correction macandrews and forbes holdings new york story headlined macandrews and forbes holdings bids for revlon pls read headline and first paragraph macandrews and forbes considers bid for revlon and first paragraph macandrews and forbes holdings inc said considering making proposal corrects from bids for revlon headline and will offer first paragraph 
ship	some shipping restrictions remain rhine limited shipping restrictions due high water remain force parts the west german stretch the rhine river between the dutch border and the city mainz but most are expected lifted this weekend water authority officials said the restrictions caused high water levels include speed limits and directives keep the middle the river prevent damage the river banks the high water was expected recede within two days below levels which the restrictions come into force traffic was halted briefly late tuesday night wednesday and parts thursday stretches the rhine between bonn and koblenz but the shipping bans were lifted the officials said shipping now permitted all parts the west german section the rhine with restrictions some areas reuter 
acq	hawker siddeley offer for clarostat clr ends hawker siddeley group plc offer dlrs share for all clarostat mfg inc stock was scheduled expire est yesterday company officials were unavailable for comment why the american stock exchange had stopped trading clarostat stock for pending news announcement reuter 
acq	taft tfb given deadline buyout proposal narragansett capital inc narr said and dudley taft have requested response from taft broadcasting march earlier today taft broadcasting said taft the company vice chairman and narragansett had offered dlrs for each taft mln outstanding shares the company said the offer conditioned approval its board but spokesman declined comment whether not the board has scheduled meeting the narragansett taft group will provide the equity portion the offer contributing least mln dlrs cash and taft broadcasting common narragansett said said the group has been advised first boston inc fbc first boston corp that the investment banker highly confident that financing for the acquisition can consummated narragansett said the offer subject negotiation definitive merger agreement and definitive financing agreements well approval regulators taft board and taft stockholders the narragansett taft group said its letter taft board states the group intends return control over significant portion the company equity the taft family while providing other stockholders with means realizing very attractive value for their shares reuter 
earn	peter miller apparel group inc qtr loss period ended january shr loss cts profit seven cts net loss profit sales nine mths shr loss cts profit seven cts net loss profit sales note per share reflects issue shares october reuter 
acq	santa southern sfx appeals merger ruling santa southern pacific corp said filed petition asking the interstate commerce commission reconsider its earlier rejection the merger the holding company railroad assets the icc had rejected july the merger the santa and southern pacific railroads the grounds that would reduce competition santa its petition outlines array pro competitive agreements with other railroads which would preserve the economic benefits the merger for the merged railroad and the public the commission agrees that public benefits and competitive enhancements will result can vote reopen the merger case interested parties have until march file statements response the supplemental petition reuter 
trade	baker sees lower japanese trade surplus treasury secretary james baker said the japanese trade surplus would begin decline this year told the national newspaper association you going see reduction the japanese trade surplus some this year but said the reduction would due principally the exchange rate shifts since the plaza agreement and these shifts would take long time work their way through the system reuter 
earn	cineplex odeon corp year oper shr basic dlrs cts 
acq	monfort mnft soars acquisition agreement monfort colorado inc soared over the counter trading responding announcement late yesterday that the firm will acquired conagra inc cag according letter intent signed both companies conagra will offer its own shares for each monfort mln outstanding shares conagra fell one the new york stock exchange monfort integrated beef and lamb producer reuter 
acq	nordbanken auction its fermenta shares sweden nordbanken banking group said would sell the mln free shares deposited loan collateral fermenta frms founder and former chief executive refaat sayed and planned buy them itself the bank said the sale public auction march was because debtor inability repay overdue loan the free shares closed crowns the bourse unofficial list down from peak january nordbanken said did not exclude accepting suitable bid for the shares although expected buy them back itself the statement said the sale did not represent any withdrawal from nordbanken undertakings towards the fermenta group and that had been sanctioned the other main shareholders nordbanken fermenta third largest creditor with loans mln crowns was one the four swedish banks which last month agreed advance the group mln crowns solve its immediate liquidity problems together with two other main shareholders also advanced fermenta additional mln crowns until new equity issue could made fermenta due hold extraordinary shareholders meeting tuesday approve the planned equity issue nordbanken had make provision against mln crown loan sayed its results fermenta new management originally hoped raise mln crowns through the new one for four rights issue and extra mln from issue nordbanken another major creditor and shareholder gotabanken and the group new majority owner industrivarden the share price was crowns but there has been doubt over the plans since the stock fell below this level this week after fermenta former chairman kjell brandstrom said the company was much worse state than 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 from discontinued operations and mln dlr gain their disposal net both periods includes mln dlr provision for future losses from several major projects defense contractor subsidiary backlog mln dlrs six pct from year before 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 eight cts shr diluted net involves week reporting period reflect change end coincide with calendar reuter 
acq	mine safety appliances mnes sell unit mine safety appliances said agreed sell its filter products division donaldson inc dci for undisclosed terms said the filter products unit will relocated from its plant pennsylvania donaldson facility illinois said expects number the unit employees will offered positions with 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 may prospect raised dlrs from initial public offering common stock the company purchased march midsouth corp regional railroad company mississippi and louisiana which contributed sales mln dlrs and operating income mln dlrs during first nine months operation reuter 
earn	france fund inc frn sets initial dividend france fund inc said its board declared initial dividend dlrs per share payable april six holders record march the fund said the dividend represents two cts per share for net investment income realized during and dlrs from net taxable gains realized during the 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 one for three scrip issue last year final dividend two guilders same making total guilders same 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 both periods excludes tax credit dlrs reuter 
earn	cyprus minerals cypm named suits cyprus minerals said along with about other companies has been named defendant product liability lawsuits filed california individual tireworkers aleging injury result exposure talc and other products said other suits are expected brought cyprus which produces talc said has significant factual and legal defenses and substantial insurance coverage and does not expect the suits have material adverse impact its financial condition reuter 
acq	donaldson dci buy mine safety mnes unit donaldson inc said reached agreement buy the assets the filter products division mine safety appliances for undisclosed terms said filter products will operate part donaldson industrial group and its manufacturing operations will relocated dixon ill from evans city donaldson said the acquisition complements its 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 said auditor coopers and lybrand has issued qualified opinion financial statements gulf states said the audit opinion satated that without sufficient rate increases funds from other sources gulf states may unable maintain its financial viability which necessary permit the realization its assets and the liquidation its liabilities the ordinary course business said received similar qualified opinion reuter 
ship	midmississippi river opens today for season the mississippi river now open for barge traffic the twin cities minnesota after repairs were completed and the first barges moved upstream through lock and dam near quincy ill cst today army corps engineers spokesman said about inches ice were reported between locks three and four the upper mississippi river but other sections were generally free ice the spokesman said midwestern weather has been mild that barges probably could have kept loading mid mississippi river terminals through the winter lock and dam had not been scheduled for repairs said the peoria and grange locks the illinois river are still 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 one cent reuter 
crude	ecuador says suspends oil exports due earthquake ecuador today suspended its crude oil exports indefinitely due earthquake last night that damaged pumping and crude transport installations energy and mines ministry statement said said the state oil firm corporacion estatal petrolera ecuatoriana cepe notified foreign customers that was declaring force majeure its crude exports due the tremor ecuador opec oil output quota barrels per day bpd senior energy ministry official said that one pumping station salado ecuador main pipeline was damaged also said metre section the pipeline attached the bridge over the aguarico river collapsed the pumping station was about from the reventador volcano near the epicentre the quake which ecuadorean seismologists said registered six the point international mercalli scale the aguarico bridge was also close the volcano said the quake struck northern ecaudor and southern colombia according ecuadorean officials injuries were 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 from discontinued leasing operations mln dlrs mln dlrs year and mln dlrs mln dlrs quarter results restated for discontinued operations net both periods includes charge dlrs from elimination investment tax credits reuter 
earn	nch corp nch qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln nine mths shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales mln mln reuter 
earn	nationwide had property casualty loss nationwide mutual insurance said its property casualty companies had net loss mln dlrs last year while its life insurance operations earned mln dlrs nationwide said its property casualty group the fourth largest property casualty insurer had mln dlr loss nationwide life insurance earned mln dlrs with last year profit including record capital gains mln dlrs from gains mln dlrs the previous year the company said its property casualty group had record loss from insurance operations last year mln dlrs after policyholders dividends pct from mln dlrs nationwide said surge claims from personal auto insurance and the volatile commercial liability coverages during period unprecedented sales growth generated the loss the company said over mln dlrs last year group losses came from commercial insurance lines and mln dlrs from its personal auto insurance business partially offsetting record insurance losses nationwide said were record investment gains mln dlrs and mln dlr federal tax credit the investment gains were pct from gains mln dlrs reuter 
heat	sun sun raises heating oil barge price sun sun refining and marketing subsidiary said increased the price charges contract barge customers for heating oil new york harbor cent gallon effective today they said the cent increase brings sun contract barge price cts the recent price hike represents the fifth this week totalling cts the increases are following sharp spot and futures price rises the company said reuter 
acq	first women bank investor group offer expires the investor group owning about pct the outstanding capital stock the first women bank said cash tender offer for the bank remaining outstanding shares dlrs per share expired march three the investors said about shares about pct the outstanding had been tendered reuter 
earn	computer memories inc cmin qtr loss period ended december shr loss nine cts loss dlrs net loss loss revs mln nine 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 four 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 respectively and qtr and year includes investment gains dlrs and reuter 
earn	bush bsh revises qtr year results bush industries inc said that after audit has revised upwards its fourth quarter and year end results february reported unaudited results under the audited amounts fourth quarter income was mln dlrs cts share the unaudited income for the period was cts per share for the year the audited amounts showed earnings dlrs per share the prior results reported income dlrs per share sales figures for both periods did not differ significantly from prior amounts reuter 
acq	furniture ufurf ups bench craft sofa stake universal furniture ltd said filing with the securities and exchange commission that had increased its stake bench craft inc common stock shares pct the total outstanding universal said its universal furniture industries unit bought bench craft shares march the over the 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 the offering had occurred jan operating net income per share would have been cts share for oper net excludes one time charge mln dlrs dlrs share qtr and year due the february sale the company engine parts division oper net for year also includes profit from discontinued operations dlrs five cts share oper net for excludes extraordinary loss mln dlrs cts share due the june write off unamortized debt issue costs from the public offering oper net excludes extraordinary profit mln dlrs reuter 
earn	cms advertising sets for stock split cms advertising inc said its board has approved three for two stock split the form dividend payable march holders record march the company said similar split was paid december eight leaving with shares outstanding cms advertising said the next split will result proportionate reduction the exercise price its stock purchase warrants dlrs share from dlrs reuter 
earn	cie financiere paribas pari year parent company net profit mln francs mln dividend five francs comparison note the financial and banking group was privatised the government january this year reuter 
earn	correction heineken year item headlined heineken hein year please read first line pre tax profit mln guilders mln corrects year ago comparison mln from 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 but cost threatening the chancellor the exchequer nigel lawson policy stated the end the paris group six meeting last month that wanted see sterling broadly stable about then prevailing levels market sources said since then the pound has risen pct its closing trade weighted index from pct imediately after the paris meeting and the day today peak pct was its highest since august treasury spokesman said lawson had said neither wanted substantial rise fall sterling the question therefore how large rise ready see before acting paul temperton chief economist merrill lynch europe ltd estimated that the government wanted see the trade weighted index about pct even after this action over the last few weeks sterling only just within striking distance that range said other analysts agree that the government probably has some broad target range around this area however they said lawson would prepared see the pound higher least the short term despite the risk loss export competitiveness and cheaper prices imports the bank england keeps the interest rates they are what stop going higher said john cox executive director ebc amro bank ltd major operator the london foreign exchange market cox estimates that the bank england has been active selling sterling over the past few days despite the lack general market talk such intervention and this has helped keep below dlrs the pound rose dlrs from yesterday and february the day after the paris meeting but cox says the government must worried with sterling heading toward marks and would very concerned holds around these levels warned the bank may run the risk missing the interest rate boat rates don come down the market will say they ought have come down and will sell sterling said most dealers agree there good deal hot money being invested sterling money simply attracted high overnight one week rates which could flow out equally short notice however the authorities will hope that least proportion the buying reflects long term investment the last thing they want reduce them rates and have jack them back again said richard jeffrey economist brokerage house hoare govett ltd said half point cut would ensure continued support for sterling least the near term however most analysts are still looking for full point about march budget day the bank must hold out until sees the reaction the budget said temperton the budget widely forecast vote winner the run general election the major factor behind current bullishness the government bond and currency markets lawson wants delay cut base rates until the budget wants crowned with the glory interest rate cut said ian harwood economist warburg securities the equities arm mercury international group speculation clearing bank might break ranks and lead the way lower were confounded today there was excitement fall the weekly treasury bill rate pct from pct last friday might mean the bank had changed its mind this followed the imposition penal lending rates pct the discount houses yesterday and was the lowest since base rates were pct early last october however with this bill rate pertaining three months money banking sources said the market could not take the cut guide the bank intentions short term rates reuter 
acq	bancroft bcv shareholders rebuke zico offer bancroft convertible fund inc the target unfriendly cash offer zico investment holdings inc said its shareholders approved proposals requiring pct affirmative vote all outstanding shares before fundamental changes its status could made previously only simple majority outstanding shares was needed change bancroft investment status from diversified non diversified fund among other things bancroft said its board continues recommend that stockholders not tender their shares zico british virgin islands company which said had ties south africa reuter 
earn	int totalizator itsi sees better qtr international totalizator systems inc vice president finance joel graff said expects report improved first quarter compared the dlr loss reported the year ago quarter profit looks quite favorable graff said last week the automated ticket systems supplier reported loss mln dlrs for the graff said invested heavily which believe will result higher future growth and earnings for the company reuter 
acq	boc group completes sale unit controls boc group inc airco distributor gases finalized the sale its virginia based gas appaturs business controls corp america newly formed investment group organized former airco employees under the terms the sale airco said controls will continue make the gas apparaturs product line under the airco brand name marketing the products exclusively through the airco distributor network reuter 
earn	abn says profit rise encouraging view dollar algemene bank nederland abnn chairman robertus hazelhoff said the bank pct increase net profit mln guilders from mln was encouraging view the sharply lower dollar hazelhoff speaking press conference after the release abn results said sharp decrease foreign earnings had been compensated strong domestic performance notably the securities business said the bank was also proposing one for share split which should facilitate trade the bank stock news the split sparked guilder rise abn share price the amsterdam bourse close guilders prospects for hung three uncertainties namely the future trend the dollar the level interest rates and abn share equities trade hazelhoff said provisions for general contingencies were reduced pct mln guilders while taxes increased pct mln guilders added lower global interest rates had nipped earnings margins via traditional lending activities said hazelhoff said abn was unlikely continue reducing risk provisions the future but noted the bank was not overly concerned about default latin american debtors factor which brokers say has distanced dutch insititutions from bank stocks recently said that the bank estimated financially troubled sovereign debtors about one quarter were latin american countries these would ultimately pay said added that losses incurred through loans tin producers the wake the tin council crisis end had been written off reuter 
money-supply	canadian money supply rises mln dlrs week bank canada said 
money-supply	canadian money supply rises week canadian narrowly defined money supply rose mln dlrs billion dlrs week ended february bank canada said which plus daily interest chequable and non personal deposits rose mln dlrs billion dlrs and which plus other notice and personal fixed term deposit rose mln dlrs billion dlrs which non personal fixed term deposits and foreign currency deposits residents booked chartered banks canada rose mln dlrs billion dlrs chartered bank general loans outstanding rose mln dlrs billion dlrs canadian liquid plus short term assets fell mln dlrs billion dlrs and total canadian dollar major assets the chartered banks fell mln dlrs billion dlrs chartered bank net foreign currency assets fell mln dlrs minus billion dlrs notes circulation totalled billion dlrs mln dlrs from the week before government cash balances fell mln dlrs billion dlrs week ended march government securities outstanding rose billion dlrs billion dlrs week ended march treasury bills rose mln dlrs billion dlrs and canada savings bonds fell mln dlrs billion dlrs reuter 
jobs	french government step aid jobless the government plans ahead with three billion franc package help the long term unemployed with the aim guaranteeing social security payments everyone becoming redundant government officials said present only about one third the country mln jobless corresponding pct the workforce receive unemployment benefit prime minister jacques chirac told television interviewer soon the law approved and will matter weeks all workers made redundant will have the right social benefits the money which will used alleviate unemployment through retraining project finance will come from billion franc government fund set last month finance spending special areas concern apart from unemployment these include relief farmers hit european community cost cutting measures french unemployment has risen more than pct from mln when socialist president francois mitterrand took office reuter 
earn	sun electric corp qtr jan oper net oper shr profit nine cts loss seven cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln avg shrs note oper net excludes extraordinary profit dlrs six cts shr and dlrs one share respectively and quarters from utilization tax loss carryforwards reuter 
earn	cetec corp cec qtr net oper shr two cts eight cts oper net sales year oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln note current qtr and year figures exclude loss from discontinued operations dlrs cts per share prior qtr and year figures exclude losses from discontinued operations mln dlrs cts per share and mln dlrs dlrs per share respectively reuter 
earn	richton international corp rihl qtr jan shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs nine mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter 
earn	valtek inc valt qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs nine mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
earn	the 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 one net loss revs note company went public april reuter 
earn	first american bank and trust fiama year net shr cts dlrs net mln avg shrs note share adjusted for pct stock dividend may net includes loan loss provisions mln dlrs dlrs reuter 
sugar	india again market for sugar trade india has called fresh buying tender for four tonne cargoes white sugar march traders here said the tender calls for one cargo prompt sugar and two three with march april shipment sugar the same the eight cargoes bought tender two days ago that tender originally only sought two three cargoes but resulted the sale eight india also granted the sellers options sell twice that amount the same price but for april may shipment depending prices traders said would likely for india again buy more than the tonnage formally sought reuter 
earn	warrantech corp qtr dec net shr profit nil loss nil net profit loss revs nine mths shr loss nil loss nil net loss loss revs reuter 
gold	pioneer group piog unit gets more land the pioneer group inc said its pct owned teberebie goldfields ltd venture has been granted additional concession land ghana look for and mine gold the state gold mining corp ghana granted the venture additional square kilometers teberebie ghana contiguous square kilometers granted earlier the company said the original concession appears have substantial amount gold bearing material containing about grams ounces gold per metric ton but the venture has firm estimates the costs extracting the gold and assurances can given that the reserves can mined profitably the company said said teberebie goldfields has not conducted tests the newly granted land but added the land seems similar geological characteristics the original land reuter 
acq	insituform iglsf raises stake unit insituform group ltd guernsey channel islands said has exercised option convert stg loan affiliate insituform permaline ltd common shares raising its stake the unit pct from pct the remainder held permaline management and investment group insituform also said james colclough has resigned from its board for health reasons and secretary scott saltpeter has resigned effective june five reuter 
copper	copper meeting agrees goals study group the world major copper producing and consuming countries have reached degree consensus objectives and functions future study group aimed reviewing the world copper market officials said governments represented meeting consider proposed forum for copper have recommended that another session held september consider further the nature such group spokesman for the united nations conference trade and development unctad said the one week meeting which ended today was held examine initiative set copper study group the new body would not aim negotiating measures stabilise depressed world prices its objectives would include increasing market transparency through improved statistics and undertaking activities aimed developing the copper market and contributing improvement demand unctad spokesman said once they have agreed detailed functions and objectives then the way will cleared setting the body reuter 
money-fx	liffe february volumes down but eurodollars total futures and options turnover the london international financial futures exchange liffe fell slightly during february although daily average eurodollar volume set new record liffe said today total futures and options turnover last month was contracts down from january but sharply above the comparative february figure lots said eurodollar turnover during february was lots against january and the year ago figure the daily average was record lots four pct from the previous record set march february trading encompassed new daily record contracts the the month exceeding the previous record which had been set february liffe said index futures volume was sharply higher during february with contracts trading against january and the year ago level open interest also set new records last month eurodollars contracts and short sterling interest rate futures lots key futures volumes detailed liffe were feb jan feb long gilt eurodollar short sterling bond currencies short gilt key options volumes detailed liffe were feb jan feb long gilt eurodollar bond sterling total options long gilt bond and index options were not trading february reuter 
crude	colombian oil exports not affected quake colombian oil installations were not damaged earthquake which shook ecuador and southern colombia last night and there are plans suspend exports spokesman for the state run oil company ecopetrol said said damage was reported unlike ecuador where indefinite force majeure was declared crude exports colombia currently produces about barrels per day bpd crude exports january totalled bpd the quake which colombia measured between and seven the point international mercalli scale caused panic among residents but injuries were reported reuter 
acq	chicago milwaukee chg greets shearson stake chicago milwaukee corp said welcomed investment shearson lehman brothers inc its 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 one the biggest gainers the nyse the stock has been trading range for the last weeks edwin jacobson chicago milwaukee president declined comment movement the company stock but said from investment point view are pleased have shearson lehman substantial investor shearson lehman purchased the shares for investment purposes and may continue buying shares depending market conditions according the filing chicago milwaukee which sold its railroad interests soo line railroad soo february currently manages and sells its real estate which consists parcels states reuter 
acq	dauphin deposit dapn make acquisition dauphin deposit corp said has signed letter intent acquire colonial bancorp inc new holland exchange dauphin shares for each colonial share depending the market value dauphin shares just before the merger takes place the company said the acquisition subject approval colonial shareholders and regulatory authorities colonial had assets year end about mln dlrs reuter 
earn	van dorn vdc sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay may one 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 seven record march reuter 
crude	crude oil prices stocks output fall crude oil prices rose above dlrs barrel this week and industry analysts said the price could rise another dollar inventories fall opec keeping its production down and the cash market there tight supply crude with short transportation time major refining centers said daniel mckinley oil analyst with smith barney harris upham and that could send prices cts dollar higher added the benchmark crude west texas intermediate rose dlrs barrel today rise dlrs this week the rally oil prices this week came after prices fell february more than two dlrs from its high dlrs barrel oil traders were pulling prices down the assumption that oil stocks were building and opec was producing well above its mln bpd quota but now both those assumptions have come under question mckinley said yesterday the international energy agency its monthly report said that oil stocks the oecd area industrialized nations were drawn down mln bpd during the first quarter this year iea estimates that the draw oil stocks during the first quarter this year will come largely from oil companies whose inventory levels april one will estimated mln tonnes about days consumption industry analysts also said the estimate mln bpd draw stocks made shell chairman peter holmes yesterday fed speculation that other major companies were destocking traders said the destocking has come about result called buyers strike which kept refiners from buying officially priced opec oil effort get the organization offer discounts the official price this struggle between the companies and opec the ultimate game chicken but will resolved relatively soon would imagine about the middle the month march the general trading manager international oil company told reuters telephone interview for its part opec has moved win this game cutting excess supplies from the market reduction its own output traders said reuter survey estimates opec output mln bpd this week also earthquake ecuador yesterday led suspend oil exports indefintiely and force majeure its shipments this will reduce short haul availabilities about bpd almost immediately and the longer the suspension continues the larger the draw stocks will for companies expecting there mckinley said international oil traders said that other short haul crudes such north sea brent were also scarce because asian refiners bought the oil after absorbing lot the readily available mideast crudes earlier this week this pattern continues then oil companies will bid the price oil they purchase for their refineries trading managers several companies told reuters but there were skeptics who said they wondered how long opec can retain its unity buyer resistance continues stephen hanke chief economist friedburg commodity management said opec production was lower because the saudi cut mln bpd and this could spell trouble gives other members incentive exceed their quotas added the saudis will picking the tab for other members who produce over their quota and the drain the saudis will continue forcing them cut output maybe low mln bpd support the dlrs average price added there are also signs some opec crudes being sold the spot market below opec official prices traders said oil traders said nigerian brass river sold for delivery into the gulf price related north sea brent which traded this week dlrs far below the official price dlrs for the similar quality bonny light iranian oil also surfacing the gulf and the far east reported discounts its dlrs official price there lot oil priced government government deals which are below official prices and this probably being resold one international trader said reuter 
earn	first federal brooksville ffbv sets quarterly qtly div four cts four cts prior pay march record march note first federal savings and loan association brooksville reuter 
earn	aluminum america regular dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable may record may one reuter 
acq	siemens wants amend telecom plus tele pact telecom plus international inc said siemens siemens information systems wants amend its agreement purchase telecom pct interest tel plus communications delay payment mln dlrs for months telecom shareholders are scheduled vote the mln dlr transaction monday telecom said advised siemens intends close the transaction march scheduled approved shareholders spokesman said this means telecom will decide before the whether not accept the proposed change explaining its request for the amendment siemens informed telecom had recently become aware information causing concern with respect certain accounting and other matters siemens said will therefore need continue its review beyond march determine whether certain representations and warranties are true telecom said advised siemens knows information which would make its representations and warranties untrue siemens already owns the remaining pct tel plus the pct represenmts telecom principal operating asset telecom spokesman said the agreement calls for payment all but mln dlrs the price closing this mln dlrs was paid months later and two mln dlrs per year the anniversary date the transaction said siemens now proposing that mln dlrs added the mln dlrs paid months telecom said the proposed amendment would also permit siemens defer repayment additional pct certain intercompany debt until completion the review telecom said estimates this about mln dlrs reuter 
acq	lucky stores says and investor edelman reached standstill agreement 
gold	pioneer group unit gets more ghana gold land the pioneer group inc said its pct owned teberebie goldfields ltd venture was granted additional concession land ghana seek and mine gold the state gold mining corp ghana granted the venture additional square kilometers teberebie ghana contiguous square kilometers granted earlier the original concession appears have substantial amount gold bearing material containing about grams ounces gold per tonne but the venture has firm estimate the costs extracting the gold and assurances can given that the reserves can mined profitably the company said said teberebie goldfields has not conducted tests the newly granted land but added the land seems similar geological characteristics the original land reuter 
earn	international multifoods corp imc dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march reuter 
earn	hadson corp hads qtr net shr profit four 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 said and investor asher edelman agreed settlement that prohibits edelman and his group from taking specified actions obtain control the company and that limits the edelman group ownership lucky stock less than five pct any voting securities the arrangement also provides for the dismissal pending litigation between the parties lucky stores said the settlement also calls for the withdrawal edelman motion intervene pending shareholder actions against lucky stores and its directors the company said addition the standstill provisions also apply hancock fabrics after spun off lucky stockholders the company said lucky stores said the arrangement also calls for the company submit stockholders special meeting set for december proposal from edelman seeking their views concerning repeal charter provision that limits the voting power substantial lucky stockholders edelman who owns about five pct lucky stores stock last year was rebuffed his effort acquire the company last october lucky stores implimented restructuring program that included the repurchase pct its own common shares and reincorporation delaware the spinoff hancock textile chain retail stores was one the key parts the restructuring program edelman and his plaza securities partnership subsequently sued attempt block the proposed reincorporation which was condition the repurchase and restructuring plan under this latest arrangement lucky stores said agreed reimburse the edelman group for mln dlrs out pocket expenses which include litigation and other costs this agreement serves the interests lucky stockholders avoiding the significant cost continued litigation and the accompanying demands management time lucky stores chairman john lillie said statement reuter 
earn	att phone proposal help profits american telephone and telegraph proposal deregulate its long distance phone service unlikely produce radical change phone rates but should help the company profits analysts said deregulation will mean more pricing discounts for large volume users but status quo for residential users said painewebber group analyst jack grubman but the proposals will scrap the pricing formula that has constrained the company profits the long distance business leading higher profit margins analysts said att has long pushed for deregulation its long distance business the profits which have been limited regulated rate return the company investments the rate was cut last year from pct earlier today the company proposed the federal communications commission scrap the formula cut the amount time needed approve rate proposals and leave its competitors oppose filings mci communications corp mcic made similar filing yesterday saying greater the moves would increase competition the telephone business analysts said the proposals will allow att cut costs the long distance unit and increase its profit margins previously constrained the rate return but many said they did not expect the proposals lead higher prices the industry simply because the competition the phone industry giant faces you probably wouldn see much price decline said gartner group analyst fritz ringling but you wouldn see rise grubman said the proposals will allow att selectively raise lower prices depending the market will give att lot more flexibility said att now faces period comment which number companies will able respond the proposals fcc hearings may face least one strong opponent sprint the long distance joint venture between gte corp gte and united telecommunications inc think the congress the fcc should establish reasonable rate return someone should establish sprint spokesman said but added the company was not opposed greater competition may also take some time for the proposals through and the process they may altered the various constituencies affected the move there much complexity much inertia much bureacracy that stricly speaking about the mechanisms won happen that fast said analyst victor krueger the gartner group reuter 
lumber	cme sets may start for lumber futures options the chicago mercantile exchange cme board governors announced today the options random length lumber futures will begin trading may the contract received commodity futures trading commission cftc approval january after being submitted for review last october initially only january march and may delivery months will listed for trading the size the underlying futures contract board feet regular trading hours for the contract will from central time however the first day trading the market will open march the cme board amended the contract eliminate christmas eve expirations for the january option this amendment has been submited the cftc the cme said reuter 
acq	twa confirms ownership pct usair group 
earn	struthers wells suw sees nov loss struthers wells corp said expects report loss without tax benefit about mln dlrs for the fiscal year ended november versus profit dlrs fiscal the company added however that about mln dlrs the loss relates discontinued operations and disposal subsidiaries the company said the loss part its previously announced restructuring that includes the sale its foreign and domestic units struthers added that has filed with the securities and exchange commission for extension file its annual report form result delays caused the restructuring reuter 
acq	soros group tells sec may buy pct fairchild industries 
acq	twa twa confirms ownership usair stock trans world airlines inc said owns more than four mln usair group shares about pct the total outstanding twa said may acquire additional shares the open market private transactions through tender offer otherwise subject department transportation approval twa has offered dlrs per share for usair group usair rejected the offer yesterday calling last minute attempt interfere with its takeover piedmont aviation inc twa spokesman said the company has filed application for approval its offer buy usair with the department transportation and later today will file response usair motion with the dot dismiss the twa application twa said made the statement today its stock position usair response inquiries traders said they believed twa chairman carl icahn was the buyer share block crossed today salomon brothers usair stock was trading heavy volume mln shares twa stock fell while analysts and arbitragers have speculated that icahn may have made the offer for usair order trigger the acquisition his own airline wall street today began take icahn effort more seriously think going the next frank lorenzo wall street said one market source lorenzo chairman texas air has added his airline with the acquisitions eastern airlines and people express airlines there was also speculation that icahn would like buy usair and then sell twa merged company reuter 
earn	silver state mining ssmc corrects net silver state mining corp said has corrected its fourth quarter net income dlrs from dlrs reported earlier today the 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 new york investor george soros said was dissatisfied with fairchild industries inc management and was considering boosting its holdings much pct the aerospace and aviation company outstanding stock the group already controls fairchild industries shares pct the total outstanding the group said filed wednesday with federal antitrust regulators for advance clearance buy enough additional shares increase its total stake pct the total outstanding stock the group said its representatives had met with fairchild industries officials inform them that they not believe management has been successful enhancing protecting shareholder values said was considering the additional share purchases enable assert greater degree influence over the future management and policies the issuer said decision the specific level share ownership would seek depended market prices future changes management policies available financial resources and other factors the group said also reserved the right pursue other measures intended influence fairchild management and policies either alone concert with other investors the group includes soros and quantum fund offshore investment firm headquartered curacao netherlands antilles that advised soros the group said that since its last sec filing made jan had purchased additional fairchild shares and had sold shares the new york stock exchange jan fairchild industries official later said soros had told the company was not dissatisfied with its management contrary the filing soros has told the company today that not dissatisfied with management fairchild bill fulwider told reuters however fulwider said the company would have nothing say this time about soros disclosure that may buy enough additional fairchild shares hold much pct the company outstanding stock reuter 
earn	payless cashways pci sees better first qtr payless cashways inc chairman david stanley told analysts the company first quarter results reported march will better than the seven cts per share reported the year ago quarter was not wonderful sales quarter but only represents pct the year total results stanley said stanley also said that full year sales will excess billion dlrs compared the billion dlrs reported also said that analysts estimates dlr per shr for are not crazy payless reported net income dlr per share the economy may not get lot better but expect our advantages the lumber industry and cost cutting measures keep competitive larry kunz chief financial officer said the company acquired knox lumber for about mln dlrs october stanley said the company stronger than optimal balance sheet will enable make further acquisitions but negotiations are going the current time said some benefits new management information system will felt and more 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 the effect adoption fasb which reduced pension expense dlrs for the quarter and dlrs for the year before taxes earnings include nonoperating income from the effect nonrecurring gains dlrs the qtr from the sale its minority interest plexus corp and dlrs the qtr related the 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 with amtron corp reuter 
earn	the chubb corp sets qtrly payout qtrly cts cts prior pay april record march reuter 
acq	southtrust sotr acquire four banks southtrust corp billion dlr multibank holding company said entered into agreements acquire four florida banks with assets totalling more than mln dlrs terms the agreements were not disclosed the four banks are central bank volusia county with assets mln dlrs bank pensacola with assets mln dlrs and vista bank which operates vista bank volusia county with assets mln dlrs and vista bank marion county with assets mln dlrs said the agreements are 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 one shares apparently reflecting belief that baker international corp bko will able persaude hughes along with previously announced merger analysts said this week hughes seemed back out the merger but then said was still interested talking sounds like baker wants and people are convinced deal going through the stock goes said analyst phil pace kidder peabody and holders hughes would get share baker for each hughes share reuter 
acq	aetna aet reaches agreement buy company aetna life and casualty said reached agreement acquire pct interest universal life and general insurance sdn bhd ulg malaysian composite insurance company the company said the pct balance will continue owned malaysia apera group private investors the transaction valued approximately mln dlrs and expected completed march reuter 
acq	carling keefe ckb sells oil unit takes gain carling keefe ltd said sold its star oil and gas ltd unit united coal canada ltd for about mln dlrs cash carling said will record extraordinary gain about two mln dlrs after tax nine cts common share resulting from the sale the company did not elaborate further financial terms carling official later said reply inquiry that carling would record the extraordinary gain its fourth quarter ending march the move came after carling pct owner rothmans inc agreed last week sell its carling stake elders ixl ltd australia for mln canadian dlrs reuter 
ship	channel ferry reported sinking off belgium the channel ferry herald free enterprise from the british townsend thorensen company was sinking off the belgian coast tonight with people board the dutch newsagency anp reported today unspecified number people had fallen into the water said quoting the pilot organisation this south western dutch port city near the belgian border said the vessel had capsized after collision but gave more details dan kaakebeen spokesman for the dutch salvage firm smit international told reuters telephone from rotterdam that the vessel was just off the belgian port zeebrugge with passengers and crew when the accident occurred gmt kaakebeen said the firm had one vessel the scene and another its way with divers board spokesman the port authority nearby vlissingen said attempts were being made pull the vessel into shallow waters weather conditions were good with fog wind and there were many other vessels the 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 nine 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 nine cts net loss loss revs mln mln reuter 
earn	lloyds bank canada qtr profit rises sharply lloyds bank canada unit lloyds bank international plc said net profit soared dlrs for the first quarter ended january from dlrs year earlier loan loss provisions mandatory five year averaging actual loan losses also rose the first quarter dlrs from year ago dlrs the bank said lloyds bank canada became canada largest foreign bank last autumn with its mln canadian dlr acquisition continental bank canada reuter 
acq	dome pete dmp said pressed sell encor dome petroleum ltd under pressure from one its largest creditors canadian imperial bank commerce sell its pct stake encor energy corp ltd energy industry analysts said dome has pledged its mln encor shares security for part its debt commerce bank estimated last year mln canadian dlrs and the bank wants dome sell the stock pay down debt analysts said the commerce has been slowly but surely moving encor the direction that might make saleable asset said one analyst who asked not named dome earlier said was not considering selling encor energy but reaffirmed the company pct interest canadian gold producer dome mines ltd for sale the right price dome now negotiating plan restructure more than billion dlrs debt sees encor strategic investment that does not intend sell spokesman david annesley said the encor shares not pay dividends commerce bank spokesman also declined comment when asked whether pressing dome sell its encor stake current market prices dome stake encor would valued about mln dlrs while its mln dome mines shares would worth about mln dlrs recent strength the price encor shares may also prompt commerce bank press dome divest its holding the canadian oil and gas producer analysts said encor stock price has improved quite substantially recent weeks with runup crude prices peters and ltd oil analyst wilf gobert commented the possibility that commerce bank would like see sold these levels because they can get more for now than they have been able recent years added encor traded earlier the toronto stock exchange near its week high and from around six dlrs early february the company also recently set its own operating management which was previously carried out dome petroleum maison placements canada inc analyst denis mote commented dome and encor are actually going get farther apart the sale does make lot sense mote said however analysts said dome will resist any moves divest encor favor retaining the operating assets since sale proceeds would likely directly pay down dome debt commerce bank think they probably try hang onto encor long they can said bache securities inc analyst doug weber some dome group major creditors might move block such sale arguing they have claim company assets other creditors generally all want make sure that something they might able get piece not being sold out from under them said analyst gobert another stumbling block would encor mln dlr joint liability loans dome petroleum advanced arctic petroleum corp japan for beaufort sea exploration analysts said similar hurdle could also hinder the possible sale dome petroleum interest dome mines dome mines has guaranteed mln dlrs dome petroleum debt and has right consent the sale dome petroleum holding presumably potential buyer the dome mines shares would seek some type relief the company debt obligations connected with dome petroleum gobert said dome spokesman annesley earlier declined specify what price the company would consider selling its dome mines shares but said current prices more than dlrs share are very attractive reuter 
earn	patrick petroleum ppc qtr net shr nil one 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 eight cts net dlrs dlrs revs reuter 
crude	iranian oil minister arrives algeria iranian oil minister gholamreza aqazadeh arrived algiers the head large delegation for talks stabilizing oil prices the official news agency aps said brief arrival statement said iran and algeria were engaged continuous and stronger cooperation the world petroleum market and had deployed considerable efforts stablise petroleum prices was greeted arrival belkacem nabi the 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 four for three stock split paid march reuter 
gnp	chilean gdp pct central bank says chile gross domestic product rose pct last year billion dollars compared pct rise the previous year the central bank said said initial projections were for pct increase gdp this year the sectors which registered the greatest growth were fisheries with pct agriculture pct transport and communications with pct and industry pct the bank added reuter 
acq	landmark savings lsa completes office sale landmark savings association said completed the sale its whitehall office including deposits about mln dlrs parkvale savings association landmark said realized gain about mln dlrs the sale the price was 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 one cent loss cts net profit dlrs loss revs mln mln note company said net before extraordinary items and taxes and declined provide data those items reuter 
livestock	usda conduct survey for avian influenza agriculture department animal health officials are conducting national survey live bird markets and auctions check for signs avian influenza infectious viral disease poultry the department said the survey will locate poultry dealers and live bird markets that sell live birds directly the consumer and once the dealers and markets are identified there will tests determine any past present exposure avian influenza viruses said outbreak avian influenza pennsylvania maryland virginia and new jersey cost taxpayers mln dlrs control and required the destruction more than mln birds said the survey expected completed april reuter 
ship	two hundred people rescued from sinking ferry about people were rescued some badly hurt from sinking cross channel ferry carrying approximately people off the belgian port zeebrugge port control spokesman said the spokesman contacted telephone said only one third car ferry the herald free enterprise owned the british company townsend thoresen remained above water divers have been sent down try rescue passengers believed trapped the ferry which was its way from zeebrugge the english port dover and capsized just off the pier added reuter 
earn	foxboro fox qtr loss oper shr loss one 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 
money-supply	treasury balances fed fell march treasury balances the federal reserve fell march billion dlrs from billion dlrs the previous business day the treasury said its latest budget statement balances tax and loan note accounts fell billion dlrs from billion dlrs the same respective days the treasury operating cash balance totaled billion dlrs march compared with billion dlrs march reuter 
trade	nicaragua romania paraguay lose trade rights president reagan formally ended preferential duty free trade treatment for exports from nicaragua romania and paraguay under the generalized system preferences gsp took the action after determining that the three countries are not taking steps give their workers internationally recognized rights trade representative clayton yeutter had announced the intended action january the united states conducts trade with nicaragua and very little trade with 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 said completed the sale its computer output microfilm business com products inc unit privately held lebow industries inc the sum the deal was not disclosed the unit makes device that prints data directly from computer onto microfilm reuter 
money-supply	business loans fall mln dlrs feb week fed says 
money-supply	business loans fall mln dlrs business loans the books major banks excluding acceptances fell mln dlrs billion dlrs the week ended february the federal reserve board said the fed said that business loans including acceptances fell mln dlrs billion dlrs 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 
livestock	american pork congress overhauled the national pork producers council nppc announced this year american pork congress apc that the congress and trade show will divided into two parts next years apc held atlanta will business session only and will continue the first week march the trade show being changed into new international event called the world pork expo the first expo will held june des moines with expanded format they said executive vice president orville sweet said the decision spilt the show and congress came about because there are producers who never get see the trade show floor makes sense that divide the business session from the trade show sweet said reuter 
acq	dtd enterprises inc reorganization dtd enterprises inc said filed report indicating that eagleslair development corp had assumed control the company under reorganization plan signed last month the company said gerald lach president eagleslair was named president and director dtd addition dts board resigned and eagleslair appointed new directors the company said 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 have been restated reflect six for five stock split august revs for qtr include capital gains and for year revs for qtr include non 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 said signed year lease for property downtown minneapolis bced minnesota inc the lease will increase net income about cts share post february three for two stock split basis for the trust reported net income mln dlrs cts share post split basis bradley will also entitled one time additional rental payment cts share upon bced entering into space lease with prime national tenant and share portion net cash flow from operations the property reuter 
acq	dumez unit has pct westburne wbi dumez investments inc said pct westburne international industries ltd outstanding common shares have been deposited under its takeover bid said has received about shares under its dlrs per share offer which expired yesterday dumez said will proceed acquire the 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 ltd said agreed principle sell pct its working interest certain producing and non producing natural gas properties located southwestern saskatchewan the transaction expected close april the company said did not identify the buyer nor give the selling price proceeds will used satisfy february repayment demand one the company lenders any excess proceeds will added working capital the company said reuter 
acq	malrite buys cox radio station unit malrite guaranteed broadcast partners said bought wtrk inc from cox enterprises inc for mln dlrs cash said wtrk owns and operates wtrk philadelphia radio station transfer the license for the sation has been approved the federal communications commission malrite guaranteed said limited partnerhip formed acquire and operate radio and stations said malrite communications group inc malr the general partner reuter 
acq	cyacq extends tender for cyclops cyl cyacq corp said extended its dlr share tender offer for cyclops corp march from today cyacq was formed citicorp capital investors ltd and audio video affiliates inc ava acquire cyclops the tender offer began february six the offer conditioned upon least pct the outstanding shares and least pct the voting securities being tendered before expiration the offer march six only shares cyclops mln outstanding shares had been tendered reuter 
acq	mono gold says partnership agrees buy shares mono gold mines inc said nim and ltd partnership agreed buy flow through shares with aggregate purchase price dlrs said subject fulfillment certain conditions the price the shares nim will cts per share and said will issue shares the partnership mono also said options buy dlrs its capital stock cts per share expire march three said options have been exercised net the 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 said will reduce expenses four mln dlrs year effort stem losses and return positive net worth the company also said certain lenders agreed take pct stake the company converting seven mln dlrs debt into preferred stock diplomat said will cut costs several means including dismissal workers its corporate headquarters consolidation its warehousing and shipping operations and reduction management salaries moreover said will relocate its headquarters glendale calif reuter 
earn	dollar general corp dolr qtly dividend qtly div five cts five cts prior payable april three reocrd march reuter 
earn	healthcare services hsai sees write offs healthcare services america inc said will write off about mln dlrs non recurring expenses also said expects income from operations about breakeven for and the estimated loss for the year about the same the writeoffs results will released march included the writeoffs were six mln dlrs developmental costs six mln dlrs unamortized loan costs and debt discounts and four mln dlrs other non recurring costs the company said continues default certain financial and non financial covenants set forth its major loan documents said negotiations continue with the banks but has assurance that such funding will continue said authorized smith barney harris upham and seek business combination with third parties healthcare also said the board has authorized the sale lease certain assets reduce the cash required from the revolving credit line for completion current construction projects for the year ended december healthcare reported net income mln dlrs sales mln dlrs reuter 
acq	usair seeks order against twa twa usair group said sought the help the department transportation its takeover fight with trans world airlines inc asking the department order twa sell its usair shares what they have done direct violation the federal aviation act usair said said twa week filed cursory application with the department transportation for approval its proposed billion dlr takeover usair usair rejected the offer and said asked the department transportation dismiss the application usair said requested the dismissal because twa avoided pre merger notification requirements and also did not provide competitive and public interest analysis required under regulations usair said the application dismissed twa would limited buying only pct its mln outstanding shares the application approved twa could buy pct said twa has said owns less than pct usair stock twa today revealed that has increased its holdings more than four mln usair shares pct the outstanding twa vice president general counsel mark buckstein said the company had made appropriate filings with the dot and was compliance with the 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 certain non recurring charges about 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 given year shr loss dlrs loss dlrs net loss loss mln revs mln not given note results include charges five mln dlrs cts shr for qtr and year compared with charge mln dlrs dlrs shr prior year from discontinued operations and disposal discontinued operations reuter 
earn	united companies uncf declares stock dividend united companies financial corp said its board declared two pct stock dividend payable april eight holders record march the board also declared regular quarterly cash dividend cts payable april one holders record march reuter 
nat-gas	issues report natural gas clauses the centre transnational corporations has issued report containing guidelines and recommendations for negotiating natural gas clauses agreements between transnational petroleum corporations and host countries the said the report was aimed promoting petroleum exploration areas perceived being gas prone the page report contains depth examination the problems gas developoment and looks different ways which contractual terms might deal with the risks gas development associated with pricing marketing and volume reuter 
acq	taft tfb bidders would sell entertainment unit proposed buyout taft broadcasting dudley taft and other investors includes plan sell the company entertainment group according one the investors jonathan nelson managing director narragansett capital corp narr which participating the buyout plan declined say buyers have already been lined for the entertainment group are considering selling the group nelson said wall street analysts said any the hollywood film studios which might interested taft broadcasting did not comment the dlr per share offer taft has mln shares outstanding which pct are owned the taft and ingalls families dudley taft relinquished the title president july but continues vice chairman the company taft narragansett requsted response its proposal march the plan accepted taft would private company financed high yield bonds and bank debt nelson said narragansett investment management company specializing leveraged buyout transactions taft shares climbed causing arbitrageurs say investors believe the bidders may raise their price robert bass who controls pct the stock and american financial corp holder pct did not return telephohe calls seeking comment but dennis mcalpine analyst oppenheimer and said don think worth dlrs noted taft recently agreed sell group independent television stations loss said the entertainment group which includes the hanna barbara animation studios currently hampered glut animated product taft broadcasting has never commented reports that its major stockholders met recently discuss break the company macalpine said there are lots options for reshaping the company with distribution various pieces the major shareholders among the possibilities analyst alan gottesman rothschild unterberg towbin inc said the bass group has been increasing its stake the belief the company would worth more with change its strategy said bass pushed for sale the independent television stations because the company paid too much reuter 
acq	sandox buys stauffer seeds sandoz corp northrup king said bought stauffer seeds unit stauffer chemical terms were not disclosed reuter 
acq	energen egn buys municipal gas system energen corp said has acquired the distribution system the city clanton ala for about mln dlrs the customer system the 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 may one 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 said there will cash distribution the unit holders march the most significant factor for the lack distribution this month the establishment additional special cost escrow accounts the company said adding that there may cash distribution other months during the remainder the year for march the working interest owner will place mln dlrs special cost escrow accounts reuter 
acq	monoclonal antibodies mabs buys company monoclonal antibodies inc said signed agreement principle buy genesis labs inc for about mln dlrs common stock the agreement subject shareholders approval and other conditions reuter 
strategic-metal	treasury proposes some african imports the treasury proposed allowing temporary imports south african uranium ore and uranium oxide until july under certain conditions pending clarification anti apartheid laws passed congress last fall the proposal published the federal register next week requests written congressional and public comment within days and deals with uranium ore and oxide that imported for processing and exporting third countries the treasury said proposed allowing the temporary imports because felt congress had not intended when passed the comprehensive south african sanctions bill last fall overriding president reagan veto hurt industry the domestic uranium conversion industry and the federal government enrichment industry could seriously injured manner not intended congress the import ban uranium ore and oxide were implemented bar imports for processing and export through mistaken interpretation the act the treasury brief said the treasury said outright ban uranium ore and oxide might cause foreign electric utilities divert their south african origin ore and oxide other countries including the soviet union for processing treasury said would allow imports the south african ore and oxide until july for processing and export provided that the imported ore oxide accompanies license for importation issued the nuclear regulatory commission the treasury brief also proposed allowing origin goods imported temporarily from south african state controlled organizations for repair servicing the united states the customs will allow such importation made under bond the brief said the south african sanctions law enacted the united states protest the apartheid laws racial segregation practiced south africa white minority government prohibited imports uranium ore and oxide iron and steel coal and textiles the end 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 from 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 
strategic-metal	treasury proposes african uranium imports the treasury proposed allowing temporary imports south african uranium ore and uranium oxide until july under certain conditions pending clarification anti apartheid laws passed congress last fall the treasury said proposed allowing the temporary imports because felt congress had not intended when passed the comprehensive south african sanctions bill last fall overriding president reagan veto hurt industry the treasury said outright ban uranium ore and oxide might cause foreign electric utilities divert their south african origin ore and oxide other countries including the soviet union for processing the treasury also proposed allowing origin goods imported temporarily from south african state controlled organizations for repair servicing the the south african sanctions law enacted the protest the apartheid laws racial segregation practiced south africa white minority government prohibited imports uranium ore and oxide iron and steel coal and textiles the end reuter 
ship	reported dead ferry disaster least people died when car ferry struck pier left belgium for britain nurse who took part the rescue operation said jan van moerbeke male nurse said coming off the herald free enterprise that had found six people top the vessel who were dead there were least another dead inside the boat added the governor west flanders province said people were still unaccounted for reuter 
acq	continental federal conf holder sell stake continental federal savings and loan association said was told that estate holding pct its stock plans sell its stake premium over the current stock price continental said the estate harold vernon and certain parties have signed letter intent sell the stock for dlrs share for total about dlrs continental stock closed seven over the counter trading the thrift said the buyer bac inc corporation acting for certain unindentified parties reuter 
acq	broker choice buy rubbertech broker choice capital inc said signed letter intent buy rubbertech inc approved shareholders broker choice will issue about mln shares authorized but unissued shares restricted common stock rubbertech inc reuter 
acq	dot dismisses twa twa usair application the department transportation dot said dismissed technical grounds application trans world airlines inc for dot approval for take control usair group the dot added however that twa was free refile when could put together application for control that met the agency procedural requirements the dot acted shortly after the department justice disclosed that supported dismissal the twa application was not immediately clear what impact the denial would have twa bid take over usair its control application twa had acknowledged that additional documentation was required meet dot rules and said would file more material the morning march but the dot said would not wait have determined dismiss twa application for approval the acquisition usair said order issued late friday twa application clearly fails comply with the filing requirements our regulations and twa has provided reason why should accept such deficient filing added accordingly will dismiss the application twa course may refile when able comply with our procedural rules the dot said the agency added that would continue consider separate twa request for federal clearance purchase usair stock through voting trust usair had said earlier today that asked the dot dismiss the twa control application grounds the twa filing did not meet dot requirements reuter 
acq	twa twa refile with agency transworld airlines inc plans refile application monday with the department transportation for approval acquire usair group the dot late today dismissed twa application acquire usair when the dot opens for business monday morning will refiling perfected and completed section application said twa general counsel mark buckstein buckstein said the dot ruled the application which was filed wednesday was incomplete said did not yet know why the agency objected reuter 
acq	justice asks dismissal twa twa filing the justice department told the transportation department supported request usair group that the dot dismiss application trans world airlines inc for approval take control usair our rationale that reviewed the application for control filed twa with the dot and ascertained that did not contain sufficient information upon which base competitive review james weiss official justice antitrust division told reuters reuter 
interest	hong kong banks leave interest rates unchanged the hong kong association banks said decided leave interest rates unchanged today regular weekly meeting current rates are pct for savings accounts hours seven day call one week and two weeks one month pct two months pct three and six months are both three pct nine months pct and months pct prime rate six pct reuter 
acq	savings acuisition california announced the federal home loan bank board fhlbb announced the acquisiton south bay savings loan association gardena calif standard pacific savings costa mesa calif the fhlbb said south bay had assets mln dlrs and standard pacific had mln dlrs assets was the fourth federally assisted merger acquisition troubled savings institution this year the fhlbb said reuter 
coffee	colombia denies selling coffee below market colombia denied having sold bags old crop coffee below current market prices clients europe and asia spokesman for the national coffee growers federation commenting rumours which had circulated market circles said these were false reuter 
ship	two hundred feared dead ferry disaster about people are feared dead after british cross channel ferry rolled its side off the belgian coast last night but almost passengers were plucked safety from the ice cold sea belgian transport minister herman croo told reporters fear the dead could hundreds perhaps given the state the water fear there hope townsend thorensen owners the tonne herald free enterprise said the ferry was carrying people and that had been rescued all but one were british reuter 
acq	malaysia bails out another commercial bank malaysia central bank said acquired pct stake ailing united asian bank bhd uab the sixth largest commercial bank the country rebuild public confidence uab called for rights issue last november raise mln ringgit rectify its capital deficiency following accumulated loss mln ringgit end the central bank bank negara said statement but only mln ringgit shares was taken shareholders mainly local indian and malay businessmen and the indian government bank negara said subsequently took the unsubscribed shares totalling mln uab new paid capital mln ringgit said the shares held trust will eventually sold the central bank early this week also announced that had bought pct stake another troubled commercial bank perwira habib bank malaysia bhd after the latter raised its capital mln ringgit from mid january this year bank negara said does not intend hold the shares the two banks the injection capital phb and uab including the recamp management these banks are some the measures taken the bank strengthen public confidence the stability the these banks added the central bank said invoking section the banking amendemnt act empowering grant loans ailing bank buy stake reuter 
ship	ferry disaster may rank among worst tragedies fading hope for passengers trapped aboard partially sunk channel ferry raised fears the accident could rank among this centuries worst peacetime shipping tragedies belgian transport minister herman croo said there was hope rescuing any about passengers trapped the herald free enterprise after capsized off the belgian coast last night confirmed the toll would make the incident the world worst since soviet liner the admiral nakhimov collided with freighter the black sea last september and sank with the loss nearly lives further people were rescued the world deadliest single peacetime incident sea was the sinking the titanic with loss lives the second biggest loss life peacetime was when people drowned when the liner empress ireland collided with freighter the lawrence river canada the world worst maritime disaster was wartime that took lives when the german liner wilhelm gustloff was torpedoed soviet submarine january more than were feared dead after two ferries sank near dhaka drowned when ferry capsized china and died when launch sank off the malaysian state sabah reuter 
ship	almost dead ferry disaster there are more survivors from british cross channel ferry disaster off the belgian coast and almost people seem certain have perished senior belgian official said jacques thas charge rescue for the herald free enterprise said his men had searched all the ship except some inaccessible cabins and the control room afraid there are more survivors said thas said the passsengers and crew were confirmed dead and were missing bringing the total dead presumed dead reuter 
earn	sime darby bhd six months december shr cents cents interim dividend three cents same group net mln ringgit mln pre tax mln mln turnover billion billion note dividend pay may register april reuter 
earn	consolidated plantations bhd six months december shr cents cents interim dividend four cents same 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 may register april reuter 
earn	dunlop malaysian industries bhd six months december shr cts cts interim dividend one cent same group net mln ringgit mln pre tax mln nine mln turnover mln mln note dividend pay april register april reuter 
sugar	bangladesh sugar production almost doubles bangladesh sugar production increased nearly tonnes over last year season total tonnes the end this year season the sugar and food industries corp said the increased output will enable bangladesh cut imports corporation officials told reuters the country has already imported tonnes sugar and will buy tonnes more make shortfall the year ending june imports totalled tonnes which nearly tonnes are still stock they said without giving further details reuter 
gnp	german tax cuts raised billion marks senior officials the west german coalition government said tax cuts planned for next year would increased billion marks line with pledge made finance minister gerhard stoltenberg last month international monetary conference paris gerold tandler general secretary the christian social union party detailing the cuts news conference also attended officials from the christian democratic union and free democratic party said all the additional billion mark reduction would represent net tax relief increase revenue from other sources was not planned the reductions will added package tax cuts already planned for amounting some nine billion marks tandler said three billion marks the extra tax relief would accounted for reducing the rate marginal increase income tax increase personal tax allowances would save taxpayers billion marks extra tax allowances for people whose children are being educated would cut mln marks from the tax bill further mln marks would accounted for increasing the level special depreciations for small and medium sized companies the extra fiscal measures planned for next year are part general reform the tax system which will come into effect stoltenberg had said paris that part this reform which will cut taxes gross billion marks would introduced next year ahead schedule the west german government had come under pressure from the united states stimulate its economy with tax cuts but stoltenberg said speech last night hamburg that while the economy would continue expand this year the rate growth was uncertain the government said january was aiming for real growth gross national product this year pct but some economists have revised their predictions down two below stoltenberg said remain course expansion whether this will under two pct some people believe around pct some others expect even closer three pct the kiel world economic institute forecast few days ago remains open the moment reuter 
ship	experts had expressed fears over safety british government investigation got under way into the sinking the car ferry herald free enterprise with heavy loss life experts said doubts had already been expressed about the roll roll off type ship shipping minister lord brabazon said preliminary investigation had started into why the tonne ferry capsized and sank little over minute manoeuvred leave zeebrugge routine four hour crossing dover initial reports spoke water flooding the car decks through the bow doors but spokesman for the owners townsend thoresen said was also possible the ferry had been holed townsend thoresen operate two other ships identical the herald free enterprise but brabazon said was not planned pull them out service present our investigator there already shall have wait and see but too early say what happened told bbc radio the work retrieving bodies from the half submerged hulk continued maritime safety experts london said doubts had already been expressed about the design called roro ferries such the herald free enterprise the inter governmental international maritime consultative committee issued report saying more roll roll off vessels were lost accidents than ships with deck areas divided bulkheads townsend thoresen say the ship built the west german yard bremerhaven was built the highest safety standards but salvage expert william cooper said passengers would have had problems getting off this type ship because its design former townsend thoresen navigating officer clive langley said the roro type vessels were similar some respects barge any sailor knows only takes two three inches out line and you can turn barge over ordinary ship compartmentalised and you have more stability said cooper said cross channel ferries were normally perfectly stable but had huge wide deck areas above the water level you get water into that area then you can get very severe effects the stability the ship added reuter 
crude	iraq turkey oil pipeline cut landslide turkey oil pipeline near the southern town adana after was cut landslide the hurriyet and anatolian news agencies said little oil was lost the landslide friday night because taps the one mln bpd line were switched off after the accident they said the pipeline which carries oil for turkey and other customers from iraq kirkuk field the yumurtalik terminal the turkish mediterranean coast iraq main oil outlet reuter 
ship	brazil seamen continue strike after court decision hundreds marines were alert key brazilian ports after seamen decided remain indefinite strike even after the higher labour court yesterday ruled illegal union leaders said the halt the first national strike seamen years started february and union leaders said they would not return work unless they got pct pay rise shipowners have offered per cent raise which the seamen rejected have nothing lose they want lay off the workers fine but are determined carry with our protest until the end union leader said said they had decided meeting that the marines take over the ships the seamen would abandon the vessels and let the marines handle the situation themselves spokesman for the rio janeiro port said the order send marines take over the ports was given navy minister henrique saboya grounds that ports are areas national security but said there were incidents the strike has cut exports and imports and made estimated ships idle petrol station owners four states also continued their shutdown and there were fears that the combination the two stoppages could lead serious fuel shortage reuter 
crude	ecuador export oil for four months official the suspension ecuador crude oil shipments after earthquake cut oil pipeline will last least four months senior energy ministry official said the official said ecuador could resume exports after repairing section the pipeline which links jungle oil fields lago agrio balao the pacific coast would take about mln dlrs repair the pipeline the official who did not want named told reuters ecuador had enough oil meet domestic demand for about days and would have import crude supplement stocks the earthquake last thursday night registered six the point international mercalli scale the damage the pipeline was severe economic blow ecuador where oil accounts for two thirds total exports and much pct government revenues financially pressed ecuador member the organisation petroleum exporting countries opec was recently pumping about barrels per day bpd crude about bpd above the output quota assigned the cartel another energy ministry spokesman said last year exported average bpd according the central bank however ecuador might build emergency pipeline costing mln dlrs hook with colombian pipeline the first official said estimated could take about days build ecuador squeezed the slide world oil prices had only mln dlrs net international reserves the end january about equal one month imports suspended interest payments january billion dlrs owed about private foreign banks the country total foreign debt billion dlrs the eighth largest latin america caracas president jaime lusinchi said venezuela would loan five mln barrels crude ecuador over the next three months make for losses from damage the pipeline ecuador asked for the loan guarantee domestic supplies and would ship equivalent volume back venezuela repayment may lusinchi said commission headed venezuelan investment fund minister hector hurtado and including representatives from the interior and defence ministries and the state oil company petroleos venezuela will travel ecuador tuesday evaluate and ordinate emergency relief program said reuter 
sugar	australia sells tonnes sugar ussr australia sold tonnes raw sugar the soviet union for shipment the next few weeks queensland primary industries minister neville harper said loading tonne cargo the soviet freighter nikolay kuznetsov for shipment odessa was completed today the lucinda terminal said statement the balance will shipped from mackay end march harper said australia exported tonnes sugar the soviet union reuter 
rubber	thai natural rubber exports rise thai natural rubber exports rose tonnes from year earlier the private board trade said japan the biggest buyer imported tonnes thai rubber from the previous year said other major buyers were the tonnes from china and west germany exports france rose tonnes from austria and italy tonnes reuter 
interest	german government needs seen raising bond yields increased federal government borrowing needs and growing unwillingness foreign investors buy mark assets could push yields german public authority bonds higher this year bond market sources say the moment have sideways movement the short term rates but how rates move the long end will depend strongly foreigners one portfolio manager for large securities investment house frankfurt said the sources also said the government had already stepped its borrowing programme anticipation increased needs friday loan stock was the third this year already the sources noted carried year maturity coupon six pct and price yield pct issue this compared with the last issue which had pct coupon priced pct for yield pct but dealers said the terms were not enough attract foreign investors and the federal government would have push yields higher future wanted borrow again soon sources noted federal government issues had also increased size with the introduction four billion mark volume only starting last may one finance ministry economist said isn more just the size each bond which has increased added conditions the capital market currently remained fairly favourable for raising new debt until recently federal issues sold very strongly abroad with pct some being placed with foreign investors with the recent stabilisation the dollar however foreign investors have begun back away from the market hopes further currency gains marks diminish sources said the government has may have already stepped its borrowing having raised more than billion marks the government made net borrowings billion marks but bundesbank statistics showed that net borrowing through bonds was billion the sources said this indicated move the government out other types debt gain access foreign funds through the more acceptable loan stock form although new credit needs were partly inflated large amount issues maturing recently other factors including the government tax reduction program would also reduce income next year the problem here will the tax reform the portfolio manager said added that the government cut its top income tax rate pct from pct would make difficult for the government reduce borrowings the sources said the government would fall far short covering all its billion marks lost revenue from the tax reform making expenditure cuts and would forced fall back debt markets one form the other the portfolio manager noted that besides the three federal government loan stocks far this year has also fallen back twice raise total billion marks through the issue fixed rate medium term kassenobligation notes finance ministry economist said the government did not expect have any trouble keeping its plan borrow only net billion marks this year though many sources agreed they added that the trend would probably not continue next year the further tax cuts come into effect would expect the efforts for further tax reform would mean government borrowing will increase the manager said bond prices last week were slightly firmer balance with the bundesbank public authority bond yield calculation falling pct friday from week earlier but sources said foreign demand for the new federal government loan stock was slack sentiment grows that the dollar may now rise against the mark the demand wasn good dealer for german bank london said the dollar recent slight appreciation against the mark even meant that foreign investors have sold mark bonds recently some dealers said reuter 
iron-steel	ussr cut coal price for japanese steelmills the soviet union has agreed cut its coking coal export prices japanese steel mills about five dlrs tonne starting april exchange for increase export volume industry sources said the prices were set dlrs tonne for neryungrinsky coal and dlrs for kuznetsky coal fob japan will import total mln tonnes from both areas from mln year earlier they said the steelmakers had asked moscow agree cutback mln tonnes but the soviet union urged japan increase the amount mln they said reuter 
gold	placer pacific hopes for misima gold approval soon placer pacific ltd said hopes the papua new guinea government will approve development the misima gold project next month following the submission its final environmental plan port moresby today this completes the major documentation required gain official approval proceed placer said statement placer has estimated the epithermal deposit located the eastern half misima island off the southeastern coast papua new guinea contains proven and probable reserves mln tonnes grading grams tonne gold and grams tonne silver and exploration continuing reuter 
trade	bangladesh trade deficit narrows october the bangladesh trade deficit narrowed billion taka october from billion september and billion october the central bank said imports dropped billion taka october from billion september and billion october exports totalled billion taka october against billion september and billion october reuter 
ipi	swiss industrial output rises fourth qquarter swiss industrial output rose nine pct the fourth quarter last year after four pct third quarter decline and was three pct from the final three months the federal office industry trade and labour said for the full year the index base stood after four pct from the recorded the previous year incoming orders gained four pct the quarter after five pct third quarter fall and were one pct from the year earlier level the full year they gained one pct the order backlog fell eight pct the third straight quarterly decline and ended three pct under the year earlier level reuter 
money-fx	asian dollar assets exceed billion dlrs the asian dollar market continued expand december with total assets and liabilities rising billion dlrs from billion november and billion december the monetary authority singapore said said the increase came mainly from interbank activity with interbank lending rising billion dlrs december from billion november and billion december interbank deposits increased billion dlrs against billion and billion respectively loans non bank customers increased december billion dlrs from billion november and billion december deposits non bank customers rose billion dlrs against billion and billion reuter 
money-supply	singapore money supply pct december singapore money supply rose pct during december billion dlrs after pct increase november the monetary authority singapore mas said growth for calendar was pct compared with pct growth over the year ending november mas said its latest monthly statistical bulletin the december increase was largely due seasonal year end demand the demand deposit component increased billion dlrs december from billion november and billion december currency active circulation rose billion dlrs december from billion november and billion year earlier broadly based money supply rose pct billion dlrs during december after pct rise november bringing year year growth pct for the year ending december against pct for the year ending november reuter 
ipi	chinese industrial growth rate after weak the value china industrial output january and february this year was pct higher than the same period the new china news agency said output increased pct from january january and pct from february the agency said the most recent increase was largely due last year poor performance significant improvement was made economic results said adding that some successes were reported readjusting the industrial product mix the last quarter the agency said the amount tied working capital rose and sizeable funds were occupied unsaleable goods quoted unnamed economists saying they expect industrial production increase proper rate and with better results due cost efficiency drive underway throughout the country gave more details the official industrial growth target this year seven pct down from actual pct last year reuter 
crude	iran selling discounted crude japan traders say japanese customers have bought nearly six mln barrels crude oil from the national iranian oil company nioc substantial discount the official price and western traders have received even larger discounts japanese traders involved the transactions told reuters nioc has sold its crude for march shipment japanese customers with different formulas one company has bought barrels iranian heavy straight discount cents below the official price the sources said other deals have been fixed with prices linked oman and dubai spot prices less discount they said iran discounted sales have not however managed reverse the bullish tone the crude oil and products spot markets oil traders said market sentiment being influenced more the colder weather europe and reports that opec february output was below its self imposed quota mln barrels per day firmer gas oil the london futures and more bullish sentiment the new york mercantile exchange futures market are supporting spot price levels they said another japanese trading house has paid the official price but through processing arrangement will effectively receive discount the sources said just disguised cheating one japanese trader said the sources said only one japanese company had paid the official price for iranian oil has purchased mln barrels iranian heavy for april shipment for refining singapore they said about nine vlccs iranian crude have been sold western traders with pricing based pct the official price and pct spot prices with part the price related processing arrangements 
acq	ici sells stake lister and imperial chemical industries plc ici said had today placed its pct stake lister and plc with messel and and that had now been placed widely among institutions lister manufacturer dyer and finisher cotton silk wool and man made fibres reuter 
money-fx	money market shortage forecast mln stg the bank england said forecast shortage around mln stg the money market today among the factors affecting liquidity said bills maturing official hands and the treasury bill take would drain around billion stg while below target bankers balances would take out further mln against this fall the note circulation would add mln stg and the net effect exchequer transactions would inflow some mln stg the bank added reuter 
crude	amoco reports south china sea oil find the amoco petroleum corp has reported offshore oil find its pearl river basin concession the south china sea the new china news agency said said the liu hua well produced around barrels per day depth metres the news agency said amoco plans drill second well the area this year but gave further details reuter 
interest	national westminster bank says cutting base lending rate pct from pct 
interest	national westminster bank cuts base rate national westminster bank plc said has cut its base lending rate percentage points pct today national westminster said that was responding general easing money market rates its move followed signal from the bank england earlier this afternoon that would endorse half point cut the base rate surprise move following its strong signals last week that such move would premature however since then the pound has continued gain strongly reuter 
earn	facilities usre semi annual dividend semi annual dividend cts pay may record april note full name facilities corp this first dividend declared since company completed its initial public offering november reuter 
acq	standard pacific spf acquires south bay standard pacific said has acquired substantially all the assets and liabilities south bay savings and loan association newport beach the firm said over the weekend that will conduct its savings and loan activities through standard pacific savings federal stock association friday the federal home loan bank board washington said approved the acquisition south bay and mln dlr state chartered stock association standard pacific which has mln dlrs assets the bank board said that the federal savings and loan insurance corp will make cash contribution provide capital loss coverage and indemnify standard pacific against undisclosed liabilities reuter 
strategic-metal	allow temporary imports uranium the treasury department said would temporarily permit imports south african uranium ore and oxide pending clarification anti apartheid sanctions laws passed congress last fall the decision was announced late friday applies until july uranium ore and oxide imported into the for processing and export third countries the treasury said took the action because felt that when congress passed the comprehensive south african sanctions bill last fall over president reagan veto had not intended hurt industry addition the treasury said would permit made goods imported temporarily from south african state controlled organizations for repair servicing reuter 
acq	piedmont pie agrees usair buyout usair group inc said piedmont aviation inc has agreed acquired for dlrs per share the company newspaper advertisement said has started tender offer for all piedmont shares that price and the piedmont board with two directors absent has unanimously approved the bid the offer and withdrawal rights are expire april three unless extended and the bid followed merger the same price usair said piedmont has granted irrevocable option buy new shares under certain circumstances piedmont now has about mln shares outstanding usair said the tender conditioned receipt enough shares give usair least pct interest piedmont fully diluted basis and approval the department transportation voting trust agreement permitting usair buy and hold shares pending review its application gain control piedmont the company said its merger agreement with piedmont provides that the offer not amended without piedmont prior written consent any way that would adverse piedmont shareholders but said could cut the number shares bought without piedmont consent usair said could reduce the number piedmont shares purchased the offer less than the minimum number needed cause the voting trust condition the bid satisfied that case said more than that minimum number shares were tendered would 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 was rejected the usair board the transportation department friday rejected twa application acquire usair the grounds that the application failed comply with department regulations omitting necessary information twa said would refile today providing the information needed friday twa said had already acquired four mln shares pct usair reuter 
instal-debt	credit business falls january new credit advanced finance houses retailers bank credit cards and other specialist providers credit slipped billion stg january from billion december but remained close the average level for fourth quarter the department trade and industry said the january total billion stg was advanced bank credit cards three month basis total advances november january were pct lower than the previous three months within this total lending consumers fell pct and lending businesses declined pct end january the total amount outstanding was billion stg from december billion stg and pct above the total three months earlier the department said january saw rise mln stg amounts outstanding finance houses other specialist credit grantors and retailers the department said advances credit cards rose pct between the latest two three month periods retailers advanced pct less the latest three months than the previous three months said reuter 
acq	sosnoff starts bid for caesars world caw mts acquisition corp company formed martin sosnoff said has started tender offer for all shares caesars world inc dlrs each newspaper advertisement mts said the offer and withdrawal rights expire april three unless extended sosnoff new york investor already owns about four mln caesars mln shares outstanding about pct and caesars largest shareholder caesars owns casino hotels nevada and honeymoon resorts pennsylvania pocono mountains also controls caesars new jersey inc cjn which owns atlantic city casino hotel for the second quarter ended january caesars world earned mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs from earnings dlrs and revenues mln dlrs year before for all fiscal the company earned mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs mts said the offer conditioned receipt least enough shares give sosnoff majority interest fully diluted basis the arrangement sufficient financing buy all caesars shares not already owned and pay related costs and approval the new jersey casino control commission and the nevada gaming commission and state gaming control board mts said marine midland banks inc has committed lend mln dlrs for the acquisition and use its best efforts syndicate another mln dlrs senior financing for the transaction said its financial adviser painewebber group inc pwj has stated writing that subject market conditions highly confident that can arrange commitments for mln dlrs mezzanine financing mts said does not expect problems obtaining new jersey and nevada regulatory approval for the acquisition since ownership caesars stake has already been cleared june sosnoff requested seat the caesars world board request that has not yet been granted september sosnoff who chairman atalanta sosnoff capital corp filed for clearance under antitrust laws raise his interest caesars world pct sosnoff said letter caesars world chairman and chief executive officer henry gluck that the decision directly the shareholders was made the urging may financial and legal advisors who repeatedly stressed the lack responsiveness the management the past sosnoff who said has made numerous efforts express his views management ways maximizing shareholder values said caesars twicce refused his request for board seat advisers felt that had given you advance notice you would have used the time throw obstacles offer rather than giving serious consideration said sosnoff said hopes that caesars world management will willing negotiate acquisition agreement with him have indicated publicly the past believe operating management the company has performed well and that appropriate consideration should given significant equity interest for them the company following the acquisition sosnoff said the letter gluck mts said sosnoff has asked the company fix march the record date for the determination shareholders entitled authorize action without meeting including the election removal directors reuter 
acq	trump makes bid for control resorts rtb casino owner and real estate developer donald trump has offered acquire all class common shares resorts international inc spokesman for trump said the estate late resorts chairman james crosby owns the class shares resorts also has about class common shares outstanding each class share has times the voting power class share giving the class stock about pct resorts voting power more 
earn	iomega iomg sets management labor layoffs iomega corp said has laid off over quarter its professional and management staff and nearly half its direct labor force part restructuring and downsizing its business the company also said will receive qualified opinion from the auditors financial statement subject the outcome two suits the company defendant consolidated class action law suit which seeks damages unspecified amount and also defendant related shareholder action iomega said the auditors state their opinion letter that both actions are the early stages discovery and the likely outcome can not determined this time the company said corporate wide reduction its professional management and indirect labor will result the permanent elimination positions all functional areas the company business this represents over pct professional management and indirect employees added addition iomega announced layoff about employees principally from its manufacturing direct labor force those affected represent about pct direct labor commenting the layoffs iomega said those from among the direct labor force affects personnel building the alpha eight inch disk drive and bernoulli boxes this action required bring our finished goods inventory and inventory our distribution channels down acceptable levels explained the company stated this layoff does not affect the production its new inch beta product which currently being built backlog orders reuter 
ship	brazil seamen continue strike despite court hundreds marines were alert key brazilian ports after seamen decided remain indefinite strike even after the higher labour court saturday ruled illegal union leaders said the halt the first national strike seamen years started february and union leaders said they would not return work unless they got pct pay rise shipowners have offered per cent raise which the seamen rejected have nothing lose they want lay off the workers fine but are determined carry with our protest until the end union leader said more said they had decided meeting that the marines take over the ships the seamen would abandon the vessels and let the marines handle the situation themselves spokesman for the rio janeiro port said the order send marines take over the ports was given navy minister henrique saboya grounds that ports are areas national security but said there were incidents the strike has cut exports and imports and made estimated ships idle petrol station owners four states also continued their shutdown and there were fears that the combination the two stoppages could lead serious fuel shortage reuter 
coffee	uganda disappointed coffee talks failure uganda africa second largest coffee producer was disappointed the stalemate recent coffee talks london the chairman the state run coffee marketing board cmb said this has not been good for coffee producers more situation where the prices dropped pounds per tonne robusta coffee makumbi said when returned from london friday producers and consumers failed agree quota formula share the world coffee production during international coffee organisation ico talks that ended last week makumbi blamed the failure set quotas which were suspended feburary last year indonesian demands that its quota increased dramatically uganda which earns about mln dlrs annually from coffee exports over pct its foreign exchange earnings had sought raise its ico quota mln from mln kilo bags according sources close the cmb the cmb has estimated that production will rise pct the current october september season over three mln bags for several years uganda had been unable meet its ico export quota rebel activity disrupted the coffee industry the ugandan government depends coffee export duties for about pct its sales tax revenue and the industry employs over half salaried manpower dar salaam tanzania agriculture and livestock development minister paul bomani said today third world countries would suffer from the failure the london coffee talks only the middlemen who will benefit said bomani called the ico convene another meeting within two months saying once tempers have cooled and delegations have had time report back their headquarters common sense will prevail reuter 
acq	chrysler take over renault stake american motors says renault 
meal-feed	additional ccc credit guarantees for hungary the commodity credit corporation ccc has authorized additional mln dlrs credit guarantees for sales vegetable protein meals hungary for fiscal year the agriculture department said the additional guarantees increase the vegetable protein meal credit line mln dlrs and increases the cumulative fiscal year program for agricultural products mln dlrs from mln said the department also announced extension the export period from september december for sales vegetable protein meals eligible for the credit guarantees all sales must registered before export but not later than september reuter 
earn	southern take mln dlr charge projected vogtle cost rise 
acq	applied circuit acrt sells electronics business applied circuit technology inc act said has agreed principal sell its primary computer electronics business the sanpao group san francisco act said has not disclosed the deal terms but added that pct the sale price cash with the remainder paid over two year period the deal expected close march act said act said made the move concentrate resources its pharmaceuticals subsidiaries reuter 
acq	usair acquires pct piedmont pie usair group inc said has acquired piedmont aviation inc shares about pct fully diluted basis from norfolk southern corp nsc the acquisition piedmont usair has been approved the directors both companies usair said has been advised norfolk southern that the company supports the proposed merger and intends tender all its remaining piedmont common shares response usair tender offer which began today this total includes shares issuable upon conversion piedmont preferred usair noted usair said piedmont has about mln common shares fully diluted basis adding its offer conditioned the tender least shares representing pct the oustanding shares diluted basis usair said the new shares has option buy represent pct piedmont currently outstanding shares reuter 
coffee	brazilian coffee rainfall the following rainfall was recorded the areas over past hours parana state umuarama nil paranavai millimetres londrina nil maringa nil sao paulo state presidente prudente votuporanga franca catanduva sao carlos nil sao simao nil reuter 
acq	gencorp sell los angeles television station walt disney 
acq	nationwide cellular ncel completes purchase nationwide cellular service inc said has completed the previously announced acquisition privately held nova cellular chicago reseller mobile telephone service with subscribers for about common shares nova cellular has accumulated deficit about dlrs and had revenues about dlrs for said reuter 
interest	national westminster bank cuts base rate national westminster bank plc said has cut its base lending rate percentage points pct today national westminster said was responding general easing money market rates its move followed signal from the bank england earlier this afternoon that would endorse half point cut the base rate surprise move following its strong signals last week that such move would premature however since then the pound has continued gain strongly reuter 
ship	hutchison unit buys container cranes from japan container port operator hong kong international terminals ltd pct held unit hutchison whampoa ltd hwhh said has placed mln dlr order for seven quayside container cranes tons each with japan mitsui engineering and shipbuilding ltd mset for may august delivery hong kong international terminals operates cranes reuter 
ship	bosphorus shipping moves istanbul offices close istanbul remained virtual standstill today under snow meter deep but shipping was moving through the narrow bosphorus waterway linking the sea marmara and the black sea officials said the authorities ordered government offices closed until wednesday many banks businesses and schools stayed shut workers struggled keep main roads and supply lines open this city mln people the second blizzard hit istanbul week stopped yesterday afternoon and the international airport reopened today after two day closure was also shut earlier last week reuter 
crude	ecuador export oil for months official the suspension ecuador crude oil shipments after earthquake cut oil pipeline will last least four months senior energy ministry official said the official said ecuador could resume exports after repairing section the pipeline which links jungle oil fields lago agrio balao the pacific coast would take about mln dlrs repair the pipeline the official who did not want named told reuters ecuador had enough oil meet domestic demand for about days and would have import crude supplement stocks the earthquake last thursday night registered six the point international mercalli scale the damage the pipeline was severe economic blow ecuador where oil accounts for two thirds total exports and much pct government revenues financially pressed ecuador member the organisation petroleum exporting countries opec was recently pumping about barrels per day bpd crude about bpd above the output quota assigned the cartel another energy ministry spokesman said last year exported average bpd according the central bank however ecuador might build emergency pipeline costing mln dlrs hook with colombian pipeline the first official said estimated could take about days build ecuador squeezed the slide world oil prices had only mln dlrs net international reserves the end january about equal one month imports suspended interest payments january billion dlrs owed about private foreign banks the country total foreign debt billion dlrs the eighth largest latin america caracas president jaime lusinchi said venezuela would loan five mln barrels crude ecuador over the next three months make for losses from damage the pipeline ecuador asked for the loan guarantee domestic supplies and would ship equivalent volume back venezuela repayment may lusinchi said commission headed venezuelan investment fund minister hector hurtado and including representatives from the interior and defence ministries and the state oil company petroleos venezuela will travel ecuador tuesday evaluate and ordinate emergency relief program said reuter 
money-supply	french jan money supply rose prov adjusted one pct pct fall dec official 
rubber	malaysia says rubber pact depends consumers malaysia said the success talks opening today new international natural rubber agreement inra depends how flexible consumer countries are rubber producer and consumer countries meet for days geneva from tomorrow try hammer out rubber pact after they failed reach agreement last november replace the current accord which expires next october primary industries minister lim keng yaik said statement that malaysia wants continue with second inra and prepared accept modifications that would strengthen the present agreement said the second inra would allow for orderly disposal the accumulated buffer stock tonnes since the market now capable absorbing such releases reuter 
acq	mcdowell merger with interpharm inc mcdowell enterprises inc said has signed definitive agreement acquire pct interest privately held interpharm inc for pct interest mcdowell the company said subject contigencies including future sales and profit levels mcdowell could over four year period acquire pct interpharm exchange for pct mcdowell voting stock said the transaction expected completed within days which time the mcdowell board would restructured include interpharm management reuter 
acq	renault chrysler accord for chrysler buy amc regie nationale des usines renault rena said and chrysler corp have signed letter intent which chrysler plans buy american motors corp amo pct owned renault renault president raymond levy said statement issued the french state car group the agreement was important stage renault redeployment will allow renault continue its export programme the and also opens perspective cooperation with major american constructor the statement said under the terms the letter intent chrysler will purchase renault stake held the form bonds and shares the renault statement quoted chrysler chairman lee iacocca saying welcome amc shareholders into the chrysler family added that the accord would allow renault and chrysler study the development future products destined distributed renault and chrysler the north american and world markets renault leader our industry and happy working with them iacocca was quoted saying 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 the renault statement said the statement said the agreement principle gave each side days put together definitive accord approval would also necessary from the renault chrysler and amc boards from amc shareholders and the relevant government authorities the deal goes ahead the statement said amc shareholders other than renault will receive chrysler shares for each their shares valued four dlrs amc shareholders with convertible preferential shares will have the possibility exchange them for chrysler shares the same conditions those they would have had exchanging them for amc shares reuter 
acq	first boston affiliate acquire allegheny int for dlrs shr 
earn	southern take charge vogtle cost southern said will take after tax charge mln dlrs against earnings later than january because the projected cost the vogtle nuclear power plant has risen abover the amount which retail customers georgia will asked pay the company largest subsidiary georgia power said the budget for the plant has increased pct mln dlrs billion however because pledge the made last year georgia public service commission the increased cost will not included the utility retail electric rates geogia power also said its board has delayed the scheduled completion vogtle unit two june from september unit two about pct complete added the utility said fuel loading has been completed unit one and the unit being put through series low power tests before the nuclear regulatory commission asked for full power license the nuclear power plant located near waynesboro owned oglethorpe power corp the municipal electric authority georgia and the city dalton georgia power said the revised vogtle budget estimate was due several factors including additional labor costs incurred keep the plant first unit schedule for commercial operation june the new figure represents the first change the plant budget since august when was estimated billion dlrs march the utility told georgia regulators would cap the price vogtle its customers would asked pay billion dlrs the company share the then projected billion dlr total under the new budget georgia power said its share amounts billion dlrs noting that georgia power share the vogtle increase mln dlrs southern said this will result charge against earnings mln dlrs after taxes addition the company said georgia power contracts with the joint owners require the utility buy back significant amounts vogtle capacity during the plant initial years operation under terms the cap costs will not attempt recover the portion the budget increase that applies the buybacks this bings the total amount that must charged against earnings mln dlrs after taxes southern said southern said new rules the financial accounting standards board which are effective january require any costs that are determined nonrecoverable charged against earnings once that determination made the company also said its board has approved capital budget billion dlrs including work the vogtle project said billion dlr capita budget for the three year period was also outlined the board meeting noting this mln dlrs below the comparable figure for the years reuter 
acq	stora close completing papyrus takeover sweden stora kopparbergs bergslags skps said had now acquired pct shares rival pulp and paper makers papyrus thus passing the threshold above which can compulsorily buy the rest the company remaining shareholders would have until later this month sell their shares stora the company said statement stora announced last september would acquire papyrus price billion crowns thus forming europe second largest forest group after london based reed international plc reed reuter 
money-fx	money market given late help worth mln stg the bank england said provided the market with unspecified late assistance worth mln stg has given the market total assistance mln stg today compared with liquidity shortage estimated revised mln stg reuter 
acq	white engine bought private investor white engine manufacturer industrial and automotive diesel and gasoline engines with more than mln dlrs sales said has been sold group group investors white engine said the purchase led donald stewart private investment banker along with white senior executives source close the transaction said the purchase prices being set more than mln dlrs the company said will change its name hercules engines inc and stewart will the majority interest owner well the president and chief executive officer addition john lennon current chairman and chief executive officer will remain chairman company said and joseph scheetz currently president will vice chairman according the company reuter 
acq	stora close completing papyrus takeover sweden stora kopparbergs bergslags skps said has now acquired pct shares rival pulp and paper makers papyrus thus passing the threshold above which can compulsorily buy the rest the company remaining shareholders would have until later this month sell their shares stora the company said statement stora announced last september would acquire papyrus price billion crowns thus forming europe second largest forest group after london based reed international plc reed reuter 
acq	allegheny int first boston set merger allegheny international inc said has entered into agreement merge with affiliate first boston inc fpc first boston corp transaction valued about mln dlrs allegheny said the agreement calls for holders its common receive dlrs share holders the company dlrs cumulative preference shares will receive dlrs share and those owning its dlrs convertible preferred will receive dlrs share allegheny international said the agreement calls for the first boston affiliate start cash tender offer for all outstanding shares allegheny common cumulative preferred and convertible preferred the company said first boston has committed provide all financing necessary acquire such securities the tender offer which estimated about mln dlrs said the agreement also subject the waiver march certain conditions under the company existing bank credit agreement allegheny international statement did not name describe the first boston affiliate involved the agreement did say the offer for the company stock will conditioned also the valid tender securities representing least majority the voting power for the election directors the company and the valid tender least two third the outstanding cumulative preferred and convertible preferred shares reuter 
money-supply	french january money supply rises one pct french money supply measured terms rose provisional one pct january after falling pct december the bank france said the main money supply aggregate used the french monetary authorities has been joined second main money supply aggregate for which rose provisional pct january after falling confirmed pct december calculated three month moving average basis rose pct year year the quarter based december after rising pct the quarter centred september the aggregate centred three month moving average rose year year four pct within target range four six pct rose pct after pct fall december measures notes and coins circulation plus sight deposits adds short term bank deposits and adds other short term deposits the central bank widest measure liquidity rose pct january after one pct fall december the bank said the money supply growth reflected net increase sight deposits and renewed interest money market instruments reuter 
acq	chrysler says amc holders get chrysler stock worth four dlrs share under buyout plan 
earn	continental bank canada sets distribution continental bank canada subsidiary lloyds bank plc lloy said intends redeem all existing preferred shares and distribute stock dividend common shareholders the initial distribution will cumulative redeemable retractable floating rate class preferred shares series which will carry retraction right enabling holders receive dlrs for each share continental said the mln dlrs existing outstanding preferred shares will paid off par plus accrued dividends continental said the notes will carry dividend rate pct prime and expects that the shares will trade dlrs more enabling shareholders who wish receive cash the bank said expects the distribution will made early may subject various approvals continental also said that march had cash more than mln dlrs and equity about mln dlrs allowing for final total distribution dlrs per common share continental bank said continues expect that the final distribution shareholders will the range dlrs dlrs per share and will take place late early until the initial stock distribution takes place regular dividend payments will maintained the existing preferred shares the bank said the distribution part the terms continental bank canada sale its banking assets lloyds bank canada subsidiary lloyds bank plc continental bank said lloyds bank canada paid the balance the purchase price but that was lower than originally anticipated since continental was unable transfer certain income tax deductions lloyds bank continental did not give further details more 
trade	study says canada pact would spur economies free trade pact between the united states and canada could spur the economies both sides substantially according study released the institute for international economics the study paul wonnacott said successful conclusion the free trade talks now under way could raise canada gross national product more than five pct and expand export about seven pct said the pact could resolve the knotty issue government subsidies end curbs trade services and investments and pave the way for new global talks under the general agreement tariffs and trade the united states and canada the world two biggest trading partners with cross border shipments about billion dlrs year opened free trade talks last june they are aiming for pact next october wonnacott economics professor the univerity maryland said agreement should include elimination tariffs between the two countries phased over five year period equal access federal government procurement the two countries replacing current buy america and buy canada provisions with 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 said that resolve the subsidy problem the two sides should permit export subsidies exports pct without imposing coutervailing duties the limit subsidies now pct proposed that any attempt impose new duties offset subsidies should first special disputes commission for resolution early stage wonnacott said bilateral free trade would contribute the efficiency the north american economies and their competitiveness facing overseas producers said would would open markets canadian goods and enable them benefit from the economies mass production benefits the united states would fewer than those canada proportionately said because the already large gross national product wonnacott said also that canada pact such areas export subsidies and the creation dispute commission could set example for the current attempt gatt write new and more liberal global trading regulations reuter 
earn	gulf resources gre have gain stock sale gulf resources and chemical corp said has sold shares imperial continental gas association for pence share mln stg private transaction for pretax gain about mln dlrs gulf resources said still owns mln shares imperial continental pct interest and continues study various alternatives reuter 
acq	donald trump said has agreed purchase crosby estate resorts shares 
acq	bsn bsn share sale advances bsn corp said its agreement sell new common shares pct interest unaffiliated european institutional investors for mln dlrs has become definitive the company said closing expected shortly after the filing registration statement with the securities and exchange commission which expected made this month reuter 
acq	gencorp unit sell los angeles station gencorp said its rko general subsidiary agreed sell khj los angeles walt disney dis for mln dlrs cash plus working capital and other adjustments closing the company said under the agreement principle rko application renew the station broadcast license would dismissed and the competing application fidelity television would granted disney would then acquire privately held fidelity for about mln dlrs and other adjustments renewal the khj license has been challenged regulatory proceedings for more than years the deal subject prior approval the federal communications commission the company said late gencorp cut deal with fidelity los angeles investor group and westinghouse electric corp settle the license proceedings and sell khj for mln dlrs pct which would westinghouse and the remainder fidelity but jan westinghouse withdrew from the deal because the fcc would not approve early gencorp and rko agreed sell wor secaucus mca inc mca for mln dlrs the fcc has approved the transaction but several parties have appealed the fcc has not said when would rule the appeals according spokemsan for akron ohio based gencorp fidelity television originally filed competing application for the rko license for khj independent station the fcc disqualified rko licensee wnac boston citing anti competitive trade practices and inaccurate financial reporting the agency causing renewals previously granted rko new york for wor and los angeles for khj denied reuter 
interest	barclays bank said cutting base lending rate pct from pct 
interest	midland bank said cutting its base rate pct from pct 
acq	imatron imat sells stake mitsui mitsy imatron inc said mitsui and ltd japan has purchased two mln dlr equity interest imatron market price and was granted day option make another two mln dlr investment the same price imatron said mitsui the exclusive importer imatron ultrafast computed tomography scanners into japan scheduled take delivery its first scanner next month for installation large cardiology center said has entered into preliminary discussions with mitsui the formation joint venture finance the accelerated development imatron technology and its commercialization japan reuter 
earn	robins qrah january earnings robins the drug company bankruptcy proceedings due litigation over its dalkon shield contraceptive device reported consolidated net earnings for the month ended january mln dlrs the corresponding year ago period reported net earnings mln dlrs robins said the filings were made with the trustee overseeing its chapter bankruptcy case reuter 
interest	barclays midland follow natwest base rate cut barclays bank plc bcs and midland bank plc mdbl said they are cutting their base lending rates pct from pct the cuts follow similar move national westminster bank plc nwbl the rate changes take effect tomorrow reuter 
acq	control data cda buy peripherals stake control data corp said agreed acquire unisys inc uis pct stake magnetic peripherals inc the letter intent provides that unisys converts from owner magnetic peripherals customer control data data storage products group over two year period under the agreement control data will continue furnish disk drives unisys said other details the proposed agreement were available magnetic controls managed the data storage products group control data was founded joint venture maintain technological base data storage and supply peripheral equipment for the computer systems its owners the venture has become developer and manufacturer high performance high capacity data storage products sold control data computer systems manafacturers worldwide said after conversion the unisys interest control data will own pct honeywell inc hon pct and bull france six pct said reuter 
acq	donald trump buy crosby resorts rtb stock casino hotel operator and real estate developer donald trump said has agreed purchase the class common stock resorts international inc held the family and estate late resorts chairman james crosby for dlrs per share trump said also considering tender offer for remaining class shares the same price but has interest resorts class shares trump said the shares has agreed already buy represent pct interest the class stock the estate itself owns the class shares there are also about class shares outstanding but trump said have interest the class shares each class share has times the voting power class share atlantic city resorts said statement that the class shares being sold trump represents pct the combined voting power resorts said closing dependent receipt necessary regulatory approvals and other matters and after closing trump will tender for remaining class shares the same price reuter 
acq	usair wins court order against twa twa usair group inc said district court pittsburgh issued temporary restraining order prevent trans world airlines inc from buying additional usair shares usair said the order was issued response its suit charging twa chairman carl icahn and twa violated federal laws and made misleading statements twa last week said owned pct usair shares also offered buy the company for dlrs share cash billion dlrs more 
acq	grease monkey gmhc gets rejects merger offer grease monkey holding corp said has received and rejected unsolicited merger offer from jiffy lube international inc lube the company said the proposal involved exchange grease monkey common stock for combination jiffy lube securities with estimated current value substantially below grease monkey current market price said will not disclosed details reuter 
orange	ruling brazil fcoj may come tomorrow decision final dumping duties frozen orange juice from brazil may not issued until tomorrow commerce department officials said they said the department has until midnight tonight set the duty but may not make the finding public until tomorrow preliminary duty pct was set october the final ruling will based more detailed information the officials said reuter 
acq	chrysler deal buy amc amo chrysler corp said agreed principle with french state owned renault acquire american motors corp which renault controlling shareholder under deal which amc stockholders other than renault would receive chrysler common stock with market value four dlrs for each amc common share they hold chrysler said the letter intent for the deal which needs government and amc shareholder and board approval provides that amc holders will receive not more than less than share chrysler common for each share amc common they hold more 
interest	barclays midland follow natwest base rate cut barclays bank plc bcs and midland bank plc mdbl said they are cutting their base lending rates pct from pct the cuts follow similar move national westminster bank plc nwbl the rate changes take effect tomorrow the base rate reductions came after the bank england cut its dealing rates this morning signal the money markets that would not resist half percentage point drop bank base lending rates market sources said until the end last week the central was holding out staunchly against market pressures for lower rates apparent effort preserve the expected rate cuts for around the time the government annual budget march sterling remained firm around dlrs compared with its close here friday dlrs reuter 
zinc	mint seeking lbs zinc the mint said seeking offers lbs special high grade zinc that intends purchase said selling offers will due hrs est march the mint said two increments lbs each are for delivery the weeks april and april ball corp greeneville tenn and two increments lbs each are delivered the weeks april and april lasalle rolling mills lasalle ill firms submitting offers may elect receive payment from the mint standard check wire transfer awards will based whichever method most cost advantageous the goverment the time the awards are determined the offers will have minimum acceptance period calendar days the mint said reuter 
housing	canada building permits rise november led the non residential sector canadian building permits issued november rose pct billion dlrs seasonally adjusted from billion dlrs october statistics canada said residential permits fell pct billion dlrs from billion dlrs october while the number units approved fell from units the value non residential projects rose pct mln dlrs the month reuter 
acq	dixie yarns dxyn acquire caro inc dixie yarns inc and caro inc jointly said they signed merger agreement calling for dixie acquire all caro stock exchange for three mln dixie common the companies said the previously announced merger has been approved caro board and expected close early april they said the revenues the combined companies will over mln dlrs and dixie said the merger will not dilute its results caro was taken private management led leveraged buy out reuter 
orange	has midnight set orange juice duties decision final dumping duties frozen orange juice from brazil may not issued until tomorrow commerce department officials said they said the department has until midnight tonight set the duty but may not make the finding public until tomorrow preliminary duty pct was set last oct the final duty will based more detailed information the officials said reuter 
ship	gale force winds buffet great lakes the national weather service said warnings gale force winds remained effect over lakes erie huron and michigan also warnings have been posted for large waves and beach erosion along the shores the lakes winds gusting mph caused four six foot waves along the western and southern shores lake michigan during the morning advisories for low wind chill temperatures have also been posted across portions upper michigan and northern lower michigan early morning gusty winds brought the wind chill and degrees below zero freezing rain was scattered over central colorado mid morning also over central kansas and northeast illinois snow reached from south central montana across wyoming western nebraska and western kansas snow also extended across northern wisconsin upper michigan and northern lower michigan rain reached along the northern pacific coast across northwest utah maryland deleware virginia the carolinas georgia and northern alabama reuter 
interest	issues one billion stg bond tranche the bank england said was taking onto its books further one billion stg tranche pct treasury loan stock due payable stg pct application the stock was issued the bank stg pct and will available for dealings from march with the remainder the amount payable may the bank said the bonds would yield pct the issue price and would free tax residents overseas the issue would designated pct treasury loan further mln stg was reserved for the national debt commissioners the market dropped point following the bank announcement with the treasury pct stock due quoted one full point lower stg pct around minutes after the news dealers said the announcement had viewed against the backdrop intense pressure for lower interest rates which had built over the past two weeks result sterling strength the bank this morning finally signalled was prepared see lower rates and clearing banks this afternoon announced cuts their base lending rates pct from pct the bank had initially been reluctant countenance rate cut because dealers said the authorities had wished delay reduction until around the time the budget march thereby preserving the full impact chancellor the exchequer nigel lawson package measures however the face sterling apparently inexorable climb the authorities today decided cede pressure and allow half point cut today one billion stg tap issue was viewed the market move the bank eradicate hopes for further early rate cut which might arise result strong sterling most market participants believe that lawson will now foster further half point interest rate reduction the time the budget although one two said they would not surprised see full point decline this stage dealers noted that part the authorities attempts last week ease pressure for lower rates the bank had issued one billion stg tap stock with view subduing the government bond market the surprise most participants the issue was sold out within hours becoming available for trading and the market pushed register further sharp gains dealers said that this stage seemed unlikely that the issue announced today would absorbed the market rapidly last week however they noted that although sterling had edged down from its highs following the base rate cut had still closed trade weighted basis well ahead friday final and only just beneath the peak touched gmt reuter 
acq	amc says studying chrysler buyout proposal and will comment when appropriate 
crude	petro canada drill two terra nova test wells petro canada canada state owned oil company said will drill two delineation wells this summer the terra nova oil field offshore newfoundland evaluation test results and preliminary engineering work should put petro canada position propose development plan for the terra nova field the company said depending time required for regulatory approvals construction could begin with first oil production early petro canada said have high degree confidence that the western portion the terra nova field contains least mln cubic meters recoverable oil more than mln barrels and that could produce economicly using floating production system petro canada said the terra nova field lying kilometers east john and kilometers southeast hibernia field was discovered petro canada had encouraging results from the eastern portion the field and hope this summer drilling will prove additional reserves there the company said petro canada believes terra nova field good commercial prospect and the company wants move some those resources towards development can start generating return investments petro canada said petro canada which will act operator the two wells has pct interest the western portion graven block the terra nova field and pct interest the field east flank block company spokesman said later other field participants include canterra energy ltd mobil oil canada ltd gulf canada resources inc icg resources ltd trillium exploration corp and general partnership parex petro canada estimates reserves the terra nova field graven block between mln and mln barrels oil company spokesman bob foulkes said from petro canada calgary office combined reserves for graven block and the field east flank block are estimated between mln and mln barrels added petro canada expects spend about mln canadian dlrs bring the field production about and the development budget could double the company builds production system combining both blocks the field said petro canada estimates the terra nova field graven block would produce between and barrels average daily production with production system that would have maximum capacity bpd company spokesman foulkes said answer query the company estimates production system combining both graven and east flank blocks the terra nova field could produce about bpd average daily production said reuter 
earn	charan sees least pct rise profit charan industries inc distributor toys and other consumer products expects net profit rise least pct over last year mln dlrs president earl takefman told reporters before the annual meeting grew basically pct last year not sure going able grow pct again this year but certainly will grow least pct over last year takefman said charan reported profit mln dlrs takefman said expects sales rise about mln dlrs this year from mln dlrs fiscal ended september while fiscal ended november takefman said the company actively looking for acquisitions the consumer products industry likely canada the company said expects resolve delivery problems this year which last year hindered the growth its toy distribution business which accounts for about one third revenues charan the exclusive distributor canada for worlds wonder toys which include the teddy ruxpin voice activated talking plush bear takefman said new products this year which will the shelves for christmas include smaller version teddy ruxpin talking mickey mouse toy dancing plush toys doll with voice activated sound touch light and heat and talking books the company also marketing extended line laser tag kits which shoot rays light and tell you when you hit someone other products include recorder device which allows students leave taped messages each others school lockers retailing for about dlrs reuter 
earn	mayfair super markets myfra sales increased mayfair super markets said its sales for the second qtr ended feb were mln dlrs increase more than pct compared sales mln dlrs the comparable quarter last year the company said sales for the first six months the year were mln dlrs more than pct above the mln dlrs reported the same period last year this was the consecutive quarterly gain the company said the company said expects release earnings april reuter 
interest	barclays midland follow natwest base rate cut barclays bank plc bcs and midland bank plc mdbl said they are cutting their base lending rates pct from pct the cuts follow similar move national westminster bank plc nwbl the rate changes take effect tomorrow the base rate reductions came after the bank england cut its dealing rates this morning signal the money markets that would not resist half percentage point drop bank base lending rates market sources said until the end last week the central was holding out staunchly against market pressures for lower rates apparent effort preserve the expected rate cuts for around the time the government annual budget march sterling remained firm around dlrs compared with its close here friday dlrs reuter 
acq	united auto workers union says supports chrysler amc merger 
interest	lloyds bank matches base rate cut pct lloyds bank plc lloy said cutting its base lending rate pct from pct effective tomorrow the reduction follows similar moves from the three other british clearing banks national westminster bank plc nwbl led the way this morning after the bank england lowered its dealing rates signal that would tolerate half percentage point reduction the central bank surprise signal followed its strenuous efforts last week prevent market forces from bringing down base rates before the budget march reuter 
acq	norcros breaks off merger talks with williams norcros ncro plc said has intention proceeding any further with talks williams holdings plc suggestion that there would benefits arising from merger between the two groups norcros said any such benefits could achieved through normal trading and did not warrant closer formal association norcros shares firmed after the news investor speculation possible hostile bid from williams dealers said williams rose williams earlier informed norcros that holds some its ordinary shares pct those issued reuter 
interest	lloyds bank matches base rate cut pct lloyds bank plc lloy said cutting its base lending rate pct from pct effective tomorrow the reduction follows similar moves from the three other british clearing banks national westminster bank plc nwbl led the way this morning after the bank england lowered its dealing rates signal that would tolerate half percentage point reduction the central bank surprise signal followed its strenuous efforts last week prevent market forces from bringing down base rates before the budget march reuter 
interest	lloyds bank matches base rate cut pct lloyds bank plc said cutting its base lending rate pct from pct effective tomorrow the reduction follows similar moves from the three other british clearing banks national westminster bank plc led the way this morning after the bank england lowered its dealing rates signal that would tolerate half percentage point reduction the central bank surprise signal followed its strenuous efforts last week prevent market forces from bringing down base rates before the budget march reuter 
interest	french week bill average rate falls pct from pct official 
acq	amc amo studying chrysler proposal american motors corp said studying proposed merger with chrysler corp american motors said received letter from chrysler corp advising their proposal enter into merger transaction with american motors corp brief statement the company said are studying the proposal will have further comment when appropriate reuter 
acq	wall street stocks american express axp american express stock fell sharply reflecting part investors disappointment that the company did not make announcement about its plans for brokerage unit shearson lehman brothers traders said the company has said studying options for its shearson unit traders said many investors anticipated announcement this weekend that would spin off shearson lehman also they said flurry arbitrage related sell programs that pounded the general market today accelerated the selloff american express component the dow industrial average american express fell was part programs and part that there was anticipation announcement spinoff something with shearson this weekend and that announcement never happened one trader said the last few minutes trading friday another trader said the stock jumped close largely anticipation that the company would make weekend announcement reuter 
crude	amoco first south china sea exploratory well flows barrels oil daily 
orange	traders say usda may lower orange crop estimate the department agriculture will probably decrease its estimate the florida orange crop today low mln boxes from mln boxes analysts and industry sources said the department scheduled release the new estimate hrs est gmt today analysts said the market anticipating downward revision and much the bullish impact has been discounted the estimate which the usda has left unchanged since october should affected this time recent evidence shortfall the early and midseason crop now that those harvests are complete analysts said based earlier usda projections the harvests should have been five seven mln boxes larger than they were they are going cut their estimate said bob tate fcoj broker with dean witter reynolds miami the only question whether they will admit the whole thing this estimate tate said possible the usda will lower its estimate lesser amount perhaps three mln boxes and continue drop the estimate subsequent reports the crop picture clarifies the late season harvest consisting mostly valencia oranges has not yet started noted they temper said judy weissman fcoj analyst with shearson lehman bros the main drop will probably come july she expects today estimate will mln boxes reuter 
acq	uaw says back chrysler amc amo merger the united auto workers uaw union said supports chrysler corp proposal buy american motors corp creating good match that potentially points the way more secure future for workers both companies believe our members interests can well served within the chrysler family and are committed making that happen uaw president owen bieber and vice president marc stepp said statement believe chrysler purchase logical and sound step for all concerned the union said the uaw negotiating with amc over the carmaker demand for economic concessions covering workers its wisconsin operations without which amc has said would cease vehicle production its kenosha wisconsin assembly plant reuter 
acq	twa twa declines comment usair transworld airlines inc official said the airline has comment usair group inc planned buyout piedmont aviation inc twa however has pursued its application with the department transportation for takeover usair according mark buckstein twa general counsel and vice president twa filed revised application today following the dot rejection friday incomplete application filed last week earlier usair said agreed buy piedmont for dlrs cash per share 
acq	moody may downgrade piedmont aviation pie moody investors service inc said may downgrade mln dlrs debt piedmont aviation inc because the airline agreement acquired usair group inc the rating agency said its review would focus the effect the acquisition piedmont financial leverage and its debt service requirements moody said also examining the potential use the airline borrowing capacity finance the merger piedmont currently carries baa preferred stock and prime commercial paper reuter 
rubber	rubber producers consumers start new pact talks the chairman the conference new international natural rubber agreement inra manaspas xuto thailand said was imperative try settle the main outstanding issues this week the inra renegotiation conference which resumed today under the auspices the united nations conference trade and development unctad scheduled last until march xuto told delegates this session the conference presented promising opportunity conclude new pact but had the last before the current accord expires october xuto said his consultations with representatives major exporting and importing countries over the last few months have found constructive attitude and willingness flexible the part all concerned imperative that try settle the major outstanding issues the course this week since considerable amount technical drafting work will remain completed said will immediately start consultations with producers and consumers the last october negotiations collapsed disagreement over buffer stock operations consumer demands for tighter buffer stock controls aimed preventing inra from following the collapse the international tin agreement ita were rejected producers who argued for unchanged inra terms the tin pact failed when its buffer stock manager ran out funds support prices three previous rounds talks between rubber producers and consumers for new five year pact ended without agreement the inra originally due expire october was extended october facilitate renegotiation wong kum choon head the malaysian delegation said was cautiously optimistic that together should able save inra and prevent from being scuttled without inra added prices natural rubber would become more volatile calling delegates show sense purpose and reality said there reason why could not put aside differences and come with successor agreement reuter 
acq	usair and unit remain under moody review moody investors service inc said the mln dlrs debt usair group inc and its usair inc unit remain under review for possible downgrade the rating agency cited usair group proposed acquisition piedmont aviation inc pie well trans world airlines inc twa proposed cash merger with usair however the status twa bid for usair group currently uncertain the transportation department has rejected twa application acquire usair deficiency grounds but twa has said will file revised application moody noted under moody review for possible downgrade are usair group baa senior debt and baa subordinated debentures along with the usair unit senior debt and baa subordinated debentures moody said would examine the effects the proposed mergers usair group financial measurements well potential damage the company financial flexibility because the probability increased debt service requirements reuter 
money-fx	fed sets billion dlr customer repurchase fed says 
earn	bally bly take mln dlr qtr charge bally manufacturing corp said expects charge earnings the first quarter this year mln dlrs result its deal buy back mln its common shares from real estate developer donald trump filing with the securities and exchange commission the chicago based hotel casino gambling and amusement concern also said the anticipated charge against first quarter earnings will not deductible for federal income tax purposes under february deal bally agreed buy mln the mln shares held trump dlrs share mln dlrs while trump agreed not try seek control bally the agreement also calls for bally pay trump another mln dlrs for certain agreements claims and expenses related his purchase the bally common stock bally said trump agreed not buy any more bally stock try seek control the company for years said bear stearns and inc signed similar standstill agreement with bally for three years bally said but can still deal bally stock broker said the deal also obligates bally buy trump remaining stake the company for dlrs share the stock price does not reach that level february said reuter 
crude	shell canada said raised crude prices canadian cts barrel today 
zinc	hudson bay mining cuts canada zinc prices hudson bay mining and smelting ltd said cut prices for all grades zinc sold north america one cent pound and one canadian cent pound effective immediately the new price for high grade zinc cents and canadian cents pound the company said special high grade prime western and continuous galvanizing grade with controlled lead now costs cents and canadian cents pound the new price for continuous galvanizing grade alloyed with controlled lead and aluminum additions cents and canadian cents pound reuter 
acq	court rejects buitoni appeal over iri food unit appeal buitoni spa against court ruling that accord under which was acquire italian state food firm sme societa meridionale finanziaria was not contractually binding has been rejected court officials said appeal court rejected buitoni claim that the billion lire accord with the state industrial company iri istituto per ricostruzione industriale was binding contract the decision upholds court ruling last july buitoni controlled cir compagnie industriali riunite investment company itself controlled ing olivetti spa oliv chairman carlo benedetti reuter 
acq	allegheny aims divest more businesses allegheny international inc the consumer products concern that today announced merger agreement with first boston corp fbc affiliate deal worth about mln dlrs said intends divest more units way increase profits going reduce size consistent with our financial resources said chairman oliver travers have made conscious strategic choice become smaller financially sound consumer products company which operates predominantly the stable political and economic environment north america said 
acq	advanced tobacco atpi merger talks end advanced tobacco products inc said has ended talks being acquired sterling drug inc sty but has resumed acquisition talks with other parties the company had previously announced that major based company that did not identify was evaluating its nicotine technology advanced said sterling board has decided not enter the nicotine product market said received dlr payment deal exclusively with sterling through march six advanced said had suspended merger talks with other parties result the exclusivity agreement reuter 
acq	fitness rfit buys livingwell unit fitness inc said agreed buy livingwell inc manufacturing unit powercise international inc for mln fitness shares valued about mln dlrs this acquisition includes all livingwell rights its recently announced powercise fitness equipment separate transaction livingwell inc operator health clubs placed six mln dlrs order with powercise international install the powercise equipment all its clubs reuter 
heat	exxon xon raises heating oil price traders oil traders the new york area said exxon corp exxon increased the price charges contract barge customers for heating oil new york harbor cts gallon effective saturday march they said the increase brought exxon contract barge price cts gallon traders said the price hike followed higher spot and futures market prices for heating oil reuter 
zinc	hudson bay mining cuts canada zinc prices hudson bay mining and smelting ltd said cut prices for all grades zinc sold north america one pound and one canadian pound effective immediately the new price for high grade zinc cts and canadian cts pound the company said special high grade prime western and continuous galvanizing grade with controlled lead now costs cts and canadian cts pound the new price for continuous galvanizing grade alloyed with controlled lead and aluminum additions cts and canadian cts pound reuter 
acq	bankamerica bac completes mortgage unit sale bankamerica corp bank america unit said completed the previously announced sale bankamerica finance ltd bank ireland for expected pre tax gain mln dlrs bankamerica finance provides residential mortgages south east england its total assets the end were about mln dlrs reuter 
acq	supermarkets general gets unsolicited bid for dlrs shr cash 
coffee	brazil treasury release coffee buying funds the treasury department due release funds for the brazilian coffee institute ibc pay for the coffee purchased from local producers the ibc said statement ibc production director oripes gomes said the statement that payment would made within the official guarantee prices the statement said the ibc sending document the national monetary council asking the government set budget for the purchase the institute five mln bags coffee until june gomes said the statement there have been problems the concession funds the treasury for payment the coffee delivered the ibc warehouses the producers said producers have already delivered mln bags which mln bags have been paid for the future according agreement signed with the treasury the institute will longer need seek approval the treasury seek the release additional funds buy coffee the statement said reuter 
crude	shell canada shc raised crude oil postings shell canada wholly owned subsidiary the royal dutch shell group said that raised crude oil prices about canadian cts barrel today the increase riased its posted price for light sweet crude oil dlrs barrel from its march one level light sour crudes were raised dlrs barrel the company said reuter 
cocoa	ghana cocoa purchases tonnes latest week cumulative tonnes official 
interest	world bank bring borrowing forward this year the world bank intends bring borrowing forward into the first half because expects global interest rates rise year end world bank vice president and treasurer eugene rotberg said told news conference that rates the japan west germany and switzerland were near their lows the weight opinion that year from now there higher probability there will one pct higher than one pct lower interest rates said the world bank had not issued floating rate notes far this year because the expectation higher interest rates the policy the world bank was maintain liquidity level that gave the bank flexibility decide when where and how much borrow rotberg said cash hand was now about pct the next three years anticipated net requirement and comprised pct outstanding debt and pct its debt maturing within five years although the world bank had pioneered the swap market did not intend launch new financial instruments just for the sake innovation rotberg said total billion dlrs debt outstanding only some eight billion had been swapped into another currency many recent innovations were either unfair investors unfair borrowers until the world bank was confident that this was not the case would not adopt new instruments the world bank would raise pct the funds needed over the next year with methods used before rotberg said however for some pct new requirements the bank would try out new instruments such bonds with warrants the world bank had publicly offered bonds germany since the first issue was launched said 
earn	servicemaster svm sets quarter distribution servicemaster approved second quarter cash distribution cts payable april record march previously servicemaster said would pay indicated cash distribution dlrs share including cts share which would paid before april other action the company set may eight the date its annual shareholders meeting reuter 
acq	wall street stocks chrysler amc amo the proposed mln dlr deal under which chrysler corp would acquire american motors corp was described analysts reasonable deal for both companies ronald glantz montgomery securities said amc common stock could fairly valued just under five dlrs share given changes brought tax reform and that chrysler offer pay four dlrs share chrysler stock amc holders other than renault good price for chrysler amc common shares opened four dlrs this morning after the renault chrysler announcement while chrysler shares lost though amc issued statement saying that was studying the proposed buyout and had other comment glantz said regarded the proposal done deal because can believe anybody else would make bid reasonable deal for both sides the analyst told reuters chrysler gets the jeep franchise and the new amc bramalea ontario plant and the new renault premier mid sized car and amc sales will because buyers will have more confidence that the manufacturer will still around service the products glantz said analyst thomas grady said chrysler would getting more manufacturing capacity including brand new plant canada for bargain price and renault would getting some return after its prolonged loss making investment amc reuter 
trade	koreans buy billion dlrs goods south korean foreign trade minister rah woon bae said his country firms have agreed buy billion dlrs worth goods during his two week buying trip the united states rah said most the purchases represented shifts from japanese firms firms part south korea effort reduce its seven billion dlr trade surplus with the united states south korea has five billion dlr trade deficit with japan reuter 
crude	fitzwater says reagan strongly against tax hike white house spokesman marlin fitzwater said president reagan record opposing tax hikes long and strong and not about change opposed tax increases will fight tax increases will deal with politically every forum possible said fitzwater when questioned about whether there was any change the administration position fitzwater said reagan strong feelings against tax hike included opposition oil import fee the president position that opposed said reuter 
acq	supermarkets general sgl gets unsolicited bid supermarkets general corp said received unsolicited proposal from third party acquire the company dlrs per share cash supermarkets also said retained shearson lehman brothers inc advise its board directors the proposal supermarkets general currently has about mln shares outstanding its stock currently trading the new york stock exchange the woodbridge supermarket operator over supermarkets and other specialty retail stores convenience food stores and drug stores for the nine months ended november supermarkets reported net income mln dlrs reuter 
zinc	abms says zinc stocks higher february total slab zinc stocks held smelters rose short tons the end february from short tons the end january the american bureau metal statistics reported zinc production increased short tons february from short tons january shipments from smelters plants declined short tons february from short tons january reuter 
nat-gas	diamond shamrock offshore dsp find diamond shamrock offshore partners said has started development drilling west cameron block off louisiana the gulf mexico after significant natural gas find the block said the discovery well there encountered feet net natural gas pay flow tests have been conducted said diamond shamrock offshore said has pct interest the block phillips petroleum pct and santa energy partners sfp pct diamond shamrock corp dia owns pct diamond shamrock offshore reuter 
lead	lead inventories rise february abms lead stocks held refiners rose short tons the end february from short tons revised higher the end january the american bureau metal statistics reported production lead decreased short tons february from short tons january shipments from plants increased short tons february from short tons revised lower january the abms said reuter 
acq	sharon steel corp extends exchange offer sharon steel corp said extended from march six march the expiration date for its debt exchange offer allow time complete the sale its mueller brass unit and meet other conditions the offer the exchange offer covers sharon outstanding pct subordinated sinking fund debentures due and its pct subordinated sinking fund debentures due sharon said that march six pct the pct notes and pct the pct notes were tendered the mueller sale conditioned receipt pct the notes reuter 
ship	ferry disaster claims could top mln stg insurers could face more than mln stg insurance claims following the zeebrugge ferry disaster spokesman for lloyds london said could take weeks before the extent the compensation claims for passengers crew and cargo was known and also before was known how much any the ship could salvaged said david larner lloyds the hull and machinery the herald free enterprise were valued mln stg and were insured townsend thoresen parent company peninsular and oriental steam navigation plc porl the vessel was turn reinsured the london market with lloyds and various other companies larner said passengers crew and cargo were insured the standard steamship protection and indemnity association one several shipowners mutual insurance funds worldwide these were also underwritten lloyds and other companies larner said claims from passengers could expected total least five mln stg given the number deaths and the normal level liability set the athens convention between stg and case death shipping sources said however that these claims could soar court found there was negligence design faults involved larner said estimates compensation claims were pure guess work this time but the ship could not salvaged the claims would total least mln stg shares insurances the london stock exchange fell across the board generally weak market general accident fell royal insurance dropped and prudential fell and shares stood late lower the day reuter 
interest	citibank follows base rate cut pct citibank said has cut its british base lending rate pct from pct with effect from tomorrow this move follows similar cuts four major british clearing banks led national westminster bank plc nwbl lower rates were signalled the bank england this morning attempt curb recent upward pressure the pound market sources said reuter 
money-fx	bank zambia pays out foreign currency arrears the bank zambia has paid out foreign exchange arrears from three auctions conducted last year bank spokesman said have now cleared three auctions and are left with only four worth eight mln dlrs the spokesman said without specifying the amount paid out the bank had not paid foreign exchange private firms since suspended the weekly auctions january has said the auctions were suspended because planned introduce modified system after talks with the world bank and the international monetary fund president kenneth kaunda announced last month that the auction would retained for allocating foreign exchange approved private sector bidders but would not used determine the kwacha exchange rate last week said the auction had run into trouble because shortage foreign exchange the government has fixed the exchange rate nine kwacha per dollar effectively revaluing the kwacha pct reuter 
acq	investors have pct datarex systems drx small investor group led melvyn gelch providence surgeon told the securities and exchange commission has acquired shares datarex systems inc pct the total outstanding common stock the gelch group said bought the stake for about dlrs for investment purposes only reuter 
cocoa	ghana cocoa purchases fall cumulative still the ghana cocoa board said purchased tonnes cocoa the week ended february the main crop season compared with tonnes the previous week and tonnes the week ended march six the season the board said cumulative purchases far this season stand tonnes still the tonnes purchased the week last season the board said reuter 
sugar	sugar import levies the following import levies for white and raw sugar are effective tomorrow european currency units ecu per kilos white sugar denatured and non denatured versus previously raw sugar denatured and non denatured versus previously the rate for raws based pct yield reuter 
acq	investor has technology development tdcx stake leon greenblatt chicago investor told the securities and exchange commission has acquired shares technology development corp pct the total outstanding common stock greenblatt said bought the stock for dlrs soley investment and has intention seeking control the company reuter 
acq	analyst says dart group likely bidder for supermarkets general 
acq	harris cuts cyclops cyl stake pct harris associates chicago investment advisory firm said cut its stake cyclops corp shares pct the total outstanding common stock from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission harris said sold cyclops common shares between jan and march prices ranging from dlrs share harris said its dealings cyclops common stock were made behalf its advisory clients reuter 
acq	chrysler values amc amo mln dlrs chrysler corp said valued its proposed buyout american motors corp mln dlrs not counting the effect contingent payment that could reach mln dlrs based amc future profits chrysler spokesman told reuters that the letter intent signed with renault amc controlling shareholder with pct direct stake includes provision for renault paid mln dlrs cash for amc finance subsidiary and mln dlrs the form eight pct note said did not know the maturity the note reuter 
earn	advo system inc advo sees break even qtr advo system inc said could report break even second quarter ending march compared with loss mln dlrs cts share fiscal second quarter ended march advo said previously announced would report net loss for the quarter reuter 
earn	canadian pacific ltd qtr oper net cts cts 
bop	dutch current account surplus falls the dutch current account surplus fell billion guilders last year provisional billion guilders the finance ministry said statement the surplus expected fall further the statement said but gave details earlier today the official planning agency cpb said expected the surplus fall six billion guilders during the visible goods surplus excluding energy fell billion guilders billion due declining terms exchange while more goods were imported consumer spending and investment increased while the energy trade balance surplus rose billion guilders billion this gain was caused temporary improvements terms exchange and was aided the delay between the fall oil and gas prices the current account showed billion guilder deficit invisibles compared with balance the finance ministry said noting the surplus transport services was reduced substantially due the lower dollar and oil price falls the fourth quarter current account showed deficit for the first time since mln guilders said reuter 
acq	grandview acquires control ticket group consolidated grandview inc said acquired pct stake all ticket group plc london for undisclosed terms the seller was also undisclosed all ticket special events travel company with exclusive european rights ual inc ual united airlines apollo system booking all united airlines flights britain and europe all ticket and its subsidiaries will also sponsor various events this year including the british open golf tournament and rowing henley regatta its revenues totaled mln canadian dlrs reuter 
acq	united cities ucit makes acquisition united cities gas said has acquired lyle propane gas cairo propane gas distributor for undisclosed terms said lyle has sales about four mln gallons annually and serves about customers seven counties southwest georgia and north florida reuter 
interest	bill auctions seen pct the treasury weekly auction expected produce average rate pct for three month bills and one pct for six month bills dealers said shortly before auction time the new bills the rate the outstanding three month bills was unchanged pct bid while the rate the six month bills was one basis point higher pct bid reuter 
earn	medical properties mpp sets monthly dividend the board medical properties inc said has declared initial monthly cash dividend cts share and has adopted monthly dividend policy the 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 less continental reference new york grain freights march brokers say the charterer the saturn from gulf japan reported nordstrom and thulin while the antigone reported have been arranged from tilbury the black sea soviet charterers reuter 
earn	immucor blud splits stock immucor inc said its board directors has declared five for four stock split the form pct stock dividend payable april shareholders record march reuter 
ship	bermuda star line bsl make acquisition bermuda star line inc said has agreed principle acquire passenger liberte from barnstead shipping ltd for use its new york montreal northeast passages cruises starting this summer the company said working conclude lease financing other financing for the purchase the ton vessel which delivered early april and renamed canada star terms were not disclosed reuter 
acq	talking point caesars world caw mts acquisition corp dlr per share offering price for caesars world inc thought much too low and likely attract other suitors for the hotel casino company industry analysts said think someone else will probably come they mts will have raise their bid said marvin roffman analyst janney montgomery scott inc mts company formed martin sosnoff caesars world largest shareholder today began tender offer valued mln dlrs for all shares sosnoff doesn already own think the offer too low least five points said roffman who described caesars world the operator one the finest casinos the world sosnoff new york investor already owns pct caesars world mln shares following news the tender offer caesars world shares were trading caesars world spokesman said the company was declining comment the sosnoff move for the moment but caesars may issue public statement after has studied the offer roffman said caesars world has considerable growth potential and forecasting fiscal earnings two dlrs per share caesars world owns casino hotels nevada and honeymoon resorts pennsylvania pocono mountains also controls caesars new jersey inc cjn which owns atlantic city casino hotel for its fiscal year ended july caesars world reported net income mln dlrs dlrs per primary share the company reported second quarter net income mln dlrs cts per share compared with income mln dlrs cts per share year earlier daniel lee analyst drexel burnham lambert inc said that although sosnoff relatively low bid may attract other suitors willing pay higher price for caesars there little likelihood that competing bid would start battle for the company 
acq	allegheny officers run company allegheny international inc said its chairman and chief operating officer will remain their positions following the merger the company with affiliate first boston corp expected that oliver travers will continue chairman president and chief executive officer and thomas albani will continue chief operating officer said allegheny spokesman allegheny today said agreed buyout from first boston dlrs per share the transaction was valued mln dlrs its stock rose active trading reuter 
acq	gas makes recommendation tractebel offer imperial continental gas association icgs gas said its board not making recommendation the partial tender offfer per share announced tractebel and groupe bruxelles lambert the same time however the board would not recommend general offer for all the shares price the statement added shareholders wondering whether tender either the tractebel consortium the rival per share partial offer from shv holdings should consult professional advisers reuter 
acq	nat healthcare nhci sell five hospitals national heathcare inc said signed agreement sell five rural hospitals private corporation for about mln dlrs including the assumption six mln dlrs debt the company said plans complete the sales which are subject various regulatory approvals the end july national healthcare said expects material gain loss the sales and that substantially all proceeds will used reduce debt reuter 
earn	canadian pacific confirms earnings canadian pacific ltd said fourth quarter operating profit rose mln dlrs cts share from mln dlrs cts share year ago the statement confirmed released preliminary earnings figures the company released february mln dlr gain the sale cominco ltd interest helped raise final fourth quarter profit mln dlrs cts share the company said drop full year operating profit mln dlrs from restated mln dlrs was due mainly lower world oil prices the company said its rail division reported net income mln dlrs compared with mln dlrs said grain traffic recovered from drought affected levels year ago but was offset weakness other traffic areas and increased expenses said the net loss from its soo line increased mln dlrs loss from mln dlrs loss mainly due restructuring charges canadian pacific said favorable developments during the year included reduced bulk shipping losses result recovery tanker markets and turnaround the forest products sector reuter 
earn	ford shares rise higher earning estimate ford motor stock rose after analyst maryann keller furman selz mager dietz and birney raised earnings estimates the company traders said keller said that she expects the company earnings rise between dlrs share compared dlrs share earned last year she said ford already good market share expected remain favorable and earnings from overseas are expected improve addition keller said the company selling more its expensive model cars which are more profitable the non automotive operations including ford motor credit are also expected post improved earnings this year keller said she expects the company split its stock and raise its dividend least three dlrs share this year she noted that chrysler corp announcement merger proposal for american motors corp amo should have short term effect ford but could cut into ford share the truck market the long term reuter 
earn	dutch retailer ahold sees unchanged profit dutch food retailer ahold ahln expects unchanged profits but said will take advantage the lower dollar expand further the turnover will grow but net profits are expected remain around the level mln guilders due higher dutch taxes and three year expansion plan ahold chairman albert heijn told news conference the profit forecast allows for dollar rate around current levels just over three guilders turnover and net profit were hit the dollar which fell average guilders from reuter 
earn	pitt des moines pdm gets qualified audit pitt des moines inc said will receive qualified opinion from auditors its and financial statements said the qualification related its inability determine the effects any the final resolution suit filed against washington public power supply system the suit was dismissed lower court action but the ultimate outcome the matter still uncertain since washington public power has appealed the court appeals reuter 
acq	reading rdgc sell philadelphia properties reading said has agreed principle convey properties owns and around the philadelphia convention center site the city philadelphia and the philadelphia convention center authority said exchange will receive about mln dlrs cash rights acquire acres adjacent the philadelphia international airport and option acquire the development rights over the gallery shopping mall market street downtown philadelphia reading said will responsible for the demolition and cleanup certain the properties for which portion the cash proceeds will escrowed the company said will continue own and operate the reading terminal market philadelphia the land giving amounts about seven acrease and includes part the reading terminal train shed said reuter 
acq	montedison acquires arco research unit montedison spa moni has acquired pct stake plant cell research institute pcri california from atlantic richfield arc for several tens millions dollars senior montedison executive said renato ugo member montedison management committee told reporters that stanford research institute international menlo park california had acted partner the purchase itself acquiring stake pcri under pct pcri based dublin california has biotechnology research laboratory ugo said the price paid included outlays for the laboratory technology and staff said other negotiations were under way with biotechnology companies the health care and diagnostics sectors through montedison health care subsidiary erbamont but gave details hope they will concluded the year end said montedison currently invests around billion lire year biotechnology research and expects increase this figure around billion lire the next few years reuter 
ship	europe shipping exports africa off pct the volume european exports south africa carried container line vessels has declined pct the last two years british shipping executive antony butterwick said butterwick told reporters that despite the drop and low freight rates the shipping conference heads will increase the frequency sailings south africa very strong act faith and confidence the country future chairman the europe south and south east african conference lines and joint managing director and containers ltd statement issued the conference here said frequency southern africa europe container service sailings being increased from nine seven days this the most positive development the shipping front between south africa and its main trading partners europe for more than four years when the service last operated weekly said reuter 
acq	mathematical applications sets operations sale mathematical applications group inc said has signed letter intent sell all its operating business and will propose plan liquidation following the sale the company unsuccessful obtaining the approvals needed for the sale and liquidation said the company may required initiate reorganization proceedings under federal bankruptcy law facilitie the distribution its assets mathematical applications said tentatively agreed sell its direct marketing business pagex inc for dlrs plus amount equal the working capital the business closing well mln dlr note payable installments over six years mathematical applications said the business working capital estimated about dlrs pagex has been formed paul goldner the owner pagex systems inc which also engaged the direct marketing computer service business mathematical applications said the tentative agreement calls for pagex buy substantially all the assets and liabilities related the direct marketing business and continue use the mathematical applications name said the sale also subject renegotiation real estate lease and approval definitive agreement the company board stock holders and debenture holders the company said has obtained waivers from holders its six mln dlrs principal amount debentures due march defer interest payments aggregating dlrs through march the company said will seek waivers defer these interest payments and those due march for enough time enable the company accomplish the proposed sale its operations mathematical applications said talking debenture holders its landlord lessor equipment the marketing operation and holders other liabilities not being assumed pagex arrange distribution assets after the proposed sale adding that these assets will significantly less than its liabilities the company said has obtained waivers from holders its six mln dlrs principal amount debentures due march defer interest payments aggregating dlrs through march the company said will seek waivers defer these payments and those due march for enough time accomplish the proposed sale its operations mathematical applications said talking debenture holders its landlord lessor equipment the marketing operation and holders liabilities pages not assuming arrange distribution assets after the proposed sale adding these assets will significantly less than its liabilities part the distribution assets the company said expects shareholders receive amount based the bid price the company stock which was march five reuter 
acq	financial corp fin unit completes purchase financial corp america american savings and loan association said completed the previously announced purchase retail savings branches from great western financial corp gwf great western savings american savings said the purchases boost its deposits about mln dlrs but not affect its asset base reuter 
acq	johnson products jpc sells two subsidiaries johnson products inc said completed the sale debbie school beauty culture inc and the assets ultra precise beauty boutique inc management said the sale price dlrs consisted dlrs cash secured promissory note for dlrs and the forgiveness debt dlrs owed johnson products debbie school reuter 
acq	usair seeks two billion loan for takeovers usair group inc said seeking two billion dlrs bank debt complete its takeover piedmont aviation inc pie and its pending acquisition group inc pacific southwest airlines filing with the securities and exchange commission that details its proposed dlr share cash tender offer for piedmont usair said manufacturers hanover trust mhc indicates its willingness march letter provide mln dlrs the financing manufacturers hanover would also act agent for bank group raise the rest the financing usair said usair said manufacturers hanover affiliate currently agent for its mln dlrs revelving credit facility which would replaced the proposed two billion dlr financing usair put its total cost completing the tender offer billion dlrs its pacific southwest takeover which has received federal approval and due come for shareholder approval later this month for dlrs share mln dlrs total usair said has already bought mln piedmont common shares pct the total outstanding from norfolk southern corp nsc for mln dlrs the tender offer which being made through usair subsidiary usag acquisition corp would not valid unless usair left with more than half piedmont total outstanding common stock after the april expiration while negotiations terms and interest rates its bank loans are not yet complete usair said expects them the form one billion dlr two year term loan and one billion dlr seven year revolving credit facility the company said expects repay the two year loan through equity preferred and debt offerings and possibly internal funds and the sale and leaseback aircraft reuter 
acq	jannock acquires pct intercon security jannock ltd said acquired pct interest intercon security ltd for five mln dlrs and intercon founders brian legge and richard grange will hold the remaining pct and will continue manage the company intercon security employing people provides full range security equipment and services jannock said reuter 
crude	canadian oil companies raise crude prices petro canada the state owned oil company said raised the contract price will pay for crude oil canadian cts barrel effective march six petro canada posted price for the benchmark light sweet grade edmonton swann hills api gravity now stands canadian dlrs bbl their light sour grade posted canadian dlrs bbl earlier today shell canada shc said raised its crude postings about canadian cts bbl bringing edmonton light sweet canadian dlrs bbl and the light sour crude canadian dlrs bbl imperial oil imo pct owned subsidiary exxon corp said that effective march five also raised its light sweet crude posting canadian dlrs bbl reuter 
acq	dart group said offers buy supermarkets general dlrs shr 
acq	bci holdings sell bottled water division bci holdings corp said its beatrice food corp retained shearson lehman brothers inc assist the sale its national bottled water business said products the subsidiary based monterey park calif are sold under the arrowhead brand name california and arizona the ozarka name texas and the 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 said offered buy supermarkets general corp for dlrs per share cash earlier supermarkets general said unsolicited third party had made the offer analysts estimated the value about billion dlrs based mln shares outstanding kidder peabody and inc told dart that kidder affiliate will prepared advance mln dlrs subordinated basis 
orange	usda orange juice yield estimate the agriculture department projected average yield gallons frozen concentrated orange juice per box degree brix equivalent from florida crop that compares with gallons per box previously and gallons per box from the crop the crop reporting board said the estimates for the season are based maturity and yields tests march reuter 
potato	usda winter spring potato estimates the agriculture department estimated winter potato production based march conditions cwts lbs cwts indicated last month and cwts last year the department estimated winter potato area for harvest acres acres last month and acres the yield per harvested acre for winter potatoes estimated cwts per acre cwts last year the department also projected spring potato crop area planted cwts cwts last year and area for harvest acres acres harvested last year reuter 
acq	caesars world caw bid valued mln dlrs mts acquisition corp said will need about mln dlrs acquire the caesars world inc shares not owned its owner martin sosnoff the estimate came mts acquisition proxy statement caesars world shareholders describing its offer dlrs share for their stock which was announced this morning that announcement mts acquisition said its bank and investor bankers felt they could provide financing totaling mln dlrs for the offer sosnoff caesars world largest shareholders with the company shares that about pct the outstanding stock fully diluted basis the proxy said besides being the sole owner mts acquisition sosnoff owns pct atalanta sosnoff capital corp atl stock and chairman that investment management and brokerage firm reuter 
gold	carolin mines has new gold assay results carolin mines ltd said recent assays tailings its hope british columbia mine ranged from ounces gold per ton there were only trace amounts platinum and palladium the company said carolin said the results sharply disagreed with earlier assay performed intergold inc which showed ounce gold per ton and ounce platinum per ton carolin also said expects receive results further tests and assays the tailings within two three weeks reuter 
gold	carolin mines crlnf has new assay results carolin mines ltd said recent assays tailings its hope british columbia mine indicated that ounces gold per ton ranged from there were only trace amounts platinum and palladium the company said carolin said the results sharply disagreed with earlier assay performed intergold inc which showed one ounce gold per ton and ounce platinum per ton carolin also said expects receive results further tests and assays the tailings within two three weeks reuter 
ship	seaman strike continues marines unload ships brazilian marines were today working the unloading ships the local port national strike seamen entered its day without signs agreement the halt the first national strike seamen years started february and union leaders said they would not return work unless they received pct pay rise shipowners have offered pct raise which the seamen rejected television reported that the port was operating full speed but that not true striking seaman told reuters the marines are doing their best but they don have the manpower nor the experience control the situation such quick period said port officials said the national halt had already caused losses estimated mln dlrs despite the presence marines there were reports incidents reuter 
crude	ecuador quake cut oil revenues mln dlrs people were feared dead and more than people left homeless thursday earthquake which will cost ecuador close mln dlrs lost petroleum revenues authorities said they estimated the cost repairing damaged oil pipeline mln dlrs the magnitude the damages caused the earthquake gigantic president leon febres cordero said after inspecting the damages napo the hardest hit jungle province miles from here the quake damaged oil pipeline forcing this opec nation suspend crude exports for four months president febres cordero said statement issued today the presidential press office the country would lose estimated mln dlrs crude exports until the pipeline was repaired the president said would cost mln dlrs repair the pipelline which carries oil from jungle oil fields over the andes balao pacific ocean port crude traditionally accounts for two thirds ecuador exports the quake triggered landslides swelling the aguarico river which burst banks carrying away homes and huts napo province health minister jorge brancho told reuters fear that people died napo though there way now knowing the exact figure because many people have disappeared said other estimates ranged high dead far corpses have been recovered bracho said information minister marco lara told reporters the number dead and injured not known because not know how many people lived the homes hit the landslides bracho said least were left homeless the 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 said investor group heads has offered buy harper and row publishers inc for dlrs share cash filing with the securities and exchange commission cross said proposed the takeover the board the new york publishing house today cross whose investor group includes his wife mary said they already hold harper and row common shares pct the total outstanding common stock they said they have spent mln dlrs their stake far cross said proposed letter harper and row that the company merged into company cross forming suggesting that the total cost completing the merger would mln dlrs cross said would use mln dlrs his own money for the deal and mln dlrs which would borrowed from the first national bank boston under revolving credit facility the bank has agreed provide 
livestock	ccc accepts export bonus dairy cattle morocco the commodity credit corporation ccc has accepted bonus offer from exporter the sale head dairy cattle morocco the agriculture department said the department said the bonus awarded was dlrs per head and was made brown swiss enterprises inc will paid the form commodities from ccc inventories the cattle are for delivery during march september the department said the purchase completes the export enhancement program initiative for dairy cattle morocco announced april reuter 
livestock	ccc export bonus dairy cattle for canary islands the commodity credit corporation ccc has accepted bonus offer from exporter the sale head dairy cattle the canary islands the agriculture department said the department said the bonus awarded was dlrs per head and was made international inc will paid the form commodities from the inventory ccc stocks the cattle are for delivery during march june said additional head dairy cattle are still available the canary islands under the export enahcnement program initiative announced july said reuter 
instal-debt	consumer credit rose million dlrs jan million dec gain 
crude	usx unit raises some crude postings marathon petroleum company subsidiary usx corp said raised the contract price pays for three grades crude oil effective march illinois sweet and indiana sweet are both being raised cts barrel dlrs bbl and the southern michigan grade being raised cts bbl also dlrs bbl the west texas intermediate grade was 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 said its board has approved two for one stock split and will consider increased cash dividend its june meeting the company also said management will recommend the june board meeting increase cts per share the current annual dividend rate dlrs share raising dlrs per share dlrs share after the split national fuel gas said the split will paid holders record may spokeswoman said the distribution date for the split has not been determined the company said the split subject approval the securities and exchange commission under the public utility holding act the company now has shares outstanding reuter 
acq	sensormatic snsr ups checkrobot ckrb stake sensormatic electronics corp said upped its investment checkrobot inc the form mln dlrs convertible preferred stock raising its stake checkrobot pct from pct fully diluted basis reuter 
ship	union shippers agree cut port costs the new york shipping association and international longshoremen association said they agreed cut cargo assessments the port new york and new jersey more than pct some labor intensive cargos the charges cargo handled union workers will reduced dlrs ton from dlrs ton effective april one according the agreement between the union and shippers the assessments are used fund workers benefits what were doing lowering the price get more bulk cargo flowing through here spokesman for the new york shipping association said 
money-supply	treasury balances fed rose march treasury balances the federal reserve rose march billion dlrs from billion dlrs the previous business day the treasury said its latest budget statement balances tax and loan note accounts fell billion drls from billion dlrs the same respective days the treasury operating cash balance totaled billion dlrs march compared with billion dlrs march reuter 
ship	csx csx unit sets improved shipping service csx corp sea land corp unit said will offer improved containership services between puerto rico and the east coast and gulf coast the united states beginning march the carrier said will provide shorter door door transit times more convenient cargo availability and better rail connections for traffic moving between puerto rico and north america reuter 
gnp	world bank report criticises peru economic plan confidential world bank report the peruvian economy said the government strategy does not offer good prospects for medium and long term growth and likely quickly lead inflation the report published today economic monthly the peru report said the success president alan garcia government stimulating output last year achieve eight pct gross domestic product growth represents gains the short term the expense the long government officials had immediate comment the report which advised reduction the overall size the public investment programme and greater emphasis the preservation peru export potential the report said that although the government had succeeded cutting inflation pct year the first half under pct its stabilisation and reactivation programme was encountering increasing difficulties early renewal inflationary pressures linked monetary expansion exchange rate devaluation and easing price controls appears not improbable added 
gnp	ministers feel forecasts too pessimistic european community finance ministers discussed the economic outlook for the nation bloc and many said recent gloomy forecast the commission was too pessimistic the commission the executive authority two weeks ago cut its forecast for economic growth the community per cent for this year from per cent predicted last autumn said economic prospects had been less promising over the past few months because sharp fall the value the dollar and slowing world trade factors which would restrain community exports but diplomats said several member states led west germany britain and france felt the forecast was too gloomy especially since was drafted before recent agreement between the leading western economic powers stabilise currencies around current levels many delegations feel the commission report rather too pessimistic said belgian finance minister mark eyskens who chaired the meeting the commission which slashed its growth forecast for west germany two per cent from per cent has made clear feels bonn has room introduce additional measures stimulate its economy that would benefit the rest europe but two top german officials state secretaries otto schlecht and hans tietmeyer told reporters bonn saw need the moment for action bolster the biggest economy the diplomats said they were backed britain and france while italy greece and denmark supported the commission view that bonn should bring new measures aid growth 
instal-debt	consumer credit rose mln dlrs jan consumer instalment credit rose seasonally adjusted mln dlrs january after revised rise mln dlrs december the federal reserve board said the annual rate growth january was pct from pct december previously the fed said consumer credit rose mln dlrs december among the credit categories auto credit fell january billion dlrs from billion dlrs december the fed said revolving credit january fell mln dlrs after rising mln dlrs december mobile home credit was mln dlrs after falling mln dlrs december the category referred other covering bank and credit union loans fell mln dlrs january after declining billion dlrs december the fed said before seasonal adjustment consumer credit outstanding totaled billion dlrs the end january compared with billion dlrs the end january reuter 
crude	conoco raises crude oil prices one dlr barrel wti dlrs 
acq	viacom via nat amusements seek fast merger the chiefs viacom international inc and national amusements inc said they met and agreed work together complete the previously announced merger the two companies expeditiously possible spokeswoman for viacom declined say the executives had set timetable for closing the deal viacom last week agreed acquired national amusements for combination cash and stock with estimated value dlrs share total about billion dlrs 
earn	general cinema corp qtr oper shr cts cts 
interest	bank board says mortgage rates down february the federal home loan bank board said interest rates both fixed rate and adjustable rate home mortgage loans were down substantially early february the bank board said the average effective commitment rate for fixed mortgages with maturity least years for new home purchases dropped pct early february basis point decline from early january the commitment rate adjustable rate mortgages declined basis points the same period bringing the average rate pct the bank board said the average effective interest rate all loans closed major lenders declined basis points from early january pct early february the lowest rate since march the bank board said the average effective rate for fixed mortgages was was pct down basis points from the early january level the average effective rate for adjustable rate mortgages declined basis points pct the bank board said reuter 
acq	noranda spin off forest interests into separate company 
crude	api president sees options avert oil crisis american petroleum institute president charles dibona said options should rejected combat growing dependence foreign oil action should ruled out import fees quotas floor prices tax incentives other alternatives while national dialogue the issue continues dibona said paper institute conference new york today dibona said there unanimity within the industry how stimulate energy production but there consensus removing several government policies that hinder investments new prospects dibona said the windfall profit tax should abolished immediately and current proposals for increased environmental regulations acid rain and waste disposal should not adopted also suggested that the arctic national wildlife refuge alaska should opened for leasing oil companies dibona said this battle the industry cannot afford lose the nation continue benefit from alaskan oil dibona said since oil production has fallen while consumption rose and that has raised dependence imported oil particularly from opec dibona said reuter 
interest	sells bills pct stop pct pct stop pct 
acq	national distillers closes almaden sale national distillers and chemical corp said completed the sale almaden vineyards inc heublein inc for about mln dlrs heublein former subsidiary rjr nabisco inc rjr was recently acquired grand metropolitan plc almaden based san jose calif makes and sells table wines champagnes and brandies well some premium wines under the charles lefranc cellars label reuter 
acq	ceasars world says studying unsolicited dlr per shr offer martin sosnoff 
interest	bill auction rates average pct the treasury said its weekly auction three month bills produced average rate pct with pct rate six month bills these rates compared with averages pct for the three and pct for the six month bills sold last week the bond equivalent yield three month bills was pct accepted bids ranges from pct pct and pct the bids the high stopout rate were taken for six months the yield was pct and the bids ranges from pct pct with pct the bids accepted the treasury said received billion dlrs bids for the three month bills including billion dlrs non competitive bids from the public accepted billion dlrs bids including billion dlrs from the federal reserve and mln dlrs from foreign and international monetary authorities some billion dlrs bids for six month bills were received including mln dlrs non competitives the treasury accepted billion dlrs including billion dlrs from the fed and mln dlrs from foreign and international authorities the average price for the three month bills was and prices ranged from the average price for the six months bills was and prices ranged from the average yield the three month bills was the highest since pct feb the average yield the six month bills was the highest since pct feb reuter 
acq	canada mulling selling petro canada mulroney prime minister brian mulroney said the government was considering selling petro canada and the sale would proceed were the national interest mulroney told the house commons assets the huge oil company would examined before decision was made just other state run companies were studied before being sold under ottawa privatization program the government going examine assets this nature ascertain they continue play appropriate role public policy and will make determination have other cases mulroney told the daily question period asked opposition members clairify finance minister michael wilson statement friday that petro canada longer has any pubilic policy role mulroney said his government has long promised sell off companies that could better run the private sector outside the house energy minister marcel masse said petro canada would worth between three and four billion dlrs and because the size could difficult sell also said would prefer see canadians participating any privatization but would not give any details timing sale reuter 
acq	news corp nws completes purchase newspaper the news corp said the south china morning post ltd 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 said they terminated their previously announced merger negotiations the banks gave reason for ending the talks which began january reuter 
earn	general cinema gcn poor season lowers net general cinema corp said lower attendence its theatres against last year record christmas season lowered its first fiscal quarter operating earnings nine pct mln dlrs while are not off good start fiscal would like business has picked the last few weeks chairman richard smith said said that the company expected net pricing higher and unit volume improve the remaining quarters the fiscal year the company added that operating earnings its theatre unit will higher fiscal the important summer season film releases perform well addition its other key business general cinema beverages expected achieve record operating results for the full year smith said the company superstar video business which rents video cassettes supermarkets continues operate expected loss the company added general cinema said the financing costs associated with its purchase mln carter hawley hale stores inc chh shares for mln dlrs and its mln sterling investment cadbury schweppes plc lowered first quarter net but said the loss was offset mln dlr gain the sale common shares sea land corp unit csx corp csx reuter 
acq	ceasars world caw studying sosnoff offer ceasars wold inc said its board studying the unsolicited and conditional tender offer for all its common shares dlrs per share from martin sosnoff company spokesman said the board expects make recommendation shortly but could not specify time period ceasars world chairman henry gluck statement urged shareholders not take any action with respect the offer prior the board recommendation sosnoff made the offer directly shareholders newspaper advertisement through 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 may for shareholders record april reuter 
acq	united security unse buy robert brown unit united security financial corp illinois said has signed letter intent buy robert brown and inc rcbi magic insurance group unit robert brown and would receive newly issued united security stock united security said anticipated that such stock would represent substantial majority the shares outstanding after the merger united security principal subsidiary united security life insurance illinois the magic group owns pilgrim life insurance america and middle atlantic life insurance reuter 
acq	warrington sells shoe divisions warrington inc said sold its shoe divisions montreal based taurus footwear inc for undisclosed terms the divisions manufacture and distribute greb hush puppies kodiak and santana brand shoes and had revenues about mln dlrs last year warrington said said the sale the shoe divisions and the previous sale its ski boot businesses will result unspecified net gain warrington said plans concentrate its canstar sports group inc skate and athletic footwear division the largest ice skate manufacturer and distributor the western world warrington said decided rationalize the balance its ski businesses which expected result divestment loss which could outweigh the net gains the sales its shoe and ski boot divisions taurus said the acquisition expected increase its annual sales about mln dlrs and make canada largest footwear manufacturer reuter 
crude	dupont unit raises crude oil prices conoco inc subsidiary dupont corp said was increasing its contract prices for crude oil between cts and one dlr barrel effective today conoco said the increase brings its price for the benchmark crude west texas intermediate dlrs barrel one dlr south louisiana sweet also one dlr now dlrs west texas sour was cts dlrs barrel conoco was the last company raise prices following series increases initiated last week sun sun which reversed the posted price cuts made the end february reuter 
grain	cbt discusses major changes for renovation chicago board trade cbt agricultural and financial futures markets could for period major upheaval later this year the exchange goes ahead with planned renovation cbt spokesman told reuters the exchange was looking number options identify the most cost effective and efficient way proceed including one which would involve moving the entire grains floor out the building and into the nearby midamerica commodity exchange one cbt chairman karsten mahlmann agenda items has been proceed with renovation the financial futures room the spokesman said another cbt official executive vice president george sladoje said the issue would discussed this friday special meeting the exchange floor number presentations have been made with regard renovating the financial futures room sladoje said looked five six different alternatives involving such things flip flopping the trading rooms added conceivable that under couple these plans might use the midamerica exchange temporarily for some cbt markets sladoje said move out one floor entirely then the construction period will about year said adding that the issue was likely membership vote first and then the drawing board for eight months year the cbt spokesman stressed that discussions were very preliminary this stage and nothing was likely begin until this summer the earliest order renovate the crowded financial futures pits exchange officials have discussed providing them temporary home next door the present grains dominated area this could involve moving cbt markets treasury bond futures treasury notes muni bonds and options bonds and notes through adjoining corridor while utilizing the midamerica floor for such cbt futures contracts corn wheat soybeans soybean products and agricultural options any such moves could meet with opposition among some cbt members one senior floor trader said the financial futures room badly needs renovating there talk the grains floor will shift the midam and the financials will move the grains area said the cbt spokesman said another option being discussed was renovate the financial floor quadrants one quarter time the first step after deciding the most effective way proceed would get architectural and engineering drawings said added that was difficult present determine exact time frame for any possible moves this major undertaking and process that would spread out over next year said floor traders the midamerica commodity exchange which merged with the cbt about year ago said they were preparing vacate their floor the end this month space has recently been cleared for them the cbt moving its major market index pit into the area once reserved for lightly traded cbt gold and silver futures which now share their trading area the midam specializes mini contracts grains livestock metals financials and foreign currencies well some options contracts rumor has that the cbt grains are coming over here because the bonds are too crowded one midam trader said another source the midam said this change could take place july august reuter 
acq	group seeks prime medical pmsi holder list group investment firms led far hills investor natalie koether said seeking information about the shareholders prime medical services inc over which has said seeking control filing with the securities and exchange commission the group which includes shamrock associates included march letter prime which asks for complete list all shareholders and their addresses the group said wants the information can contact shareholders issues including election opposition slate directors the board and other proxy contests the koether group letter gives the company five days respond its request there response from prime medical the group said would consider the demand refused and would take other proper steps get the information the group said already holds prime medical shares pct the total said has taken legal action try force the company set annual meeting and require all directors stand for election previous sec filing the group has said has decided try seek control prime medical through tender offer exchange offer proxy contest other ways reuter 
acq	grand metropolitan plc unit sell business grand metropolitan plc said its grandmet usa inc unit decided sell its physical fitness and exercise equipment business the company said morgan stanely and inc advising the sale the business reuter 
acq	chrysler amc buyout valued billion chrysler corp proposed acquisition american motors corp valued about billion dlrs including the cost acquisition and the mln dlrs american motor debt that chrysler will assume analysts said they said chrysler cost acquisition was valued mln dlrs paid cash notes and chrysler shares the analysts told reuters that new york briefing chrysler treasurer fred zuckerman outlined his company agreement with renault assume amc debt well mln dlrs unfunded pension liabilities though the latter not included valuing the transaction analysts were generally positive chrysler proposed purchase its much smaller rival but said they expected the transaction would carry with short term dilution chrysler earnings chrysler financial source speaking anonymously told reuters that the proposed purchase price was smaller than would have been had deal been struck last year because the impact the new tax law removes chrysler ability assume amc large reserve tax loss carryforwards accumulated from its losses since there were very serious discussions last fall but didn pull off the source said reference the assassination november former renault chairman georges besse too bad because the tax benefits fell the floor and renault could have gotten much better price done before the end last year addition amc debt and its pension liabilities the source said chrysler would also assume any liability from lawsuits over the safety jeeps which called overhang the company analysts quoted chrysler officials having told them that the deal includes payment renault mln dlrs principal the form year note eight pct interest mln dlrs cash for renault equity amc finance subsidiary mln dlrs cash for transaction fees connection with the acquisition and mln dlrs worth chrysler stock paid amc shareholders the big number the mln dlrs debt assumption analyst jack kirnan kidder peabody and told reuters moody investors service inc said may downgrade billion dlrs chrysler corp and unit debt due the deal but the chrysler source said that assuming amc liabilities his company will refinance lower rate any amc debt that being carried non market rates said there were difficulties negotiating with the previous renault management the acquisition because they were committed the group business plan which amc was integral part the new management didn have that problem amc wasn their baby said reuter 
acq	washington nat wnt buys united presidential washington national corp washington national insurance said bought the remaining pct united presidential corp upco outstanding shares dlrs share cash the acquisition the shares part plan exchange approved united presidential shareholders special meeting march the purchase the remaining united presidential stake follows washington national buying pct united presidential dlrs share tender offer which terminated december reuter 
acq	conagra cag completes merger with trident conagra inc said completed the merger its sea alaska products unit and trident seafoods corp conagra said the new company which holds pct stake will called trident seafoods corp charles bundrant president trident before the merger was named president the new company conagra said conagra said also completed the previously announced acquisition bristol monarch corp and that trident completed the purchase the remaining pct stake san juan seafoods inc reuter 
earn	atco ltd sees gain from sale atco ltd said its atco development unit agreed sell the canadian utilities center edmonton alberta and the canadian western center calgary the sales together with the previously announced sale atco australian operations will gross mln dlrs and result after tax gain mln dlrs which will reflected atco fiscal year results its fiscal year ends march the company said addition the sales will produce mln dlrs cash after debt reduction mln dlrs atco said reuter 
acq	lindner tells sec has had talks with taft seeking control company 
acq	bancroft bcv files suit against zico bancroft convertible fund inc said filed lawsuit federal court newark seeking block hostile dlr share takeover offer zico investment holdings inc bancroft said the suit also names michael javett principal officer zico and first fidelity bancorp ffb first fidelity bank unit the depositary for zico offer bancroft said the suit also names georgeson and inc zico information agent and luthie intercontinentale inc panamanian corporation bancroft said its complaint alleges that zico tender offer materials include false and misleading information and that the offer violates the investment company act the company said its stockholders approved proposals that will insure that remains independent reuter 
acq	lindner says discussed control taft tfb financier carl lindner who holds pct stake taft broadcasting told the securities and exchange commission has discussed with the company the possibility seeking control lindner the cincinnati ohio investor who controls american financial corp said his talks with some taft managers and directors have been aimed achieving increased ownership position the company lindner said his increase ownership would made either making offer acquire control taft taking part group acquire the company lindner who holds his taft stake through american financial and its subsidiaries said also considering buying more taft stock the open market private deals did not say whether the talks with taft officials led any agreements understandings but lindner said intends review his investment taft and may involved further talks take other steps regarding the future control and direction taft lindner investor group recently raised its taft stake shares pct from shares pct after buying shares for total mln dlrs although recently received clearance from the federal trade commission raise his stake the company pct lindner previous sec filings has always stressed that his interest taft was for investment only and not was not seeking control the company investor group headed members the wealthy bass family fort worth texas also holds about pct taft common stock reuter 
acq	investors set deadline for japan fund jpn investor group that includes boone pickens iii said set deadline est march for its offer acquire japan fund inc the group which also includes sterling grace capital management inc and anglo american security fund said was willing deposit escrow japan fund shares worth about two mln dlrs insure its ability obtain financing japan fund approves its offer the group said japan fund has not responded its offer worth about mln dlrs current market prices reuter 
acq	investor firms have pct symbion symb group affiliated firms led warburg pincus capital new york venture capital and investment partnership said has acquired shares symbion inc pct the total outstanding filing with the securities and exchange commission the warburg pincus group said bought the stake for investment purposes although the group said considering buying more shares symbion said has plans seek control the company reuter 
acq	offshore investor has pct hauserman hasr kindness bahamas based firm owned investor and bahamas resident john templeton said has acquired shares hausereman inc pct the total outstanding common stock filing with the securities and exchange commission templeton said bought the shares for investment purposes only and has intention seeking control the company reuter 
acq	investment firms stake mcgill mftg mgll group affiliated investment firms led bermuda based fidelity international ltd and boston based fmr corp told the securities and exchange commission raised its stake mcgill manufacturing inc the group said raised its stake shares pct the total outstanding common stock after buying mcgill common shares between jan and march prices ranging from dlrs share reuter 
earn	cts cts increases loss cts corp said increased its loss from continuing operations mln dlrs from the previously announced mln dlrs loss the figure was increased include expenses involved with its settlement dispute with dynamics corp america dya the settlement involved takeover bid for cts dynamics corp which had offered buy the shares cts that did not already own cts made profit mln dlrs from continuing operations cts said charged additional mln dlrs special expenses its operations result the dynamics corp settlement the additional expenses include the obligation reimburse dynamics corp subject approval cts shareholders total mln dlrs for dynamics corp expenses and other costs relating cts reuter 
acq	investment firm raises certron crtn stake louart corp los angeles investment firm said raised its stake certron corp shares pct the total outstanding common stock from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission louart said bought certron shares between sept and march total dlrs share said its dealings certron were for investment only but said might increase its stake said has plans seek control the company reuter 
acq	hogan systems hogn acquisition hogan systems inc said acquired systems inc durango colo for mln dlrs hogan said systems provides integrated applications software and processing services about community banks systems has revenues mln dlrs year hogan said reuter 
crude	pickens sees continued slump working rigs boone pickens the texas oilman and financier said believes the heady days the oil service industry had the early when over oil rigs were once reported operating will not return his lifetime pickens told reuters expects the rig count drop below before recovering added that oil prices will eventually rise dlrs then dlrs after currently some oil rigs are operating the down sharply after oil prices slipped from dlrs late around dlrs prices are now around dlrs the highest number working rigs was december the rigs won back work until the price oil gets above dlrs said adding that while expects see dlr barrel oil does not expect see rigs operating his lifetime pickens pickens who currently touring the country promoting his autobiography boone said does not believe the should impose oil import fee order stimulate the domestic oil industry reuter 
money-fx	miyazawa says paris accord helping stabilise rates finance minister kiichi miyazawa said the paris currency accord has contributed the stability exchange rates miyazawa told press conference the agreement reached last month paris six major industrial nations cooperate bringing about currency stability has prevented speculative concerns from being active money centres the decision paris being understood the market said the yen dollar exchange rate has been moving narrow range since finance ministers britain canada france japan the and west germany reached the accord reuter 
money-fx	australian reserve bank buying intervention the reserve bank said local time was offering buy short dated government securities the short term money market the bank action followed its purchase short dated government stock and six day repurchase agreements earlier the session money market traders said the move was aimed easing cash market interest rates which had risen demand for funds meet paye tax and treasury note settlement commitments reuter 
rubber	rubber leaf disease seen affecting supply prices the leaf disease corenes pora which has affected some rubber trees sri lanka and indonesia likely force cut supply and push depressed prices malaysian rubber disease researcher said trees with leaves hit the fungus disease cannot saved and must felled chee kheng hoy head the crop protection and microbiology division the rubber research institute malaysia rrim told reuters was commenting reuter report which said corenes pora had hit seven pct sri lanka plantations and may cause output drop below its target tonnes the report said the sri lankan rubber research institute may ask estates remove trees seriously affected the disease and added that most estates affected belong the state plantations corp and janatha estates development board chee said corenes pora old disease which only affects certain rubber clones sri lanka and indonesia and that further use such clones must discontinued clones not resistant the disease are the rubber research institute sri lanka clone indonesia ppn and and malaysia rrim said chee said corenes pora affected trees from the rrim clone planted malaysia several years ago but had been curbed after use such clones were discontinued fungicide may used curb the disease which also affects leaves other species plants but experience has proven that uneconomical and expensive added the disease extremely difficult control not curbed the two affected countries their rubber output may drop and prices can rise said added that the rrim was aware the disease outbreak sri lanka and was monitoring the situation reuter 
ship	search for british ferry toxic cargo continues the search continued for cargo poisonous chemical substances loaded the herald free enterprise ferry which capsized zeebrugge harbour friday total drums various toxic materials which were loaded trucks the ship hold have been recovered but belgian authorities warned was essential recover further containers cyanide based solution net has been thrown over the gaping loading doors the front the ship prevent any more drums floating out salvage workers have moved cranes into place alongside the wreck the ton roll roll off ferry which now lies partly submerged sandbank outside the harbour the ferry owner european ferries plc majority owned peninsular and oriental steam navigation plc porl the operation right the vessel began yesterday after divers abandoned their search for more bodies experts said could take months refloat the ship and free the bodies estimated trapped amid debris the problem that these waters you can normally expect one working day out four said daan kaakebeen dutch salvage experts smit tak international rotterdam estimated the job itself would require working days using reinforced cables salvage experts intend raise the ship and set down into trench dug alongside salvage work could pinpoint the exact cause the loss the ferry one three sister vessels plying cross channel routes from england continental europe suspicion present focused the ferry main vehicle loading doors set close water level london transport secretary john moore told parliament yesterday that the ship keeled over after water gushed through the bow doors said major government inquiry into the disaster will held all similar ferries sailing from britain will inspected and owners will asked fit lights give warning bow doors are not properly closed experts carrying out tank and computer tests determine how the accident occurred will focus attention the ship doors its ballast system and crew procedures added two other investigations into the disaster have also begun one belgian and one the ferry owners reuter 
trade	soviet economist sees few gains trade there little chance soviet exports the united states will rise but moscow current trade reforms should result more trade manufactured goods future soviet economist said sergey frolov chief economist amtorg trading corp agent for soviet trade organisations and industries told ussr business meeting the soviet union produces few items that western nations want but reforms including upgrading the quality goods and allowing joint ventures with foreign firms will encourage modest export gains future frolov said the soviet union exported mln dlrs worth goods the united states and imported billion dlrs worth gave trade forecast for but said that even all obstacles were removed total trade between the two countries would remain between two and three billion dlrs year the post detente embargoes have taught the ussr limit its trading with the said reuter 
money-fx	china allows nationwide foreign exchange saving people throughout china can now open foreign exchange accounts the bank china the official shenzhen economic zone daily said previously only residents guangdong and fujian provinces could this the paper also said the minimum for opening fixed deposit account had been cut yuan equivalent from yuan the minimum for current account yuan equivalent the paper said depositors could now withdraw all part their account subject branch reserves instead only fixed amount previously the paper said deposits may now opened french francs well the already available dollar hong kong dollar sterling yen and marks bank china branches hainan island also accept deposits singapore dollars and those wenzhou zhejiang province accept deposits dutch guilders the paper said gave further details reuter 
trade	economic spotlight japan pushes its chipmakers japanese microchip makers are being strong armed into compliance with japan pact semiconductors halting predatory pricing and opening japan market foreign chips industry analysts said but doubts remain over whether the ministry international trade and industry miti which pressuring the firms can successfully battle market forces and whether the industry geared take advantage any breathing space they said threats scrap the agreement signed last september have pushed miti try harder get recalcitrant japanese chipmakers abide the pact the analysts said miti has been moving hot and heavy throughout the industry get things done said bache securities japan associate vice president peter wolffe last month miti told chipmakers cut production for the january march period pct help dry inexpensive chips that have escaped from japan grey markets not subject the pact price controls the ministry also asked electronics firms provide distributors with certificates designating them authorised exporters effort close loopholes through which grey marketeers sneak chips out japan market analysts said trade negotiators here last week said the pact was jeopardy because continued dumping non american markets and little sign increased foreign sales japan but major japanese firms appear have agreed the production cuts several analysts said last week nec corp said would cut production line with miti request nec has been the most aggressive resisting miti demands said david keller analyst james capel and once nec cuts production means they all have still pressures remain keep production high japanese firms need high output cut unit prices for sales that the commerce department assigns them under the pact the best way lower cost produce more said salomon brothers asia ltd analyst carole ryavec preparations for possible upturn demand could also spur higher production next quarter merrill lynch analyst matt aizawa said grey marketeers may also able outfox any new restrictions some industry officials said like tax avoidance schemes said steve donovan head mmi japan soon you close one route another opens miti pressure has annoyed some makers who had earlier shrugged off miti guidance getting like communism said one but analysts said output cuts could help making easier increase prices planned april and forcing firms stop extending market share selling loss they going have start running their businesses like businesses bache wolffe said miti has also been conducting highly public campaign urging chip users buy foreign made chips but industry officials said response has been mixed best there has been some change but not across the board said one spokesman the companies have varying degree urgency the ultimate impact all these efforts miti the troubled industry remains doubt analysts added pressure cut production kilobit dram dynamic random access memory chips could merely speed the transition one megabit chips where japan now leads analysts said whether firms are able stage comeback memory chips interested doing also remains unclear they said analysts are watching with interest the fate new consortium which hopes challenge japan developing the most advanced technology for microchip manufacturing even the thorny area access much depends commitment well japanese openness some said the sia semiconductor industry association doesn even have office here source close the industry said you could question just how committed they are addition some industry analysts question the effectiveness bilateral agreement that leaves out third country chipmakers such those south korea south korea gaining market share said one analyst they the real winners from the agreement reuter 
interest	sumita says little room for bank japan further ease credit policy 
interest	sumita says little room for bank ease policy bank japan governor satoshi sumita said there little room left for the central bank further ease its credit policy interest rates levels are now approaching their lower limit the government should instead seek ways making the best use its fiscal policy told press conference his remarks were concerned with comprehensive economic stimulative package the government plans adopt the coming days the recent talks among the six major industrialised nations paris japan promised work out comprehensive economic package boost domestic demand which turn would help increase its imports and reduce its trade surplus sumita also said the economy will show gradual upturn the second half the year the yen remains stable said there caution the foreign exchange market against further rise the yen and mark and this explains the recent stability the currency markets conflicting economic indicators from the have also been dampening market activity added reuter 
crude	iranian oil minister uae talks iranian oil minister gholamreza aqazadeh the united arab emirates uae discuss oil prices and the general market situation iranian officials accompanying him said will meet uae president sheikh zaid bin sultan nahayan and oil minister mana said oteiba aqazadeh arrived last night after brief stopover riyadh where met saudi arabia oil minister hisham nazir the official saudi press agency quoted him saying his talks riyadh with nazir had been constructive and good aqazadeh said organisation petroleum exporting countries opec members were agreed holding production stable and reiterated the importance maintaining oil prices opec members agreed december limit production mln barrels per day for the first half this year and benchmark price dlrs barrel from february aqazadeh also visted opec members gabon algeria and libya the iranian news agency irna quoted him saying before leaving tripoli that opec should everything possible make oil prices permanently stable reuter 
crude	saudi arabia king fahd wants stable oil prices king fahd said today saudi arabia wants oil price stability and called non opec producers avoid harmful competition with the nation group his plea interview with reuters and the television news agency visnews came ahead state visit will make britain later this month king fahd was asked whether saudi arabia would prepared reduce its oil output below its opec quota mln barrels per day bpd defend the dlr benchmark price agreed opec last december the king replied saudi arabia doesn decide prices itself but certainly desires price stability non opec countries must help framework common interest that there type competition which could prove harmful everyone said asked saw the dlr per barrel benchmark first step towards higher world oil prices king fahd said was not for saudi arabia but for all opec countries determine such issues iran and algeria have already called for higher benchmark recent weeks the dlr level has come under pressure due partly quota violations some opec members king fahd said saudi arabia the world largest oil exporter was adhering decisions made opec december conference which set mln bpd output ceiling for the first half major non opec producer britain has far resisted the group pleas curb its north sea oil output the king also urged the world community help the palestinians return their homeland and called for peaceful end the iran iraq war the year old war could not resolved the battlefield said reuter 
earn	hillsdown holdings plc hldn year shr div making adjusted for three for one 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 other 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 considering taking stake hapag lloyd west german retail group kaufhof kfhg considering taking stake shipping and transport group hapag lloyd hplg but has yet reach final decision spokesman said response queries press reports said kaufhof wanted stake pct hapag lloyd the kaufhof spokesman noted any decision purchasing shares the shipping group would have approved the supervisory board which due hold meeting tomorrow late last year the gevaert group belgium and west germany veba vebg said they had each acquired pct stake hapag lloyd from deutsche bank dbkg and dresdner bank drsd industry sources estimate deutsche and dresdner hapag lloyd majority shareholders held about pct hapag lloyd share capital before selling portions gevaert and veba the two banks have said they eventually wanted reduce their stake the shipping group pct each reuter 
strategic-metal	japan and thailand jointly extract rare metals japan agency natural resources and energy said will begin experiments with thailand the end march start commercial production rare metals under joint project agency official said will set mln yen pilot plant bangkok which will extract high quality rare metals such titanium and niobium from sand left over from tin production processes thailand the plant wilq use about tonne sand per day although unclear how much rare metal will extracted the official said reuter 
money-fx	hungary devalue forint against western units hungary devalue the forint average eight pct against western currencies the official news agency mti said mti did not say when the devaluation would become effective but expected new rates announced later today hungary devalued the forint similar amount last september western bankers say the forint more realistically valued than currencies hungary comecon allies reuter 
earn	hillsdown says early results encouraging hillsdown holdings plc hldn said early results for were encouraging and the combination its investment and acquisition strategies enabled look forward confidently for excellent result for the year the company was commenting results which showed pre tax profit rising mln stg from mln previously turnover that lifted billion from billion the figures initially boosted the share price from last night but they then eased back gmt hillsdown said capital expenditure rose mln stg from mln and would continue this high level the placing mln shares last year raised mln stg and enabled shareholders funds more than double mln year end net borrowings were pct shareholder funds and the group had listed investments mln the company said had bought total companies during the year for total price some mln stg although these had made minor contribution profits the real benefits would come and beyond reuter 
earn	nippon oil sees sharply lower sales and profits nippon oil ltd npol predicted parent company net profit about nine billion yen the year ending march down pct from year earlier president yasuoki takeuchi told press conference current profit for the year was estimated billion yen down pct from year earlier said takeuchi said sales are expected fall pct billion yen for the fifth consecutive year year drop this year fall was due lower selling prices for end users which more than offset the yen appreciation the 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 said was unlikely second half profits will show same rate increase first but had great confidence prospects for future growth reuter 
iron-steel	nippon steel inland discussing joint venture nippon steel corp nstc and inland steel the are negotiating set joint steel venture indiana nippon steel spokesman said declining give more details several local newspapers reported the joint venture would capitalised mln dlrs owned pct inland and pct nippon steel and have annual production capacity one mln tonnes steel supply car makers reuter 
jobs	japan jobless seen rising pct the yen rise against the dollar expected boost japan unemployment rate average pct the fiscal year beginning april from january record three pct the private nomura research institute said the official estimate pct the research arm nomura securities forecast unemployment would exceed two mln mid fiscal against estimated mln for the current year nomura urged the government take pump priming measures help redress trade imbalances and boost employment employment manufacturing during fiscal was predicted fall from the current year due higher job losses the steel shipbuilding and heavy electrical machinery sectors nomura said employment the non manufacturing sector will continue increase the institute said without giving figures reuter 
ship	work chittagong port halted strike cargo handling remains halted bangladesh chittagong port since nearly workers walked out monday following pay dispute the port workers association said today fourteen ships are stranded the port port officials said they would meet association leaders today try resolve the 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 said that county ltd had yesterday bought its behalf mln shares around pct hillards plc for between and share tesco yesterday launched mln stg bid for the north england supermarket chain which hillards promptly rejected hillards shares were last quoted compared with last night close reuter 
earn	ultramar plc umar year shr loss earnings div making net loss mln stg mln profit operating profit before 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 other 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 before 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 the bank england said forecast liquidity shortage around mln stg the market today among the main factors the bank said bills maturing official hands and the treasury bill take would drain mln stg from the system while below target bankers balances and rise the note circulation would take out mln and mln stg respectively partially offsetting these exchequer transactions would add around mln stg the bank added reuter 
money-fx	belgian central bank buys currency repay debt the belgian national bank bought foreign currencies against francs the open market the week ended march bank spokesman said line with central bank policy declined give any details the amount bought the foreign currency purchased was used the treasury repay foreign debt and did not affect the bank foreign exchange reserves they slipped mln francs billion mostly due sales dollars for special drawing rights the spokesman said 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 after depreciation mln stg mln investment and interest income mln mln interest payable mln mln profits from related companies less losses mln mln tax mln mln profit attributable outside 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 four mln mln region britain contributed mln stg mln continental europe mln mln mln mln rest world seven mln four mln reuter 
bop	economic spotlight china foreign debt china foreign debt reached billion dlrs the end but despite over exposure short term credits and yen borrowing china remains very creditworthy with improved export outlook foreign bankers and chinese officials told reuters foreign bankers said china total debt rose sharply from estimated billion dlrs end cover increased import commitments but the debt equity ratio remains low between eight and pct china remains cautious and popular borrower they said zhang haoruo vice minister foreign economic relations and trade said last friday that china signed foreign loan agreements for billion dlrs last year pct with actual loans amounting billion pct officials said china would borrow billion dlrs the five year plan period but foreign bankers said they estimate foreign loans billion western banker said china portfolio contains too much short term debt and too much denominated yen result aggressive lending japanese banks and attractive low interest rates the japanese market the strong yen appreciation has cost china dearly and likely make reduce new yen borrowings the banker said chinese trade official estimated the yen component the country total debt about pct the peking representative japanese securities house said the rapid yen rise had caught china and his firm unawares interest rates japan are historical low but china which will remain active borrower this year likely elsewhere for capital get better currency spread said the western banker said the excess short term loans part result china inexperience the foreign capital markets which entered only the early officials not think china but their own department firm some loans that were entered into did not have the full backing the people republic china said the dilemma for china foreign borrowing other areas balance central control with giving reasonable autonomy firms searching for the mechanisms exercise indirect controls said the banker said officials have stressed repeatedly over the past six weeks that china foreign borrowing will not affected drive against bourgeois liberalism phrase meaning western political ideas following the dismissal communist party chief yaobang january banker said there evidence that china foreign exchange reserves have fallen below the officially stated figure billion dlrs the bank china both buyer and seller the market which would know quickly was buying heavily advance announcement the reserves were down said the banker said such buying has not been going things are normal trade deficits such china had last year and are normal for country its stage development customs figures show china had trade deficit billion dlrs down from billion ministry foreign economic relations and trade official said this year outlook for exports which account for more than pct foreign exchange earnings much healthier than year ago the renminbi has matched the dollar fall said was quoted today little changed from year ago the official said china has taken measures improve its export performance including incentive offers exporters and the establishment export production bases expect higher prices for our oil exports this year added official estimates put china export losses from the drop world oil prices three billion dlrs western diplomat said china foreign debt needs careful management but its debt service ratio remains very low six eight pct base our assessment not china foreign exchange reserves but its export performance just you assess company its performance not its bank account said said china performed very well the export field last year and remains very creditworthy country which will have few difficulties increasing its borrowing reuter 
earn	ultramar says fourth quarter showed improvements ultramar plc umar said that while its fourth quarter had improved from the operational point view several special charges adversely affected results overall the year had not been good one with upstream operations dramatically hit the fall crude oil prices and downstream operations also affected the first half large losses inventories but margins improved the second half and particular refining and marketing eastern canada showed good recovery the company was commenting results that showed net loss for the year mln stg after mln profit the fourth quarter charges included mln stg provision retroactive price agreement recently initialled pertamina and japanese buyers the company liquid natural gas and mln for the early months its ownership gulf canada marketing assets ultramar said had also included the estimated cost further reorganisation programme which was partly offset withdrawal surplus funds from pension schemes and mln stg provision for the estimated cost selling its flag shipping operation the immediate outlook for crude oil prices was uncertain although was unlikely there would any sizeable increase the near term however ultramar said was optimistic prices would strengthen over the longer term its substantial reserves crude oil and natural gas put good position benefit from any price recovery the meantime ultramar objectives were improve profitability selling restructuring weak operations while strengthening core businesses and developing sound operational and financial base proven probable and possible reserves end totalled about mln barrels net oil equivalent basis ultramar shares firmed the announcement from last night close reuter 
acq	queensland press board recommends murdoch offer the queensland press ltd qpl board said unanimously recommended the one billion dlr takeover bid cruden investments pty ltd family company news corp ltd ncpa chief executive rupert murdoch the dlrs share cash only offer nearly double the market price before news announced its now completed bid for the herald and weekly times ltd hwta early december and other offer likely said statement independent adviser wardley australia ltd had also concluded the offer was fair and reasonable added qpl already owned pct hwt reuter 
sugar	commission declines comment sugar offer the european community commission declined give official reaction reports that group european operators plan offer one mln tonnes sugar into intervention protest commission export policies however spokesman for the commission confirmed the offers had been made intervention agencies various member states and said would now take three weeks for the agencies concerned complete all necessary documentation the spokesman said that under current regulations the would have accept all the offers there were technical problems the spokesman said the commission would only have reimburse the member state for the cost buying the sugar after the product was sold out intervention stores later date said that present there was virtually sugar held intervention stores last year tonnes were sold into intervention and during the campaign tonnes reuter 
interest	belgium cuts discount rate pct from official 
earn	preussag says payment dividend not certain spokesman for preussag prsg said was not yet certain whether the company would pay dividend results was commenting preussag statement which said results were lower than preussag has frequently said its results came under further pressure following difficult year managing board chairman guenther sassmannshausen said december the board would prefer stick its policy not dipping into reserves pay dividends the spokesman noted the final dividend decision rests with the supervisory board the preussag statement said results fell compared with because declines earnings metals oil and shipping were not entirely compensated positive trends the group other divisions the spokesman said was not clear whether the domestic group would show net profit adding this would depend partly the level provisions preussag cut its dividend eight marks from nine marks results after parent company net profit dropped mln marks from mln the year before the preussag world group made net loss mln marks after net profit mln the year before domestic group net profit fell mln from mln the statement said its results were affected unsatisfactory selling prices for metals and oil well poor use capacity the supply ship sector the reduction natural gas prices the fourth quarter reflect earlier falls oil prices was additional factor behind the drop results preussag said rationalization measures already introduced would not begin take full effect until this year preussag domestic group turnover rose billion marks from billion helped the first time consolidation mln marks turnover from its majority owned oil and gas subsidiary deilmann domestic group turnover the fourth quarter alone was billion marks said without giving comparison figures preussag said its domestic crude oil production fell pct tonnes while foreign oil production rose tonnes from tonnes preussag said its amalgamated metal corporation plc amc subsidiary whose results are included the world group accounts made unspecified profit the fourth quarter last year amc large losses caused principally the international tin crisis were the reason behind the world group losses that year reuter 
crude	oil firms cut indonesian exploration spending foreign oil companies will spend less exploration indonesia this year than last budgeting billion dlrs for calendar against spending billion dlrs the state oil company pertamina said actual spending last year fell short the budgeted figure billion dlrs oil companies slashed expenditure because the crash world oil prices jumardi jukardi head pertamina coordinating board for foreign contractors said foreign companies will drill exploration wells and development wells this year against and last year reuter 
crude	indonesia oil contract negotiations end this month negotiations between indonesia state oil company pertamina and foreign oil contractors extension the standard year production sharing contract will concluded the end this month pertamina official said jumardi jukardi head pertamina foreign contractors coordinating board gave details about the outcome the talks but pertamina president abdul rachman ramly has said priority will given extending contracts for companies whose exploration and production contracts expire within the next seven years jukardi speaking indonesian reporters said the negotiations would determine whether the production sharing split favour pertamina would adhered altered some cases oil companies are asking for hardjoko seputro spokesman for the mines and energy ministry has said that president suharto has agreed principle extension the standard year production sharing contract reflect better current depressed conditions the international oil market reuter 
sugar	trade says sugar tender hard forecast traders here and paris said the results today white sugar tender are hard forecast because plans group french west german dutch and belgian operators sell one mln tonnes sugar into intervention london traders said bids for licences have been reported between and ecus per kilos and any licences are granted they are likely towards the lower end that range possibly ecus traders paris said they expect maximum rebates between and ecus other than the commission releasing sugar for export the likely tonnage expected very small the london traders said while the french sources declined estimate volume view the psychological impact the planned sales into intervention protest against export policies last week licences for tonnes were awarded maximum rebate ecus reuter 
money-fx	german call money eases after liquidity injection call money eased pct from yesterday following net injection billion marks rate pct fresh funds from this week securities repurchase agreement dealers said but rates were expected rise toward the end the week major tax payment period banks behalf customers payments for the federal railways loan stock and repayments mark liabilities incurred foreign central banks with the bundesbank the framework the european monetary system ems are likely significantly burden the system banks built minimum reserves today ahead the expected outflow the bundesbank credited banks with gross billion marks but some billion left the system the same time earlier securities repurchase pact matured dealers estimated the ems related outflow high six billion marks the bundesbank declined comment but spokesman said yesterday although the funds now due may allowed roll over the possibility that other central banks may choose redeem them meant net infusion was needed dealers forecast tax payments and billion marks but much expected burden the system only next week banks minimum reserve holdings the bundesbank totalled billion marks monday averaging billion over the first nine days march dealers said although the figure was well above expected requirement around billion marks the expected outflow funds was large that banks might find difficult meet the requirement toward the end march securities repurchase agreement expiring next week but dealers said the bundesbank could offer fresh liquidity conditions significantly tighten the bundesbank wants keep rates around pct one dealer said 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 other income mln mln financial costs mln mln minorities mln mln earnings mln mln extraordinary credit mln mln debit reuter 
jobs	japan jobless seen rising pct the yen rise against the dollar expected boost japan unemployment rate average pct the fiscal year beginning april from january record three pct the private nomura research institute said the official estimate pct the research arm nomura securities forecast unemployment would exceed two mln mid fiscal against estimated mln for the current year nomura urged the government take pump priming measures help redress trade imbalances and boost employment employment manufacturing during fiscal was predicted fall from the current year due higher job losses the steel shipbuilding and heavy electrical machinery sectors nomura said employment the non manufacturing sector will continue increase the institute said without giving figures reuter 
money-fx	hungary devalue forint against western units hungary devalue the forint average eight pct against western currencies the official news agency mti said mti did not say when the devaluation would become effective but expected new rates announced later today hungary devalued the forint similar amount last september western bankers say the forint more realistically valued than currencies hungary comecon allies reuter 
interest	sumita says little room for bank ease policy bank japan governor satoshi sumita said there little room left for the central bank further ease its credit policy interest rates levels are now approaching their lower limit the government should instead seek ways making the best use its fiscal policy told press conference his remarks were concerned with comprehensive economic stimulative package the government plans adopt the coming days the recent talks among the six major industrialised nations paris japan promised work out comprehensive economic package boost domestic demand which turn would help increase its imports and reduce its trade surplus sumita also said the economy will show gradual upturn the second half the year the yen remains stable said there caution the foreign exchange market against further rise the yen and mark and this explains the recent stability the currency markets conflicting economic indicators from the have also been dampening market activity added reuter 
lei	australia leading index continues rise december westpac banking corp and the melbourne university institute applied economic and social research said their leading index australian economic activity rose for the ninth successive month december the index rose base from november and year earlier the westpac institute report said annualised rose pct december against seven pct november and one pct year earlier based the ratio the latest index the average over the previous months the report said the index now points pct above its trough march westpac chief economist bob graham said the consistent upward trend the leading index emphasised the need for tough mini budget may untoward increase consumption spending before the balance payments improves would have disastrous consequences said the coincident index also rose annualised three pct december against zero movement november and seven pct rise year earlier westpac and the institute said they said this index continued show the current recession shallow and more likely involve slowing real growth than absolute fall economic activity reuter 
money-fx	bank england does not intervene money market the bank england said did not operate the money market during the morning initially the bank forecast liqudity shortage some mln stg for the market today overnight interbank sterling traded the pct level for most the morning while period rates have eased the strength sterling dealers said gmt sterling trade weighted index was reuter 
interest	urges banks weigh philippine debt plan the urging reluctant commercial banks seriously consider accepting novel philippine proposal for paying its interest bill and believes the innovation fully consistent with its third world debt strategy reagan administration official said the official comments also suggest that debtors pleas for interest rate concessions should treated much more seriously the commercial banks cases where developing nations are carrying out genuine economic reforms addition signaled that the banks might want reconsider the idea megabank where third world debt would pooled and suggested the administration would support such plan even though was not formally proposing the same time however the official expressed reservations that such scheme would ever get off the ground the philippine proposal together with argentine suggestions that exit bonds issued end the troublesome role small banks the debt strategy would help underpin the flagging role private banks within the plan the official said interview with reuters all these things would fit within the definition our initiative have asked and think any novel and unique approach such those should considered said the official who asked not named october washington outlined debt crisis strategy under which commercial banks and multilateral institutions such the world bank and the international monetary fund imf were urged step lending major debtors nations return america called the debtor countries enact economic reforms promoting inflation free economic growth the multilaterals have been performing well the debtors have been performing well said the official but admitted that the largest third world debtor brazil was clearly exception the official who played key role developing the debt strategy and administration economic policymaker also said these new ideas would help commercial banks improve their role resolving the third world debt crisis called the very beginning for the bank syndications find procedures processes whereby they could operate more effectively the official said among those ideas the official said were suggestions that commercial banks create megabank which could swap third world debt paper for called exit bonds for banks like regional american european institutions such bonds theory would rid these banks the need lend money their former debtors every time new money package was assembled and has been suggested argentina its current negotiations for new loan billion dlrs emphasised that the megabank was not administration plan but something some people have suggested other officials said japanese commercial banks are examining the creation consortium bank assume third world debt this plan actively under consideration would differ slightly from the one the official described but the official expressed deep misgivings that such plan would work the united states the banks thought that that was suitable way fine don think they ever will pointed out that banks would swap their third world loans for capital the megabank and might then reluctant provide new money debtors through the new institution meanwhile the official praised the philippine plan under which would make interest payments its debt cash more than pct above libor the philippine proposal very interesting quite unique and don think something that should categorically rejected out hand the official said banks which found this level unacceptably low would offered alternative libor payments cash and margin above that one pct the form philippine investment notes these tradeable dollar denominated notes would have six year life and banks swapped them for cash before maturity the country would guarantee payment point over libor until now bankers have criticised these spreads far too low the talks now their second week are aimed stretching out repayments billion dlrs debt and granting easier terms billion already rescheduled debt the country which has enjoyed strong political support washington since corazon aquino came power early last year owes overall billion dlrs debt but the official denied the plan amounts interest rate capitalisation development until now unacceptable the banks more interest rate capitalisation than you have write down the spread over libor from what existed before the official said comments suggesting some ought granted the rate concessions they seek some people argue that cutting the spread debt forgiveness what really narrowing the spread new money added said the debt strategy sufficiently broad initiative include plans like the philippines reuter 
earn	new world pictures have gain from sale five pct taft broadcasting 
interest	jamaica agrees draft bank debt rescheduling jamaica agreed principle with its bank advisory committee rescheduling mln dlrs foreign commercial bank debt falling due between and the jamaican information service said repayments the debt will stretched out over years with years grace percentage points over the london interbank offered rate libor the margin previously restructured debt also will cut point from the package should save jamaica about mln dlrs year prime minister edward seaga who led the jamaican delegation called the terms very favourable his country the agreement principle with the bank advisory committee led the bank nova scotia bno comes five days after jamaica successfully concluded mln dlr rescheduling accord with the paris club creditor nations that pact turn followed the international monetary fund imf approval march mln special drawing rights standby arrangement and mln sdr drawing under the compensatory financing facility jamaica foreign debt billion dlrs only pct owed commercial banks and seaga yesterday reaffirmed the government policy not seeking new bank loans reuter 
bop	portuguese trade deficit narrows portugal trade deficit narrowed billion escudos from billion according provisional national statistics institute figures imports totalled billion escudos and exports billion compared with billion and billion expressed terms dollars imports rose pct and exports pct and the trade deficit increased pct its first year member the european community portugal recorded deficit billion escudos its trade with the other community states compared with deficit billion escudos imports from the totalled billion escudos while exports the community were billion compared with billion and billion the previous year portugal deficit with spain was billion escudos against billion with italy was billion against billion and with west germany billion against billion reuter 
interest	brazil gros meet banks trade line issue brazil central bank governor francisco gros will meet senior commercial bankers here today new attempt defuse the anger generated the country unilateral suspension interest payments billion dlrs foreign commercial bank debt bankers said gros will meet representatives citibank the head brazil bank advisory committee and heads morgan guaranty trust and lloyds bank plc high the agenda will banks complaints about brazil accompanying freeze some billion dlrs short term trade and interbank lines the bankers said brazil several hundred creditor banks worldwide agreed last march extend the credit lines until march part billion dlr financing package bankers said the looming expiry this commitment coupled with brazil freeze raised spate technical and legal questions that the banks want discuss with gros they said they face problems because the freeze requirement that any payment due made brazilian bank under the trade facility must deposited instead with the central bank this means foreign bankers cannot easily switch their credit lines from one borrower another the requirement deposit with the central bank has also meant brazilian banks have been able negotiate lower interest rate spreads because foreign banks would rather accept reduced margin than see their money deposited with the central bank caused lot ill will with the banking community one banker said gros also expected brief the banks the results day tour europe and japan that and finance minister dilson funaro have just completed seek official support for brazil debt stance reuter 
earn	service resources corp src qtr net oper shr profit five 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 from discontinued operations dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs mln dlrs year net excludes extraordinary loss dlrs quarter and gain dlrs year year net includes gain one mln dlrs from sale building and gain dlrs from 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 both periods includes charge dlrs from repal investment tax credits reuter 
acq	new world pictures nwp sells taft tfb stake new world pictures ltd said sold shares about five pct taft broadcasting common stock for gain mln dlrs the company said brief statement that acquired the stock late gave further details and company officials were not immediately available for comment friday taft vice chairman dudley taft and narragansett capital inc narr offered acquire taft for dlrs per share dudley taft and his family have owned pct the company investment group leds robert bass one the bass brothers fort worth texas has been reported owning about pct taft stock and american financial corp chairman carl lindner has been reported own about pct both bass and linder have acquired taft shares recent months reuter 
trade	soviet economist sees few gains trade there little chance soviet exports the united states will rise but moscow current trade reforms should result more trade manufactured goods future soviet economist said sergey frolov chief economist amtorg trading corp agent for soviet trade organisations and industries told ussr business meeting the soviet union produces few items that western nations want but reforms including upgrading the quality goods and allowing joint ventures with foreign firms will encourage modest export gains future frolov said the soviet union exported mln dlrs worth goods the united states and imported billion dlrs worth gave trade forecast for but said that even all obstacles were removed total trade between the two countries would remain between two and three billion dlrs year the post detente embargoes have taught the ussr limit its trading with the said reuter 
money-fx	swiss sight deposits fall billion francs sight deposits commercial banks the swiss national bank fell billion swiss francs the first days march billion the national bank said foreign exchange reserves rose billion francs billion sight deposits are major indicator money market liquidity switzerland the national bank said banks paid back billion francs central bank credit taken out the end february for the end month liquidity requirement this drain was offset part new currency swaps which had the effect increasing the national bank foreign exchange holdings bank notes circulation fell mln francs billion and other deposits call basically government funds rose billion billion reuter 
crude	ecuador crude oil exports stopped for five months ecuador needs mln dlrs repair the damage its oil export pipeline caused last week earthquake which will stop crude exports for five months energy and mines minister javier espinosa teran said espinosa said yesterday the pipeline which carries crude from jungle fields the pacific ocean coast balao would repaired with the help texaco inc and mexican and argentine firm president leon febres cordero said two days ago that ecuador opec member would have suspend crude exports for four months due the quake oil traditionally accounts for two thirds ecuador total exports and much pct government revenues deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite said ecuador would have import six seven mln barrels crude oil meet its needs until the line was repaired the ecuadorean minister the presidency patricio quevedo told reporters that venezuela will lend ecuador five mln barrels crude which would repaid kind after day period added the caracas based andean development corp had granted loan mln dlrs towards repairing the pipeline which had been damaged the quake quito foreign minister rafael garcia velasco yesterday summoned ambassadors from about countries whom issued appeal for emergency aid for the country only three countries the colombia and venezuela had offered assistance reuter 
earn	southlife holding slhc qtr net oper shr seven 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 
coffee	algeria regulates use coffee additives the algerian authorities have regulated the addition chickpeas and barley used make imported coffee further the official aps news agency reported taking advantage scarcity private roasters were selling ground coffee mixtures which were pct non coffee said since the beginning march the coffee market has been strictly regulated the state food marketing monopoly enapal now third imported coffee will sold pure beans and two thirds ground mixture with choice pct chickpeas pct barley march private dealers will handle tonnes pure coffee and enapal tonnes mixtures reuter 
crude	talking point oil services turnaround seen the oil services industry the verge recovery because rising crude prices oil industry analysts said the analysts who issued buy recommendations some stocks said the recovery oil services should begin the second half after drilling activity bottoms out the first half and continue into the next decade people however cannot afford wait for drilling start buying said sandi haber sweeney senior research analyst sanford bernstein and inc among the recommended buys are schlumberger ltd slb halliburton hal dresser industries baker international bko and mcdermott international inc mdr which may the target takeover harold simmons dallas based investor analysts said although major oil companies are increasing exploration and development overseas they expect the pickup oil services will begin the activity the depressed should move faster said vishnu sharp goldman sachs the number active oil drilling rigs the was last week compared with rigs one year ago huges tool figures show the average number working rigs the for projected versus according ike kerridge vice president stockholder relations hughes tool the first significant pickup drilling activity will occur the second half kerridge said overseas drilling activity expected follow similar pattern kerridge said halliburton the best value said jeffrey freedman vice president smith barney harris and upham inc adding the company controls the greatest amount liquidity common stock market value diversifed non oil field businesess and has the lowest multiple stock price operating cash flow including debt schlumberger freedman second favorite oil service stock schlumberger expected continue the dominant technical leader the industry freedman said schlumberger management shift asset restructuring including pending merger fairchild semiconductor and its considerable cash horde sets the stage for the company maximize its significant industry advantage and capitalize the project upturn exploration and development activity according report george gaspar first vice president robert baird and inc gaspar estimates earnings per share for schlumberger cts for and one dlrs compared with cts excluding fourth quarter special charge billion dlrs bernstein sandi sweeney recommending group oil service companies and said choosing among them difficult her favorite baker international which involved possible merger with hughes tool dresser industries will also benefit from the recovery but possibly not much other companies because not pure service company sweeney said dresser expected improve profitability owing cost reductions and streamlined operations including the sale and leaseback its headquarters said swarup reuter 
earn	creditanstalt sees higher dividend creditanstalt bankverein cabv likely raise its dividend from the payment pct share capital deputy general director guido schmidt chiari said the dividend was pct unchanged from the previous year and schmidt chiari noted that the parent bank share capital had risen billion schillings the end from billion year earlier schmidt chiari made the forecast news conference when the bank announced consolidated banking group net profit mln schillings for against mln schmidt chiari did not elaborate his dividend forecast the banking group consolidated balance sheet total rose billion schillings year end from billion general director hannes androsch said higher investment would lead continuing growth profits future last year better profits had resulted from improvements services provided the bank and also profits schilling lending schilling lending had grown last year and interest rate margins had also improved but remained unsatisfactory when compared with those other countries said increased provisions for possible bad debts home and abroad particularly latin america had lowered profits androsch said but declined give exact figure schmidt chiari said that foreign lending business had fallen significantly due exchange rate fluctuations removing some billion schillings from the balance sheet total attempt generate more foreign business representative offices would 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 eight schillings the vienna bourse today brokers said improved results had been widely expected investors androsch said industrial holdings had performed better than previous years giving return investment pct compared with pct creditanstalt austria largest bank holds majority interests medium sized and large austrian companies but forecast its biggest industrial subsidiary steyr daimler puch sdpv would return result similar the expected operating loss mln schillings reuter 
acq	cpc cpc sell unit port hipt cpc international inc said has agreed principle sell its peterson puritain inc subsidiary port industries inc cpc said the sale not expected have significant impact its earnings and subject approval boards both companies terms were 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 says approves revised terms for merger with baker international 
crude	opec reaffirms commitment fixed prices ceiling opec has reaffirmed its commitment fixed crude oil prices around dlrs barrel and overall output ceiling mln barrels per day bpd defend prices its president rilwanu lukman said told news conference here after due consultation with colleagues opec hereby wish emphasize that nigeria and all member countries opec remain determined uphold the december agreement adhering strictly their various quotas and official selling prices lukman added extraordinary opec conference was planned are position confirm that despite misleading news foreign media the contrary opec member countries whole produced below their agreed quota the month february lukman who nigerian oil minister said lukman put the overall opec output shortfall february bpd and said this was result their firm determination defend official selling prices dlrs agreed upon last december geneva the december agreement set overall output ceiling for opec mln bpd for first half and restored fixed prices from february around reference point dlrs oil prices rallied immediately after the geneva accord but fell again last month reports that opec was producing more than the agreed level the idea was suggest that opec agreement would not hold and this caused some customers hold back purchases opec oil and resort destocking meet their needs lukman said said the bpd shortfall last february was based the verified figure for out opec members adding that nigeria alone had shortfall production bpd iraq disassociated itself from the december agreement while the production figures ecuador and the united arab emirates needed verified lukman said that the price have pay make the agreement succeed are ready opec not changing its price level dlrs the group president said said the opec price differentials committee meeting formerly postponed april had been put off indefinitely furthermore extraordinary meeting the conference the moment contemplated since most agreements reached december are being adhered said asked the committee did not need meet soon narrow the gaps the prices the various opec crudes fixed relation the dlr benchmark lukman replied consider the defence our prices much more crucial than differentials lukman said opec was aware that consumers had heavily drawn stocks both crude oil and refined products levels well below this time last year and soon they would return the market search crude don see that there going any difficulty maintaining the dlr price throughout the rest the year lukman said the opec president praised non opec oil producers which said had contributed the group efforts stabilise prices but criticised britain for maintaining its long held view not anything help the market are quite confident however that the long term with two thirds the world reserves opec hands the future ours will use that advantage responsibly said lukman described the disruption ecuador output following earthquake tragic but refused say the south american country would allowed higher output quota when recovered from the disaster reuter 
ship	dutch port union meet parliamentarians today dutch port and transport union fnv presenting its case against planned redundancies rotterdam general cargo sector parliament standing committee social affairs today union spokesman said with the strong workforce strike the union will tell the committee the government has duty help solve the dispute that has been disrupting the general cargo sector for more than seven weeks the spokesman added the union will also take its case against the redundancies them planned for this year court amsterdam tomorrow added reuter 
acq	qintex again extends princeville pvdc offer qintex america ltd said again extending its offer dlrs share for mln princeville development corp shares until today from yesterday midnight yesterday princeville shares had been tendered from shares hours earlier qintex said extending the offer allow princeville comply with federal law restricting the ownership airlines non citizens and finalize the terms and conditions the letter credit bank guarantee required under the previously announced acquisition agreement reuter 
earn	novell novl sets two for one stock split novell inc said its board declared two for one stock split payable holders record the close business march said shareholders the annual meeting approved doubling authorized common shares mln from mln and limitation directors liability reuter 
sugar	agency review johnson johnson jnj sweetner johnson and johnson said the food and drug administration has notified the company its food additive petition for high intensity sweetener has been formally accepted and now will reviewed the agency the company said the product with the generic name sucralose made from sugar and tastes like sugar but about times sweeter yields calories and does not promote tooth decay reuter 
earn	heart federal hfed sets two for one split heart federal savings and loan association said its board declared two for one stock split payable april holders record april the company said the split subject shareholder approval the april annual meeting increase authorized common shares mln from five mln reuter 
earn	novo industri nvo year pre tax income mln danish crowns mln sales billion crowns billion income after 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 three for two stock split effective june reuter 
money-fx	money market given mln stg assistance the bank england said gave the money market assistance worth mln stg this afternoon buying bank bills the rates established monday the bank bought mln stg band one bills pct and mln stg band two paper pct this the first time that has intervened today the bank has revised its estimate the liquidity shortage the market down mln stg from 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 three for two split june reuter 
acq	goodyear tire receive mln dlrs for goodyear aerospace from loral corp 
acq	hughes tool board approves merger hughes tool said its board voted special meeting last night approve new agreement with regulators that would allow the company complete its proposed merger with baker international corp bko the agreement approved the department justice yesterday will give the merged company baker hughes six months instead three sell certain assets the pact also allows three month extension warranted and limits the obligation the new company give financial support the businesses divested pending their sale the company said its board recommended that shareholders approve the merger the oilfield service companies previously adjourned meeting hughes tool stockholders will resumed this afternoon said hughes will work with baker and the justice department towards negotiating the final form the consent decree and filing soon possible the company said statement closing the merger would occur immediately after the filing said the assets sold under the consent decree consist baker domestic oilfield drilling bit business and its domestic submersible electric pump business baker has agreement sell the pump business trico industries inc tro the financial terms the merger are unchanged hughes spokesman said under those terms each baker common share and hughes common share would converted into one share and share respectively baker hughes inc which would formed new holding company reuter 
sugar	agency review johnson and johnson sweetener johnson and johnson said the food and drug administration has notified the company its food additive petition for high intensity sweetener has been formally accepted and now will reviewed the agency the company said the product with the generic name sucralose made from sugar and tastes like sugar but about times sweeter yields calories and does not promote tooth decay johnson and johnson said the sweetner being jointly developed with tate and lyle plc tatl tate and lyle seeking approval canada the united kingdom and other european countries johnson and johnson said the company noted its petition covering the product and its safety evaluation were submitted the fda last month while awaiting fda approval the company said proceeding with plans for commercialization through its mcneil specialty products subsidiary johnson and johnson said operating under licensing agreement with tate and lyle whose collaborative research with scientists queen elizabeth college london led the discovery sucralose patents and licensing agreements control the use sucralose through the year johnson and johnson said sucralose chlorinated derivative ordinary sugar the carbon chloride bonds sucralose are stable and are not broken during digestion metabolism sucralose essentially not metabollized the body the chlorine content enhances sweetness without providing calories 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 said its pct owned canadian worldwide energy ltd affiliate lasmo tableland well saskatchewan flowed barrels degree gravity oil through inch choke from depths feet and barrels oil per day through inch choke from depths feet triton said because the well status deep exploratory well production qualifies for five year royalty holiday under the saskatchewan drilling incentive products said the well initial production expected restricted allowable level about barrels day although capable sustaining much higher rates the company said london and scottish marine oil plc owns pct interest the well and its spacing unit canadian worldwide pct saskatchewan oil and gas corp pct interprovincial pipeline ltd home oil ltd pct and scurry rainbow oil ltd srb pct triton said royal dutch shell group shell canada ltd shc affiliate retains convertible overriding interest the well reuter 
crude	ecuador deputy minister seeks oil aid venezuela ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite arrived here last night for talks further venezuelan assistance his country oil industry following last week earthquake officials said ecuador was obliged suspend crude oil exports for expected five months result damage miles pipeline linking its jungle oil fields with the pacific port balao oil normally accounts for pct its exports fellow opec member venezuela has already agreed lend ecuador five mln barrels crude repaid kind after days help meet its domestic consumption needs the officials could neither confirm nor deny reports that venezuela will temporarily produce ecuador entire opec quota set barrels per day for first half all options are open this moment the context cooperation oil production venezuelan energy and mines ministry source said discussions are also under way arrive formula compensate ecuador for the loss oil export revenue while the pipeline repaired officials said santos alvite last night met venezuelan energy and mines minister arturo hernandez grisanti and will today hold talks technical level officials said industry sources said that among the options are for venezuela produce ecuador entire quota for venezuela and non opec mexico share and for the latter supply ecuador far eastern clients but the ministry source said that decision has yet been reached the matter and that announcement would made due course santos alvite said earlier quito that ecuador would have import six seven mln barrels crude oil meet its needs until the line was repaired ecuador energy and mines minister javier espinosa teran said last night his country needs mln dlrs repair the damage the export pipeline caused the earthquake reuter 
acq	goodyear receive mln dlrs for unit goodyear tire and rubber said will receive about mln dlrs cash from loral corp lor for the business goodyear aerospace corp goodyear said the previously announced acquisition loral expected completed march when loral announced the transaction january the company said was paying mln dlrs for goodyear aerospace goodyear said the price will receive after 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 said increased operating profit despite sharp decline turnover and added there were good chances this profit level could held operating profit rose just under mln marks from around mln however the group third party sales fell sharply billion marks from billion the year before largely due lower prices for energy products particularly oil and coal managing board chairman klaus giesel told news conference reuter 
earn	hovnanian enterprises hov splits stock hovnanian enterprises inc said its board directors has declared two for one split its outstanding common stock the company said shareholders will receive one additional share for each share held the close business march and additional shares will distributed april reuter 
acq	british aerospace raises system designers stake british aerospace plc bael said has increased its stake systems designers plc pct mln ordinary shares following the purchase mln ordinary shares the british aerospace pension fund holds mln ordinary shares systems representing stake pct spokesman for british aerospace said has present future intention making full bid for systems designers system designers shares were nine pence higher prior the share stake announcement and have showed little 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 from discontinued consolidated operations dlrs eight cts share dlrs cts share the quarter and dlrs dlrs share dlrs dlrs share for the year earnings exclude loss the sale discontinued consolidated operations dlrs three cts share the quarter and loss dlrs cts share gain dlrs cts share for the year note earnings exclude losses from discontinued unconsolidated operations dlrs cts share each period earnings exclude gain from termination defined benefit pension plan dlrs eight cts share the quarter and dlrs cts share for the year reuter 
earn	pmi fund inc sets monthly dividends pmi fund inc said its board declared monthly dividends six cts for april four cts for may five cts for june seven cts for july and six cts for august the fund which customarily omits dividends march and september last paid six cts february dividends declared today are payable april three may six june four july three and august six holders record march april may 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 said will make initial quarterly distribution cts per unit april holders record march the partnership said the dividend greater than had expectd pay and was warranted fourth quarter results and anticipated results for this year first quarter tenera said expects comparable distribution for the second quarter said about cts per share the first quarter amount will taxable income reuter 
acq	hanson han unit sell kaiser terminal plant hanson industries the arm hanson trust plc han said has proposed sell separate transactions kaiser cement northwest terminals and montana city plant lone star industries inc lce and ash grove cement west inc respectively for total mln dlrs hanson said the deals are subject normal conditions closing hanson industries completed the purchase kaiser cement march for about mln dlrs hanson said kaiser cement now indirect wholly owned unit hanson trust and forms part its building products group these sales are continuation asset redeployment program kaiser cement and will allow kaiser concentrate its efforts the california marketplace where the largest cement producer and holds premiere market position hanson industries chairman gordon white said reuter 
crude	ecuador official seeks oil aid venezuela ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite arrived here last night for talks further venezuelan assistance his country oil industry following last week earthquake officials said ecuador was obliged suspend crude oil exports for expected five months result damage miles pipeline linking its jungle oil fields with the pacific port balao oil normally accounts for pct its exports fellow opec member venezuela has already agreed lend ecuador five mln barrels crude repaid kind after days help meet its domestic consumption needs reuter 
sugar	traders say sold tonnes white sugar tender 
money-fx	money market given late help mln stg the bank england said provided the money market with unspecified late assistance around mln stg this brings its total assistance the day mln stg compared with liquidity shortfall estimated revised mln stg overnight interbank sterling was being offered eight pct shortly after the bank announcement reuter 
sugar	intervention says sets white sugar tender rebate ecus 
earn	bayer usa bayry affiliates increased sales bayer usa inc said sales its affiliated operating cmpanies based the increased pct from the previous year combined sales were billion dlrs from billion dlrs the company said however the company said net income was mln dlrs three pct below bayer said its operating companies include mobay corp miles laboratories inc agfa gevaert inc compugraphic corp haarmann and reimer corp deerfield urethane inc and helena chemical bayer said mobay its primary chemicals company reported net income mln dlrs eight pct also said miles its pharmaceutical and healthcare company recorded net income mln dlrs pct increase over reuter 
earn	deb shops inc debs sets stock split deb shops inc said its board declared pct stock dividend and will increase the quarterly dividend four cts from cts after adjustm ent for the split the company said the split payable april holders record march the dividend increase will effective with the april payment said reuter 
lei	canada leading indicator pct december after pct november gain official 
acq	continental health cthl purchases marketech continental health affiliates inc said that has acquired marketech inc pct partner diatronics nutrition services continental said diantronics nutrition services joint venture with physicians providing patient ready home infusion therapy products and services outpatients five northern new jersery hospitals representing over inpatient beds continental said the terms the deal were not disclosed reuter 
earn	visual graphics sets dividends visual graphics corp vgca vgcb said its board declared quarterly dividend cts per share its class common stock and cts per share class common stock payable april three shareholders record march the company set the two classes common stock february previously the company had paid cent per share quarterly dividend one 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 
gold	sigma mines details gold ore reserves sigma mines quebec ltd pct owned dome mines ltd said its sigma mine had proven and probable reserves the end tons with average grade ounces gold ton sigma said the reserves are equivalent years future production current milling rates the reserves comprise tons proven reserves grading average ounces gold ton and tons probable reserves grading average ounces gold ton sigma said changed its reserve reporting method following dome mines previously reported move adopt general industry practice reporting proven and probable ore reserves prior sigma conservatively reported only proven reserves that could mined without future development costs proven reserves december were tons grading average ounces gold ton equivalent about two years future production reuter 
earn	regency cruises inc ship qtr net shr profit nine 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 nine 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 said pre tax earnings fell almost pct though sales rose two pct the pre tax figure fell mln crowns from mln sales increased from billion billion giving net earnings mln crowns against mln earnings per crown share went from crowns crowns but the company proposed unchanged pct dividend foreign exchange fluctuations were very significant factor behind developments the result before and after tax novo said statement not only the dollar but also other currencies essential novo fell relation the danish crown the statement added november novo purchased pct shares ferrosan which heads group specialising research and development cns central nervous treatment treatments and the sale pharmaceuticals and vitamins scandinavia the mln crowns paid goodwill had very limited effect the result the novo statement said reuter 
earn	scs compute inc scom qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln nine mths shr loss one dlr loss dlrs net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln reuter 
acq	securities dealer has leaseway ltc stake alpine associates cresskill securities dealer told the securities and exchange commission has acquired shares leaseway transport corp pct the total outstanding common stock alpine limited partnership said bought the stock for mln dlrs investment the ordinary course its business securities dealer left open the possibility that might buy more leaseway stock sell some all its current stake but said has plans seek control the 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 ltd vhcl qtr oper net oper shr profit cts loss one 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 respectively from benefit tax loss carryforwards year ago excludes losses dlrs four cts qtr and dlrs eight cts year from discontinued operations restated reuter 
earn	transtech industries inc trti year net oper shr cts seven cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note net excludes dlr loss from discontinued operations reuter 
sugar	thai sugar production increases thai sugar production totalled tonnes january increase pct january according figures received the international sugar organization november and december production figures also exceeded last year totals with the result that output the first three months the season showed pct increase over production the november january period totalled mln tonnes thai exports december and january were down however january exports fell from tonnes domestic consumption increased pct tonnes for the three month period but this was not sufficient prevent significant rise stocks which climbed mln tonnes the end january compared with mln year earlier thai agricultural ministry officials have previously forecast decline raws output around mln tonnes from mln reuter 
lei	canada december leading indicator pct canada leading composite indicator advanced pct december after gaining pct the two previous months statistics canada said the unfiltered index rose pct the month turnaround from the pct decline november the federal agency said the manufacturing groups continued post advances while goods production rose pct the third increase the last four months the advances however were offset deceleration household demand reuter 
earn	anova ventures sets dividend duevel shares anova ventures corp said its board declared dividend payable the form registered shares stock duvel corp blind public pool anova describes itself publishing and financial services firm specializing arranging revers acquisitions and mergers between blind pools shells and private companies anova said created duvel act blind pool and will seek operating private company merger with duvel duvel has 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 should help bolster the small automaker sales but leaves the future its employees doubt industry analysts say was business usual yesterday the american motors headquarters one day after the proposed merger was unveiled chrysler and amc french parent renault according company spokesman edd snyder but amc future discussed board meeting today would radically different chrysler subsidiary than had continued with the state run french car group its controlling shareholder industry analysts said the future amc car assembly plant kenosha wis and its toledo ohio jeep plant would doubt the overcapacity predicted the north american auto industry the early comes pass both plants are far from state the art for car manufacturing sites and amc has history poor labor relations each chrysler doesn need that many new plants said michael luckey automotive analyst for the wall street firm shearson lehman brothers they probably will close the toledo plant and move jeep production canada ronald glantz montgomery securities said that the very least the new owner the toledo plant would able wring concessions from the united automobile workers union local representing jeep workers the uaw won able hold them for ransom they have amc because during down year chrysler will have underutilized facilities transfer production said analysts said they foresaw major complications that would abort combination which historians said would the auto industry biggest merger since american motors was formed amc was need financial savior because its losses more than mln dlrs since and pressures france for renault cut its backing the company had said could not forecast consistent profitability until the earliest announcing the takeover agreement chrysler chairman lee iacocca cited amc jeep division well its new mln dlr assembly plant bramalea ontario and its network dealers the major attractions analysts reasoned that chrysler might feel moved eventually sell off close some the older plants cut overhead costs view the new debts and liabilities would incur the amc buyout reuter 
earn	nucor corp nue raises quarterly qtly div nine cts eight cts prior pay may record march reuter 
earn	kelsey hayes canada ltd 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 said has agreed principle acquire the assets sea data corp maker low powered electronic systems including undersea intelligent recording sensors and high density digital data recorders for one mln dlrs reuter 
reserves	spain qualifies reserve requirements statement bank spain spokesman qualified bank statement announcing extension reserve requirements convertible peseta funds held banks saying the move applied only future rises above current balances the pct reserve requirement will only applied further increases bank convertible peseta funds the spokesman said convertible peseta funds previously were exempt from reserve requirements the spokesman said the measure was intended curb influx short term foreign speculative capital which threatened the government money supply growth target reuter 
money-supply	spain money supply growth doubles february spain broad based money supply rose annualised rate pct february against pct january and pct february last year bank spain figures show the broad based money supply measured liquid assets public hands plus quasi monetary assets money supply growth was pct last year the government wants reduce the rate eight pct this year reuter 
earn	telephone support systems inc tssi qtr nov end shr four cts cts net sales year shr cts six cts net sales reuter 
earn	network video inc nvid qtr feb net shr one five cts net revs avg shrs nine mths shr four cts cts net revs avg shrs reuter 
earn	comtech inc cmtl qtr jan net oper shr profit one 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 said has completed the purchase gleason securities service inc new york and gleason plant security inc connecticut sahlen said the deal terms were not disclosed but added that the acquired companies had combined annual revenues over mln dlrs sahlen private invetigation company said the gleason companies provide security guard services corporations the tri state area reuter 
earn	mem inc mem declares qtly div qtly div cts cts prior pay may record march reuter 
earn	insituform north america inc insua qtr shr nine cts four 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 five for four stock split january backlog mln dlrs dlrs company began operating january reuter 
acq	henry ansbacher has pct adams and porter inc henry ansbacher holdings plc said has acquired pct interest the retail and general corporate insurance broker adams and porter inc the move the first step building new international insurance broking group following the appointment new management team for its seascope insurance holdings unit ansbacher said and has exciting growth potential particularly the east coast the and has annual revenue more than four mln dlrs ansbacher shares were helped the announcement earlier today pretax profit rise mln stg from mln reuter 
earn	natwest rabo unit reports pct profit growth dutch bank van lanschot bankiers owned national westminster plc nwbl and rabobank rabn said net profit rose pct mln guilders pct higher balance sheet total billion van lanschot bankiers subsidiary van lanschot beleggingscompagnie which britain national westminster bank plc and dutch cooperative bank rabobank nederland each have pct stake commercial union dutch insurance unit delta lloyd verzekeringsgroep has pct stake van lanschot which lowered risk provisions mln guilders 
money-fx	fed expected add reserves the federal reserve expected intervene the government securities market add temporary reserves via customer system repurchase agreements economists said most economists said the fed will inject reserves indirectly via customer repurchases but they added that the fed might opt for direct injection reserves via 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 nine mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter 
earn	penney jcp smith barney opinion penney stock rose sharply after analyst william smith smith barney recommended the stock based the company strong earnings momentum and the possibility stock buyback dividend hike stock split traders said very impressed with the strong basic earnings story analyst smith said noting that the company has fine tuned its buying and inventories and has admirably controlled costs time that they needed the stock jumped smith said the company ended with strong cash position about mln dlrs compared mln dlrs the year before this implies the possibility share buyback significant dividend increase stock split said addition said the company has been gradually adjusting its merchandise mix and its gross margins have been improving smith expects the company earn dlrs share compared the dlrs share earned last year last year results include cent charge for the buyback debt reuter 
sugar	german sugar offers put about tonnes the west german intervention board said about tonnes sugar have been offered into intervention far spokesman speaking from frankfurt told reuters offers have increased recently but contracts have not yet been concluded european commission spokesman brussels earlier confirmed that one mln tonnes sugar had been offered intervention boards various member states the intervention board spokesman frankfurt said one million tonnes awful lot and the community coffers are almost empty this could turn into serious political problem west german trade sources said they believed the one mln tonne offer the sugar industry into intervention would have neutral market impact overall reuter 
interest	bankers trust raises broker loan rate bankers trust said raised its broker loan rate pct from seven pct effective immediately trust which also quotes its broker loan rate publicly posting pct rate reuter 
gold	sigma mines details gold ore reserves sigma mines quebec ltd pct owned dome mines ltd said its sigma mine had proven and probable reserves the end tons with average grade ounces gold ton sigma said the reserves are equivalent years future production current milling rates the reserves comprise tons proven reserves grading average ounces gold ton and tons probable reserves grading average ounces gold ton sigma said changed its reserve reporting method following dome mines previously reported move adopt general industry practice reporting proven and probable ore reserves prior sigma conservatively reported only proven reserves that could mined without future development costs proven reserves december were tons grading average ounces gold ton equivalent about two years future production reuter 
acq	moore mccormack mmc sell globe unit moore mccormack resources inc said agreed principle sell its globe metallurgical inc unit cyprus minerals cypm for undisclosed terms the sale expected close mid april subject certain conditions including board approval both companies globe produces silicon metals and magnesium ferrosilicon the products are used the chemical aluminum iron rubber and semiconductor industries reuter 
housing	hosuing completions fell pct january completions new homes fell pct january seasonally adjusted rate mln units from mln december the commerce department said the january fall came after strong pct rise from november rate mln units and brought completions pct above the january level mln units january completions single family units rose pct seasonally adjusted mln units from mln units december while multi family units fell pct units january the department said reuter 
acq	justice department reviews icahn usair filing the department justice doj reviewing whether trans world airlines inc twa and chairman carl icahn violated federal antitrust law failing seek advance clearance from the doj the federal trade commission for his extensive open market purchases usair group inc stock doj official told senate panel this matter that being looked into charles rule acting assistant attorney general antitrust told the senate judiciary committee antitrust subcommittee rule declined further comment while the review was continuing rule was responding panel chairman howard metzenbaum ohio who had asked why the department was not acting against what appears clear violation the law metzenbaum said icahn had failed file pre merger notification form with the ftc prior purchasing more than mln dlrs worth usair stock but rule said that for airline companies purchaser would exempt from the requirement instead had filed merger application with the department transportation icahn filed such application with the dot but the filing was thrown out the dot friday the dot threw out the application late friday grounds lacked the necessary data for the government review the proposed usair takeover bid icahn refiled more complete application form monday rule pledged act against icahn and twa violation were found reuter 
earn	cell sciences inc tcel qtr jan loss shr loss one loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs nine mths shr loss seven cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs reuter 
jobs	dutch adjusted unemployment unchanged february dutch seasonally adjusted unemployment totalled people february unchanged from january but down from february social affairs ministry spokesman said the unadjusted figure stood the end last month decline from the january total and comparing with the end february last year reuter 
housing	housing completions fell pct jan completions new homes fell pct january seasonally adjusted rate mln units from mln december the commerce department said the january fall came after strong pct rise from november rate mln units and brought completions pct above the january level mln units january completions single family units rose pct seasonally adjusted mln units from mln units december while multi family units fell pct units january the department said reuter 
earn	mitchell energy and development corp mnd net qtr jan shr five 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 
housing	housing completions fell pct january completions new homes fell pct january seasonally adjusted rate mln units from mln december the commerce department said the january fall came after strong pct rise from november rate mln units and brought completions pct above the january level mln units january completions single family units rose pct seasonally adjusted mln units from mln units december while multi family units fell pct units january the department said reuter 
money-fx	fed sets two billion dlr customer repurchase fed says 
earn	groundwater technology inc gwti qtr jan shr cts cts net sales avg shrs nine mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter 
earn	seven oaks international inc qpon payout qtly div four cts four cts prior pay april record march reuter 
money-fx	fed adds reserves via customer repurchases the federal reserve entered the government securities market arrange two billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements fed spokesman said dealers said federal funds were trading pct when the fed began its temporary and indirect supply reserves the banking system reuter 
earn	property trust america ptras year net ope shr cts cts oper net revs mln avg shrs note net excludes gains from sale investments dlrs dlrs reuter 
earn	chi chi inc chic qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit eight cts net loss mln profit revs mln mln nine mths shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit mln revs mln mln note current year net both 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 said talking with new suitors about being acquired 
earn	chi chi chic takes mln dlr charge chi chi inc said has taken mln dlr pretax charge against earnings for the third quarter ended january cover the cost disposing underperforming company owned restaurants the company also said has agreed repurchase three mln common shares the open market the company now has about mln shares outstanding chi chi today reported loss for the third quarter ended january after the pretax charge and dlr tax credit mln dlrs compared with year earlier profit dlrs chi chi said believes the disposition the restaurants has the potential increasing its pretax earnings about two mln dlrs next fiscal year the company said will use existing cash resources for the share repurchases reuter 
earn	dupont recommendations shares pont rose today after accumulating recommendations from shearson lehman brothers and first boston traders said pont which opened with two point gain stood first boston analyst was not available for comment analyst theodore semegran shearson said raised his earnings estimates for the company dlrs share and eight dlrs share the company earned dlrs share good domestic demand higher operating earnings and strng export business probably benefitting from lower dollar and effects reduced imports chemicals will continue aid pont also noted that energy earnings the first quarter are better than expected because the rise crude prices semegran expects first quarter earnings about dlrs share from dlrs last year also expects the company raise its annual dividend about cts share from its current dividend dlrs share and stock split possible but has low probablility reuter 
acq	chemlawn chem talks being acquired chemlawn corp said has started talks the possible sale the company with various parties that did not identify the company said the talks began after considred and rejected waste management inc wmx dlr per share tender offer for all its sharesd chemlawn gave details the talks reuter 
acq	shv withdraws gas offer shv holdings said withdrawing its take over bid for imperial continental gas association icgs after failing gain the minimum number pledges sought from gas shareholders shv said statement had sought gain gas shares under offer for gas ordinary stock but was informed that level was not reached when the deadline expired the tender offer therefore void said shv also offered pence for every one stg nominal gas loan stock under the bid made shv united kingdom holding ltd reuter 
rubber	progress rubber pact talks reported slow negotiators united nations conference natural rubber are making slow progress towards reaching agreement delegates said the conference which began monday widely seen the final effort adopt new international natural rubber agreement inra before the current one expires october some producing and consuming countries are taking part the two week meeting this the fourth such conference nearly two years delegates said both sides still appeared divided the key issue the price adjustment mechanism consumers want frequent price reviews month intervals instead months present proposal currently rejected producers and while consumers press for the price adjustment automatic producers have resisted reducing the role the international rubber organization council the price adjustment procedure conference chairman manaspas xuto thailand has said was imperative settle outstanding issues this week that technical drafting work can done next week reuter 
earn	lord abbett and declares mutual fund divs lord abbett value 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 other 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 one net loss profit revs avg shrs nine mths shre loss nine cts loss five cts net loss loss revs avg shrs note full name newport pharmaceuticals international inc reuter 
earn	the raymond corp raym declares qtly div qtly div cts cts prior pay march record march reuter 
nat-gas	mitchell energy mnd again cuts capital outlays mitchell energy and development corp said plans hold its capital spending fiscal ending january mln dlrs down from the mln dlrs spent and mln dlrs the company also said its natural gas revenues far this year have been reduced lower contract customer purchases due mild weather and soft economic conditions but the contracts call for the lower takes made during the course the year mitchell energy said meanwhile will sell additional quantities gas the spot market mitchell energy said the additional spot sales will tend lower the average price realized for gas the early part fiscal however said the average for the full year not expected significantly lower than the dlrs per thousand cubic feet averaged fiscal reuter 
acq	investor take control river oaks roi river oaks industries inc said agreed principle give control the company benson seizer new york investor return for mln dlrs capital the company maker mobile homes said terminated merger discussions with nursing centers america river oaks said will place mln dlr convertible note with seizer who turn will name six additional members the company five member board one the new directors will take over chairman and chief executive officer river oaks said river oaks said the note will convertible into two mln shares its common stock one dlr share the company currently has mln shares outstanding the company said will also grant seizer option buy additional mln shares during the next four years dlrs share during the first year and dlrs share thereafter the company said the money raised from seizer will further strengthen its balance sheet and enhance its ability seek selective expansion opportunities seizer experienced turnaround situations and expected take direct involvement river oaks management said charles degroot who will remain director the company after giving the post chairman one seizer board nominees don manning will cede his post chief executive but will remain president the company said 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 look set move lower even after monday half point cut bank base rates pct analysts said citing evidence the suspension british national savings issue yesterday the department national savings effectively treasury department unit yesterday suspended its issue launched october and paying high tax free pct five year private investments between and stg spokesman said the suspension was just reaction yields national savings bonds being way out line with the rest the market the move was followed surprise sell out within minutes today bank england one billion stg tap issue the second such issue many weeks analysts noted they said the near instant sale the entire new gilts issue for which the bank england had required high pct downpayment was clear evidence that the market thought rates had drop sooner rather than later the sale the tranche pct treasury bonds due occurred active bullish gilts market downward pressure money market rates remained intact with the bellwether three month interbank rate down point pct coincided with another strong sterling rally which pushed the pound four year highs against the dollar that government stock disappeared very quickly indeed said stephen lewis head economic research stockbrokers phillips and drew indication that the market believes rates are going fall further least half point immediately after the budget march and some people hope for more stockbrokers james capel said comment the move the national savings department was considerable significance said the real message that the decks are being quickly cleared facilitate speedy decision the building societies cut their rates when the inevitable cut bank base rates pct materialises building societies have said drop bank base rates would normally have exceed half point give rise reduction mortgage lending rates lewis phillips and drew said too believed the national savings issue suspension may reflect new treasury policy point building societies towards mortgage rate cut national savings has been competing too effectively with the building societies late building society income has been depressed recent months said and other analysts said chancellor the exchequer nigel lawson was keen see mortgage rates fall keep lid inflation underlying upward pressure prices stronger britain than most other western economies with inflation seen rising well above four pct this year and above five pct after last year pct emphasising the impact mortgage rates consumer prices lewis said one point cut building society rates would reduce inflation britain about pct but lewis and others noted that building societies had been complaining the government about intense competition from national savings which they argued reduced the scope for early mortgage rate cuts the chancellor need not worried about losing some psbr funding from national savings but must taking the building societies criticism heart looks like the national savings move reflects this one senior dealer said savings department spokesman refused comment this interpretation saying the suspension the issue was merely reaction the recent fall interest rates which had pushed yields national savings bonds way out line with the rest the market are not politically motivated funding was just becoming too expensive and don need all that money told reuters adding the department had suspended issues least twice the past when offered interest rates were above below market rates said demand for the issue had risen sharply late money market rates continued their steady decline and income was threatening overshoot unofficial three billion stg target set for fiscal ending march the first months fiscal national saving contribution government funding totalled billion stg compared with billion stg the same period the previous year official figures show figures for february out monday are expected show further increase between and mln stg pushing the total for months above target government officials said reuter 
earn	nicor inc gas regular dividend set qtly div cts cts previously pay may 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 may reuter 
acq	jones and vining said vulcan corp offers five 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 nine 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 from termination pension plan net includes pretax charge dlrs quarter and gain dlrs year from restructuring and consolidation quarter net includes dlr tax credit year net includes pretax gain mln dlrs from sale foreign subsidiary reuter 
trade	concerned over textile import moves the european community expressed disquiet over protectionist moves the united states limit imports textiles and said would retaliate immediately exports were hit spokeswoman for the commission said external trade commissioner willy clercq had written his counterpart special trade representative clayton yeutter outlining the concerns the nation community the draft legislation under consideration congress would impose permanent quotas products entering the and seek limit any increase growth the overall trade reuter 
earn	speed print business sbm qtr net shr loss seven 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 the full year and wnnr for the last six months speed print business machines corp full name company reuter 
earn	asbestec industries asbs sets stock split asbestec industries inc said its board declared three for two stock split payable april record april three 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 said vulcan corp one its main competitors the production shoe lasts has offered acquire jones and vining for five dlrs share jones and vining said management effort take the company private will ahead dlrs per share the form the buyout has not yet been determined and the buyout subject nunber conditions said jones and vining said its board believes that transaction with vulcan would difficult complete but has asked vulcan for further information explore the bid january jones and vining said its board had recommended that shareholders aprove management buyout dlrs share february six vulcan initially offered acquire jones and vining for five dlrs share but jones and vining dismissed the offer frivolous and without substance and said the bid failed comply with provisions the securities act reuter 
earn	ppg industries ppg sees growth ppg industries inc will continue show earnings growth despite difficult economic climate the company said its annual report mailed shareholders today for the company earnings rose five pct mln dlrs revenues that increased eight pct billion dlrs earnings per share were dlrs compared with dlrs the company added that its return equity reached pct from pct and close its goal pct reuter 
acq	belgian minister unveils privatisation plan belgian budget minister guy verhofstadt has proposed plan sell off shares several state owned enterprises including national airline sabena and the postal and telecommunications authority government sources said they said the plan could raise more than billion francs revenue over the next five years according verhofstadt projections helping the government reduce its huge budget deficit targetted this year billion francs but the scheme had received guarded reception from the social christian parties belgium centre right coalition when verhofstadt unveiled cabinet meeting yesterday discussion the plan was likely long and difficult the sources said verhofstadt proposes beginning the selloffs the last quarter with the sale pct state investment company sni expects the sale raise three billion francs they added pct share sabena would sold mid for billion francs while pct the postal and telecommunications authority would sold off two stages mid and early raising least seven billion francs also verhofstadt list are the maritime transport authority leading gas distributor distrigaz cger savings bank cger and several other credit institutions soir daily quoted cger vice president paul henrion expressing strong opposition the privatisation his bank public company are and public company wish stay henrion told the 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 eight stores reuter 
earn	engineering measurements emco qtr net qtr ends jan shr four cts cts net revs nine mths shr cts cts net revs note excludes discontinued operations gain dlrs the third quarter fiscal and loss dlrs the nine months fiscal reuter 
earn	boothe financial corp bcmp qtr net shr one 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 may 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 said signed definitive agreement sell its railway maintenance equipment subsidiary banner industries inc terms were withheld said railway maintenance had sales mln dlrs and employs people rexnord said the sale part major program divest several its businesses representing about mln dlrs net assets still divested are the process machinery division with sales mln dlrs and mathews conveyer with sales mln dlrs reuter 
sugar	licht sees stagnant european beet area the overall area devoted sugar beet europe forecast remain stagnant this year mln hectares compared with mln west german statistician licht said was feared that the recent steep rise sugar prices would have marked effect planting intentions this year licht said but judging this first estimate the effect was probably minimal the total beet area the european community forecast fall two pct mln against mln the total western europe area put mln against mln eastern europe area forecast mln against mln individual west europe country estimates hectares with figures brackets are belgium luxembourg denmark france greece ireland italy netherlands portugal spain west germany austria finland sweden switzerland turkey yugoslavia eastern europe plantings are forecast follows ussr albania bulgaria czechoslovakia east germany hungary poland romania the basis average yields this year licht said these area forecasts pointed total european beet sugar crop mln tonnes raw value down from mln tonnes licht said sugar yields were fairly high last season thanks favourable weather and this increases the chances significant reduction production based average yields beet sugar production could fall nearly pct this year mln tonnes from mln while total western europe production could mln tonnes against mln eastern europe production could mln tonnes against mln reuter 
gold	britain mint new britannia gold coin britain will from next autumn mint and market new bullion coin called the britannia containing one ounce carat gold together with bullion coins smaller denominations treasury official said the new investment coin sold worldwide will fluctuate price according the international price gold the smaller coins will denominations half ounce quarter ounce and tenth ounce reuter 
acq	meese sees plus chrysler amc merger attorney general edwin meese said saw some benefit the proposed purchase american motors amo chrysler corp that would return the smallest the auto manufacturers american hands meese told the house appropriations subcommittee that consideration would part the justice department review the proposed merger said the agency has not yet received formal notice the merger which would start the review process chrysler has made billion dlr bid buy amc from its french parent renault think one the things that has recognized that merger that appears least that good portion the ownership american motors which has been overseas hands will put back american hands meese told the subcommittee that may one the factors that would weighed the judgment added renault currently holds about pct amc reuter 
ship	dutch parliament offers little help port row dutch members parliament said they could little help resolve the dispute over redundancies rotterdam port general cargo sector and urged the union and employers sort out their differences themselves both sides gave evidence the all party standing committee social affairs today but committee members said they saw little chance parliamentary intervention the dispute began january protest employers plans for redundancies from the strong workforce starting with this year the port and transport union fnv challenge the redundancies amsterdam court tomorrow reuter 
acq	sosnoff says caesars caw offered stock buyback martin sosnoff who has offered buy caesars world inc for dlrs share said senior officials the company have offered buy back the caesars stake already holds now pct the total outstanding filing with the securities and exchange commission sosnoff new york investor and money manager said the offers buy back his stock occurred several occasions during the past year the offers were made several caesars world representatives including its chairman henry gluck said sosnoff said rejected all the proposals the caesars world official suggested various forms payment for sosnoff stake including other securities the company and cash said sosnoff did not detail the value the proposed compensation also suggested was deal involving put and call option regarding sosnoff caesars world holdings said the proposed deals would have also included standstill agreement which would have restricted sosnoff right buy more caesars world stock take any action adverse incumbent management said sosnoff report the offers received for his caesars world shares were amended his official offer purchase the company well reported the sec sosnoff now holds about mln caesars world shares pct the company mln shares outstanding the sosnoff offer buy the shares the company does not already hold has been valued mln dlrs reuter 
gnp	austrian growth seen between and pct meeting leading politicians bankers and economists has forecast austrian real gross domestic product growth for this year between and pct government spokesman said this compared with two pct growth forecast made the semi official institute for economic research wifo last december helmut kramer spokesman for chancellor franz vranitzky told reuters that the forecast had been made during the meeting attended vranitzky finance minister ferdinand lacina national bank president stefan koren and wifo representative economists have been cutting growth forecasts recently mainly due expectations poor export performance this year notably eastern europe and oil exporting states hannes androsch general director creditanstalt bankverein cabv today put gdp growth between one and pct kramer also said the meeting had heard that unemployment for the year would above the pct forecast but was unlikely more than six pct reuter 
earn	for better 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 five cts shr profit diluted dlrs profit five cts net profit profit sales mln mln note prior qtr and year figures include gains disposal discontinued operations dlrs and dlrs respectively reuter 
earn	newport electronics inc newe qtr net oper shr loss nine cts loss four 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 ltd exp payout qtly div cts cts prior pay june one record may eight reuter 
earn	transco energy sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay june one record may eight reuter 
earn	total erickson resources ltd tlexf year net shr profit nine cts loss cts net profit loss revs note net includes mln dlr nine shr writedown nine pct stake trans canada resources ltd results reflect only six mths mining operations due merger erickson gold mines ltd and total eastcan exploration ltd june reuter 
acq	versar vsr buy marietta unit versar inc said has agreed principle acquire martin marietta corp martin marietta environmental systems unit for about dlrs versar said would use its working capital and established life credit find the purchase which subject approval both boards and expected completed april marietta environmental had revenues about nine mln dlrs versar said the acquisition should have moderately favorable effect its earnings this year reuter 
interest	banks offer fixed rate mortgages pct two major clearing banks announced they will offer total mln stg new mortgages fixed interest rate pct for the first three years below current bank base lending rates pct midland bank plc mdbl said has initially allocated mln stg for home loans this rate while lloyds bank plc lloy will offer mln stg earlier this week midland said would cut its standard rate mortgage payment pct from april following half percentage point reduction leading banks base lending rates from pct building society and other bank mortgage rates are largely still well above the new base rate level although last year lloyds offered fixed rate pct certain home loans midland spokesman said his bank calculated that the current level billion stg its existing mortgage book accounts for about pct the total british home loan market lloyds said has billion stg outstanding mortgage loans but had not estimated its total market share among other major clearing banks barclays plc bcs and national westminister bank plc nwbl said they had immediate plans announce similar fixed rate schemes reuter 
acq	jim walter jwc busy owens corning ocf plant jim walter corp said completed the acquisition owens corning fiberglas corp mineral ceiling and fiberboard plant meridian miss terms were not disclosed the plant operations will complement existing ceiling materials production within jim walter building material group which last year generated income mln dlrs sales mln dlrs reuter 
ship	american president aps lease more ships american president cos ltd said its american president lines shipping subsidiary obtained final approval from and japanese authorities lease four new ships from lykes bros the move will will enable boost service the pacific pct american president said the company said will lease the ships for three years and hold two additional three year options said american president lines currently operating capacity the pacific and the new ships will arrive time for the normal demand surge the spring and summer seasons reuter 
earn	bowne and inc bne sets stock split bowne and inc said its board declared two for one stock split payable may holders record april reuter 
acq	investment firm boosts amerford amrf stake louart corp los angeles investment firm said raised its stake amerford international corp shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission louart said bought amerford common shares between march and jan prices ranging from dlrs share said bought the shares for investment purposes and might increase its stake the future reuter 
gnp	corrected austria growth forecast revised austrian gross domestic product growth for this year likely between and pct helmut kramer head the semi official institute for economic research wifo said this compared with two pct growth forecast made the wifo last december kramer made the forecast meeting today austria economic outlook also attended chancellor franz vranitzky finance minister ferdinand lacina and national bank president stefan koren reuter 
acq	first boston fbc swiss affiliate boosts stake first boston the swiss affiliate first boston inc said raised its stake the company shares pct the total from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission financiere credit suisse said bought first boston common shares between feb and prices ranging from dlrs share mln dlrs total said bought the shares part agreement raise its minority stake first boston pct the same stake level first boston holds financiere credit suisse reuter 
earn	numac oil and gas ltd 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 from discontinued operations gross proven and probable reserves crude oil and natural gas liquiids mln barrels off pct from year before reuter 
earn	farah fra again omits quarterly dividend farah inc said omitted its quarterly common stock dividend for the second consecutive quarter the company which last paid quarterly common dividend cts share december said will consider future dividend payments the basis improved profitability and cash flow farah said expects turn profit for the balance for its first quarter ended january farah lost dlrs cts share sales mln dlrs addition farah said received shareholder approval change its name farah inc from farah manufacturing reuter 
crude	jordan petrocanada agree oil exploration project two year project search for oil and gas jordan was agreed amman jordan natural resources authority nra and the canadian company petrocanada international assistance corporation pciac the mln dlr assistance agreement was signed jordan minister energy hisham khatib and pciac chairman peter towe pciac canadian government corporation providing assistance countries like jordan reduce their dependence oil imports towe said reuter 
earn	numac oil nmc sees results improving numac oil and gas ltd said expects significant improvement operating performance during the company today reported earnings from continuing operations dlrs down from mln dlrs yuear earlier due lower prices for crude oil and pipeline capacity constraints numac said changes introduced federal and provincial governments during should help results reuter 
earn	heinz qtr shr cts cts 
earn	heinz raises quarterly cts from cts 
earn	ranchmen resources ltd year loss shr loss seven cts loss dlrs net profit loss revs mln mln note current shr after 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 said signed definitive agreement buy the stock rexnord inc railway maintenance equipment unit for undisclosed sum the company said railway maintenance had revenues mln dlrs oak said the acquisition part its two tier strategy buying releated and unrelated businesses oak had tax loss carryforward mln dlrs the end reuter 
earn	sumitomo bank sumi declares stock dividend sumitomo bank california said declared pct stock dividend addition its regular quarterly cash dividend cts per share both dividends are payable april shareholders record march the company said reuter 
earn	lsb bancshares inc lxbk raises payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april one reuter 
earn	heinz hnz qtr jan net shr cts cts qtly div cts cts prior net mln mln revs billion billion nine 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 has long been rumored takeover candidate rose sharply today when speculation surfaced that investor boone pickens may targeting the company for acquisition traders and analysts said tenneco spokesman joseph macrum said have comment make whatsoever pickens was not available for comment traders noted that activity the stock increased today after published report linked pickens tenneco tenneco rose two points paul feretti analyst with new orleans based howard weil labouisse friedrichs inc said was not surprised market rumors that tenneco might the target takeover attempt pure market speculation that boone pickens and his group may interested feretti said but tenneco would challenge run because its sheer size and diversity pickens man who likes challenge pickens who made unsuccessful attempt take over dallas based diamond shamrock corp dia last winter has made secret his plans acquire additional natural gas reserves the belief that gas prices will stabilize sooner than oil prices tenneco holds natural gas reserves estimated excess trillion cubic feet analysts said feretti conservatively estimated tenneco breakup value dlrs share and said the company generated cash flow about dlrs share which probably very attractive pickens other analysts however estimate breakup value well into the dlr share range strongly doubt that there going any hostile takeover drexel burnham lambert inc houston based analyst john olson said putting little credence the rumors tenneco gargantuan enterprise with seven billion dlrs long term debt and preferred stock outstanding said the buyer would also have deal with the intractable problems tenneco faces with its farm equipment unit and energy businesses analysts suggested that tenneco could use number defensive strategies fend off unwanted buyer such spin off some its non energy businesses directly shareholders buy back shares create limited partnership out its natural gas pipeline interests analyst who asked remain unidentified discouraged the pickens rumor pickens has plateful already with his holdings burlington northern and amerada hess said don think would willing take tenneco problems with case the farm equipment unit which has been losing about mln dlrs annually and worth less than billion dlrs the market today reuter 
earn	software saga sees weak results software systems inc said expects report earnings for its third quarter substantially weaker than earnings prior periods due unexpected shortfall domestic license revenues for the second quarter ended november software earned dlrs down from dlrs year before last year third 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 five cts net profit profit rev mln mln avg shares nine months shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss rev mln mln note third qtr net includes gain from discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share two cts share fiscal third qtr nine months net includes gain from discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share dlrs seven cts share the first nine months fiscal 
earn	shadowfax resources ltd shfxf year loss shr loss three 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 said has agreeed acquire american video group inc exchange for paralax restricted common shares and three year warrants buy restricted shares six dlrs share paralax said holders some american video convertible debentures have elected exchange them for paralax restricted common with market value about dlrs with that value determined about days american video closely held company operating video rental concessions post and base exchanges army air force navy and coast guard installations its most recent year the company had revenues about mln dlrs paralax said the acquisition scheduled close march the company now has about 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 said acquired pct chutes corp maker denim oriented sportswear headquartered seattle wash terms were not disclosed reuter 
earn	intelligent systems mlp inp makes cash payout intelligent systems master limited partnership said will make cash distribution cts unit early april unitholders record march the company said continued strength its results prompted the move intelligent systems added that current plans sell some its assets previously announced are successful may make further distributions estimated cts cts unit earlier the company reported fiscal third quarter ended december net income mln dlrs cts share from fiscal third quarter results dlrs five cts share addition reported fiscal nine months net income mln dlrs cts share versus loss mln dlrs cts share fiscal first three quarters reuter 
earn	kurzweil kurm has reduced work force kurzweil music systems inc said has taken steps this year reduce costs including pct reduction its work force spokesman said the company now has about employees said other reductions include the use professional services administrative costs manufacturing overhead and non essential development services adding these cuts are expected have significant impact beginning the second quarter earlier today kurzweil reported loss cts share compared loss dlrs share reuter 
earn	heinz hnz has higher net despite higher costs heinz said net income for the third quarter rose pct despite pct increase marketing expenses meanwhile the company said raised its quarterly dividend cts share from cts share part the expectation that its tax rate under the new tax law will result greater cash flow for the third quarter ended january heinz earned mln dlrs cts share from earnings mln dlrs cts share for the year ago quarter for the nine months the company posted profit mln dlrs dlrs share compared with profit mln dlrs dlrs share for the year ago period based the company performance for the first nine months expect achieve our consecutive year new growth records anthony reilly heinz newly elected chairman reuter 
orange	brazilian fcoj official welcomes duty cut mario branco peres president the brazilian association citrus juice industries abrassuco welcomed decision the commerce department sharply cutting its duties imported frozen concentrated orange juice fcoj from brazil speaking telephone from sao paulo peres said with its decision the government recognised the honesty brazilian exporters who never have the intention practising dumping final ruling yesterday the government eliminated the duties shipped sucocitrico cutrale and cut pct the duty citrosuco duties pct had been set last october peres said brazil had enough orange juice meet the needs its major clients not have stock what would like have but certainly have enough orange juice available supply our buyers peres said declining estimate the amount the current stock keep secret part our strategy added peres said the price policy the orange juice was based market conditions there nothing better than free trade policy said cutrale and citrosuco officials were not immediately available for comment reuter 
earn	wall street stocks ich corp ich ich corp stock continued under pressure because lower earnings expectations wall street analysts said the stock was down one today and down about four since thursday when ich announced would reporting lower than expected fourth quarter net income the company said would report full year net income dlrs per share compared dlrs per share analysts said they had estimated net dlrs and were now looking for dlr dlr range ich officials were 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 ltd year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter 
housing	quebec february housing starts fall quebec housing starts fell february four pct drop from last year when growth quebec housing starts was among the highest the canada the canada mortgage and housing corp said the february rate seasonally adjusted now stands down from january the government agency said reuter 
earn	invacare ivcr expects higher sales invacare corp chairman president and chief executive officer malachi mixon iii said expects the home healthcare equipment company post sales increases the pct range mixon said the increases should come from internal growth well potential acquisitions invacare aggressively seeking acquisitions complement the company existing product lines mixon said earlier the company reported fourth quarter net mln dlrs cts share from mln dlrs cts share fourth quarter invacare also reported net income mln dlrs cts share from loss mln dlrs cts share reuter 
earn	lamson and sessions lms qtr loss oper shr loss cts profit five 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 nine cts the quarter and loss dlrs share versus loss cts the year also excludes extraordinary loss six cts share the fourth quarter and gain dlrs share full year also excludes full year gain cts per share from accounting change reuter 
trade	south korea keep trade surplus years south korean trade minister rha woong bae said his nation would maintain trading surplus for three five years way cut its foreign debt said interview with reuter that after few years was likely south korea would drop barriers foreign goods and move toward more balanced trade position said the present trade surplus was vital his nation was reduce its billion dlr foreign debt rha said that was the first year south korea had trade surplus billion dlrs against deficit mln dlrs rha made his remarks the end two week trade mission here during which team led agreed buy products valued billion dlrs about mln dlrs the purchases here were goods the type south korea normally bought from japan rha leaves today for ottawa for trade talks with canadian officials and businessmen asked south korea would retaliate against goods congress closed markets its products said this moment have thought retaliation south korea major exporter the textiles and apparel and electronic goods such television sets video cassette records and personal computers its purchases from the 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 both periods includes gain dlrs from tax loss carryforward spokeswoman said average shares outstanding diluted basis were not available reuter 
earn	southern new england telecom sng declares div qtly div cts cts prior pay april record march note company full name southern new 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 the deltona corp reported the equity method beginning the fourth qtr amounts for and the first three qtrs have been restated reflect the retroactive application during the pct debentures and dlrs preferred stock were 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 seven 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 four cts share fourth quarter and cts year reuter 
acq	corrected rexnord rex sell railway unit rexnord inc said signed definitive agreement sell its railway maintenance equipment subsidiary oak industries inc terms were withheld also participating the agreement was banner industries inc which previously agreed acquire rexnord railway maintenance had sales mln dlrs rexnord said the sale part major program divest several its businesses representing about mln dlrs net assets still divested are the process machinery division with sales mln dlrs and mathews conveyer with sales mln dlrs corrects mame purchaser reuter 
acq	wall street stocks supermarkets general sgl dart group corp darta which wants acquire supermarkets general corp for billion dlrs not likely give without fight its target seeks another buyer arbitrageurs said speculation that dart offer dlrs per share could just the beginning bidding contest helped supermarkets shares gain one mln shares one rumor had federated department stores inc fds taking look supermarkets general our policy that not comment any rumors speculation this nature federated spokeswoman said arbitrageur noted that dart controlled chairman herbert haft and his son robert last year raised its initial bid for safeway stores approximately pct when safeway resisted however that company was later sold buyout group that topped the hafts history repeats itself the hafts could raise their bid dlrs they are rebuffed supermarkets general the arbitrageur said but another arbitrageur said the hafts present bid seemed quite fair said the offer amounts times after tax cash flow which probably fully priced reuter 
acq	american motors amo weighs takeover proposal american motors corp said its directors met wednesday review the takeover proposal which the corporation received monday from chrysler corp amc said its board has retained independent investment and legal advisers and expects meet periodically over the next several weeks the 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 said attempt santa southern pacific sfx reopen the proposed merger the atchison topeka and santa railway and the southern pacific transportation offers nothing truly new letter shippers kansas city chairman landon rowland stated this proposed merger plainly anti competitive found the icc and urged the department justice nothing has changed landon said kansas city southern continuing its efforts acquire the transportation operation santa railway reuter 
acq	coke affiliate sell delaurentiis deg stake laurentiis entertainment group inc said embassy communications californai general partnership affiliated with coca cola plans sell its pct stake the company filing with the securities and exchange commission for secondary offering laurentiis said embassy will offer its entire stake the company shares common stock the public sale laurentiis said has mln shares outstanding painewebber inc will underwrite the offering reuter 
earn	herley microwave hrly qtr jan net shr nine cts cts net rev mln four 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 said completed the sale its agrico chemical unit freeport mcmoran resource partners frp for initial mln dlrs cash the company said will also receive additional mln dlrs five years based the operating performance the unit said the cash proceeds will used lower its debt costs reuter 
sugar	commission rejects sugar threats sources the european community commission has told member states that not prepared discuss sugar prices while sugar traders threaten make huge sale into intervention stocks protest against its policies commission sources said our position that are not willing discuss the problems market prices time when traders are making threats one source said the sources said the commission view was made clear meeting its sugar management committee today they said french west german and dutch officials had informed the committee that traders their countries intended sell just over tonnes sugar into intervention stocks the commission riposted signalling that would sell the sugar sold into intervention back onto the market tender move that would push down prices the sources said french traders planned sell tonnes into intervention stocks west german traders tonnes and dutch traders reuter 
money-supply	treasury balances fed fell march treasury balances the federal reserve fell march billion dlrs from billion dlrs the previous business day the treasury said its latest budget statement balances tax and loan note accounts fell billion dlrs from billion dlrs the same respective days the treasury operating cash balance totaled billion dlrs march compared with billion dlrs march reuter 
trade	south korea maintain trade surplus years south korean trade minister rha woong bae said his nation would maintain trading surplus for three five years way cut its foreign debt said interview with reuters that after few years was likely south korea would drop barriers foreign goods and move toward more balanced trade position said the present trade surplus was vital his nation was reduce its billion dlr foreign debt rha said that was the first year south korea had trade surplus billion dlrs against deficit mln dlrs asked south korea would drop its trade barriers once its foreign debt was substantially reduced said yes think rha made his remarks the end two week trade mission here during which team led agreed buy products valued billion dlrs about mln dlrs the purchases are goods the type south korea normally bought from japan rha was leave later today for ottawa for trade talks with canadian officials and businessmen said the interview the purchases were reduce his country billion dlr surplus with the united states and also cut its billion dlr shortfall with japan rha said was also due shift exchange rates between the dollar and the yen that made cheaper buy goods than japanese goods said south korea heavily relied foreign trade and hoped the leaders major trading nations could find way resolve the growing trend toward protectionist legislation rha said hope the leaders can get together find solution making some mutually satisfactory concessions but added the leaders seem hesitant make concessions because domestic political reasons speaking his own country said have made lot concessions already cited regulations permitting foreign investment industrial firms allowing increased foreign banking activity and cracking down piracy intellectual property strengthening protection copyrights and patents rha said south korea had also lowered many its tariffs asked south korea would retaliate against goods congress closed markets its products said this moment have thought retaliation south korea major exporter the united states textiles and apparel and electronic goods such television sets video cassette records and personal computers its puchases from the united states include electronic testing equipment and grains and cotton the trade mission purchases here included three boeing passenger planes for mln dlrs four mcdonnell douglas planes for mln dlrs and machinery worth mln dlrs reuter 
acq	hong kong firm ups calmat czm stake pct industrial equity pacific ltd hong kong investment firm said raised its stake calmat shares pct the total outstanding common stock from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission industrial equity which principally owned brierley investments ltd publicly held new zealand firm said bought calmat common shares between feb and march for mln dlrs has said bought the stock for investment purposes but may raise its stake pct reuter 
acq	paralax video vido buy american video paralax video enterprises inc said signed definitive agreement buy american video group inc for stock according the merger proposal american video shareholders will receive about restricted paralax shares and warrants buy another restricted shares six dlrs share the warrants run for three years addition said holders american video convertible debentures agreed exchange their holdings for about dlrs worth paralax stock american video operates stores military bases reuter 
earn	lamson sessions lms drops rail parts operations lamson and sessions said has decided discontinue operations youngstown steel door maker components and equipment for railroad freight cars the company said the unit sold sometime this year was included discontinued operations its results announced earlier today the company reported loss from continuing operations mln dlrs for the year against 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 said agreed buy canton telephone for undisclosed terms canton serves customers northeastern penn had operating revenues about mln dlrs the company said reuter 
earn	wallace computer services inc wcs dividend qtly div cts cts previously pay june record june one reuter 
earn	iroquois brands ltd 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 the quarter and gain dlrs share versus gain dlrs the year from discontinued and disposed operations reuter 
acq	alabama investor ups penobscot shoe pso stake donaldson bramham lee investor from birmingham alabama said raised his stake penobscot shoe shares pct the total outstanding common stock from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission lee said bought penobscot common shares between feb and march prices ranging from dlrs share lee has said bought the penobscot stock for investment purposes only and has plans seek control the company although may buy more stock reuter 
earn	aero services aeroe sees better aero services international inc said expects achieve improvements overall operations the year ending september earlier aero reported year end net loss mln dlrs compared profit dlrs the company said the loss was attributable costs associated with its acquisition costs and operating losses nine 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 from discontinued operations revenues include revenues for the last eight months beckett aviation acquired september year ended september reuter 
earn	vista resources inc vist qtr net shr dlrs one dlr net revs mln mln mths shr dlrs dlrs net revs mln mln reuter 
alum	alcoa declines specific comment options trade alcoa officials acknowledged the possibility that they may have position the off exchange aluminum options market but declined specific comment trade speculation that the company holding large outstanding position alcoa aluminum company america source involved terminal trading for the company said use all means available manage our business possibility trading options won into specifics about what doing but when you dealing alloyed ingot commodity business where there are lot tools available for hedging and alcoa using all those tools said posti alcoa manager corporate news trade sources have said alcoa long call options equal tonnes aluminum due mature april and may however some new york based aluminium traders said they believe the size alcoa position has been exaggerated the possibility that alcoa may long call options one factor indicating that supply tightness may worsen the second quarter traders said they decide exercise their right buy would mean really squeezing the market one new york trader said noting that aluminum stocks the london metal exchange were tonnes the end last week reuter 
earn	brae corp brae qtr dec loss shr loss dlrs profit two cts net loss profit revs mln mln nine mths shr loss dlrs loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note includes losses from discontinued operations dlrs loss dlrs qtr and dlrs loss dlrs loss nine mths reuter 
crude	marathon raise crude prices cts bbl tomorrow wti dlrs 
acq	general electric sell datel unit general electric semiconductor business said agreed sell its datel unit group led the unit president nicolas tagaris terms were not disclosed tagaris founded the company which produces precision data acquisition conversion and control components and subsystems sold reuter 
acq	trico tro sets date for acquisition vote trico industries inc said set march the date for special shareholders meeting for vote the proposed acquisition the company paccar inc pcar january the two companies announced agreement covering proposed acquisition paccar trico approximately mln shares outstanding for eight dlrs per share cash reuter 
acq	hughes tool shareholders approve merger with baker international 
earn	canadian gypsum ltd year net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln revs mln mln reuter 
acq	crew union sets pact with pacific southwest psg pacific southwest airlines said reached agreement with the southwest crew controllers association needed satisfy conditions usair group proposed acquisition psa psa said this the third four unions agreement needed with for usair acquisition consummated under the agreement psa crew controllers received assurances they will provided with labor protective provisions and seniority integration process reuter 
earn	southernnet inc sout qtr net shr cts four cts net revs mln mln year shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
ship	senator lugar calls for cargo preference repeal the senior republican the senate agriculture committee richard lugar indiana called for repeal the cargo preference law that aids the american shipping industry but which said hurts farmers cargo preference costly special interest operated the expense american farmers and dockworkers lugar said signing sponsor cargo preference repeal legislation the law requires shipment goods american ships rather than foreign vessels which are less costly reuter 
crude	eia says distillate stocks off mln gasoline off crude off mln 
earn	sylvan learning corp slvn nine months dec shr loss cts profit eight cts net loss mln profit revs mln mln note net includes negative effect accounting change five cts share reuter 
crude	eia says distillate gas stocks off week distillate fuel stocks held primary storage fell mln barrels the week ended march six mln barrels the energy information administration eia said its weekly petroleum status report the department energy agency said gasoline stocks were off barrels the week mln barrels and refinery crude oil stocks fell mln barrels mln the eia said residual fuel stocks fell mln barrels mln barrels and crude oil stocks the strategic petroleum reserve spr rose barrels mln the total all crude refined product and spr stocks fell mln barrels said reuter 
interest	philippine debt talks delayed for consultations today debt rescheduling talks between the philippines government and its bank advisory committee were postponed until thursday give the banks more time consider manila novel proposal for paying part its interest bill notes instead cash bankers said the committee banks met briefly earlier today and decided that they needed more time particular consider news report which quoted reagan administration official urging that the proposal given serious consideration the banks felt that this was new information and that further consultation was called for one banker said despatch yesterday from washington reuters quoted the official saying manila plan pay some interest with notes that could converted into equity investments the philippines was fully consistent with the reagan administration strategy for handling developing country debt the philippine proposal very interesting quite unique and don think something that should categorically rejected out hand the official said because the key role the plays the debt crisis foreign banks particular wanted time analyze the significance the policymaker comments bankers said reuter 
acq	harper and row gets bid from harcourt brace jovanovich for dlrs shr 
acq	hughes approves merger with baker bko overwhelming majority hughes tool shareholders approved merger agreement with baker international corp based revised terms that allow the companies additional time sell drilling bit business required the justice department hughes chairman william kistler said the revised terms the proposed consent decree also set mln dlr cap how much funding the newly combined companies will have spend the disputed drilling bit business until sold earlier proposed consent decree did not establish funding limit the baker hughes merger which would would create billion dlr oilfield services company almost fell through earlier this month when hughes balked terms proposed justice department consent decree that would have given the companies only three months find buyer for the reed business baker said today would withdraw the one billion dlr lawsuit had filed force hughes follow through with the merger hughes kistler speaking reporters after pct hughes shareholders approved the merger said the revised terms the agreement give the companies six months find buyer for the reed drilling bit business the previous agreement had proposed three month period kistler said the the government had also indicated would consider granting necessary additional three month extension complete the sale said there were several people looking the domestic drilling bit business the companies kistler said have also decided voluntarily sell reed plant singapore kistler estimated that the merger which should completed about two weeks will result annual cost savings about mln dlrs said expects substantial cutbacks the member workforce baker hughes inc the name the merged company will take kistler said the cost savings and greater efficiencies should put the company profitable course think that the third fourth quarter after the merger should see something close breakeven said the fourth quarter hughes earned mln dlrs sales mln dlrs baker its first fiscal quarter ended december lost mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs reuter 
crude	usx unit raise most crude postings usx subsidiary marathon petroleum said will raise its contract prices for eleven grades crude oil cts barrel effective tomorrow the increase brings marathon posted price for west texas intermediate and west texas sour grades dlrs barrel the light louisiana grade was also 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 said acquired the construction activities vogt and conant cleveland the combined companies called broad vogt and conant inc will the largest structural steel erection company the combined sales the two operations were more than mln dlrs reuter 
acq	harper hpr gets bid from harcourt hbj harper and row publishers inc said received acquisition offer from harcourt brace jovanovich inc acquire all harper and row shares dlrs share cash harper said will consider the proposal including such possible concerns anti trust and other legal considerations monday harper and row received surprise dlr share bid from investor theodore cross owner six pct the shares for the stock does not own harcourt made clear its offer that will step aside harper directors and shareholders reject the bid harper said harper said the board has previously expressed strong determination remain independent publishing enterprise harper also said that new world pictures shareholder has requested copy harper shareholder list used soliciting proxies new world has shares the total mln shares harper and row stock closed off after rising points yesterday shareholders are due vote april shareholders rights plan designed thwart hostile takeovers ivan obolensky analyst with the investment banking for sterling grace and said harper and row one the few remaining independent publishers with back list authors stretching back years said long the company maintains copyrights with the estates deceased authors controls all motion picture and television rights the stories and said new printing technologies make new editions profitable business harcourt brace needs back list that nature and willing pay for obolensky said but said harper and row has plenty beef warrant dlr bid reuter 
acq	goldman sells most pennsylvania fpa stock goldman sachs and told the securities and exchange commission sold nearly its entire stake first pennsylvania corp shares pct the total outstanding common stock goldman sachs said has about first pennsylvania common shares remaining february the company redeemed convertible debentures with common stock which once increased goldman stock holding and the total outstanding goldman sachs said originally bought the stake part its arbitrage business marine midland banks has agreement principal acquire first 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 respectively for income from discontinued operations prior year qtr and year oper net also excludes mln dlrs and mln dlrs respectively for operating loss carryforwards and other 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 given deposits not given assets billion not given note full name montreal city and district savings bank period ended january reuter 
gold	franco nevada says stock rise due drilling franco nevada mining corp ltd said the gain its stock price today related deep drilling being conducted american barrick resources corp the goldstrike claims the carlin camp northern nevada franco nevada stock two seven dlrs per share the toronto stock exchange franco nevada said american barrick announced march nine that the drilling indicated number significant intersections sulfide gold mineralization below depth about feet one vertical drill hole intersected gold continuously from feet feet averaging ounces per short ton the announcement said reuter 
acq	businessman has pct del webb dwp john cotton arizona businessman told the securities and exchange commission has acquired the equivalent shares class common shares del webb investment properties pct the total cotton president finalco group inc paradise valley ariz data processing equipment maker said bought the stake which includes warrants buy shares for dlrs the warrants are exerciseable dlrs share said cotton said bought the stock for investment purposes only reuter 
earn	astec industries inc aste qtr dec shr loss nine 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 three cts mln dlrs qtr and loss cts dlrs year from discontinued operations reuter 
earn	bank british columbia qtr jan net oper shr loss two cts profit three 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 from sale bank assets hongkong bank canada eight mln dlrs for contingent liabilities respect litigation and potential tax reassessment govt and mln dlrs deferred tax debits most bank assets sold hongkong bank canada unit hong kong and shanghai banking corp nov shr after 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 from carryforward shares restated give effect one stock split the 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 respectively from discontinued qtr and year include loss mln mln dlr respectively reuter 
earn	bank revises share payout estimate bank british columbia said revised its estimate shareholder distributions from last november sale most the bank assets hongkong bank canada between cts and dlrs share from cts dlrs share the bank said the estimate could rise between dlrs and dlrs share the full pension surplus obtained said did not know when distributions would made earlier reported that operating profit for first quarter ended january fell dlrs from mln dlrs the previous year for full year ended october the bank posted operating loss mln dlrs against year earlier profit mln dlrs the bank also posted mln dlr extraordinary loss fiscal bank british columbia sold most its assets last november hongkong bank canada unit hongkong and shanghai banking corp hong kong for mln dlrs said efforts wind the bank affairs were proceeding quickly possible the bank said expected report positive earnings future periods barring unforeseen circumstances loan losses which the bank previously said figured its move sell off most its assets rose mln dlrs fiscal from year earlier mln dlrs the bank said mln dlrs the total represented downward adjustments its portfolio syndicated sovereign risk loans required under the sale hongkong bank since november the bank has confined activities the winding affairs bank british columbia said reuter 
earn	kiena gold mines ltd qtr net shr cts cts net revs year shr dlrs cts net revs mln mln reuter 
earn	kiena plans two for one stock split kiena gold mines ltd said planned two for one common stock split pending shareholder approval april said approval would require pct votes cast kiena said pct owner campbell red lake mines ltd crk was expected vote favor the split reuter 
earn	rowe furniture corp rowe sets qtly dividend qtly div four cts four cts prior pay april record march reuter 
trade	house panel takes first trade bill votes house trade lawmakers took their first votes measures designed toughen trade laws but held over until tomorrow the most difficult votes controversial plans protect american industries meeting closed session the house ways and means trade subcommittee failed resolve one the most sensitive issues the bill whether they will force major foreign trading partners severely cut their trade surpluses with the united states the subcommittee considering toned down version democratic sponsored trade legislation that aims open foreign markets but which drops last year effort force president reagan retaliate with quotas tariffs congressional aides who asked not identified said the lawmakers intend wrap their proposals tomorrow and will consider proposal mandate retaliation without setting specific trade penalties the legislation faces another hurdle the full ways and means committee next week before the full house votes rep richard gephardt missouri democrat who seeking his party presidential nomination said may offer amendment call for reductions the trade surpluses those countries with barriers imports goods this would moderated version his earlier plan force mandatory ten per cent annual cut the trade surplus with the united states japan south korea taiwan west germany and other countries with the largest trade imbalances criteria for good amendment sets standard for getting the trade deficit down told reporters the trade law changes are become part major congressional and administration effort turn around the record trade deficit billion dlrs last year opening foreign markets and making products more competitive house speaker james wright texas democrat said again today expects the full house will approve the trade bill may and that reagan will accept the final congressional bill expect whatever reported the ways and means committee will pass will have good bill and effective bill told reporters the comprehensive trade bill will include work other 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 the lawmakers agreed that for the first time industry could charge foreign producers with unfair competition they deny basic worker rights such collective bargaining safety rules and payment minimum wage appropriate the country economic development they transferred trade representative clayton yeutter the powers now held reagan decide whether retaliate against foreign violations fair trade rules and whether injured industry deserves import relief they agreed make easier for company get temporary relief from import competition but agreed the industry should provide plan become competitive the administration has not announced its support but yeutter said yesterday cautiously optimistic that the democratic led house will come with acceptable bill reuter 
trade	soviet minister says trade boost french soviet first deputy prime minister vsevolod murakhovsky said the end brief visit here his country wanted boost joint business with france but that reduction france trade deficit with the soviet union depended the french murakhovsky who also chairman the state agro industrial committee gosagroprom told news conference had discussed variety possible deals with french companies rhone poulenc pechiney and imec declining put figures possible contracts said had discussed plant protection and the processing highly sulphuric gas with rhone poulenc packaging technology for agricultural products with pechiney and fruit and vegetable juice processing with imec official for pechiney said agreement intent packaging could signed soon but could not give any other details the other two companies were not immediately available for comment asked whether foresaw reduction this year france trade shortfall billion francs the first months against billion for the whole murakhovsky told reuters all depends france meeting paris last january french and soviet foreign trade ministers said they were committed increased efforts reduce the deficit estimates the time showed french mln franc surplus for december murakhovsky said the soviet union was prepared talk with anybody with interesting proposals offering latest technology and assuring mutual advantage said the soviet union had many tasks ahead and would deal rapidly with proposals considered interesting encouraged companies take advantage new laws guaranteeing the interests foreign partners joint ventures but said agreements had yet been finalised under the new joint venture laws said concrete deals had not yet been finalised result one billion dollar accord signed moscow last month with french businessman jean baptiste doumeng said doumeng interagra company was preparing proposals for further examination the soviet union doumeng last month said the agreement was exchange one billion dollars worth goods murakhovsky said the agreement was one intent and designed primarily renew and increase the soviet union food production capacity reuter 
crude	venezuela lend oil ecuador for export venezuela will supply ecuador with yet undetermined amount crude oil help meet export commitments seriously affected last week earthquake energy and mines minister arturo hernandez grisanti said gave few details about the deal but said crude oil loan agreement will made between state oil companies petroleos venezuela pdvsa and ecuador cepe ecuador was forced suspend oil exports for expected four months after earthquake damaged pipeline oil accounts for per cent its export income hernandez was speaking reporters miraflores palace the results talks with ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite who arrived here last night the volume lent ecuador would discounted from its opec quota and would not affect venezuela said would from august produce our own quota and sell the additional amounts that ecuador would repaying said did not elaborate the quota arrangements but did say ecuador would notify opec telex that venezuela would lending certain amount over many days venezuela opec output quota currently million barrels day and ecuador has been 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 the rise protectionism and the harm would bring and other trading nations british trade and industry secretary paul channon said japan must heed report issued japanese government advisory body december calling for faster domestic demand help cut its trade surplus and restructure its economy recognise that the strong yen has brought problems japan domestic economy told group japanese businessmen london but these short term difficulties should not allowed deflect japan from the fundamental reforms necessary said not just domestic issue for japan import propensity does not expand very soon there real risk from protectionist lobbies particularly the with whom japan has massive surplus said they may well succeed securing action governments which would highly injurious trading nations like japan and the channon said there had been substantial growth the volume trade between japan and britain amounting billion sterling billion dlrs last year but added regrettably too much was one direction with the japanese selling billion sterling billion dlrs more than sold them reuter 
acq	taft broadcasting rejects dlr per share buyout offer from theta corp 
acq	taft tfb rejects dlr shr offer taft braodacasting said its board directors unanimously decided not accept the pending proposal theta corp investor group led dudley taft the decision was based among other things the advise its financial advisors goldman sachs and that the offer dlrs per share was inadequate taft said the board concluded that the offer failed recognize fully the future propsects the company and directed management explore alternatives including possible financial restructuring reuter 
veg-oil	british minister criticises proposed oils tax british minister said that proposed european community tax vegetable oils and fats would raise the price fish and chips and pledged the government would fight against lord belstead junior agriculture minister told the house lords the tax would raise the price raw materials used many processed foods about pct said revenue should not raised taxing the consumer and called the proposal repugnant reuter 
jobs	australian unemployment eases february australia seasonally adjusted unemployment rate eased pct the estimated workforce february from pct january compared with pct year earlier the statistics bureau said the number unemployed declined from january against february said but unadjusted the number jobless rose pct the workforce from pct january and pct year earlier reuter 
money-fx	treasury secretary baker declines comment treasury secretary james baker declined comment the february paris accord between the six major industrial nations under which they agreed foster exchange rate stability asked reporters after speech before the national fitness foundation banquet what any currency intervention levels had been set paris baker replied never talk about intervention baker also declined comment his views about the foreign exchange markets reaction the accord reuter 
crude	ecuador ask opec raise export quota ecuador will ask opec raise its oil export quota barrels per day compensate for lost output due last week earthquake deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite said santos alvite who arrived caracas last night discuss aid plan for ecuador did not say when the organisation petroleum exporting countries opec would approached the additional output would related plans now under discussion for venezuela and mexico lend ecuador crude while repairs pipeline damaged the quake earlier venezuelan energy and mines minister aturo hernandez grisanti said his country would supply unspecified part ecuador export commitments but santos alvite told reporters hoped first cargo barrels could leave maracaibo this weekend supply refineries near guayaquil added ecuador also wanted make for bpd shipped caribbean destinations mexico might supply ecuador south korean market ecuador may unable export oil for five months due extensive damage mile stretch pipeline linking jungle oilfields the pacific port balao reuter 
crude	china closes second round offshore oil bids china has closed the second round bidding foreign firms for offshore oil exploration rights the china daily has reported quoted spokesman for the china national offshore oil corp cnooc saying china signed eight contracts with foreign firms for blocks the pearl river mouth and south yellow sea covering total area second round bidding began the end and only one well has far produced results lufeng south east shenzhen with output barrels day the well was drilled group japanese companies the spokesman added cnooc was ready enter into contracts for offshore blocks before third round bidding began did not say when this would but added the contracts would not bound restrictions imposed during the second round china has signed oil contracts and agreements with companies from countries since when offshore exploration was open foreigners eleven contracts were terminated after oil was discovered foreign firms have invested billion dlrs offshore china since reuter 
acq	amc imposes hiring freeze due takeover bid american motors corp amo management has ordered hiring freeze view chrysler corp billion dlr takeover bid spokesman for amc said analysts said the merger virtually certain ahead american motors directors met for five hours wednesday review the takeover proposal the board expects meeting periodically over the next several weeks the chrysler proposal amc said its first formal statement since acknowledged the chrysler proposal monday chrysler the number three automaker has said the merger motivated principally its desire acquire amc profitable jeep business and dealers well new modern car assembly plant bramalea ontario that means guaranteed future for much amc but leaves question the fate many its plus employees according industry analysts amc toledo ohio jeep plant has hourly workers indefinite layoff while its kenosha wisconsin car plant has another layoff reuter 
bop	foreign investment australia jumps last qtr the net inflow foreign investment into australia jumped billion dlrs the fourth quarter from billion the third quarter and billion year earlier the statistics bureau said the bureau attributed the increase turnaround billion dlrs official sector transactions and billion turnaround direct investment the turnaround official transactions billion inflow from mln outflow the third quarter against mln inflow year earlier was largely account government foreign currency borrowings said direct investment recorded turnaround billion dlr inflow the fourth quarter from mln withdrawal the third quarter against mln inflow the fourth quarter the bureau said said the major part the turnaround reflected injection funds estimated around mln dlrs associated with the previously reported restructuring the australian operations general motors corp used the funds pay out take over certain australian liabilities its local unit general motors holden ltd said however net borrowings remained the major part total inflow accounting for billion dlrs the fourth quarter against billion the third quarter and billion year earlier the bureau said net official borrowings comprised billion dlrs against net outflow mln the third quarter and mln inflow year earlier total private and semi public authority net borrowings rose billion dlrs from billion the third quarter and billion year earlier reuter 
trade	taiwan further relaxes foreign goods import curbs taiwan said would soon relax import controls some foreign items including stationery and books further effort allow trading partners especially the greater access its markets taiwan announced the easing import curbs some farm and industrial products last month council for economic planning and development spokesman told reuters said the new move was intended balance trade between taiwan and its trading partners the island trade surplus reached record billion dlrs last year from billion january taiwan cut import tariffs some foreign products and allowed imports wine beer and cigarettes hope the measures will help reduce our trade surplus this year especially with that the the spokesman said washington pressing taiwan open its markets wider way cutting its trade deficit with the island which rose billion dlrs the first two months from billion the year earlier period reuter 
ship	bangladesh port workers end strike cargo handling resumed bangladesh chittagong port today after workers ended their three day walk out triggered pay dispute port officials said loading and unloading ships stranded the strike started this morning and will completed quickly possible they said the strikers returned work after agreement was reached last night between port authorities and the port workers association they said without giving details reuter 
acq	leigh pemberton opposes takeover protection rules the bank england does not favour the introduction rules shield companies from hostile takeover attempts its governor robin leigh pemberton said instead merchant banks advising bidding companies must show restraint and responsibility avoid the excesses that have marred recent takeovers told the yorkshire and humberside regional confederation british industries annual dinner leigh pemberton also called companies improve ties with institutional investors suggesting representatives those institutions granted seats the boards directors companies they invest boards cannot expect protection from unwelcome predators for that but short step from saying that they should protected from their own shareholders who are after all the proprietors the company leigh pemberton said added takeovers and mergers had important role play furthering economies scale integration and more efficient market penetration the degree success failure takeover has not experience depended whether not the takeover was contested said leigh pemberton noted there had been excesses takeover activity the recent past the aim pressurise company management into action dedicated solely favourable impact the share price the short term partly even primarily the expense the future said such bids often depend for their success creating highly charged and artificial situation the share market and give rise temptations both sides the battle engage aggressive even manipulative tactics that are immensely damaging the interest the shareholders said clear reference recent events said those the city who act for companies individuals must suggest ready accept full measure responsibility even entails opprobrium for the transactions that may result they should exercise the most careful judgment the outset with respect the clients for whom they act and the activities contenplated those who sow wind cannot expect the whirlwind visit elsewhere added reuter 
pet-chem	tonen sekiyu and exxon unit studying resin project tonen sekiyukagaku and exxon chemical petrochemical division exxon corp xon said they agreed accelerate study set equally owned joint venture make waterwhite resin japan details the venture based exxon chemical technology will set later the companies said waterwhite resins are widely used adhesive applications for baby nappies medical tapes and other bonding agents tonen wholly owned subsidiary toa nenryo kogyo tnen which owned pct exxon corp reuter 
acq	japanese purchase high tech firm opposed commerce secretary malcolm baldrige has asked the white house consider blocking the planned japanese acquisition major computer and semiconductor maker officials said yesterday the officials told reporters baldrige had serious concerns national security grounds about the sale schlumberger ltd slb unit fairchild semiconductor inc fujitsu ltd itsu the officials said the sale could leave the united states overly dependent foreign company for equipment used advanced missiles aircraft electronics and intelligence gathering the officials added the sale would also worsen the strained relations between the two countries stemming from the huge japanese trade surplus the white house economic policy council would consider the sale the coming weeks they said defence secretary caspar weinberger position was not known but the past has opposed the transfer high technology foreign governments companies computers made manufacturers are widely used the world but tokyo told negotiators recently prefers local manufacturers and would not buy supercomputers reuter 
cotton	korea buy more cotton especially cotton south korea plans import about tonnes cotton this year compared tonnes trade ministry officials said more than three quarters the total some tonnes will come from the united states that will pct increase when imports totalled tonnes official said said the increase due partly the competitiveness american cotton and partly efforts seoul reduce its trade surplus with washington south korea the second largest importer cotton after japan reuter 
ship	striking brazil seamen threaten mass resignation striking seamen said they would offer their collective resignation rather than end their day old national strike management terms the seamen said they were spurred their decision after marines occupied the ship docemarte santos harbour tuesday night they said seamen the vessel were being forced work under duress president jose sarney government despatched troops brazil ports and oil installations tuesday seamen santos brazil main port are defiant mood one their leaders orlando dos santos told reuters that most the seamen the port offered their resignations wednesday the national strike headquarters rio janeiro said seamen were offering resign all the country main ports the strike seamen comes brazil faces serious debt crisis brought sharp deterioration its trade balance the country needs all the foreign exchange can get and shipowners have been quick denounce seamen for the harm the strike doing exports advertisement placed the newspapers the shipowners association read the seamen strike illegal irrational and unpatriotic the seamen respond that they cannot live their present salaries according officical pay lists available the union office the basic pay for ordinary seamen cruzados month while various allowances can bring their total pay cruzados month the other end the scale captains earn cruzados month basic pay which brought cruzados with allowances brazil seamen are the second worst paid the world after ghana dos santos said said the seamen had not received pay increase since february and prices have doubled since then with the collapse the government cruzado plan price freeze talks rio janeiro wednesday involving labour minister almir pazzionotto seamen and employers failed resolve the dispute the seamen are demanding pay raises about pct but have been offered less than half that reuter 
reserves	german net currency reserves rise mln marks billion bundesbank 
coffee	indonesian coffee production may fall this year indonesia coffee production ending september may fall slightly from last year level tonnes dharyono kertosastro chairman the association indonesian coffee exporters told reuters said shade trees had been damaged pests and this may have affected the crop though remains seen how seriously indonesia main crop harvested next month gave figure for expected output except say would probably down little from said stocks were about normal tonnes kertosastro predicted that exports were unlikely rise much from last year level tonnes expect exports will bit more maybe tonnes but not above that said exports were valued mln dlrs but the value could fall pct this year because low prices added dharyono said production was behind five year plan target tonnes for the current year but indonesia trying boost output through introduction higher yielding seeds better training for farmers and increased use fertilizers reuter 
acq	renouf sells pct nzi stake brierley renouf corp ltd said sold its pct stake nzi corp ltd brierley investments ltd bil for mln dlrs renouf managing director mike cashin said statement had been renouf intention build long term strategic position nzi but became clear that was the best interests both nzi and ourselves for brierley investments acquire our holding said said renouf built its nzi holding over the past six months the sale comprised mln shares dlrs share and warrants dlrs each the warrants are attached mln swiss franc note issue each bond francs carries detachable warrant entitling the bearer nzi shares its annual report bil reported that held pct stake nzi nzi has mln ordinary shares issue total capital including shares attached warrants mln shares cashin said the sale will result significant profit and places renouf good position consolidate recent transactions and pursue other opportunities nzi shares were dlrs bil and renouf the close trading bil executives were unavailable for comment reuter 
earn	boliden blds results group loss after financial income and expenses billion loss mln crowns sales billion crowns billion proposed dividend crowns note the company this year consolidated wholesale and investment conglomerate ahlsell reuter 
gold	britain mint new britannia gold coin britain will from next autumn mint and market new bullion coin called the britannia containing one ounce carat gold together with bullion coins smaller denominations treasury official said the new investment coin sold worldwide will fluctuate price according the international price gold the smaller coins will denominations half ounce quarter ounce and tenth ounce reuter 
earn	saudi banks face further lean period saudi arabia commercial banks are reporting further decline profits for increasing provisions have set aside cover the burden non performing loans bankers the saudi capital said the need build reserves for bad and doubtful debts may start decline little this year but the kingdom still sluggish economy and legal problems hampering traditional lending operations mean earnings will remain vulnerable one senior bank credit officer said the work largely done terms identifying bad loans and making provisions but banks are still going face difficulties earning money the sudden decline saudi arabia corporate sector culminating number debt reschedulings has taken heavy toll bank profits with first results now appearing for showing fourth successive year broad decline the cumulative net earnings the kingdom banks had sunk mln riyals from billion before world oil prices tumbled the kingdom nine joint venture banks which operate the gregorian calendar year four have already reported and revealed further profits decline net loss for the expense increased provisions the newest and smallest the joint ventures united saudi commercial bank uscb reported net loss mln riyals marginally less than shortfall mln profits before provisions were sharply higher part reflecting pct staff cut last year but the bank nearly trebled the amount set aside against bad and doubtful loans mln riyals from mln other results released far show saudi american bank samba reporting pct fall net profit mln riyals while bank saudi fransi known saudi french slid pct mln riyals both 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 were more than doubled mln riyals bankers said there are first signs that the number non performing loans has stopped growing the decline the saudi economy bottoms out few are willing predict sharp upturn economic activity but one banker said the top pct the saudi banks are now close international levels provisions from the kingdom largest bank national commercial bank ncb stashed away billion riyals provisions pct its total loans and advances the private sector bankers calculated between and riyad bank ncb rival the second biggest the two all saudi shareholding banks had covered pct its loans and advances both banks operate islamic year that does not coincide with the other nine although the saudi arabian monetary agency sama has been tightening supervision there still standardised rule for declaring loans non performing bankers say this makes comparison profit figures difficult because some banks still book non accruing interest revenue while others follow more conservative practices force major world financial centres bankers generally said ncb riyad bank and the joint ventures samba saudi french and arab national bank rank the strongest earners other banks such saudi british bank pct owned the british bank the middle east are disadvantaged relatively low deposit base saudi british slashed profit pct just mln riyals and accounts due soon are expected show another low figure but the bank has traditionally been one the most conservative making provisions bankers said sama has proved not prepared see saudi bank under and not only supported saudi cairo bank after its troubled accounts came light but also made available cheap deposits saudi investment bank and uscb the banks can lend these generate profit but generally banks are awash with liquidity since they are unwilling risk incurring fresh non performing loans and while banks more liberal financial markets can attempt diversify away from traditional lending conservatism saudi banking has made difficult generate fee income from new investment banking products one banker said operating earnings the kingdom are not good reflecting the caution new lending the amount advances showing declining trend while the days when banks had ample funds interest free current accounts invest are disappearing saudi customers seek better return their money the ratio interest bearing accounts current accounts was pct today only about pct customer funds are held current account reuter 
acq	guinness challenges mln stg payment lawyer guinness plc guin the brewing group has challenged mln stg payment lawyer who says organised its controversial takeover scotch whisky maker the distillers plc but attorneys for lawyer thomas ward member the guinness board told court yesterday the channel island jersey that ward saw the payment his reward for services last year billion stg takeover britain department trade and industry investigating the takeover guinness says its former chairman ernest saunders and ward breached their fiduciary duty authorising the payment ward via jersey based company marketing and acquisitions consultants and has gone the jersey court recover mac said defence documents that ward was the main negotiator the battle for distillers against rival bidder argyll ayll group plc the bid would not have been successful but for the services ward mac attorneys said the documents submitted court the payment was all the circumstances reasonable proper and fully earned reuter 
coffee	indonesia pressing for compromise over coffee indonesian coffee exporters are preparing for period depressed prices while urging their government lobby for resolution the deadlocked issue export quotas the chairman the association indonesian coffee exporters aice told reuters dharyono kertosastro said interview that indonesia the world third largest producer trimming costs and improving its marketing while seeking compromise quotas but long brazil sticks its hardline position can never bridge the gap dharyono said indonesia was one group eight producing countries along with costa rica the dominican republic ecuador honduras india papua new guinea and peru which proposed new quota system last month failed international coffee organistion ico talks london brazil which would have had its quota reduced under the group eight scheme blocked the proposal aice officials are now hoping colombia can use its contacts with brazil suggest compromise edward muda aice official who attended the ico negotiations said latin american members the group eight were contact with colombia the world second largest producer but gave details colombia has shown interest because they will gain from compromise without one they will suffer the present market stays like muda said said indonesia was contact with consumers such the japan the netherlands west germany and canada ahead ico executive board meeting scheduled for april dharyono said the aice will send delegations the and japan brief indonesian embassy officials there and press them present indonesia case more firmly urged the indonesian government more help the country coffee traders through the ico negotiations muda said the group eight had some common ground with the big consumers because they agreed the need for basing quotas what termed realistic criteria the breakaway group believes the old quota system which gives brazil pct share the quota exports does not reflect date supply and demand trends brazil has stuck rigidly its insistence that the old system applied export quotas were suspended february when market prices surged because the failure the brazilian crop although prices have long since come down point where export controls could reintroduced producers and consumers the member ico have not been able agree new guidelines brazil and the the largest consumer are both refusing alter their positions dharyono said new quotas are not agreed believed indonesia was well placed survive low prices indonesian farmers are trimming production costs and the aice improving its marketing system dharyono said indonesia coffee output ending september expected stagnate fall slightly from last year level tonnes said said stocks tonnes were about average for the time year reuter 
earn	japanese corporate earnings recovery predicted japanese corporate earnings will rise pct fiscal for the first year year increase three years partly because the yen stable exchange rate the nomura research institute said sales all industries are predicted rise pct the year which starts april the research arm nomura securities said statement recurrent profits were estimated fall pct the current fiscal year with sales forecast drop pct the forecast assumes average rate yen the dollar compared with yen the current year corporate efforts cope with the yen appreciation such cutting production costs are expected bear fruit next fiscal year the institute said the economy should also benefit from pump priming expected from the government and halt rising prices manufactured goods said recurrent profits manufacturing industries are projected rise pct next fiscal year against estimated pct fall the current year non manufacturing sector profits will decline pct against estimated pct rise the current year said reuter 
earn	boliden says results burdened loss writeoff swedish mining and metals group boliden blds forecast return profitability during after recording billion crown loss burdened massive write off the company which consolidated the swedish wholesale and investment conglomerate ahlsell this year said the result included restructuring costs and write offs mln crowns these costs have arisen results change direction for the group they are mainly one off but they have burdened the annual accounts the company said statement boliden said the company liquid assets were billion crowns year end which together with investment portfolio billion made one the most liquid swedish companies result the losses the board proposed cancelling dividend for the year although predicted return profitability during the statement added swedish tyres process equipment and components firm trelleborg has taken majority stake boliden since the beginning this year trelleborg then said had plans for consolidating boliden reuter 
gnp	malaysia optimistic over economic outlook for malaysia central bank bank negara said the economic outlook for good view marked improvement commodity and oil prices the later months last year said its latest quarterly review that real gross domestic product averaged annual growth pct over the first nine months last year compared with decline pct the corresponding period growth was generated mainly the manufacturing sector added reuter 
earn	rowntree reports pretax profit mln stg rowntree mackintosh plc rwnt announced made pretax profit mln stg the weeks ending january compared with mln stg the previous year turnover was billion stg from billion final dividend was proposed after final last year earnings per share rose from the results were broadly line with market expectations leaving shares early trading one pence from yesterday close but slightly off pre announcement opening levels profit ordinary activities after tax was mln stg from the previous year mln the remained rowntree largest centre for trading profits accounting for mln stg from mln profit from its second largest geographical area north america slipped mln stg from mln north american profits were affected the fall the value the dollar operations continental europe made mln stg trading profit from mln with mln stg made australasia from mln and mln stg from the rest the world against mln the previous year extraordinary items amounted mln debit after mln debit previously company spokesman said this represented additional provisions for the cost rationalisation plans announced earlier years rowntree expects north american operations will this year ahead company expectations the same order those from the and the rest europe combined the statement said spokesman said specific figures had been forecast acquisitions will continue sought worldwide including further moves the speciality retailing business which rowntree first entered the statement said rising profit from europe this year was forecast chairman kenneth dixon statement added the performance seven businesses bought last year was encouraging the confectionery side gained market share and increased trading margins the sun pat british grocery concern increased profit and rowntree small health food business holgates raised earnings fold the statement said offsetting factors included currency movements which cost the company nearly mln stg sales tax hurt canadian profits confectionery operations and the company faced strong competition the snack and mid east export markets reuter 
trade	china trade deficit falls january china trade deficit january fell mln dlrs from mln january the china daily business weekly said quoting customs figures the paper said exports fell billion dlrs from billion and imports fell billion from 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 down pct reuter 
earn	british telecom third quarter pre tax profit mln stg mln 
money-fx	bank england offers early help money market the bank england said had invited the discount houses make early round bill offers help offset large liquidity shortage the money market estimated the shortage around billion stg one adverse factor being the unwinding sale and repurchase agreement with the market having buy back bills worth mln stg from the bank bills maturing official hands and the treasury bill take would drain mln stg wile exchequer transactions and note circulation rise would take out mln and mln respectively above target bankers balances would add mln reuter 
earn	british telecom qtr ended dec shr making for nine months pre tax profit mln stg mln making billion stg billion net profit before minorities mln mln making mln mln note company full name british telecommunications plc bty third quarter turnover billion stg billion making billion billion for nine 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 
jobs	danish unemployment rises pct january denmark seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose pct the workforce january from pct december unchanged from january the national statistics office said the total unemployed january was against december and january reuter 
earn	rowntree mackintosh plc rwnt year end january shr div final div pretax profit mln stg mln net after 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 after tax mln mln extraordinary items debit mln debit mln interest payable mln mln net borrowings mln mln turnover mln mln reuter 
sugar	dutch sugar trade deny involvement offer dutch sugar traders deny involvement plan offer more than tonnes sugar intervention protest export policy and prices traders told reuters although some tonnes sugar have been offered intervention the netherlands dutch producers and traders said this sugar was actually belgian and was being offered the belgian industry sympathise with the actions the french west german and belgian traders and producers but are not party spokesman said commission sources said yesterday french traders planned sell tonnes into intervention stocks west german traders tonnes and dutch traders dutch trade sources gave the same figure for france but estimated tonnes offered german traders and producers the dutch spokesman added the weekly export tender policy and prices are squeezing the european sugar industry and this the only way which they can really register their protest these are desperate actions but believe that most this offered sugar will withdrawn within the three week breathing space allowed reuter 
earn	glynwed sees further progress glynwed international plc glyn statement accompanying their results that present indications are that has started well and confident that the year will one further progress the company added that results the were poor and the deterioration the south african economy left its falkirk industries unit with loss one mln stg but said there was continuing improvement its core businesses the extraordinary items debit mln stg arose the closure and disposal various businesses reuter 
earn	british telecom sees satisfactory results british telecommunications plc bty expects announce satisfactory results for its financial year ending march chairman sir george jefferson said third quarter statement full year results will published june the financial year pre tax profit rose billion stg from billion the previous period jefferson said good progress was made the latest nine months while most customers were able maintain their normal level calls during the recent strike company engineers the statement said positive cash flow mln stg for the first nine months will diminish the final quarter due corporation tax and dividend payments earlier the company reported third quarter pre tax profit for the period ended december mln stg compared with mln year earlier nine month pre tax was billion stg against billion british telecom shares were last quoted level with late yesterday the wake results which were line with market expectations dealers said reuter 
sugar	india buys white sugar from london traders india yesterday bought two cargoes white sugar from london traders for april may shipment and granted the trade houses the option sell additional two cargoes the same price for may june shipment the firms involved said and man and woodhouse drake and carey both said they sold single cargoes dlrs tonne cif for april may and were granted options sell extra cargo each the same price for may june the indian buying tender for three four cargoes whites held yesterday the tender had called for single cargo prompt and two three cargoes april may reuter 
earn	next plc nexl five months end january shr div pretax profit mln stg mln net interest payable mln stg net after tax mln turnover excluding vat mln mln note the company said intends issue second interim statement for the six months july and pay related dividend early reuter 
cotton	india cotton export quota bales india raw cotton export quota has been raised bales bales ending august still well below the quota mln bales minister state for textiles mirdha said state and private agencies contracted export mln bales told journalists but only bales were shipped that year with the rest delivered about bales from contracts were shipped february the government will export bales long and extra long staple cotton the three years from said 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 least pct this year from the mln francs reported for chairman jerome monod told news conference group turnover should rise about seven pct from the mln reported for this year while group investments should total around billion francs somewhat above the billion annual average the past three years added investments will aimed mainly developing the group leisure industry health and communications activities monod said the leisure sector the group planned joint development with club mediterranee cmi club med hectare pleasure park puisaye the yonne department eastern central france said wholly owned subsidiary lyonnaise developpement touristique would carry out the construction work and financial planning the development which would leased club med operator the complex said gave financial details but said leisure sector investments would total about mln francs over the next three years investments the communications industry would mainly develop the group cable television activities and its pct owned metropole television affiliate metropole recently won the concession operate sixth television channel france financing requirement metropole would about mln francs over the next four years which lyonaise des eaux would provide about mln monod said monod said metropole aimed win pct audience share and capture about pct the national television advertising market total investment the group the communications sector including cable activities would between mln and mln francs over the next five years mainly concentrated the coming year investment cable operations would total between mln and mln over the five years with the aim widening the audience subscribers from and boosting turnover around mln francs year from mln reuter 
acq	gus makes mln stg agreed offer for pantherella great universal stores plc gus said has made agreed offer for pantherella plc valuing the company mln stg and each pantherella ordinary share pence the offer based eight new non voting ordinary shares gus plus stg for every ordinary pantherella the new gus shares will not receive the eight pence per share interim dividend respect the year ending march the statement said gus has received irrevocable undertakings accept the offer respect pct pantherella shares from the company directors and their families the pantherella board estimates the company which manufactures socks will show pretax profit about stg reuter 
earn	bond corp international ltd nine 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 but excluded influence bulk properties which the firm bought late last year from hongkong land ltd hkld for billion dlrs company controlled bond corp holdings ltd australia reuter 
reserves	german public authority bundesbank holdings fall the net position federal states worsened the first march week cutting public authority net holdings the bundesbank mln marks the central bank said states cash deposits the central bank fell mln and they also drew down billion marks book credit mln marks more than the prior week contrast however the federal government was able reduce its credit drawdown the central bank mln marks mln despite the stronger states net needs the week their cash position and other market dependent influences just about balanced the outflow liquidity from the money market through increase cash circulation the bundesbank said cash circulation rose billion marks the week billion liquidity also came through the maturing short term treasury bills bought from the bundesbank the prior week gross currency reserves rose the week mln marks billion foreign liabilities the bundesbank were largely unchanged billion marks giving rise net currency reserves mln billion said the bundesbank said its balance sheet total fell billion the week billion reuter 
trade	canada january trade surplus mln dlrs after december mln dlrs surplus 
trade	canada january trade surplus mln dlrs canada had trade surplus mln dlrs january compared with upward revised mln dlrs surplus december statistics canada said the december surplus originally was reported mln dlrs the january surplus last year was billion dlrs january exports seasonally adjusted were billion dlrs against billion december and billion january january imports were billion dlrs against billion december and billion january reuter 
sugar	hungarian sugar beet area little changed hungary grow sugar beet hectares land this year compared with some the official mti news agency said diplomats said this reflected hungary policy keeping the sugar beet area stable under the current five year plan and producing enough cover only domestic demand despite the recent rise world prices month highs drought cut the harvest mln tonnes from mln but record yield kilos per tonne beet kept production tonnes with extra refined yugoslavia from hungarian beet output was reuter 
earn	kidston says higher net reflects gold sale rise kidston gold mines ltd attributed the rise net profit higher prices and increase gold sales ounces from ounces the placer development ltd offshoot which operates australia largest gold mine north queensland earlier reported net profit rose mln dlrs from mln the period months from the start production sales silver also rose ounces from kidston said statement will spend about mln dlrs upgrade its mill grinding circuit mill ball mill crushing circuit boost output pct from end reuter 
tin	bulletin says tin price may rise ringgit the tin price likely rise ringgit kilo this year because the producers accord export quotas and the reluctance brokers and banks sell the metal lower prices malaysian government bulletin said the malaysian tin bulletin said producers interest keep their quotas limit total exports tonnes and gradually deplete the tonnes overhang said consumption industrialised countries should stay tonnes and that international tin council creditors and brokers are not likely dump their stocks excessively unless there large and abrupt price jump the continued depreciation the dollar could also help push the price tin the bulletin said depreciation the dollar means the depreciation the ringgit which closely pegged making the price tin cheaper sterling terms added even the absence economic rationale the tin market psychological optimism alone sufficient secure price recovery ringgit per kilo the bulletin said reuter 
earn	kidston gold mines ltd year shr cents div cents net mln dlrs mln turnover mln mln other income mln shrs mln same note company paid total cents previously declared quarterly divs net after tax dlrs interest mln mln and depreciation mln mln reuter 
crude	china closes second round offshore oil bids china has closed the second round bidding foreign firms for offshore oil exploration rights the china daily has reported quoted spokesman for the china national offshore oil corp cnooc saying china signed eight contracts with foreign firms for blocks the pearl river mouth and south yellow sea covering total area second round bidding began the end and only one well has far produced results lufeng south east shenzhen with output barrels day the well was drilled group japanese companies the spokesman added cnooc was ready enter into contracts for offshore blocks before third round bidding began did not say when this would but added the contracts would not bound restrictions imposed during the second round china has signed oil contracts and agreements with companies from countries since when offshore exploration was open foreigners eleven contracts were terminated after oil was discovered foreign firms have invested billion dlrs offshore china since reuter 
acq	leigh pemberton opposes takeover protection rules the bank england does not favour the introduction rules shield companies from hostile takeover attempts its governor robin leigh pemberton said instead merchant banks advising bidding companies must show restraint and responsibility avoid the excesses that have marred recent takeovers told the yorkshire and humberside regional confederation british industries annual dinner leigh pemberton also called companies improve ties with institutional investors suggesting representatives those institutions granted seats the boards directors companies they invest boards cannot expect protection from unwelcome predators for that but short step from saying that they should protected from their own shareholders who are after all the proprietors the company leigh pemberton said added takeovers and mergers had important role play furthering economies scale integration and more efficient market penetration the degree success failure takeover has not experience depended whether not the takeover was contested said leigh pemberton noted there had been excesses takeover activity the recent past the aim pressurise company management into action dedicated solely favourable impact the share price the short term partly even primarily the expense the future said such bids often depend for their success creating highly charged and artificial situation the share market and give rise temptations both sides the battle engage aggressive even manipulative tactics that are immensely damaging the interest the shareholders said clear reference recent events said those the city who act for companies individuals must suggest ready accept full measure responsibility even entails opprobrium for the transactions that may result they should exercise the most careful judgment the outset with respect the clients for whom they act and the activities contenplated those who sow wind cannot expect the whirlwind visit elsewhere added reuter 
crude	ecuador ask opec raise export quota ecuador will ask opec raise its oil export quota barrels per day compensate for lost output due last week earthquake deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite said santos alvite who arrived caracas last night discuss aid plan for ecuador did not say when the organisation petroleum exporting countries opec would approached the additional output would related plans now under discussion for venezuela and mexico lend ecuador crude while repairs pipeline damaged the quake earlier venezuelan energy and mines minister aturo hernandez grisanti said his country would supply unspecified part ecuador export commitments but santos alvite told reporters hoped first cargo barrels could leave maracaibo this weekend supply refineries near guayaquil added ecuador also wanted make for bpd shipped caribbean destinations mexico might supply ecuador south korean market ecuador may unable export oil for five months due extensive damage mile stretch pipeline linking jungle oilfields the pacific port balao reuter 
earn	jacobs suchard expects another excellent year jacobs suchard jacz hopes for another excellent year after pct increase net profit results the first few months show heading the right direction company president klaus jacobs said the group reported net profit mln swiss francs compared with mln and raised its dividend per bearer share francs from francs jacobs said the increase profit which far exceeded the company target five pct real annual growth had been made possible restructuring measures introduced january which had also made some major acquisitions possible last year hermann pohl general director charge economic affairs said the pct decline group turnover billion francs was due currency factors pct negative currency influence was partially offset growth operations and structural changes within the group turnover the coffee business fell billion francs from billion while turnover the chocolate sector rose billion francs from billion the tonnage sold both sectors declined due higher prices and lower consumer demand especially france and west germany jacobs suchard increased its market share west germany pct from pct largely result acquisitions market share france was little changed pct against pct pohl said the group average tax rate rose pct from pct because the higher profits and despite write offs the losses new acquisitions further increase tax levels was expected future taxes jumped pct mln francs from mln the previous year reuter 
acq	taft tfb rejects dlr shr offer taft broadacasting said its board directors unanimously decided not accept the pending buyout proposal theta corp investor group led dudley taft the decision was based among other things the advice its financial advisors goldman sachs and that the offer dlrs per share was inadequate taft said the board concluded that the offer failed recognize fully the future propsects the company and directed management explore alternatives including possible financial restructuring reuter 
money-fx	treasury secretary baker declines comment treasury secretary james baker declined comment the february paris accord between the six major industrial nations under which they agreed foster exchange rate stability asked reporters after speech before the national fitness foundation banquet what any currency intervention levels had been set paris baker replied never talk about intervention baker also declined comment his views about the foreign exchange markets reaction the 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 has liquidity problems southwest realty ltd said believes could make all its scheduled montly debt service payments for despite the falloff its rental operations but making the payments would probably severely impair its liquidity and restrict its ability maintain the quality its properties the company today reported loss dlrs compared with profit dlrs southwest said addition its monthly scheduyled debt service payments dlr loan one its houston properties due mature april one southwest said commitment reduce the interest rate and extend the houston loan for one year has been accepted said talks are underway with lenders other houston properties obtain partial debt service moratoriums which granted would cut cash deficits from levels the loan renegotiations could involve bankruptcy other litigation connected with the specific properties involved and could involve the suspension interest and principal payments some the lenders southwest said the attempts restructure debt not succeed could lose one more the properties southwest said the houston properties made about pct its current value equity december dlrs per share down from dlrs year before the company said depending the success the talks and operating results for one two more properties could become subject similar negotiations the two additional properties comprised about pct its current value equity year end southwest said reuter 
earn	holmes ltd hlme sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april one record march reuter 
acq	pope evans per repurchases shares pope evans and robbins inc said has repurchased common shares from putnam mills corp principals sidney and peter kaplan for dlrs per share said the purchase price will applied against the dlrs putnam mills currently owes pope evans for merchandise pope evans has about mln shares outstanding the company also said has agreed principle acquire privately held pat fashions industries inc for mln dlrs cash and notes with financing come partly from bank borrowings subject approval the pope evans board and pat shareholders pat fashions imports apparel from the far east and makes apparel domestically well the year ended november pat earned dlrs pretax sales mln dlrs reuter 
acq	baird batm gets temporary restraining order baird corp said the massachusetts state court for suffolk county has granted temporary restraining order prohibiting mark industries inc from further purchases baird stock until mark complies with the massachusetts anti takeover statute the company said mark currently owns least pct baird stock and has indicated that may attempt acquire baird baird said the district court boston has denied mark application for temporary restraining order prevent enforcement the massachusetts takeover law reuter 
acq	dudley taft and narragansett capital pursue taft broadcasting bid 
earn	general mining union corp ltd genm year net shr cts final div cts making pre tax mln rand mln net mln mln tax mln mln attrib outside shareholders mln mln reuter 
retail	retail sales rose pct feb non auto sales rose pct 
retail	retail sales rise pct february retail sales rose billion dlrs pct february seasonally adjusted billion dlrs the commerce department said the increase came after revised pct drop january sales level billion dlrs the department previously reported january retail sales fell pct excluding autos retail sales february were pct after falling revised pct january department spokesmen said the major cause for the revision downward january sales was weaker january auto dealer sales figure than originally estimated auto dealer sales were billion dlrs february pct rise from january levels but january sales dropped pct from december levels billion dlrs more than the pct fall originally reported the expiration the sales tax deduction under new tax laws january was the main reason for the drop january sales department spokesmen said sales durable goods rose february pct billion dlrs after dropping pct january building materials rose pct february after falling pct january non durable goods sales rose pct billion dlrs february after falling pct january the department said general merchandise stores rose pct after increasing sales pct january and department stores were two pct february after rising pct january food store sales increased pct after declining pct january while grocery store sales increased pct february after falling pct january gasoline service station sales rose pct february after pct january increase apparel store sales were pct last month after falling pct january while sales eating and drinking places increased pct after rising pct january february retail sales were pct above the year ago level billion dlrs the department said reuter 
acq	dudley taft pursue taft broadcast tfb bid taft broadcasting vice chairman dudley taft and narragansett capital inc narr said they intend pursue their effort acquire taft broadcasting despite the rejection yesterday their dlr per share offer the taft broadcasting board dudley taft and narragansett joint statement said they intend explore alternatives achieve the acquisition including further talks with taft broadcasting they said they are confident that the taft broadcasting board will conclude that the resolution the company current unstable situation quickly possible the best interests all parties they said the taft board did not conclude that their offer was not fair taft shareholders taft broadcasting yesterday however said financial advisor goldman sachs and found the 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 from discontinued operations share adjusted for three for two stock split reuter 
trade	canada leaders fail set pact free trade prime minister brian mulroney said held frank discussions with the canadian province premiers the pace free trade talks with the united states but the longstanding issue provincial ratification remains settled speaking reporters after nearly five hours meetings with the premiers mulroney said further discussions would held june and september discuss the role the provinces approving any new trade deal but maintained progress was being made the sweeping talks with the unites states that got under nearly two years ago appears reasonable progress being made the talks mulroney said alberta premier don getty agreed things are running pretty quickly now the talks launched mulroney progressive conservative government after concerns about protectionist sentiment the are aimed reducing the remaining barriers between the world largest trading partnership but the provinces are expected play major role any new trading arrangement and some the provincial leaders complained lack progress reaching ratification formula view that should thinking about these things right now along with the questions the substance the agreement commented ontario premier david peterson who has been highly critical the talks the past but newfoundland premier brian peckford said agreement was more likely emerge consensus and there would need for hard and fast formula peckford said appears canada prepared make concessions the united states financial services order make inroads other bargaining areas such agriculture canadian published reports quoting government sources say the two countries are close reaching trade deal and will involve eliminating border tariffs and many non tariff barriers over the next years rough draft the accord expected presented the premiers the june meeting while the finished document hoped presented congress october very tight time frame ontario peterson said last night but this moment tough say what will transpire reuter 
earn	healthsouth rehabilitation corp hsrc qtr shr profit eight cts loss cts net profit loss revs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln reuter 
acq	first union func acquisition advances first union corp said shareholders first north port bancorp northport fla have approved merger into first union for dlrs per share about dlrs the company said the acquisition still subject regulatory approvals and expected completed during the second quarter reuter 
earn	sand technology sndcf mulling reverse split sand technology systems inc said considering reverse stock split least one for and expects report second quarter profit compared loss last year the stock consolidation something discussing but not definite sand technology president jerry shattner told reuters interview private placement recently brought the number outstanding shares mln from mln shares july the fiscal yearend the company has always had the aura penny stock shattner said adding that sand plans some time apply for listing the montreal stock exchange shattner said the company expects report profit five pct about dlrs sales seven mln dlrs for the second quarter ended january results for the third quarter should about the same the second added last year sand lost dlrs revenues dlrs the second quarter after disastrous first quarter sand hopes break even the current fiscal year shattner said the company has scaled back its sales forecast about mln dlrs from the mln dlrs projected december the rapid appreciation the japanese yen against and canadian dollars last year led sand loss mln dlrs two cts per share sales mln dlrs the first fiscal quarter this year the company lost dlrs one per share sales dlrs shattner believes the company will post better results this year due several factors last year one our biggest problems was were buying products japanese yen now buy some products from hitachi dollars and the results are starting show the second quarter said sand technology sells under its trademark computer accessories such disk drives solid state memory enhancement devices and printers manufactured hitachi ltd hit japan shattner said sand affiliate detroit systems inc developing software that lets large maniframe computers handle large databases and share them between applications also distributing new product called sapiens which artificial intelligence computer language for use major corporations the company has also reduced costs through some staff cutting and switch profit sharing plans for sales staff instead straight commissions shattner said and sand plans market laser printer the fourth fiscal quarter shattner said reuter 
acq	concorde ventures inc merger agreement concorde ventures inc said has signed letter intent acquire englewood colo homebuilder winley inc for mln common shares the investment company said after the merger the combined company will have mln shares outstanding for the year ended january winley earned dlrs pretax revenues mln dlrs reuter 
acq	borg warner sell industrial products business for about mln dlrs 
gnp	japan economy may near bottom economists say the worst may just about over for japan battered economy but economists said they not expect vigorous recovery anytime soon japanese bank economists polled reuters said the economy month old slowdown likely end the first half this year helped rising exports stepped government spending and falling prices the economy will bottom out the middle the year said sumitomo bank ltd chief economist masahiko koido industrial bank japan ltd senior economist susumu taketomi agreed the bottom the offing said but added that the recovery will slow growth the fiscal year beginning next month will only pick pct from two pct the current year said signs that the economy has just about weathered the worst are increasing the volume exports the first two months the year rose slightly year year basis after declining toward the end last year although this may due extraordinary factors such sharp rise car exports rebuild depleted european stocks several economists said could mark the beginning recovery industrial production fell pct january much smaller than expected and forecast the government rise pct february and pct march bank japan survey released last week showed that the decline japanese corporate earnings may nearing its end and the paris currency accord last month has fostered hopes the rapid yen rise has come the end they said six nations the canada france japan the and west germany pledged paris last month stabilise currencies around current levels the yen pct climb against the dollar over the last two years has hit the export driven economy hard forcing its companies raise prices and lose sales the market the important thing the exchange rate taketomi said stabilises firms will grow more confident and raise investment plant and equipment although there are signs that yet economists said stable yen would also help exporters regain some their competitive edge just the economy may starting recover economists said domestically the economy may get boost from some loosening the government tight fiscal policy said haruo muto manager national economics the bank tokyo ltd the next reading the economy health should come early next week with the release gnp figures for the last quarter most private economists expect rise about pct from the previous quarter the third quarter gnp rose pct but senior government official said the fourth quarter figures could surprise showing rise more than one point quarter quarter but added that would statistical aberration and not significant shift economic activity maintain year year growth around pct the economy would have had rise about pct the fourth quarter the final quarter was strong the rise the fourth quarter was probably statistical anomaly that was repeated the final months the official said economists said the fourth quarter figures were also distorted the government sale gold coins the second half because the coins were classified legal tender their purchase did not show the statistics consumer expenditure consumer spending also tailed off december because bad weather and smaller than normal end year bonuses they said the government had buy back some the coins from retailers because they were unsold the government contribution the economy the fourth quarter may have been boosted economists said taketomi said may have received further boost from government buying farm products the domestic crop last year was good the senior government official said the fourth quarter performance the domestic sector was probably worse than generally expected while that the external sector was better reuter 
acq	qintex extends princeville pvdc offer qintex america ltd said again extending its offer dlrs share for mln princeville development corp shares until today from yesterday reported yesterday qintex said about seven mln princeville shares had been tendered response the offer qintex said extending the offer allow princeville comply with federal law restricting the ownership airlines non citizens and finalize the terms and conditions the letter credit bank guarantee required under the previously announced acquisition agreement reuter 
earn	corrected network video inc nvid qtr feb end shr five cts one net revs avg shrs nine mths shr cts four 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 what bankers called desperate move prevent speculation the taiwan dollar appreciated against the currency the strict controls will require proof that large remittances taiwan are connected commercial transactions rather than currency speculation bankers attacked the controls ineffective saying they were panic reaction pressure from washington for faster appreciation the taiwan currency against the dollar which would slow exports the united states remittances exceeding one mln dlrs earned through exports shipping insurance bank lending will now need government approval along with remittances more than dlrs from any other source reuter 
trade	taiwan relax import curbs more goods taiwan will relax import controls more foreign goods government spokesman said today the move was allow greater access taiwan markets overseas trading partners especially the united states official the council for economic planning and development told reuters import curbs about foreign goods including stationery and books would soon relaxed said taiwan announced would ease curbs some farming and industrial products last month the official said the moves were intended balance trade between taiwan and the united states and other trading partners taiwan trade surplus reached record billion dlrs last year from billion reuter 
retail	retailers see growth consumer spending retailers expect consumer spending accelerate march after disappointing increase february according monthly survey the confederation british industry cbi fifty nine pct the retailers questioned for the latest distributive trades survey expected sales higher march than they were march with only six pct expecting lower sales the chairman the distributive trades survey panel nigel whittaker said favourable budget next week would further help sales during the summer figures released earlier this week showed retail sales january fell pct mainly due exceptionally cold weather sales did not recover february much retailers had expected and they are now looking for better business march today survey said reported clothing stores were the most optimistic with pct expecting sales march higher than year ago wholesalers also expected stronger sales march while both retailers and wholesalers reported slower growth import penetration said reuter 
crude	most japan firms not renewing iran term contracts most japanese companies have decided not renew term contracts lift iranian crude oil because spot prices remain considerably lower than opec official levels industry sources said they said cargo the mideast benchmark crude dubai traded yesterday dlrs barrel compared its official price dlrs only one japanese company has renewed its term contract for iranian crude oil for the second quarter the sources said the sources said japanese companies had been lifting total about barrels per day bpd iranian crude under term contracts but only one firm has agreed lift the second quarter lifting just bpd they said this move could inspire iran offer discounts cargoes loading april but the likelihood discounts depended largely the levels spot prices the spot price dubai goes above dlrs would probably buy iranian crude the official price one japanese refiner said don intend put pressure them added buyers have little incentive renew contracts lift oil official opec prices while spot prices all grades are considerably lower oil traders said they said spot prices move higher there will problem finding opec crude purchase the official prices qatar has chartered floating storage for its crude oil after finding buyers official prices march the problem likely recur april adding that country surplus the traders added that iraq had dissociated itself from opec december production agreement while agreeing the fixed prices but oil analysts said opec keeps group output close its first half ceiling mln bpd supply and demand would balanced the end the second quarter they also said opec holds its official price structure based reference price dlrs spot price fluctuations should limited dlrs range for dubai and dlrs range for the north sea brent blend one japanese refiner said the moment there lot pressure opec particularly qatar but they hold out there will problem and beginning trust their ability nigerian oil minister and opec president rilwanu lukman told news conference lagos yesterday nigeria and all member countries opec remain determined uphold the december agreement adhering strictly their various quotas and official selling prices said opec believed consumers had drawn heavily stocks both crude oil and refined products reducing them levels well below this time last year said consumers would soon return the market search crude japanese refiner said the european and markets are beginning look better opec might quite lucky 
earn	possis poss votes pct stock dividend possis corp said its board approved pct stock dividend payable may one record march the company annual meeting wednesday possis said shareholders approved proposal increase the authorized common shares mln from eight mln the company currently has about 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 said its plan distribute dividend common stock purchase rights shareholders record march has been delayed pending the completion necessary regulatory approvals reuter 
acq	clayton and dubilier new joint unit buy firm clayton and dubilier inc and senior management unit borg warner corp bor said will form new company buy borg warner industrial products group for about mln dlrs borg warner industrial products has sales about mln dlrs from three divisions which provide advanced technology fluid transfer and control equipment systems and services worldwide clayton said the new company will have employees and headquartered long beach calif the company said peter valli vice president borg warner corp and president its industrial products division will become president and chief executive officer the new company according clayton clayton private investment firm said this was the third mangement buyout divestiture completed them since december reuter 
earn	health inc ushi qtr jan net shr cts seven cts net revs mln mln half shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
earn	mart corp qtr shr dlrs nine cts 
earn	environmental systems esc qtr jan shr cts cts net revs mln mln note share after preferred dividends reuter 
earn	general mining genm cautions profits general mining union corp ltd chairman derek keys cautioned that profits may not rise this year the rand stays its current level cents would well repeat last year results the rand stays depressed keys said the level the dividend however ought not affected added discussing the outlook general mining earlier reported that per share earnings rose pct cts reuter 
earn	colgate palmolive sets payout qtrly div cts cts pay may 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 
veg-oil	ccc reallocates credit guarantees salvador the commodity credit corporation ccc has reallocated two mln dlrs credit gurantees previously earmarked for sales protein meals cover sales vegetable oil and tallow salvador the agriculture department said the action reduces coverage for sales protein meals mln dlrs from mln dlrs and creates new lines one mln dlrs for tallow and greases and one mln dlrs for vegetable oils the department said all sales under the credit guarantee lines must registered and exported sepember said the guarantee rates include charge provide for yearly interest rate coverage pct the guaranteed value the department said reuter 
acq	borg warner bor sell unit for mln dlrs borg warner corp said agreed sell its industrial products group clayton and dubilier inc and senior management the group for about mln dlrs clayton and dubilier new york based private investment firm which has completed two other management led buyout transactions since december borg warner industrial products group based long beach california has sales about mln dlrs and employs about staff its businesses include standard and custom engineered centrifugal pumps and mechanical seals for the petroleum industry and advanced controls for the aerospace and defense industries the sale part borg warner planned restructuring the proposed sale subject approval borg warner directors said reuter 
acq	guardian morton shulman agrees takeover bid guardian morton shulman precious metals inc said morton shulman and guardman investment management services inc agreed principle for andrew sarlos make takeover bid for all special shares and series warrants guardian morton subject regulatory approval and completion definitive documentation guardman investment current manager and owner all common shares guardian morton also agreed sell the common and its management agreement company controlled sarlos the takeover bid successful guardian morton said price offered for the guardian morton special shares under the takeover bid will pct the net asset value the special shares the time the bid and two dlrs for each series warrant the company said guardian morton said the takeover bid will conditional sarlos acquiring least pct the special shares and pct the series warrants when combined the number special shares and warrants owned the offeror the time the bid investment companies managed sarlos currently own slightly less than pct guardian morton special shares reuter 
earn	mart corp qtr jan net shr dlrs nine 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 the early call mln dlr pct year debenture earnings include gain from discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share loss mln dlrs dlrs share the quarter and gain mln dlrs cts share gain mln dlrs dlrs share for the year reuter 
earn	dorchester hugoton ltd dhulz raises payout qtly div cts eight cts prior pay april record march reuter 
acq	international american home sets acquisition international american homes inc said has contracted acquire diversified shelter group ltd for about dlrs paid pct cash and pct international american common stock valued day trading average prior closing said the price based diversified estimated mln dlrs pro forma pre tax earnings for after adjustment for certain non continuing expenses diversified developer single family housing the atlanta market had revenues about mln dlrs the acquisition subject international american arranging financing reuter 
iron-steel	commission has open attitude steel quotas the commission said was adopting open attitude about whether system production quotas should remain for the indefinite future heavy steel products which account for about pct all steel goods statement the commission reiterated its view that the industry needs lose between and mln tonnes capacity had previously said the quota system started should wound completely the end next year the industry has argued for the maintenance existing quotas which cover almost pct all output saying almost all steelmakers are losing money due the depressed market reuter 
earn	precision aerotech inc par qtr jan net oper shr cts two cts oper net sales avg shrs nine mths oper shr cts cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs note current year net both periods excludes dlr gain from retirement notes backlog mln mln start fiscal year reuter 
earn	guardian national insurance ltd 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 five 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 nine reuter 
earn	mart says record net turning point mart corp said its record fiscal net earnings mln dlrs rise from mln dlrs year ago marked major turning point for the world second biggest retailer mart said the earnings rise for the fourth quarter ended january mln dlrs from mln dlrs resulted from merchandising refurbishing and expense control year ago mart took charge mln dlrs for discontinued operations earnings from continuing retail operations the quarter totalled mln dlrs dlrs share compared with mln dlrs dlrs year ago mart chairman bernard fauber said the success these programs better illustrated the strong pct increase income from continuing operations before income taxes billion dlrs the first time mart corp has reached this milestone sales for the fiscal year reached record billion dlrs pct rise from billion dlrs the prior year mart said was restated account for discontinued operations comparable store sales rose pct over said fauber said the sales growth came from greater consumer acceptance mart apparel merchandise marked increase hardline merchandise sales and growing contribution from specialty retailing operations mart said its fourth quarter pre tax income from continuing operations was mln dlrs pct gain from mln dlrs last year said sales the period grew pct billion dlrs from restated billion dlrs with comparable store sales pct mart said its effective tax rate rose pct from pct but said selling general and administrative expense eased pct sales from pct our performance marks major turning point for mart fauber said statement the years immediately prior focused changing the look our stores and the structure the company mart said committed billion dollars for store remodeling and installing centralized point sale system upgraded its merchandise mix acquired three large specialty retailers divested underperforming businesses and restructured its long term debt were forced pay temporary price the form slower earnings growth and lower rating the investment community however beginning with the fourth quarter our improved performance proof that our approach correct for the long term the mart chairman said reuter 
acq	dainippon ink invest quixote quix quixote corp said dainippon ink and chemicals inc japan will buy shares quixote common stock pct stake for mln dlrs dlrs share said the two companies also agreed share the results their research and development activities optical disc technology dainippon inc optical disc technology focuses the development new direct read after write optical disc and advanced erasable optical disc quixote said its wholly owned subsidiary laservideo inc making advancements the art mastering and manufacturing compact discs roms and laser read videodiscs quixote said the agreement with dainippon which has annual sales more than two billion dlrs provides for dainippon representative sit the 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 said knoll international holdings inc has offered purchase new shares american savings for mln dlrs and the board has accepted knoll offer knoll already owns shares pct american savings american savings said the purchase will resolve previously announced disagreement between american savings and the federal home loan bank atlanta the replacement the capital american savings used repurchase common shares january from former chairman marvin warner said completion the transaction would give knoll pct ownership american savings american savings said knoll also had talks with chairman the executive committee shepard broad and chairman morris broad the purchase their american savings shares well dlrs each but agreement was reached american savings said the company said knoll offer buy the new shares not conditioned other purchase common stock from any person entity said its previously announced engagement salomon inc evaluate alternatives enhance shareholder values including the possible sale american savings still being actively pursued reuter 
cotton	igene biotechnology igne finds crop loss aid igene biotechnology inc said its research teams auburn and hebrew universities have found its patented pesticide highly effective combating disease reponsible for approximately three billion dlrs annual crop losses the company said learned clandosan controls nematodes deadly plant pathogens formerly controlled now banned synthetic chemicals varieties the deadly disease attack major cash crops such cotton vegetables orchard trees citrus fruits and garden plants the company said reuter 
acq	merrill lynch mer canada mulls buying broker merrill lynch canada inc wholly owned merrill lynch and considering acquiring another canadian securities company the result federal and provincial government moves lift investment dealer ownership restrictions june according published report talking number people merrill lynch canada deputy chairman duff scott told the toronto star whether going something don know said merrill lynch canada spokesman declined comment the newspaper report when queried scott did not disclose which investment dealers merrill lynch canada was considering acquiring but the toronto star quoted unidentified industry sources saying serious discussions have already been held with burns fry ltd burns fry chairman jack lawrence told the newspaper the investment dealer has not made final decision but was examining three four alternatives discussions between brokers about possible mergers expected pending industry deregulation one investment industry source who asked not named told reuters silly not take look making merger acquisition you businessman you have take look the industry source said under federal and provincial government regulations expected place june banks trust companies and foreign companies will allowed acquire existing investment dealers establish their own securities subsidiaries reuter 
acq	most american aggregates amag stock acquired consolidated gold fields plc arc america corp subsidiary said has acquired american aggregates corp shares about pct those outstanding result its tender offer which expired february soon practicable arc america will acquire american aggregates converting the company remaining shares into the right receive dlrs share reuter 
acq	biotech capital bitc buy magazine biotech capital corp said agreed buy high technology magazine from the goldhirsh group boston terms were not disclosed the magazine publishes information about emerging technologies and their impact business has circulation and the largest its kind the world the company said reuter 
trade	pakistan trade deficit narrows february pakistan trade deficit narrowed billion rupees provisional february from billion final january and compared with billion february the federal bureau statistics figures show exports fell billion rupees provisional february from billion final january and compared with billion february imports fell billion rupees provisional february from billion final january and compared with billion february reuter 
earn	corrected insituform north america inc insua qtr shr nine cts four 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 may 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 said year low help opec saudi arabian oil output has fallen its lowest level more than year giving fresh evidence the kingdom determination keep oil prices dlrs barrel agreed opec last december oil industry sources said they said saudi output the first eight days march averaged mln barrels per day bpd including oil from the neutral zone shared with kuwait compared february average mln bpd they said saudi arabia was also selling oil from its crude oil stocks tankers around the world which opec says must counted towards member production quota saudi arabia quota mln bpd the lower production levels indicated saudi arabia the world largest oil exporter was insisting getting opec official prices even the cost lower production the sources said king fahd reiterated yesterday interview with reuters and the television news agency visnews the saudi commitment opec december pact boost oil prices average dlrs saudi arabia completely sticking opec decisions said the sources said the kingdom exports from gulf ports averaged one mln bpd during the eight days ending last sunday down from february average mln bpd they said saudi arabia was allowing production fluctuate with lifting nominations and was not trying maintain artificially high levels putting oil into storage the kingdom main buyers the four oil firms with past stakes the national oil company aramco mobil exxon texaco and chevron enjoy considerable flexibility the timing and volume their liftings but are bound pay official prices the sources said spot market prices have firmed the past two weeks but still remain below opec levels and major buyers have delayed liftings the hope they would improve the sources said they expected low early march output pick towards the end the month buyers sought fulfill their contractual obligations reuter 
acq	leader ldco buys petrosurance stake leader development corp said has purchased shares convertible preferred stock petrosurance inc for dlrs cash and real estate petrosurance specializes property and casualty insurance for the oil industry leader said the stock convertible into petrosurance common leader said already owns pct petrorusrance and conversion would give about pct the company said petrosurance will use the sale proceeds support growth and improve the structure its 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 
retail	white house welcomes retail sales figures the white house welcomed the february retail sales figures showing pct rise following slow performance january spokesman marlin fitzwater told reporters the february sales growth was broad based and good news for the economy commerce department figures showed larger than expected rise following depressed levels sales and factory orders january reuter 
earn	beauticontrol cosmetics inc buti qtr net qtr ends feb shr cts cts net revs reuter 
earn	old dominion systems inc odsi qtr jan shr loss cts profit five cts net loss profit revs reuter 
trade	sweden sets october deadline for africa boycott sweden announced its promised program unilateral economic sanctions against south africa and gave firms october deadline cut trading links foreign trade minister anita gradin said trade boycott south africa and neighbouring namibia would take effect from july followed three month period grace give companies time wind down their operations from october direct trade would allowed either direction with certain exceptions covering medical supplies and printed matter gradin told news conference she said exceptions would also granted cases where swedish trade boycott would benefit south african firms and disadvantage south africa black ruled neighbours the front line states gradin cautioned that legislation upon which the boycott would based was not impossible get round she said parliamentary committee would investigate ways closing some the bigger loopholes including indirect trade with south africa via swedish subsidiaries third countries reuter 
earn	fidelity national financial inc fnf qtr jan end shr profit cts loss not given net profit loss revs mln mln avg shrs reuter 
earn	british telecom cautious earnings prospects british telecommunications plc bty profit growth prospects for the coming years will reduced increasing competition and continued costs for replacing old telephone systems deputy chairman graeme odgers said speaking news conference the third quarter results which were released earlier today odgers said the company faced heavy costs for installing new digital telephone systems britain for three five years said mercury communications ltd cable and wireless plc cawl subsidiary was becoming significant competitor odgers said mercury was seeking make inroads into some british telecom most profitable areas one company official privately estimated that british telecom still had pct share the telecommunications market but feared that this could slip pct the recent two and half week engineering strike which lead some disruption service could well have encouraged clients consider using the mercury system odgers said however forecast that the last quarter results overall should not adversely affected the walkout calculated salary savings result the strike mln stg and while loss income telephone calls should limited revenue probably dropped peripheral activities but balance odgers said that group financial strength economies scale and the fact that operates growth industry will help produce annual profit increases for the forseeable future british telecom will also seek expand into manufacturing said adding that research and development expenditure will rise both terms value and compared with the current proportion two pct overall turnover analysts said the company downbeat forecasts helped shares dip mid afternoon down from yesterday close and off early high philip augar stockbrokers wood mackenzie and ltd said the market expects slower profit growth but forecast seven eight pct rise both earnings per share and pretax profit over the next two years the financial year pre tax profit rose billion stg from billion augar noted that government imposed formula linking charges inflation meant that the company scope for raising prices was limited long inflation remains low reuter 
coffee	near term brazil coffee moves expected the brazilian coffee institute ibc unlikely disclose its future export policy until the end next week the earliest trade sources said ibc president jorio dauster meeting government ministers producers exporters and market analysts assess brazil position the light the failure talks london earlier this month set new international coffee organization ico export quotas the failure the talks means brazil has got rethink its position completely one santos exporter said meeting the national coffee policy council set for thursday march and dauster will almost certainly explain his plan members then before announcing any new measures dauster told reporters his return from london last week that decisions would made exports before had held talks with all sectors the industry exporters said dauster not under any great pressure start marketing coffee immediately world prices have been recovering from the lows which followed the collapse the ico talks and brazil has sold reasonable mln bags kilos for export the first four months this year the exporters said the key factor the eventual opening may and june export registrations will the amount which the contribution quota set with little expectation other sales incentive mechanisms such discounts bonuses and price fall guarantees being introduced the level the quota will decisive determining the competitiveness brazilian coffee world markets they said they noted that february the eve planned increase the quota april registrations were opened and closed after mln bags were registered for export record amount for single day may june registrations are opened under similar conditions before brazil would have difficulty selling least mln bags per month the problem would how limit sales one exporter said brazil present foreign trade and payments problems mean there are pressures from the government boost exports maximise foreign exchange earnings however the sources said they expect the ibc adopt marketing strategy aimed regaining brazil dominant position exporter but without causing price war general opinion among exporters was that brazil would plan export between and mln bags this year which between and mln would non members the ico the mln mln bags sold members would around the figure brazil had offered ship ico quotas were reintroduced although dauster has said this offer expired with the breakdown talks with the prospects crop least mln bags this year brazil has the capacity export mln bags after meeting local consumption around mln the sources added however the sources said brazil unlikely even consider exporting such quantities this would almost inevitably lead fall world prices brazil tried encroach other producers markets maximum export earnings would achieved orderly marketing traditional amounts thus establishing brazil market share after last year unusually low exports mln bags enabling rebuild stocks and maintaining cordial relations with the producer group which backed brazil stance the ico talks they added reuter 
earn	tenney engineering inc tny qtr net shr two cts nine 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 said its board has scheduled special shareholders meeting for may vote its proposed merger into reuters holdings plc rtrsy said shareholders record april will eligible vote the meeting instinet said the meeting date subject adjustment based the length time needed for the securities and exchange commission complete its review the filing merger proxy materials which instinet expects make before the end march instinet said the filing the preliminary merger proxy materials tied the finalization audited financial statements instinet and reuters for under merger agreement entered into november reuters tendered for mln instinet common shares about pct those not already owned reuters result the tender reuters now owns about pct instinet shares the merger holders remaining instinet shares will receive dlrs reuters american depositary shares for each instinet share the ads will valued the average their closing prices the trading days before the effective date the merger instinet said expects the merger become effective soon possible after shareholder approval the special meeting reuter 
earn	dayton hudson corp qtr oper shr dlrs dlrs 
acq	union pacific says will sign pact caracas march for sale half its corpus christi refinery 
acq	cyacq offers raise cyclops buyout dlrs shr from dlrs 
acq	waste management says waiting period ends its chemlawn bid 
earn	petrie stores corp pst regular payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay april record april reuter 
earn	unilever fragrance unit has lower earnings the flavours and fragrances firm naarden international acquired anglo dutch food and detergents group unilever plc last year said net profits for fell pct mln guilders naarden said earnings were hit the fall the value both the dollar and sterling noting the figure was line with prior expectations net profit was mln guilders earnings per share fell guilders from turnover mln down from mln naarden set cash dividend guilders unchanged from last year but without 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 
retail	retail sales rise masks weak trend analysts retail sales rose sharply february but many economists said the underlying consumer spending trend remains weak february retail sales jumped pct more than the pct rise the financial markets had anticipated but january sales were revised down pct drop from previously reported pct decline the trend toward continued spending but certainly much more sluggish pace said don maude midland montagu capital markets inc maude averaged out the wide swings the retail sales data over past four months show that the pace consumer spending slowing combining the latest data with pct drop november and pct gain december the average retail sales gain over the four months was pct said compared pct rise for year over year sales through february you can see pattern developing maude said wouldn surprised see fall off march especially since sales probably won boosted auto sales they were february despite the weak underlying trend economists were impressed robust pct gain total sales excluding autos february this compared revised pct decline january previously reported pct decline the increase non auto sales was broadbased with gains durable goods well non durables noted ward mccarthy merrill lynch capital markets inc was pretty healthy report noted that building materials rose pct february after falling pct january general merchandise store sales gained pct after pct rise january there are signs life the economy mccarthy said but jumping conclusions extrapolate this report into the future pct increase disposable personal income january which may linked the new tax laws probably helped boost spending february said lot people may inadvertently under withholding taxes from their paychecks said when people this country get increase disposable income the inclination out and spend said economists said tomorrow release auto sales for the first days march will important indicator how much this sector will add first quarter spending auto sales accounted for the lion share total february sales rising pct this followed pct drop january previously reported pct fall due largely the expiration the sales tax deduction under new tax laws january the commerce department noted some economists argued that the because the gain total sales excluding autos also followed decline january the strength the february report less than impressive there strength the february data but that because they were compared low sales levels january said said beth reiners dean witter reynolds inc don see precursor continued strength durable goods sales rose pct february after falling pct january february non durable goods sales gained pct after declining pct january gasoline service station sales rose two pct february following pct gain january but economists said higher oil prices rather than increased volume gas sales probably accounted for these gains reiners also emphasized that the trend consumer spending weakening total retail sales average were billion dlrs the fourth quarter she said january they fell seasonally adjusted bilion dlrs and february rose billion dlrs average looks like they total mln dlrs the first quartrer she said don look this indication that the economy barrelling along the number not really that problematic for those who are constructive the bond market agreed elliot platt donaldsen lufkin and jenrette securities corp platt does not foresee potential for tighter monetary policy the basis the latest retail sales report the fed hold now because the data have been confusing said before the gain february non farm payroll employment would have looked for discount rate cut march said but now fed officials will have wait for the first quarter real gross national product data april sort things out reuter 
earn	rpt insituform north america inc insua net qtr shr nine cts four 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 says sets two billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements 
gnp	german banks say uncertainty about economy growing uncertainty growing about the prospects for the economy orders for industry fall and companies scale back investment plans the german savings banks and giro association said exporters expect foreign demand remain weak while industry less optimistic than was the association said report however last month agreement among the six leading western industrialized countries keep currencies around present levels was expected stabilizing influence for exporters added the banking association said the possibility using monetary policy stimulate the economy should not overestimated another small drop already low interest rates could not expected cause any significant rise purchases consumer capital goods said the bundesbank half point cuts the discount and lombard rates january have largely exhausted the scope for any further monetary moves the association added tuesday the federal statistics office said gross national product stagnated real seasonally and calendar adjusted terms the fourth quarter compared with the third quarter the economics ministry commenting the figures said gnp the first quarter was also expected relatively weak bank economists have forecast the economy will either stagnate contract slightly the first quarter official first quarter figures are due early june reuter 
acq	waiting period ends waste management wmx bid waste management inc said received notice early termination the hart scott rodino waiting period for its mln dlr takeover bid for chemlawn corp chem the waiting period was terminated march waste management said chemlawn has rejected waste management dlrs share bid has said was talking with other parties about selling its business reuter 
earn	asa ltd asa qtr feb net shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln note net asset value per share dlrs dlrs reuter 
acq	investors raise cyclops cyl tender price cyacq corp investor group bidding for cyclops corp said would raise its outstanding tender offer price for cyclops common dlrs share from dlrs certain conditions were met the increased offer would exceed the dlrs share price offered dixons group plc tender offer for cyclops that part definitive agreement acquire the pittsburgh based maker carbon tool and specialty steel products cyacq includes audio video affiliates inc and citicorp capital investors ltd and other investors cyclops has about mln shares outstanding for the tender price raised cyclops must provide cyacq with all non public information provided dixons group and cyacq must satisfied with financial projections made offering material dixons based the information cyacq said additionally dixon group rights buy cyclops common and its rights fees expenses the dixon cyclop merger agreement broken must rescinded cyacq said cyacq said financial projections developed for cyclops were materially lower than the financial projections provided cyclops dixons group cyclops spokeswoman said the company had details the new cyacq proposal and could not comment have nothing hand she said addition making specialty metal products cyclops also operates about specialty stores that sell consumer electronics products the stores are located states concentrated the northeast northwest and southwest cyclops employs about people pennsylvania ohio and other states also has interests non residential construction cyclops earned mln dlrs dlrs share sales billion dlrs compared earnings mln dlrs dlrs sales billion the spokeswoman said the agreement with dixons group calls for cyclops steel and construction businesses sold unit alleghany corp for about mln dlrs once the merger completed cyacq spokesman said the new conditional tender price would all cash had comment whether cyacq plans withdraw its current offer which 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 one note results exclude earnings from discontinued operations mln dlrs nine cts share mln dlrs three cts share the quarter and mln dlrs two cts share mln dlrs three cts share for the year earnings exclude gain sale dalton bookseller mln dlrs cts share each period earnings exclude extraordinary charge from purchase and redemption debt mln dlrs cts share the quarter and mln dlrs cts share for the year reuter 
jobs	spanish unemployment rises february the number spanish registered unemployed rose mln pct the workforce january the sixth consecutive monthly increase the labour ministry said registered unemployed totalled mln pct the workforce february 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 respectively qtr and year net includes loss metcap unit dlrs and dlrs cts per share respectively reuter 
acq	security pacific spc buys orbanco orbn security pacific corp said completed its previously announced acquisition orbanco financial services corp after receiving federal approval the deal security pacific said the federal reserve board approved wednesday its purchase the portland ore based bank holding company and financial services concern the purchase orbanco for about mln dlrs cash and common stock will effective days security pacific spokeswoman said terms call for each share orbanco common stock exchanged for about dlrs security pacific common stock plus dlrs cash each share orbanco dlr par value preferred stock will exchanged for dlrs cash plus accrued dividends orbanco with one billion dlrs assests the holding company for the oregon bank orbanco real estate service american data service inc and orbanco securities corp security pacific now has four major regional bank purchases outside california completed pending security pacific bought the arizona bank with assets four billion dlrs the fourth quarter pending approval currently the purchase rainier bancorporation rban with assets billion dlrs anticipation legislative changes that take effect security pacific has also negotiated the future purchase the nevada bank with assets mln dlrs security pacific the sixth largest bank holding company with assets about 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 one time charge dlrs five cts share from 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 are pro forma including the increase common shares that took place last october when the company went public through initial offering mln shares avg shrs assume the shares sold public and employees were outstanding during the entire period reuter 
acq	bancroft bcf sues zico zico investment holdings inc said that bancroft convertible fund inc filed suit seeking enjoin zico dlr share tender offer for bancroft shares its complaint bancroft said the tender offer materials and letters shareholders are false and misleading and that the tender offer violates the investment company act zico said the suit totally without 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 its reporting period dec from may said prior year comparisons were thus not applicable reuter 
ship	turkish ship headed for florida after explosion the turkish ore bulk oil vessel obo engin tonnes dwt had explosion its boiler yesterday lloyds shipping intelligence service reported the vessel has retained some power and yesterday evening was position lat long diverting jacksonville florida with its cargo tons coal the vessel was bound for iskenderun turkey from 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 with reuters holdings plc reuter 
earn	centel corp cnt regular payout set qtly div cts cts previously pay april record april seven reuter 
crude	mobil mob restructure exploration unit mobil oil corp said will restructure its dallas based mobil exploration and producing services inc operations april one provide stronger technological support its and overseas operations mobil said the operation will consist two new units technical services and application technology along with the existing drilling and new exploration ventures groups said mills president and general manager its exploration and producing southeast inc has been named vice president and general manager the new operation reporting hoenmans president its exploration and producing division reuter 
earn	equity oil eqty qtr loss shr loss nine 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 five pct stock dividend paid december reuter 
earn	results hit strikes dollar fabrique nationale herstal fnhb said suffered net loss billion francs last year after being hit strikes the falling dollar and declining oil prices statement said the loss which compared with mln franc profit the previous year included considerable charges for restructuring and without these the net loss would have been billion francs said added that the restructuring plan would allow the firm return long term profitability once had been approved local authorities banks and the workforce reuter 
acq	millipore mili acquires equity protein protein databases inc said millipore corp through its venture capital subsidiary millicorp acquired equity position the company protein said and millipore intend establish interactive relationship other details were disclosed about the amount millipore investment protein reuter 
crude	wildlife unit proposes alaska refuge oil study the national wildlife federation rejected interior department draft plan open wilderness lands northern alaska oil and gas exploration the federation the nation largest conservation group said further study was needed assess any possible damage that development might have the wildlife the area the coastal plain the arctic national wildlife refuge jay hair the federation executive vice president called the interior research into the effects development fundamentally flawed that provides little basis which make public policy decision hair called the department proposal reflection largely political decision adding have confidence interior represent the broad public interest this area interior wants open the million acre coastal plain oil and gas exploration but said only with tough safeguards protect the area caribou and musk oxen said preliminary survey showed the region could hold billions barrels oil and gas and that its potential energy resource would never known without exploration interior said oil the coastal plain could match the billion barrels found prudhoe bay just west the plain under existing law congress must agree oil and gas exploration and does not act the land will remain wildlife refuge protected from commercial development hair said interior report failed stress the probability that finding recoverable oil only pct said interior study also failed weigh oil gas fish and wildlife information the state alaska had gathered nor had the department consulted the environmental protection agency the possible effects exploration the federation letters congressmen proposed that nine member commission set study all aspects the issue and report back congress about two years hair said the federation was not opposed the possible exploration oil only that interior study was inadquate make sound judgement congressional observers said that present there was little sentiment congress open the wildlife area for commercial exploitation dispite increasing concern that the united states becoming overly dependent foreign oil reuter 
earn	gemini food corp six mths january net shr profit one loss one net profit loss revs mln mln reuter 
acq	merrill lynch mer fires vaskevitch merrill lynch and inc fired the head the mergers department its london office today saying had been unable provide satisfactory explanation response insider trading charges filed yesterday the securities and exchange commission merrill had suspended the official nahum vaskevitch yesterday saying the time was disappointed and angry the sec charges are true merrill lynch statement midday today said the firm will continue cooperatie fully with authoriteis the and london investigating vaskevitch activities reuter 
earn	lincoln national corp lnc votes dividend qtly div cts cts prior qtr pay may record april reuter 
ship	lawrence seaway open schedule the lawrence seaway and the welland canal linking lakes erie and ontario were expected open scheduled march and april respectively lawrence seaway official said the entire seaway already free ice due the mild winter and could open for navigation today but there doesn seem enough demand from shipping companies warrant early opening the canadian official said repairs are continuing stepped pace the welland canal and should completed the april start date she 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 all and last two months include results nico inc acquired oct prior year excludes discontinued operations loss cts per share the quarter and loss cts share the year excludes extraordinary gain two cts per share the quarter and four cts per share the year reuter 
earn	protocomdevices prcm sees more profit erosion protocomdevices inc said has seen more erosion its general financial condition since december and actively engaged negotiations secure additional financing also said has undergone restructuring its management and instituting further staff reductions said ramon morales has relinquished his role president and chief operating officer and assumed the position executive vice president charge international sales also said rafael collado has assumed the positions president and chief operating officer addition his role chief executive officer for the year ended january the company had net loss dlrs cts share revenues mln dlrs reuter 
coffee	ico board meeting delayed one day the international coffee organization ico executive board meeting scheduled for the end this month has been delayed one day and will now run from march april and not march april ico officials said march the ico hoc working group will meet consider management consultants ernst whinney report the ico secretariat this report was commissioned late last year report the administrative structure the ico reuter 
earn	paradise fruit inc parf year net shr cts cts net sales mln mln note year net penalized cts shr from loss investment tax credits reuter 
earn	samson energy limited partnership sam year net loss loss revs mln mln notes loss includes write down mln dlrs the carrying value oil and gas properties taken the first quarter cash flow from 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 five cts net profit loss revs half shr profit one loss cts net profit loss revs reuter 
acq	blue gass breeders blgr completes acquisition blue grass breeders inc said has completed the acquisition equine enterprises inc for four mln common shares said obligated deliver another shares the attainment certain level shareholders equity during any fiscal quarter within months closing all the contingent shares are issued blue grass said former owners equine will have pct interest blue grass equine new mexico quarter horse breeding and racing company reuter 
earn	digimed corp qtr dec loss shr loss two cts loss five cts net loss loss sales avg shrs six mths shr profit four 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 nine mths shr profit cts loss three cts net profit loss revs mln mln note year ago revenues include dlrs quarter and dlrs nine months from 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 said told news conference nord est expected receive approval from the bourse supervisory body cob the next two week when terms would set according market conditions said the issue was meant boost capital ahead new investments rambaud said the company would pay dividend francs unchanged parent company net profit last year rose mln francs against mln provisional consolidated profits were lower mln francs compared with mln which mln against mln was attributable the group said the lower profit was mainly due losses made steel tube maker vallourec which nord est has pct stake rambaud said forecast parent company net profit before provisions around mln francs reuter 
crude	solv solv shell canada shc pact complete solv corp said successfully completed its oil sands pilot testing program under its agreement with shell canada limited shc and received dlr bonus payment also said that shell canada exercised its option take over solv pct working interest the construction the oil facility relieving its obligation raise about mln canadian dlrs for plant construction said pct that loan was guaranteed the government alberta exchange for shell participation solv said shell obligated pay front royalty and running royalty based the operating profits the oil sands facility said the shell canada barrel per day oil sands project will built shell oil sand lease about miles north fort mcmurray the athabasca region northern alberta solv said the project will cost about mln canadian dlrs said that following final feasibility study the plant should open the early when oil prices are expected exceed dlrs per barrel reuter 
bop	spain has mln dlr january payments surplus spain had mln dlr current account balance payments surplus january compared with mln deficit december and mln surplus january last year bank spain figures show the trade deficit rose mln dlrs january from mln january reuter 
acq	purolator pcc director quits over buyout purolator courier corp director resigned from the company board saying plans take steps make find offer that tops the mln dlr buyout deal already accepted purolator board the company said the director doresy gardner resigned march letter the purolator board which was included filing made the company the securities and exchange commission gardner noted that the terms the merger agreement which the company would bought out group its managers and hutton lbo inc bar directors from taking action solicit initiate encourage acquisition proposals shareholder wish solicit initiate encourage such offer indication interest and believe therefore that should resign director the corporation gardner said the letter accordingly hereby resign director purolator courier corp effective immediately said gardner said believes shareholders could get better deal than the buyout offer the company would agree sold some other entity could sell off all part its courier division march another purolator shareholder rodney shields filed class action suit behalf the company shareholders charging the company and its board with breaching their fiduciary duty failing take steps ensure that shareholders got the highest possible price the buyout the deal would give shareholders dlrs share cash just pct purolator mln shares are tendered more are tendered they would receive dlrs cash and six dlrs debentures and warrant buy stock the new 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 said has accepted offer sell its cable television properties michigan tennessee florida arkansas and louisiana for substantial gain the company said details were not disclosed reuter 
earn	volt information sciences inc volt qtr shr cts seven 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 said its board declared dividend cts per share payable march holders record march the company last paid cts per share january and before that paid cts january paradise said commercial bank lending agreements entered into june include retained earnings requirements that limit the amount earnings available for distribution shareholders reuter 
earn	canada malting ltd 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 four cts net profit loss revs avg shrs mln mln nine mths shr profit six cts loss seven 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 three 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 five cts net loss loss sales six mths shr profit four cts loss cts net profit loss sales reuter 
crude	powerine refinery resume operations powerine oil said its refinery here will resume operation today with initial crude oil runs barrels per day powerine privately held company said expects the refinery become fully operational may with crude oil throughput bpd initial oil products deliveries are scheduled for monday powerine said the refinery had been closed due change ownership the company said 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 five cts five cts prior pay april record march reuter 
earn	idaho power ida sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay may 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 may one 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 said sold the plant inventory and certain other assets some its industrial chemical operations plastic specialities and technologies inc privately held company headquartered parsippany new jersey terms were not disclosed desoto industrial chemical operations are based fort worth texas and has annual sales about 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 from proposed divestment one third existing offices reuter 
rubber	rubber talks chairman cites slight progress there has been slight progress towards reaching rubber pact the chairman united nations conference new international natural rubber agreeement inra manaspas xuto thailand said there has been some slight progress but not the end the road yet said the conference which began monday seen the last effort adopt accord replace the current one which expires october some producing and consuming countries are taking part the two week meeting xuto said the key outstanding issues are not resolved tomorrow would hold weekend meetings the beginning the conference the fourth such meeting nearly two years xuto said was imperative settle those issues this week that technical drafting work can done next week conference sources said highly unlikely that producers will accept pact that will provide for any possible downward adjustment the floor price proposed consumers under certain circumstances the sources said this means that any possible adjustment would centre the reference price and the may buy may sell and must buy must sell levels without changing the lower indicative price floor price malaysian singapore cents kilo the present pact the present five day average the indicator price around malaysian singapore cents consumers are seeking adjustment the reference price set the current accord malaysian singapore cents kilo and the lower indicative price the buffer stock currently tonnes rises tonnes consumers want price reviews month intervals instead the present and the price revision mechanism respond automatically market trends present the market price has been above below the reference price for six months the reference price revised five pct amount decided the international natural rubber organisation council consumers say that these circumstances the adjustment automatic five pct more producers have resisted reducing the role the council the price adjustment procedure and have expressed concern that changes proposed consumers would weaken the present pact reuter 
gold	britannia coin sell premium the new british one ounce gold coin the britannia will priced the basis the gold price the day purchase plus competitive premium treasury officials said value added tax will levied all purchases members the public currently the case with foreign coins although transactions between members the london gold market and all exports the coins will zero rated decision has yet been taken the face value the coins although number gold coins especially the canadian maple have been issued elsewhere attempt take the place the south african krugerrand the british government still feels that there gap the market for british one ounce gold coin the only british gold coin available present the sovereign which contains ounces gold gold from south africa the soviet union will not used the coin officials said adding that bullion would bought the world gold market but analysts said would difficult ascertain the origins such purchases details are yet available how many coins will issued how much gold will bought but traders said that the amounts involved would unlikely move the gold price there were some enquiries the britannia from coin dealers today but value added tax would prove major factor the success the coin with the pct tax likely put off many investors traders said some said that the britannia had come too late with the canadian maple leaf the american eagle and other gold coins already well established reuter 
acq	cytrx cytr unit buys swedish company cytrx corp said its pct owned cytrx biopool ltd subsidiary has acquired biopool umea sweden for undisclosed terms said former shareholders biopool own the remaining pct cytrx biopool ltd biopool develops cardiovascular and fibrinolytic products for diagnostic applications the company said cytrx biopool studying the possible combination cytrx corp rheothrx drug reduce platelet aggregation and viscosity blood with 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 said expects have record fourth quarter earnings and for sales exceed mln dlrs for the fourth quarter ended march the company reported net income dlrs sales mln dlrs also said expects revenues for the 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 the securities and exchange commission they raised their stake intermedics inc shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct bessemer securities corp new york investment firm cilluffo associates new york investment partnership and related entities said they bought intermedics common shares between 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 ltd optkf year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln note net includes gain dlr gain from 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 other refineries shut for work selm societa energia montedison close its priolo crude refining units from march march for maintenance company spokesman said throughput the refinery currently estimated bpd although total capacity nearer bpd several other mediterranean refineries are currently shutdown for maintenance most which were scheduled some months ago but industry sources said that shutdowns may have been rearranged avoid running negative netback crude tighter availabilities products result the shutdowns the med helping keep products markets bullish particularly for march deliveries oil traders said garrone refinery san quirico capacity bpd due shutdown march for three weeks and the jointly owned isab garrone refinery mellili capacity bpd due start around march following its closure for maintenance month ago company spokesman said the esso italiana refineries augusta and siracusa will not closing this spring spokesman for the company said france the distillation unit societe francaise lavera refinery has been closed for maintenance since march and due restart early april total capacity bpd currently operating around pct capacity company spokesman said shell francaise berre etang refinery will shut down early april until mid june company spokesman said capacity around bpd compagnie francaise raffinage cfr will close the visbreaker its mede refinery early april but would not affect crude throughput the refinery company spokesman said current capacity bbl day despite current bullish sentiment the med however traders noted that crude netbacks are beginning look more attractive and most maintenance shutdowns should finished two three weeks result oil industry sources suggest that the situation may ease mid april reuter 
crude	attacks affect colombia oil outlook ecopetrol continuous rebel raids against oil pipelines and foreign exploration camps endanger colombia present oil bonanza franciso chona manager the state run oil company ecopetrol said seems the subversion wants end with our oil bonanza told reporters was speaking after meeting with defense minister rafael samudio military chiefs and mines and energy minister guillermo perry review the security situation the light recent upsurge leftist guerrilla attacks the oil rich arauca region bordering venezuela ecopetrol chief security retired general carlos narvaez said security measures would stricter and that the armed forces were closely collaborating but gave details samudio said new plans had been designed and hoped they would effective samudio stressed that despite the most recent attacks which cost more than four mln dlrs damage the overall situation had improved compared with last december when initial measures were taken combat wave attacks repeated bombings vital pipeline from the cano limon oilfield the caribbean then led loss barrels crude reuter 
copper	peru centromin says copper force majeure peru biggest state mining firm centromin said today there was immediate force majeure possibility its copper shipments after guerrillas blew railway line interrupting train traffic from the cobriza copper mine the pacific coast centromin spokesman said the managers the mine cobriza could always ship the the mineral road the coast for export the train line continued interrupted cobriza produced the equivalent around fine tonnes copper last year maoist guerrillas using dynamite interrupted train traffic two days ago when they blew railway tracks and derailed train laden with minerals miles east lima chacapalca between the coast and cobriza official minero peru comercial minpeco peru state minerals marketing firm confirmed there had been declaration force majeure the shipments from cobriza officials national train company enafer headquarters lima the peruvian capital declined comment when train traffic would restored cobriza but enafer official reached telephone the central andean city huancayo near chacapalca said traffic could restored saturday reuter 
earn	parker drilling suspends quarterly dividend 
acq	first granite bancorp inc agrees acquired magna group inc for stock 
veg-oil	argentine vegetable oils shipments jan nov argentine vegetable oils shipments during january november totalled tonnes against tonnes the same period the argentine grain board said the breakdown was cotton sunflower linseed groundnutseed soybean tung olive maize rapeseed nil nil grape nil nil the board added shipments during november amounted tonnes against tonnes the same month the breakdwon was tonnes cotton nil nil sunflower linseed groundnutseed soybean tung nil olive maize nil rapeseed nil nil grape nil nil the board said the ten principal destinations during january november with comparative figures for the same period brackets were tonnes holland iran soviet union egypt algeria brazil south africa cuba united states nil india the board added reuter 
earn	parker drilling pkd suspends payout parker drilling said its board directors voted suspend the payment dividends shareholders parker drilling said has been paying quarterly dividend one share common stock the company said expects save mln dlrs year through the dividend suspension reuter 
earn	eqk realty investors ekr qtr net shr nine cts cts net revs avg shrs mln mths shr cts net revs mln note mth figures not available for since company started operations march reuter 
earn	masco corp mas regular dividend set qtly div nine cts nine cts previously pay may 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 nine cts nine cts prior pay may record april reuter 
acq	first granite fgbi agrees acquired first granite bancorp inc said agreed principle become wholly owned subsidiary magna group inc magi under terms the agreement first granite shareholders will receive shares magna for each first granite share held first granite shareholders will asked approve the tranaction late summer first granite which has shares outstanding dec had assets mln dlrs owns first 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 well springfield centralia and decatur ill reuter 
interest	canadian imperial bank commerce cuts prime rate pct from tomorrow 
earn	thermwood corp thm qtr jan net shr three cts three cts net sales six mths shr four cts four cts net sales avg shrs reuter 
earn	perini investment properties pnv raises payout qtly div cts cts prior qtr payable june record may reuter 
crude	sun sun raises crude postings cts sun said raised the contract price will pay for crude oil cts barrel effective today the increase brings sun posted price for the west texas intermediate and west texas sour grades dlrs bbl the light louisiana sweet grade was also raised cts dlrs bbl sun last changed its 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 eight reuter 
interest	royal bank canada lowers prime rate pct down 
earn	new line cinema corp nln qtr net shr cts nine 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 said has asked the canadian bankers association industry lobby group for explanation the level credit card interest rates hockin said hopes here the association response the important issue soon hockin was responding questions the house commons about why credit card rates which run high pct per year remain high when other rates are falling today the canadian bank rate fell pct from pct last week and the canadian imperial bank commerce cut its prime rate effective tomorrow pct from pct reuter 
earn	ipco corp ihs regular dividend qtly div nine cts nine cts prior qtr payable may one record apreil nine 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 said the plaintiffs the existing lawsuits opposing its sale requested amendment their complaint include class action count alleghney said the suit filed the district court for the western district pennsylvania was aimed blocking the sale alleghney affiliate first boston inc allegheney said the additional count sought the plaintiffs alleges the price offered for common stock dlrs grossly unfair and one the purposes the proposed sale absolve the individual defendants liability the lawsuit the additional count among other forms relief requests injunction against the defendants from taking any steps accomplish the proposed sale alleghney said reuter 
crude	phillips raises crude postings cts effective today wti dlrs bbl 
earn	bull and bear equity income fund bulax div new york march qtly div eight cts eight cts prior payable march record march reuter 
cocoa	pessimism mounts over bahian temporao cocoa crop pessimism over the effects prolonged dry spell the coming bahian temporao cocoa crop rising with trade forecasts generally the mln mln bag range against mln mln fortnight ago trade sources told reuters from the state capital salvador that despite scattered rains since mid february which broke six week drought plantations have not picked hoped and very little cocoa expected gathered the first three months the may september crop the sources said arrivals from may through july might only reach around bags whereas normal years figure mln mln bags might expected arrivals from then should start pick sharply pods from current flowering are gathered however the sources noted late temporao always more susceptible pod rot which flourishes conditions turn cold and humid and which more likely from late july this year crop doubly susceptible because poor prices mean farmers were not encouraged invest fertilisers and insecticides and are also unlikely treat against pod rot severe attack pod rot can cause the loss over bags very short period one source said because the increased exposure pod rot damage estimates the final outcome the temporao are extremely vulnerable and production could easily drop below the mln bag mark the disease hits although flowering was good following the start the rains pod setting was not expectations possibly because the drought had caused drop the insect population which pollinates flowers the sources said however reports from farms indicate moisture levels are now generally back near normal levels and that current flowering and pod setting good which should result mature fruit from august through september the sources said they expect break the harvesting beans between the end the temporao and the beginning the main crop which officially starts october the cut off date completely artificial things well from now should see heavy harvesting without break from august through november even december one said predictions mln bag temporao prove accurate this would below the mln bag average for the past years the last poor temporao was when prolonged drought and later pod rot cut production mln bags the lowest since good growing conditions the following year produced temporao mln bags just below the mln bag record while last year output which also suffered some drought damage was mln bags figures for the coming temporao might distorted upwards the inclusion undeclared current main crop beans the sources said large quantities beans are believed have been undeclared from this year record total harvest and they were unsure how much this would unregistered the end the official crop year april recent official arrivals figures have been swollen the inclusion beans which had been delivered previously port warehouses but not declared because the high turnover beans this year significant amounts have deteriorated because they were stored too long the back warehouses some these are expected held for mixing with early temporao arrivals with official arrivals figures for the temporao and main crops totalling over mln bags and over seven weeks still the end the year the total outturn should least record mln bags all production declared the sources said this would compare with the previous record set last year mln however there way telling how many current crop beans will declared after the may start the temporao and thus the true size the harvest may never officially registered 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 said raised the contract price will for all grades crude oil cts barrel effective today the increase brings phillip posted price for the west texas intermediate and west texas sour grades dlrs bbl phillips last changed its crude oil postings march the 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 three cts shr ago gain mln dlrs cts shr net includes mln dlr charge for reduction carrying value 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 respectively for carryforwards and loss dlrs and dlrs respectively for early extinguishment debt qtr and year oper net excludes loss dlrs cts per share and loss dlrs cts per share respectively for discontinued operations reuter 
acq	talking point purolator courier corp pcc purolator courier corp stock rose specualtion that disgruntled former purolator director would find new suitor for the company traders said purolator agreed late february dlr share mln dlr offer from hutton lbo inc and certain members its purolator courier division management the stock today hit one today purolator revealed filing with the securities and exchange commission that director doresy gardner resigned from its board directors letter dated march the letter from gardner said resigned the board because the merger agreement with hutton barred directors from soliciting new offers and believes shareholders might get better deal gardner said believes better offer might found the company would agree sold some other entity could sell off all part its courier division basically the courier division company that has mln dlrs revenues very large company and being sold for mln dlrs said gardner telephone interview with reuters gardner official kelso management firm associated with fidelity international ltd group fidelity companies owns eight pct purolator and gardner said personally owns shares purolator official said the company has comment the letter from gardner arbitragers speculated another overnight messenger service may emerge likely bidder for purolator before the transaction with hutton lbo was announced analysts had also speculated another courier company would the most likely suitor while one arbitrager acknowledged there fact may new bidders said the possibility one could appear pushed the stock into play again there shortage possibilities just question management willingness let the process continue said one arbitrager arbitragers said new buyer might found because they believe hutton lbo has taken risk the transaction hutton has begun tender for pct purolator dlrs cash per share the balance purolator stock will bought for securities and warrants new company holding the courier operations the arbitragers said tender offer documents show that hutton does not need use its cash the transaction and will emerge with giant majority equity interest purolator far can tell from the public documents from the deal that the table hutton basically putting zero one always likes situation like that you always like think they can this deal risk there should someone else the world that could higher said one arbitrager the firm however supplying temporary financing and sources close the transaction disputed the claim that the firm will not end paying for its equity position while one scenario mentioned the tender offer document did note that the hutton group subsidiary may not have keep cash the transaction the sources said there some risk the firm there are variety contingencies and restricted cash and all sorts things that make very speculative said one the sources adding there are also severance payments employees the hutton group subsidiary supplying mln dlrs called bridge financing for the transaction the bridge financing temporary loan from hutton the financing replaced with permanent financing expected come from banks however may take some time replace the financing the source said resulting what could substantial expense the firm gardner said hutton stands gain fees mln dlrs from the transaction but sources close the transaction said fees are the low end the scale very complex transaction but basically what happens they ostensibly put money but the fees recapture any investment they might have once the merger takes place gardner said reuter 
trade	volcker sees clearcut evidence that trade deterioration has yet been reversed 
crude	diamond shamrock dia raises crude postings diamond shamrock said raised the contract price will pay for crude oil cts barrel effective today the increase brings the company posted price for the benchmark grade west texas intermediate dlrs bbl diamond shamrock last changed its postings march reuter 
interest	toronto dominion bank cuts prime rate pct from pct tomorrow 
interest	bank montreal cuts prime rate pct from pct effective friday 
cpi	volcker says fed remains concerned about the possibility renewed inflation 
money-supply	assets money market mutual funds fell mln dlrs latest week billion 
acq	weinberger opposes fujitsu buying firm defense secretary caspar weinberger will join commerce secretary malcolm baldrige fighting fujitsu ltd itsu plan buy pct fairchild semiconductor corp pentagon officials said weinberger opposes not the best interests the country have more the micro electronics business leaving the united states one the pentagon officials who asked not identified told reuters commerce department officials told reuters yesterday that baldrige opposed the planned sale and that the white house economic policy council will take the matter within weeks commerce and defense officials said baldrige and weinberger feared the military already leaning too heavily foreign electronic support but the defense department also said today that weinberger and baldrige differed the proposed sale computer equipment iran the commerce department advised the pentagon recently that defense objections two proposed sales iranian power company and the islamic republic iran news agency were not valid and the sales small and medium computers would through unless more evidence was presented reuter 
acq	safeguard scientific sfe equity deal safeguard scientifics inc said made mln dlr equity investment sanchez computer associates inc private computer software firm based malvern safeguard said the investment gives major ownership position sanchez which 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 from discontinued operations dlrs four cts share the quarter and dlrs six cts share the six months reuter 
earn	first financial ffmc stock split first financial management corp said its board declared three for two stock split its common stock the split will effected pct stock dividend for shareholders record march distributed april six reuter 
interest	bank nova scotia cuts prime rate pct from 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 first payout brown transport inc said its board declared initial quarterly dividend four cts share payable april stockholders record march reuter 
gas	wright says gas tax option cut deficit house speaker jim wright said gasoline tax one option finding way reduce the deficit but told reporters response question will not try dictate solution the debt problem wright has made suggestions for raising taxes about billion dlrs part budget plan reduce the deficit tax proposals are being given consideration members the house budget committee but the details any tax increase would made the tax writing house ways and means committee reuter 
trade	key house trade subcommittee approves bill toughen trade laws 
acq	summit petroleum corp sells shares summit petroleum corp said sold mln shares pct its common stock halbert and associates inc the company said the shares were previously held consolidated energy corp and harken oil and gas inc hogi addition david halbert president and chief executive officer halbert abilene investment firm was named chairman and chief executive summit the company said halbert charles bruce and james burke were also named directors expanding the board five summit added the company said burke president and chief executive allied comprehensive health inc abilene while bruce partner the washington law firm butler and binion summit said intends actively seek acquisitions increase its asset base reuter 
trade	clear evidence trade gap reversed volcker federal reserve board chairman paul volcker said current data does not give clear sign that the deterioration the trade balance has yet been reversed the data have hand not provide clearcut evidence that the deterioration the trade balance has yet been reversed volcker said remarks prepared for delivery luncheon for community leaders here however volcker said there are encouraging signs particularly the rising volume exports over the past year achieved despite relatively slow growth abroad volcker warned not sustainable from economic perspective pile foreign debt while failing make the investment needed generate growth and earn the money service the debt said the process restoring external balance the economy requires dealing with the budget deficit said needed economic adjustment will require relative shift financial and real resources into internationally competitive industry more our growth will need reflected net exports and business investment and less consumption volcker said reuter 
money-supply	business loans fall mln dlrs march week fed says 
money-supply	new york bank discount window borrowings nil march week 
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 are working well together partners and currently not plan any change their joint ownership distiller hiram walker gooderham and worts allied lyons chairman derrick holden brown said allied lyons got pct control hiram walker gooderham last year for about mln dlrs while the reichmanns gulf canada corp acquired pct out court pact after hostile battle for the wine and spirits division hiram walker resources ltd are getting along very well partners hope there won any change but there could holden brown told reporters after speech toronto said allied lyons has two year call option that could force gulf canada sell its pct stake allied lyons and gulf canada has two year put option that could obligate allied lyons buy its pct both and gulf hope very much there will occasion for either the put call exercised holden brown said answer reporter question holden brown said would possible for gulf canada sell off part its pct public offering with allied lyons consent don think would have any objection added allied lyons maintains control hiram walker gooderham board directors and has total responsibility for its management cannot contemplate giving our control said holden brown would not disclose how big profit contribution the distiller will make allied lyons financial results but said will substantial not able give profit forecasts said holden brown said allied lyons was able finance the hiram walker gooderham acquisition with cash and borrowings and has current plans for stock issue said the company not currently negotiating any more acquisitions canada but has team officials evaluating possible purchases wines spirits soft drinks food concerns don think shall looking the brewery scene which highly concentrated already added holden brown said allied lyons plans list its shares canadian stock exchanges possibly later this year reuter 
money-supply	new york business loans fall mln dlrs commercial and industrial loans the books the major new york banks excluding acceptances fell mln dlrs billion the week ended march the federal reserve bank new york said including acceptances loans fell mln dlrs billion commercial paper outstanding nationally dropped mln dlrs billion national business loan data are scheduled released friday 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 three times annually with bulk payment the end the fiscal year equal annual dividend cts reuter 
grain	cargill official defends certificate programs the use generic kind commodity certificates has helped ease storage problems and necessary part export promotion programs senior executive for the world largest grain company said testifying before the house agriculture subcommittee wheat soybeans and feedgrains robbin johnson vice president cargill inc disputed claims that grain companies have made huge profits from certificate trading the certs program not any way windfall the trade said johnson said that cargill has been dealing with two pct spread certificate transactions and that this within the normal grain marketing levels johnson recognized current concern over the cost certificates compared cash but said that critics need look more closely the savings caused certs noting for example that widespread use certs the pik and roll marketing technique last summer helped ease storage costs certificates are also important part any export promotion program said the more you look ways expand export markets the more you have look ways expand certs put more grain into the market meet demand said subcommittee chairman dan glickman kans said his committee would looking the certificate program later this year and studying the general accounting office report certificate costs reuter 
crude	house speaker backs oil import forecast plan house speaker jim wright endorsed proposal require the president take action reduce oil imports they threaten top pct consumption wright told reporters the plan sen lloyd bentsen fellow texas democrat was positive and useful oil imports peaked pct were short pct last year and this year are over pct bentsen said the bentsen proposal supported other senators would would require the president issue annual three year oil import forecasts any year they threatened top pct would ordered propose quotas other solution reuter 
money-supply	bank discount borrowings average mln dlrs day march week fed says 
money-supply	bank net free reserves mln dlrs two weeks march fed says 
money-supply	falls mln dlrs march week feb down billion billion 
acq	princeville pvdc sell its air operation princeville development corp and aloha inc parent aloha airlines inc jointly said they agreed terms for the sale princeville airways inc aloha terms the agreement were not disclosed under the proposed sale the companies said aloha would acquire the entire princeville airways commuter operation and access the princeville airport the island kauai they said princeville airways expected operate subsidiary aloha inc and will continue use the princeville aiways name reuter 
acq	new hampshire savings nhsb buy bank new hampshire savings bank corp said agreed buy seashore bankshares inc exchange stock according the terms the deal said seashore shares will exchanged for mln dlrs new hampshire savings stock said seashore bankshares has assets about mln dlrs reuter 
orange	fcoj movement gallons last week florida citrus processors association said frozen concentrate orange juice movement into trade channels the week ended march totalled gallons versus gallons the week ended february and gallons the corresponding year ago period there were gallons foreign imports last week versus gallons the week before domestic imports last week were retail movement was versus year ago bulk movement was against year earlier current season cumulative movement was gallons versus last year cumulative net pack for the season was versus year ago inventory was versus year ago reuter 
money-supply	money supply falls mln dlrs money supply fell mln dlrs seasonally adjusted billion dlrs the march week the federal reserve said the previous week level was revised billion dlrs from billion while the four week moving average rose billion dlrs from billion commenting february growth the broader monetary aggregates the fed said that fell billion dlrs while rose three billion economists polled reuters had projected mln dlr fall billion dlr drop and change reuter 
earn	amvestors financial avfc sets stock dividend amvestors financial corp said declared pct stock dividend payable june holders record june one subject increase authorized shares said shareholders will vote the april annual meeting increase authorized shares mln from mln the company also said plans pay initial quarterly dividend five cts share the shares reuter 
trade	house panel approves trade bill the house ways and means trade subcommittee unanimously approved toned down version legislation designed toughen trade laws and wedge open foreign markets more goods the measure now goes the full house ways and means committee next week but major changes are not expected congressional sources said this product could very well toughening our trade policy and doing manner that opens markets without this frightening word protectionism ways and means chairman dan rostenkowski illinois democrat said the trade subcommittee backed away from mandating specific retaliation against foreign countries for unfair foreign trade practices the house had approved trade bill last year but held over for the full ways and means committee debate controversial plan rep richard gephardt mandate reduction trade surpluses with the countries such japan south korea and taiwan gephardt missouri democrat has not decided the exact form his amendment aide said last year the house approved his idea force annual ten pct trade surplus cut those countries the trade bill will wrapped with legislation from other committees dealing with relaxation export controls incentives for research expanded worker training and education and other efforts increase competitiveness the comprehensive trade bill considered the full house late april and then will considered senate committees requires president reagan retaliate against foreign unfair trade practices but not mandate quotas tariffs and allow exemption economic security would harmed actions against other countries the bill would make easier for industries win relief from surges imports competitive products extends until january the administration authority negotiate trade agreements part the new round multilateral talks under the 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 from discontinued operations loss for prior qtr excludes tax carryforward for prior qtr reuter 
cpi	inflation still concern volcker says federal reserve board chairman paul volcker said both the fed and the financial markets remain concerned about the possibility renewed inflation possibility renewed inflation remains concern both the markets and within the federal reserve said remarks prepared for delivery group business leaders here said one potential channel for renewed inflationary pressures would excessive fall the dollar the exchange markets which would push import prices sharply said participants financial markets and business remain skeptical prospects for lasting price stability should the skepticism about our ability resist inflation reinforced bad policy the consequences for interest rates for exchange rates and for the economy generally would clearly undesirable recognition that danger neccesarily must weigh heavily the formation monetary policy the fed chairman said volcker said attempts drive the dollar much lower would undermine the hard won gains against inflation and would risk dissipating the flow foreign capital reuter 
crude	unocal raises most crude prices cts today wti dlrs 
earn	shawmut corp shas sets regulary dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april one 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 outside shareholders mln mln pref div mln same turnover billion billion div pay may register march note full name anglo american industrial corp ltd reuter 
earn	anglo american aivj year dec shr cts final div making pre tax mln rand mln net mln mln tax mln mln att outside shareholders mln mln pref div mln same turnover billion billion div pay may register march note full name anglo american industrial corp ltd reuter 
crude	unocal ucl raises crude oil postings unocal corp said raised the contract price will pay for most grades crude oil cts barrel effective today the increase brings unocal posted price for the benchmark grade west texas intermediate dlrs barrel also brought the price for west texas sour dlrs bbl light louisiana sweet was also raised cts dlrs bbl unocal last changed its crude postings march four and brings price line with other major companies which have been raising prices steadily recent weeks the increase also represents the latest series increases that began with usx corp marathon petroleum corp notification yesterday evening that effective today raised its crude postings cts barrel bringing its contract price for wti dlrs barrel earlier today sun sun phillips petroleum and diamond shamrock dia also said they raised their crude postings cts barrel bringing their wti contract price dlrs barrel contract prices have risen response higher spot market prices oil traders said reuter 
crude	citgo raises crude postings cts today wti dlrs bbl 
acq	court lifts restraining order mark baird corp batm said the massachusetts state court for suffolk county has lifted temporary restraining order prohibiting mark industries inc from further purchases baird stock according filings with the securities and exchange commission mark owns least pct baird stock and may attempt acquire baird baird said baird said the court also issued order enjoining baird from enforcing the massachusetts anti takeover statute against 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 after preferred dividends excludes fourth quarter and full year extraordinary gains cts and cts per share respectively reuter 
earn	counsel corp sets three for two stock split counsel corp said plans three for two stock split pending shareholder approval the april annual meeting the company said recently reported profit mln dlrs dlrs share before extraordinary items compared with mln dlrs cts reuter 
crude	southland slc unit raises crude postings southland corp citgo petroleum corp said raised the contract price will pay for crude oil cts barrel effective today the increase bring citgo posted price for the west texas intermediate and west texas sour grades dlrs barrel the light louisiana sweet south onshore grade was also raised cts dlrs barrel and light louisiana sweet north was increased dlrs barrel citgo last changed its postings march four reuter 
earn	cannon can audit show significant loss the cannon group inc said its financial statements will show substantial losses for fiscal and significant downward adjustments previously reported stockholders equity the company also said its audit being conducted arthur young and will cover the year ended january instead the nine month period ended september previously announced said anticipates the results the audit will available mid late april reuter 
acq	eager technology acquires nuclad eager technology inc said signed letter intent acquire nuclad inc private colorado corporation and its subsidiaries terms the acquisition were not disclosed reuter 
acq	interconnect offers buy gates learjet glj interconnect capital corp said sent letter the board gates learjet corp offering buy the company for dlrs share gates corp which owns pct gates learjet agreed earlier this week sell its shares partnership formed privately held cobey corp and unit bear stearns cos inc bsc for dlrs share mln dlrs the proposal subject approval gates learjet board spokesman for privately held interconnect said made the new proposal gates learjet board but would not say had held talks with the parent company board reuter 
acq	seal sinc acquires ademco ltd seal inc said acquired ademco ltd united kingdom company which distributes mounting and laminating equipment and supplies for combination cash and stock valued mln dlrs based current exchange rates seal said will pay additional mln dlrs contingent the market price seal common december and certain earnings targets the acquired business reuter 
crude	brazil cancels oil purchase from saudi arabia brazil state oil company petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase from saudi arabia after the saudis refused accept credit guarantees from the bank brazil petrobras official said export director carlos santana told press conference the saudis were the first suppliers oil impose such conditions after brazil decision halt interest payment its commercial debts last month the shipment mln barrels represents two days oil consumption brazil but santana said the saudis change their minds and decide respect the terms the contract then petrobras will lift the order cancel the shipment santana said the saudis not accept brazil terms monday then petrobras will negotiate elsewhere petrobras has been saudi arabia traditional client since they not accept our conditions now will much better for because with the market prices more less the same buying from iraq and china advantage said iraq and china have barter deals with brazil importing brazilian goods exchange for oil but the saudis buy nothing from brazil said santana said despite strike threat oil industry workers and two week stoppage brazilian seamen petrobras oil stocks are reasonably balanced saudi arabia brazil second biggest oil supplier with average bpd iraq the main supplier with bpd china comes third with bpd the saudis wish stop our trade relationship fine sure that they will getting dozens offers from elsewhere santana added reuter 
trade	house panel approves trade bill the house ways and means trade subcommittee unanimously approved toned down version legislation designed toughen trade laws and wedge open foreign markets more goods the measure now goes the full house ways and means committee next week but major changes are not expected congressional sources said this product could very well toughening our trade policy and doing manner that opens markets without this frightening word protectionism ways and means chairman dan rostenkowski illinois democrat said the trade subcommittee backed away from mandating specific retaliation against foreign countries for unfair foreign trade practices the house had approved trade bill last year but held over for the full ways and means committee debate controversial plan rep richard gephardt mandate reduction trade surpluses with the countries such japan south korea and taiwan gephardt missouri democrat has not decided the exact form his amendment aide said last year the house approved his idea force annual pct trade surplus cut those countries reuter 
crude	india gets mln dlr world bank loan the world bank said has approved mln dlr loan for india help lessen that country dependence imported oil and spur development its own petroleum resources the bank said the loan will used boost production injecting gas the partially depleted assam oil fields and assist exploration other areas including drilling exploratory wells the bank said the recipient the year loan will oil india ltd oil which the smaller two public indian petroleum exploration and production companies reuter 
coffee	colombia coffee marketing more flexible colombia intends improve the marketing its coffee with the accent more flexibility setting export registration prices finance minister cesar gaviria said speaking reporters after announcing lower export registration price reintegro dlr per dock new york gaviria said export mechanisms would more agile the first stage decided not only lower the reintegro but also adopt flexible policy reintegro that will allow private exporters participate more actively colombia coffee export policy said traders said this means the export registration price will change more often truer reflection market trends gaviria said the measures merely responded new market factors since return system international coffee organisation ico export quotas may not occur the short term ico talks last month london failed break deadlock over introduction export quotas suspended february gaviria stressed that colombia will not necessarily suffer from depressed prices because can compensate lower prices with increased volume colombia will continue export its traditional amount coffee between and mln bags kilos and will without agreement among producers said ruled out much higher volume exports mln bags mentioned market circles because the idea precisely not disrupt the market colombia exported record mln bags the coffee year which ended last september echoing gaviria words jorge cardenas manager the national coffee growers federation said colombia sought adapt its coffee marketing policy circumstances there great expectation the world for the policies that brazil and colombia will adopt ours beginning emerge and agreement among producers foreseeable the immediate future told journalists trade sources rio today said brazil future export policy was unlikely revealed before the end next week cardenas said new ico meeting could only take place when problems that hindered agreement the recent london talks have been resolved asked comment reuter report from jakarta saying indonesia hoped colombia could use its contacts with brazil suggest compromise the quota issue cardenas said the brazilian stand was quite clear said brazil current quota reflects the reality the market allows for orderly supply and satisfies demand but added more clarity was needed assess the criteria that determined cardenas said lows registered immediately after the failure the london talks were triggered widespread fear among dealers imminent price war and the belief that producers would out and sell their coffee quickly possible which did not happen reuter 
crude	india gets mln dlr world bank loan the world bank said approved mln dlr loan for india help lessen that country dependence imported oil and spur development its own petroleum resources the bank said the loan will used boost production injecting gas the partially depleted assam oil fields and assist exploration other areas including drilling exploratory wells the bank said the recipient the year loan will oil india ltd oil which the smaller two public indian petroleum exploration and production companies reuter 
acq	cannon can sells library weintraub weintraub entertainment group inc said agreed acquire cannon group screen entertainment film library the library was purchased may part cannon acquisition screen entertainment ltd from bond corp holdings ltd the library has over theatrical motion pictures terms call for the price established through appraisal process beginning immediately and not exceed mln dlrs below mln dlrs reuter 
acq	gerber grb buys gerber systems gsti shares gerber scientific inc said its gst acquisition corp purchased shares its pct owned gerber systems technology pursuant january tender offer following the purchase gerber made capital contribution gst all the shares owned resulting pct ownership gst reuter 
crude	venezuela lend ecuador bpd crude venezuela will lend ecuador barrels per day crude oil over the next few months help meet its export commitments energy and mines minister arturo hernandez grisanti said today said that under the terms this loan agreed during visit here this week ecuador deputy energy minister fernando santos alvite ecuador will begin repaying the loan august hernandez grisanti said the loan will part way offsetting the loss ecuador exports caused earthquake damage miles pipeline last week ecuador was forced suspend exports after the pipeline connecting its jungle oil fields with the pacific port balao was put out action venezuela has output quota bpd while ecuador bpd santos alvite said ecuador will ask opec allow produce bpd above its quota when the pipeline repaired offset present production losses hernandez grisanti said also first barrels shipment venezuelan crude oil will leave for ecuador this weekend help meet domestic consumption needs the oil part five mln additional crude oil loan venezuela will processed guayaquil refineries had not supplied oil ecuador the life this country would have ground halt said reuter 
earn	the adelaide steamship ltd adsa first half first half ended december shr cents int div cents net mln dlrs mln turnover mln mln other revenue mln mln one for five rights issue dlrs share one for four bonus issue capital enlarged rights issue shrs mln mln note shr applies total net mln dlrs mln after extraordinaries loss pre extraordinaries net shr cents div pay april div and rights issue reg march bonus reg may net equity accounts share associates earnings pre equity pre tax earnings mln dlrs mln pre equity net mln dlrs mln after tax mln mln minorities mln mln interest mln mln and depreciation mln mln but before net extraordinary loss mln mln reuter 
earn	bryn mawr bank corp bmtc ups dividend qtly div cts cts prior payable may one record april note bryn mawr was reorganized holding company january resulting each share bryn mawr trust being converted into three shares the new holding company stock the cts dividend represents pct increase over prior quarter reuter 
acq	price pclb buy pct tss seedman price said agreed buy least pct the stock tss seedman inc for about mln dlrs the terms envision purchase the entire company said the transaction expected close the end april reuter 
ship	two brazilian shipping firms settle with strikers two small shipping companies have reached pay deal with striking seamen but union leaders said most brazil seamen were still strike union spokesman rio janeiro said the seamen had accepted pct pay offer from the companies globo and flumar which have less than employees each the two week strike comes brazil faces debt crisis and delaying exports badly needed earn foreign exchange labour minister almir pazzionotto said the government will not force settlement the strike which was ruled illegal last friday reuter 
earn	chock full nuts corp qtr jan loss new 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 from discontinued operations dlrs for qtr and dlrs for six mths reuter 
earn	adsteam rights issue raise mln dlrs the adelaide steamship ltd adsa adsteam said its one for five rights issue dlrs share will raise mln dlrs for general working capital and investment both australia and overseas the group announced the issue with its first half earnings and said statement that the rights issue will followed one for four bonus issue adsteam equity accounted net earnings rose mln dlrs the half ended december from mln year earlier and interim dividend cents from adsteam shares eased dlrs from opening and yesterday close the issue announcement the issue will underwritten morgan grenfell australia ltd and mccaughan dyson ltd apart from the shares taken adsteam associate and largest shareholder department store retailer david jones ltd new shares will not rank for the interim dividend but will rank equally thereafter adsteam said expects maintain annual dividend rate cents capital enlarged about mln shares both issues from mln adsteam said its diverse industrial interests generally performed well and its results the ultimate holding company and beneficiary reflected this solid performance david jones owned pct adsteam earned the largest associates net mln dlrs the half against mln year earlier adsteam figures show wholly owned and joint venture companies also did well apart from timber building supplies and real estate which returned below budget profits due the housing downturn adsteam said sees year reconstruction and consolidation with the capital base boosted the issue reuter 
acq	hearst buys houston chronicle for mln dlrs the hearst corp buying the houston chronicle from houston endowment inc for mln dlrs the announcement was made jointly frank bennack president and chief executive officer hearst and richard johnson president the chronicle the houston endowment selling the paper comply with federal tax laws requiring charitable institutions divest themselves profit making subsidiaries the chronicle has daily circulation over and competition with the houston post owned the toronto sun publishing corp with circulation about the acquisition gives hearst its biggest newspaper holding texas where the california based publisher already owns papers san antonio beaumont and laredo the chain also owns among others the flagship san francisco examiner the los angeles herald examiner and the seattle post intelligencer reuter 
acq	iel acmex unit bid for cheetham industrial equity ltd iel unit acmex holdings ltd said proposed make formal takeover offer for all the issued capital cheetham ltd producer salt animal feed and seeds acmex said statement would offer one share for every two cheetham shares dlrs cash for each share acmex said was presently entitled mln cheetham shares pct its mln issued shares the scrip offer values cheetham about mln dlrs based acmex current price dlrs and the cash offer about mln cheetham last traded dlrs reuter 
gnp	officials disagree reducing budget deficit senior economic officials disagree the likelihood the government can meet its budget deficit reduction targets beryl sprinkel chairman the council economic advisers reiterated the reagan administration opposition tax increase and its pledge reduce the deficit cutting spending and fostering economic growth contrast rudolph penner director the congressional budget office said the budget process has broken down and the deficit will remain close billion dlrs for fiscal sprinkel told symposium sponsored new york university that spending could cut avoiding decisions based the desire influence votes and shifting the responsibility for local projects state governments also suggested line item veto which allows the president veto parts bill without rejecting all limit wasteful spending spending and taxing decisions should linked more closely sprinkel said the administration still looks for pct growth real gross national product gnp and pct asked the latest economic reports signal this rate economic growth attainable sprinkel said looks pretty good had two very strong employment reports also said federal reserve policy appropriate adding looks like they track while further reductions are needed the trade deficit sprinkel said the lower dollar having impact the new tax laws will not hurt the economy and the tax reform act significantly lowers tax rates and will greatly increase private production incentives said our estimates the council economic advisers suggest national net output goods and services will permanently increase approximately two pct because the long run consequences tax reform sprinkel said this would have amounted increase approximately dlrs the income the average american family sprinkel also argued the tax cuts were not responsible for the large increase the budget deficit fiscal ending september federal spending amounted pct gnp while federal receipts absorbed pct gnp leaving deficit pct said sprinkel said that compared with fiscal the federal expenditure share gnp percentage points higher and the revenue share gnp virtually the same contrary the conventional wisdom therefore the tax cut not the root cause the extraordinary budget deficits the past few years sprinkel said this tax cut merely rolled back the inflation induced tax increases that occurred between and added however the congressional budget office rudolph penner argued that the tax cut was misguided since making the big mistake cutting taxes enormously without any plan decrease spending the administration congress indeed with increases defence spending now all the options for reducing the budget deficit are unpleasant said penner said the tax cut resulted from the ideological turmoil the caused the biggest sustained inflation our nation history which helped foster widespread distrust government the american people turned the government with tax revolt the state level and new demands the government the national level penner said but their dislike taxes exceeded their general dislike spending programs now the correction that mistake demands that the system change lot penner sees little hope the gramm rudman hollings budget deficit reduction targets will met and said the deficit will remain roughly billion dlrs this year said budget process that sets targets arbitrarily not likely succeed feel pretty safe saying that any process that tries dictate numerical outcome from above doomed fail simply because there way enforce penner said penner questioned the methods which the budget deficit was cut said billion dlrs were eliminated one time measures such temporary increase taxes related tax reform and sales government assets another four billion dlrs was cut what call creative timing changes like moving the military payday from the last day fiscal the first day fiscal that saved more than two billion dlrs penner said reuter 
sugar	china faces dilemma over sugar imports china has decide will increase sugar imports this year cover falling domestic output and rising demand view market predictions that international sugar prices will remain firm this year traders and the official press said kang minister agriculture animal husbandry and fisheries said this week that china has adjusted the purchasing price for sugar cane and beet check drop production last year but gave price details one japanese trader said domestic demand rising rapidly because improving living standards and rising demand for sweet drinks cakes and biscuits and other sugary foods will not easy cut domestic demand even state controlled economy china may have import said customs figures show imports fell mln tonnes from mln and fell tonnes january from january the official economic information newspaper last month said production the crushing season september april will mln tonnes short demand the paper put output mln down from mln and domestic demand about six mln tonnes the last two years acreage under sugar cane and beet has fallen sugar mills are underutilised output has dropped and cannot meet demand that rising every day said the country will have continue imports sugar and draw down stocks meet market demand added quoted the ministry light industry blaming the drop output unreasonable state purchasing prices for cane and beet against other crops which has resulted farmers refusing grow them the paper said farmer could earn three times more per hectare from pineapple and watermelon and seven times more from bananas than from sugarcane could sell grain the free market yuan tonne against only yuan tonne for sugarcane sugar mills are suffering because refined sugar prices have not changed for years despite rising costs said fujian the cost producing one tonne rose yuan from cutting the mills profit yuan tonne from added the paper said unreasonable pricing resulted the sugar mills working the crushing season losing money china has sugar mills foreign agricultural expert forecast drop cane acreage september august pct guangdong which produced pct china sugar calendar and smaller drop fujian which produced pct china sugar calendar said both provinces are more developed than other sugar producing areas and more sensitive demand from cities but cane acreage guangxi and yunnan which accounted for pct the crop has risen pct because cane growing more economic there said put sugar stocks mln tonnes september hong kong trader estimated stocks more than three mln end january now they are falling but they have not reached the critical level compelling china import quickly said china has options not easily available western countries controls stocks strictly and can release less into the consumer market stocks fall too quickly said the hong kong trader said calendar imports will slightly less than those because firm world prices and serious foreign exchange constraints which said are likely continue until least end said nearly all cane and beet sold the state owned mills with small amount sold raw consumers most the mills are old and inefficient with many them using soviet equipment imported the said said demand rural areas will future rise annual four pct with demand the cities rising annual two pct reuter 
trade	japan denies breaking semiconductor trade pact japan denied breaking pact with the semiconductor trade but said prices set out the pact were too high and acknowledged difficulties implementing the accord are faithfully abiding the agreement but course there are some problems spokesman for the international trade and industry ministry told reuters said the high semiconductor prices recommended the agreement were leaving japanese manufacturers piling stocks unsellable products are aiming reduce production japan but course this takes time said the spokesman said some japanese companies were selling chips europe and asia below stipulated prices but added only matter time before solve this problem the eight month old pact aims stop japan selling large quantities chips knock down prices the united states and other countries and increase semiconductor sales japan the senate finance committee this week called president reagan non binding resolution retaliate against japan for violating the agreement reuter 
wpi	german wholesale prices fall pct february west german wholesale prices fell pct february from january stand pct lower than february the federal statistics office said january wholesale prices rose pct from december stand pct below their level january wholesale price declines were led starch products down pct light heating oil pct lower heavy heating oil pct lower and green coffee down pct among higher wholesale prices were those for fresh vegetables pct fresh fruit pct and eggs pct the statistics office said statement reuter 
trade	swiss feb trade deficit mln francs jan deficit mln official 
grain	china january grain exports fall china grain exports january totaled tonnes down pct from january customs figures show they gave detailed breakdown the official china economic news quoted the figures showing tea exports rose pct tonnes during the month imports wool rose pct tonnes over the same period the figures show reuter 
trade	swiss february trade deficit mln francs switzerland had trade deficit mln swiss francs february compared with revised mln deficit january and mln shortfall february the federal customs office said february imports were billion francs against exports billion imports rose real terms pct against february while exports rose real pct the office said but further improvement the terms trade left the deficit smaller than last year last february figure had also been hit the import two passenger aircraft reuter 
ship	japan shipbuilders seek cartel restrict output japanese shipbuilders have applied the state fair trade commission form cartel restrict tonnage built about half total capacity for the year starting april officials the shipbuilders association japan said under the plan yards capable building ships more than gross tons will curtail operations three mln compensated gross registered tonnes cgrt year against capacity about six mln cgrt the transport ministry estimates new orders mln cgrt the year march and mln the following year the industry has curtailed production due oversupply nearly every year since under cartel transport ministry guidelines the latest guidelines call for ceiling four mln cgrt the year march the cartels self imposed and self regulated are not legally binding but industry finds its own interest stick them the slowdown orders has been caused the strong yen and protracted worldwide shipbuilding slump reuter 
wpi	swiss wholesale prices fall pct february swiss wholesale prices fell pct february giving drop pct from february the federal office industry trade and labour said prices had been unchanged january giving annual drop pct they fell pct the year february the wholesale price index base stood february from last year the office said the fall was largely due lower prices for energy raw materials and semi finished goods consumer goods prices rose slightly reuter 
earn	kubota ltd kub third quarter january group shr yen net profit billion profit billion pretax profit billion loss mln operating profit billion profit mln sales billion billion nine months ended january group shr yen net billion billion pretax billion billion operating billion billion sales billion billion reuter 
gold	japan cabinet approves bill gold coin issues the cabinet has approved bill making easier for the government issue commemorative coins finance ministry official said the bill which must still approved parliament would take effect april would allow the government issue and yen coins without special legislation although higher valued coins would still need special law the official said present can only issue coins yen less 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 the short term effect foreign exchange rate movements correcting international trade imbalances appears waning and long term efforts are required cut japan chronic dependence external demand the bank japan said monthly report japan trade surplus nominal terms likely remain high the near future the central bank said fundamental adjustments will needed long japan hopes benefit from better international allocation resources and maintain the free trade system added reuter 
interest	london floating rate note prices open sharply lower dealers say 
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 immediate plans for capital increase company full name schweizerische aluminium reuter 
crude	opec deliberately under mln barrel ceiling defend price subroto 
acq	county increases tesco stake hillards county ltd which acting concert with tesco plc tsco its mln stg for supermarket chain operator hillards plc has purchased hillards ordinary shares per share statement said these purchases together with those made county march represent about pct hillards issued ordinary share capital said tesco offer made march values each hillards ordinary share pct premium over the previous day closing price cash alternative will made available reuter 
wpi	african producer price inflation falls sharply south african year year producer price inflation fell pct january against pct december central statistics office figures show the all items index base rose monthly pct january after also rising pct december year ago the index stood and year year producer price inflation pct reuter 
crude	subroto sees oil market continuing bullish indonesian energy minister subroto said sees the oil market continuing bullish with underlying demand expected rise later the year told press conference jakarta the end two day meeting south east asian energy ministers that saw prices stabilizing around dlrs barrel the sentiment the market bullish and think will continue that way demand will the third fourth quarters subroto said asked about the prospect for oil prices said think they will stabilise around dlrs although there little turbulence course the spot price will fluctuate but the official price will remain dlrs added reuter 
crude	opec defending dlr price subroto says indonesian energy minister subroto said opec deliberately under its production ceiling mln barrels defend its dlr barrel price target told reporters energy conference jakarta that opec had decided maintain its price level dlrs are deliberately defending the price opec production less than mln the moment stated asked opec would increase production prices went above dlrs barrel said this would decided the next opec meeting june will discuss the market situation then added said meeting the opec differentials committee had been postponed because there need for the meeting did not elaborate the committee had originally been due meet vienna this week reuter 
acq	japan rejects objections fairchild sale foreign ministry official dismissed arguments made senior government officials seeking block the sale microchip maker japanese firm they appear linking completely unrelated issues shuichi takemoto the foreign ministry north american division told reuters commerce secretary malcolm baldrige has asked the white house consider blocking the sale fairchild semiconductor corp japan fujitsu ltd itsu officials said yesterday baldrige expressed concern that the sale would leave the military dependent foreign company for vital high technology equipment pentagon officials said defence secretary caspar weinberger also opposes the sale officials have also said the sale would give fujitsu powerful role the market for supercomputers while japan supercomputer market remains closed sales takemoto said national security should not issue since the planned purchase fairchild from its current owner schlumberger ltd slb does not include fairchild main defence related division addition takemoto said tension over the supercomputer trade should not affect the sale fairchild does not make supercomputers analysts noted that fairchild does make sophisticated microchips used supercomputers fujitsu makes similar chips and supplies them supercomputer makers they said takemoto also dismissed fears that the proposed takeover would violate antitrust law saying the purchase would not result fujitsu monopolising the semiconductor market two separate issues appear have come together boost pressure block the purchase industry analysts said the move part attempt force japan open its domestic market more supercomputer sales they said officials have repeatedly charged that the japanese public sector closed supercomputer sales despite firms technological lead the field the united states believes japan will only react when bullied and this bullying ploy salomon brothers asia analyst carole ryavec said however the analysts said more stake than supercomputer sales the fears losing its vital semiconductor industry japanese competitors the real issue xenophobia the silicon valley said tom murtha brokerage james capel and japanese tension over the semiconductor trade has failed subside despite recent efforts japan ministry international trade and industry miti get japanese firms abide bilateral pact aimed halting predatory pricing and opening japan market miti official said that while japan faithfully abiding the agreement problems remain halting the sale microchips europe and southeast asia prices below those set the pact only matter time before solve this problem told reuters despite the furore fujitsu will proceed with talks the acquisition line with the basic agreement reached with schlumberger last year fujitsu spokeswoman told reuters reuter 
money-fx	bank england offers early help money market the bank england said invited early round bill offers help ease tight conditions the money market the bank estimated today liquidity shortage about billion stg bills maturing official hands and the treasury bill take would drain billion stg from the system while rise the note circulation and below target bankers balances would take out mln and mln respectively the bank said against this exchequer transactions would add net mln stg reuter 
cotton	china trying increase cotton output paper says china cotton output must rise above the level mln tonnes supply will fall short increasing demand the china daily said demand rose pct over output fell from mln tonnes and record mln official figures show the china daily attributed the decline several factors including less favorable weather conditions and new state measures restrict cotton production after the build stocks according customs figures cotton exports rose tonnes calendar from increase output quickly the state will raise pct the price pays for cotton produced above and beyond quota levels the newspaper said its official purchasing agencies will buy cotton produced excess that originally contracted for added the china daily said all cotton growing areas south china should maintained and growing the north should concentrated hebei shandong henan and xinjiang called for comprehensive planning coordinate production cotton with that grain edible oil and other crops but gave more details reuter 
money-supply	japan personal savings soar japanese personal savings grew pct from helped sharp increase stock investments individuals the bank japan said outstanding savings december totalled billion yen funds investment trusts alone totalled billion yen pct from year earlier the outstanding balance also included deposits banks and post offices pct billion yen savings the form insurance pct billion corporate bond investments pct billion and investments trust banks pct billion reuter 
earn	alusuisse shares suspended capital cut news trading shares schweizerische aluminium alusuisse aluz was suspended the zurich stock exchange after today announcement the company that would cut its share capital pct the bourse said the bourse said trading would resume again monday alusuisse bearer shares closed francs yesterday registered shares francs and the participation certificates reuter 
crude	petrobras cancels oil purchase from saudi arabia brazil state oil company petrobras has cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase from saudi arabia after the saudis refused accept credit guarantees from the bank brazil and did not disclose reasons petrobras official said export director carlos santana told reporters the saudis were the first suppliers oil impose such conditions after brazil decision halt interest payment its commercial debts last month the shipment mln barrels represents two days consumption said the saudis reported they would longer accept letters credit from the bank brazil even from saudi banks and that brazil would have obtain credit guarantees from leading international banks february brazil had contracted buy bpd from the saudis until june saudi arabia brazil second biggest oil supplier with average bpd iraq the main supplier with bpd china comes third with bpd the saudis wish stop our trade relationship sure that they will getting dozens offers from elsewhere santana added santana said the saudis change their minds and decide respect the terms the contract then petrobras will lift the order cancel the shipment the saudis had put similar conditions previous shipment added telexed them saying that they insisted would rather cancel the contract and buy the product elsewhere santana said after petrobras threatened cancel the contract the saudis changed their minds and decided accept the bank brazil credit guarantees said reuter 
acq	mannesmann considering majority stake fichtel mannesmann mmwg spokesman said the company has lodged application with the federal cartel office for approval possible majority stake car parts company fichtel und sachs described the application precautionary move and said agreement buying majority stake had yet been reached until now mannesmann has said only that wanted buy pct stake fichtel from the heirs ernst wilhelm sachs the grandson the firm founder the spokesman declined say from whom may buy the other shares create majority stake the firm fichtel other principal shareholders are commerzbank cbkg with pct and salzgitter islg with pct spokesmen declined comment directly the possibility selling fichtel shares mannesmann mannesmann said january hoped take pct stake fichtel holding company sachs the first quarter last week spokesman said mannesmann had letter intent the pct stake but completion was being delayed legal questions surrounding the inheritance reuter 
earn	schweizerhalle fire hit sandoz profits sandoz sanz would have reported percentage rise net profits close double figures rather than the actual two pct had not been for november warehouse fire senior company official said the official who declined identified told reuters sandoz had made substantial addition reserves cope with the consequences the accident schweizerhalle which caused severe pollution the rhine sandoz today reported without comment rise net profits mln francs from the previous mln and five pct increase dividend francs per franc nominal share this year began well with the performance january and february least equal the same period last year the official said the company expected give fuller details its results news conference april sandoz has insisted that adequately insured cover any liability arising from the accident the official said the addition reserves was cover the one pct claims somehow not covered and any voluntary gestures wanted compensate for the effects pollution from the fire sandoz has not given any figure for claims which have been flowing from switzerland and other countries bordering the rhine since the accident however the official said the final figure would much less than that cited earlier comments gave further details line with fellow chemical giant ciba geigy cigz which reported last month sandoz profit and turnover were also hit the falling dollar the official said sales local currency terms were pct with market share increases the united states and japan but this was more than offset pct negative foreign exchange effect which produced the reported one pct drop turnover billion francs the sandoz official said net profit ciba geigy dropped pct billion francs while sales fell pct billion francs the third major swiss chemical company hoffmann roche and hofz has not yet reported its results reuter 
earn	alusuisse sees possible break even schweizerische aluminimum aluz alusuisse may able break even this year after cleansing its balance sheet for chief executive hans jucker said the threshold profitability has returned the foreseeable future said expect already approximately break even that presupposes however that our industrial environment does not worsen said alusuisse would longer face the burden past losses alusuisse made net loss mln swiss francs after restated mln loss gross sales were billion francs after billion and net turnover billion after billion alusuisse had originally reported mln francs loss for but jucker and finance director hermann haerri told news conference the new management installed year ago had decided restate the previous five years accounts eliminate rights australian bauxite previously the books asset together with other one off charges alusuisse took gross extraordinary charge mln francs from mln also had mln extraordinary income remaining after provisions from the sale its maremont corp subsidiary the united states there were extraordinary gains jucker said the losses plus those carried forward from had wiped out the company remaining reserves and exceeded legally allowed levels forcing alusuisse adopt pct capital cut approved shareholders april jucker said knew shareholders would find this radical elimination the mortgages the past painful but said the foundation had been laid for successful new company strategy haerri said despite the losses the company liquidity was strong bank debt had been cut about one third billion francs against the end level billion cash flow improved substantially mln francs from mln and represented pct turnover against mere pct addition reassure other creditors alusuisse had arranged with three major swiss banks union bank switzerland sbgz swiss bank corp sbvz and credit suisse crsz convert mln francs credits into subordinated loan the main sources losses were book losses and not cash losses haerri said existing credit lines were used only small extent and the parent company had been granted new credit line mln francs from consortium swiss banks that would cover most the loans falling due haerri said the company had been criticized for maintaining bauxite rights asset and had restated the accounts that left the account with mln franc loss instead mln with mln profit instead mln with mln loss instead mln and with mln loss instead mln the new accounts show with shareholders equity billion francs instead billion and similar alternations were made for previous years after losses shareholder equity stood only mln francs reuter 
earn	japan corporate profits last quarter current profits japan major firms the october december quarter rose four pct from year earlier billion yen against pct year year rise the preceding quarter the finance ministry said the improved earnings resulted mainly from pct profit increase non manufacturing industries supported pct rise for construction firms and pct gain real estate according ministry survey total sales the firms with capital mln yen more which responded the poll fell one pct billion yen against pct fall the previous quarter current profits manufacturing industries the fourth quarter dropped pct billion yen against pct fall the preceding quarter the ministry said plant and equipment investments all firms polled fell pct billion yen compared with percent fall the previoius quarter ministry officials said the survey showed that the japanese economy delicate stage which hard tell economic growth has stopped deteriorating the economy heading for recovery reuter 
alum	alusuisse plans further aluminium capacity cuts schweizerische aluminium aluz alusuisse plans further drastic cuts its aluminium smelting capacity and more concentration higher value added products chief executive hans jucker said elaborating plans disclosed outline last september company officials said current smelting capacity tonnes year would cut between and tonnes they did not say where cuts might made two years ago before selling its ormet corp subsidiary the united states local management and staff alusuisse had annual capacity tonnes reuter 
jobs	canada february unemployment falls pct from january pct statistics canada said 
jobs	canada february unemployment pct canada february unemployment rate seasonally adjusted fell pct from pct january statistics canada said the rate was pct february last year seasonally adjusted employment february was compared with january while unemployment slipped from reuter 
gold	japan cabinet approves bill gold coin issues the cabinet has approved bill making easier for the government issue commemorative coins finance ministry official said the bill which must still approved parliament would take effect april would allow the government issue and yen coins without special legislation although higher valued coins would still need special law the official said present can only issue coins yen less reuter 
ship	two brazilian shipping firms settle with strikers two small shipping companies have reached pay deal with striking seamen but union leaders said most brazil seamen were still strike union spokesman rio janeiro said the seamen had accepted pct pay offer from the companies globo and flumar which have less than employees each the two week strike comes brazil faces debt crisis and delaying exports badly needed earn foreign exchange labour minister almir pazzionotto said the government will not force settlement the strike which was ruled illegal last friday reuter 
money-fx	miyazawa says exchange rates will stay stable finance minister kiichi miyazawa told press conference thinks exchange rates will remain stable due the currency accord reached paris last month six major industrialised nations but did not say for how long the dollar has hovered around yen since the six agreed cooperate bring about currency stability asked comment remarks some officials calling for further decline the dollar miyazawa said only the president and the treasury secretary can make official statements about exchange rates reuter 
crude	subroto sees oil market continuing bullish indonesian energy minister subroto said sees the oil market continuing bullish with underlying demand expected rise later the year told press conference jakarta the end two day meeting south east asian energy ministers that saw prices stabilizing around dlrs barrel the sentiment the market bullish and think will continue that way demand will the third fourth quarters subroto said asked about the prospect for oil prices said think they will stabilise around dlrs although there little turbulence course the spot price will fluctuate but the official price will remain dlrs added reuter 
crude	opec defending dlr price subroto says indonesian energy minister subroto said opec deliberately under its production ceiling mln barrels defend its dlr barrel price target told reporters energy conference jakarta that opec had decided maintain its price level dlrs are deliberately defending the price opec production less than mln the moment stated asked opec would increase production prices went above dlrs barrel said this would decided the next opec meeting june will discuss the market situation then added said meeting the opec differentials committee had been postponed because there need for the meeting did not elaborate the committee had originally been due meet vienna this week reuter 
trade	bank japan calls for long term efforts trade the short term effect foreign exchange rate movements correcting international trade imbalances appears waning and long term efforts are required cut japan chronic dependence external demand the bank japan said monthly report japan trade surplus nominal terms likely remain high the near future the central bank said fundamental adjustments will needed long japan hopes benefit from better international allocation resources and maintain the 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 ltd hlme qtr net shr cts dlrs net sales mln mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln note share adjusted for three 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 from pension plan reversions prior year net includes gain dlrs sale property reuter 
acq	first boston fbc starts allegheny bid first boston inc said has started its previously announced tender offer for all common shares dlr cumulative preference shares and dlr convertible preferred shares allegheny international inc dlrs dlrs and dlrs respectively newspaper advertisement the company said the offer and withdrawal rioghts will expire april nine unless extended the offer conditioned receipt least majority allegheny voting power fully diluted basis and receipt least two thirds each the preference and preferred shares merger approved the allegheny board which remaining common preference and preferred shares would acquired the tender prices follow the offer receipt the minimum amounts under the offer would give first boston sufficient voting power assure approval the merger without the affirmative vote any other shareholder the company said reuter 
ship	court puts injunction dutch port redundancies employers rotterdam port strike hit general cargo sector have been served with injunction until may preventing them from continuing with plans for redundancies this year employers organisation spokesman said amsterdam court yesterday ruled there had been legal fault the employers redundancy procedure the employers spokesman said they were likely restart the redundancy procedure afresh next week attempt pre empt the may final court ruling port and transport union representative paul rosenmuller described the court ruling victory for the union but added there was still long way before the dispute that has hit the general cargo sector for the past eight weeks was resolved rosenmuller said there would meeting the sector workers this afternoon decide further action the campaign lightning strikes that began january protest planned redundancies starting with this year the employers said there were immediate plans for meetings with the union either the proposed redundancies new work practice agreement the sector meanwhile discussions new work agreement the port grain sector due resume next week are stalemated although agreement could close the coal and ore sector the employers spokesman added reuter 
ship	strike close new zealand ports monday harbour workers said they will strike for hours monday effectively closing all new zealand ports the strike over deadlocked wage negotiations harbour employees workers union spokesman told reporters there will ship movements and out ports from midnight sunday hrs gmt march there will loading unloading involving harbour board workers and the cook strait ferries which provide vital link between new zealand north and south islands will not run added reuter 
ship	two brazilian shipping firms settle with strikers two small shipping companies reached pay deal with striking seamen late yesterday but union leaders said most brazil seamen were still strike union spokesman rio janeiro said the seamen had accepted pct pay raise offer from the companies globo and flumar which have less than employees each the two week strike comes brazil faces debt crisis and delaying exports badly needed earn foreign exchange labour minister almir pazzionotto said the government will not force settlement the strike which was ruled illegal last friday reuter 
cpi	portuguese february consumer prices rise one pct portugal consumer prices rose one pct last month after pct increase january and pct rise february the national statistics institute said the consumer price index base rose from january and compared with february this gave year year february inflation rate pct against pct january and pct february measured annual average rate inflation february was pct compared with pct january the government forecasts annual average inflation about eight pct this year reuter 
crude	weather closes alexandria port sumed oil terminal strong winds and high seas forced the closure egypt main port alexandria and nearby oil terminal port officials said tanker loading the suez mediterranean arab petroleum pipelines sedi kerir southwest here stopped and officials said five tankers were anchorage awaiting improved weather reuter 
wpi	producer prices rose pct feb after pct jan rise 
wpi	producer prices rise pct february the producer price index for finished goods rose pct seasonally adjusted basis february the labor department said the increase came after pct increase producer prices january higher energy prices were primarily responsible for the increase february though they rose slower pace than they had january the department said the finished goods index was pct from its february level before seasonal adjustment the index for finished goods stood over its base among finished goods the index for energy products rose four pct february after pct increase january but price increases slowed sharply for gasoline and home heating oil the department said there were some price declines including pct fall for passenger cars and pct for light trucks from january levels this reflected expanded factory financed rebates and discount loan programs the department said before seasonal adjustment the index for finished goods stood over its base among finished goods the index for energy products rose four pct february after pct increase january but price increases slowed sharply for gasoline and home heating oil the department said there were some price declines including pct fall for passenger cars and pct for light trucks from january levels this reflected expanded factory financed rebates and discount loan programs the department said the index for consumer foods fell pct after pct drop january vegetables pork and coffee cost less the index for intermediate goods rose pct following sharp pct rise january the department said that energy prices again were the main reason with the index for intermediate energy pct gasoline and diesel fuel prices were about five pct higher half the pct jump recorded january the durable manufacturing materials index edged down pct last month after jumping pct january prices for steel precious metals and copper stabilized the department said lead and zinc prices fell while hardwood lumber and cement cost more the crude materials index rose pct february after pct rise january crude energy materials were pct much less than the pct rise january crude petroleum prices rose pct last month after sharp pct rise january price rises accellerated for logs and timber and tobacco but fell for cotton metal ores and copper and aluminum scrap among finished goods gasoline rose pct after pct january increase and fuel oil was three pct february after pct increase january reuter 
earn	first 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 both periods includes dlr loss from discontinued operations due settlement lawsuit and redemption preferred reuter 
earn	hemotec inc hemo qtr net shr one two cts net sales year shr four 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 said has started tender offer for all shares american service corp dlrs each newspaper advertisement the company said the offer and withdrawal rights expire april nine unless extended the american service board has approved the offer which followed merger the same price service control said the offer conditioned receipt least shares said holders shares have agreed tender their shares under the offer and have granted service control option buy them dlrs each reuter 
earn	dreyer grand dryr restates rth quarter loss dreyer grand ice cream said has restated its previously reported fourth quarter loss dlrs cts per share because has now decided take charge about dlrs provide for losses midwest distributing which was acquired december dreyer said the restatement reduces net income for the full year dlrs cts per share the company said the restatement does not indicate any change its thinking the benefits the acquisition future prospects midwest distributing markets dreyer grand previously reported earnings dlrs cts per share down from dlrs dlrs share for the first nine months the year had earned dlrs cts per share from dlrs cts share year before reuter 
earn	turbo resources ltd year net oper shr nine cts three cts oper shr diluted eight cts three cts oper net mln five mln revs mln mln note oper net excludes extraordinary income seven mln dlrs four mln tax loss carryforward offset writedowns three mln dlrs eight mln oil and gas properties and other assets reuter 
earn	has comment seat loss reports volkswagen vowg spokesman said the group had immediate comment reports greater than expected losses its spanish subsidiary sociedad espanola automoviles turismo seat german newspapers reported that werner schmidt seat supervisory board chairman had told journalists that seat losses for were around billion pesetas about mln marks almost double original expectations according the boersen zeitung newspaper schmidt said would invest billion pesetas seat this year and the years would spend billion its new 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 said 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 seven cts share unidentified investment reuter 
money-fx	money market deficit revised one billion stg the bank england said has revised its estimate today shortfall one billion stg before taking account mln stg morning assistance reuter 
nickel	outokumpu close nickel refinery during summer the finnish metal and mining group outokumpu said will close its nickel refinery harjavalta central finland for six weeks july and august this year due current low prices the nickel market consider nickel prices bad the moment although they have been rising slightly since january refinery sales manager pekka purra said said the closure will mean drop production tonnes from last year output tonnes the closure was also move cut labour costs extra staff have employed during holidays keep the plant open reuter 
ipi	feb industrial production rose pct after revised pct jan gain 
ipi	feb industrial production rose pct industrial production rose pct february after revised pct increase january the federal reserve board said the fed previously said industrial production rose pct january the fed said the february gain was dominated sharp rise motor vehicle production which boosted output both consumer goods and business equipment industrial production stood pct the average february and was pct from year ago the fed said the fed also revised the december industrial production figure gain pct from pct originally reported manufacturing output rose pct february after pct increase january and included gains pct durables and pct non durables the fed said manufacturing was pct above the year ago level production auto assemblies rose annual rate mln units last month from january rate mln units output consumer goods rose pct after falling pct january and output consumer durables was pct february after falling pct january business equipment production rose pct february reflecting more output autos and trucks for business use and recovery from strikes farm equipment industries the fed said mining output rose pct after pct increase january but was still six pct lower than year ago utilities output rose pct february after pct rise january output defense and space equipment was pct the same january and pct higher than year ago output construction supplies rose pct february after pct january rise materials output increased pct last month the fourth consecutive monthly increase after declining throughout much the recent strength materials has been concentrated textiles paper and chemicals the fed said output home goods was pct february and the fed said production items like appliances and furniture continued strong last month reuter 
acq	caesars world caw rejects sosnoff offer caesars world inc said its board unanimously rejected dlr share takeover offer new york investor martin sosnoff caesars said sosnoff offer all its outstanding shares common stock was inadequate and not the best interests its shareholders the company recommended that shareholders reject sosnoff offer made through his mts acquisition corp and not tender any their shares caesars said will explore variety alternative transactions but did not elaborate caesars brief statement did not say whether would seek buy back its shares held sosnoff caesars spokesman said the company would not comment further its decision wednesday sosnoff told the securities and exchange commission that controls pct the company stock sosnoff also informed the sec that caesars had offered buyout his holdings several times during the past year one from the sosnoff organization was immediately available for comment caesars said its financial advisor drexel burnham lambert inc had determined that sosnoff offer was financially inadequate for shareholders other than sosnoff the company said other factors considered rejecting the offer were its financial condition future prospects current market conditions and the numerous conditions which sosnoff bid was conditioned caesars stock opened point that point above sosnoff offer price reuter 
earn	esselte esb results group profit after net interest items mln crowns mln sales billion crowns billion estimated profit per share crowns proposed dividend four crowns reuter 
acq	conseco cnc buy beneficial bnl unit conseco inc said has signed definitive agreement acquire western national life insurance from beneficial corp for mln dlrs cash western national had assets billion dlrs the end and premium and investment revenues western issues structured settlement annuities for the settlement personal injury and damage claims and sells tax sheltered annuities the acquisition subject regulatory approval conseco said the acquisition would raise its assets billion dlrs and annual revenues about mln dlrs beneficial had previously announced plans leave the insurance business march three said agreed principle sell its american centennial insurance beneficial international insurance consolidated marine and general insurance ltd consolidated life assurance ltd wesco insurance and service general insurance subsidiaries management led group for mln dlrs notes mostly contingent performance the units and mln dlrs cash conseco had operating earnings dlrs revenues mln dlrs reuter 
earn	great american bancorp grtb qtr net shr profit seven 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 same 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 nine 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 from discontinued operations mln dlrs two cts share the quarter and gains mln dlrs cts share the fiscal nine months mln dlrs four cts share year earlier reuter 
earn	novell novl sets payment date for stock split novell inc said the dividend effect its previously announced two for one stock split will distributed april stated the time the original announcement the company said the payment will made holders record march reuter 
earn	nortek inc ntk sets quarterlies qtly div common cts cts prior qtly div special common one one pay may eight record april three reuter 
ship	dutch port union calls off general cargo strikes dutch port and transport union fnv has called off the strikes against planned redundancies that have hit rotterdam port general cargo sector for the past eight weeks strike leader paul rosenmuller told mass meeting the decision followed yesterday ruling amsterdam court preventing the sector employers continuing with current plans for redundancies this year until the court sits again may rosenmuller told meeting the general cargo sector workers today the court ruled the employers had made mistake the complicated legal procedure for obtaining official permission for the redundancies and therefore could not proceed there need continue the strikes for the moment now the immediate pressure redundancies has been lifted rosenmuller said but added that the strikes which began january protest against plans for redundancies could resume any time before may the employers made any moves apply for permission for the redundancies svz labour relations manager gerrard zeebregts said they would meeting their lawyers today with view applying for this permission next week the hope gaining approval for the redundancies within month reuter 
earn	nova alberta corp qtr shr loss cts loss dlrs 
coffee	uganda routes coffee exports through kisumu long delays the railway crossing the kenyan border have led uganda route its coffee exports through ferry link with the kenyan port kisumu across lake victoria ugandan officials based kenya said uganda has direct rail link with the kenyan port mombasa through which conducts pct its external trade but there chronic shortage railway wagons they said customs kisumu take less than day compared with two three the malaba rail border crossing ugandan railways official said malaba now handling only pct the trade and all the coffee and oil goes through kisumu said however accident recently damaged the wagon ferry which plies between kisumu and the ugandan port jinja causing bottlenecks the lake route too sources the coffee marketing board kampala reported delays coffee export shipments last january due congestion the lake ferries coffee accounts for about pct uganda export earnings and last november president yoweri museveni ordered all coffee shipments carried rail order avoid the higher costs road haulage reuter 
wpi	norway wholesale prices rise pct february norway wholesale price index base rose pct february after pct rise january the central bureau statistics said the year year increase for february was pct compared with pct january and pct february added reuter 
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 both periods excludes charge dlrs from distribution system restructuring costs year net excludes dlr debt retirement gain and gain mln dlrs from sale hpsc inc hpsc stock net both periods includes charge dlrs from 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 both periods includes gain dlrs from 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 three for two stock splits distributed shareholders july and august net includes results operations parmed pharmaceuticals inc acquired may reuter 
earn	med inc nums qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln nine mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln current year net both periods includes gain dlrs from change inestimation useful 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 those carried forward from the previous year chief executive hans jucker said jucker told news conference that the greatest drain its financial resources had been stopped but after extraordinary charges the net loss mln francs was only slightly under the mln loss the previous year the losses and those carried over from made necessary reduce capital pct said however jucker said the company improved liquidity through recovery cash flow and conversion mln swiss francs credit into subordinated loan trading alusuisse shares was suspended the zurich stock exchange after today announcement the company that would cut its share capital pct the bourse said trading would resume again monday reuter 
earn	davis water dwws releases pre split earnings davis water and waste industries inc said has restated its earnings pre stock split basis for fiscal third quarter and nine months ended january which were reported march post four for three stock split basis the company said its earnings per share for the third quarter pre split basis converts cts from cts post split versus three cts pre split from two cts post split for fiscal third quarter for the nine months davis said earnings per share would convert cts and cts for fiscal and respectively from cts and cts respectively 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 said owners about pct its stock have offered take the company private offerring dlrs per share for the remaining pct its stock the company said the proposal will considered regularly scheduled board meeting march said the offer was made members the beerman family holding about pct the company stock chairman max gutmann and certain members the 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 eight cts net revs nine mths shr cts eight cts net revs note prior year net both periods includes dlr tax credit reuter 
earn	national entertainment nent reverse split set national entertainment corp said shareholdersapproved one for reverse stock split and name change major video corp both effective march said its new ticker symbol will majv the company also said expects add nine company owned and franchised major video stores the next days now operates reuter 
earn	pembina resources ltd year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
acq	computer memories cmin sets film firm merger computer memories inc which ended its disk drive operations june agreed acquire hemdale film corp transaction which will give hemdale owner control the resulting company computer memories principal asset about mln dlrs cash and cash equivalents has agreed exchange newly issued shares equaling pct the aggregate issued acquire hemdale that company owner john daly would then become chief executive officer the combined company which would renamed hemdale film corp computer memories said the proposed transaction subject the results certain corporate reviews and approval its shareholders who will hold special meeting soon practicable the company said has shares outstanding which about are held intel corp intc anticipated the fintel shares will purchased for dlrs share connection with the merger with hemdale computer memories said reuter 
acq	klm seeks stake british courier service klm royal dutch airlines klm said negotiating for minority stake british and commonwealth shipping plc bcom courier service transaction which might include convertible loan issue klm already active the fast growing door door delivery market through pct stake dutch courier service seeking buy one third iml air services group ltd from british and commonwealth the two companies agreed earlier this month for klm take pct stake british and commonwealth commuter airline air ltd deal worth around two mln stg reuter 
money-fx	economic spotlight ems marks eighth birthday the european monetary system marks its eighth anniversary still vulnerable turmoil world money markets despite creating island currency rate stability europe economists say but many economists say the system which holds eight european community currencies within narrow fluctuation bands remains its infancy its new currency the european currency unit ecu has been runaway success with investors and borrowers alike seeking alternative the volatile dollar and wednesday the long term vision the ecu europe common currency took step nearer becoming reality when belgium minted the world first ecu coin but economists say members such west germany have far blocked second stage development envisaged the system founding fathers west german chancellor helmut schmidt and former french president valery giscard estaing under this phase originally due have started two years after the ems was set decision making was have been transferred from national governments and central banks autonomous european monetary fund but members have jealously guarded their sovereignty economic and monetary matters the basic problem the ems that governments are not prepared make the quantum leap situation where certain decisions are taken common said one economist who has closely watched the system development the result that the often divided over policy third currencies accentuating what the economists say the system greatest weakness its vulnerability weak dollar over the past months the dollar plunged and investors moved into strong currencies the resulting sharp rise the west german mark severely strained the system more the mark soared against the dollar also rose against ems currencies less favoured international investors and west germany last year refused give pressure from several partners and the united states cut interest rates slow the mark rise the ems had realigned twice ease financial and trade strains within the community two months ago the mark and the dutch guilder were revalued three pct and the belgian and luxembourg francs two pct against other currencies the system the french franc italian lira the irish punt and danish crown another frustration has been britain failure lend the ems political support keeping the pound still major world currency outside the system change the british government attitude expected before the country next general elections due mid meanwhile the system last realignment the since was set prompted european finance ministers ask the highly secretive monetary committee and committee central bank governors come with suggestions for reinforcing their ideas are due unveiled when finance ministers hold informal meeting belgium early next month but economists said the proposals are unlikely involve more than tinkering with technical details they are sceptical about the chances for any fundamental change technical measures won enough protect the ems against external factors such dollar weakness for that must take the step forward the institutional level said leo corel kredietbank economic research department economists say the system fortunes now will depend largely the success agreement last month among major industrial nations stabilise exchange rates the dollar resumes its slide the ems could for more turbulence they predict reuter 
earn	general mills gis sees strong qtr results general mills inc reporting stronger results for the third quarter ended february said expects the momentum continue the fourth quarter the company said expects report strong earnings per share growth and record return equity fiscal said this should achieved despite expected non operating charges the final quarter general mills said these charges will likely offset non operating gains which included six cts share the first half general mills said the end the third quarter its return average equity was pct said major factors contributing the third quarter improvement were pct gain unit volume consumer foods continuing good profit growth red lobster usa and strong performance specialty retailing the company reported quarterly earnings mln dlrs cts share from mln dlrs cts share year ago sales rose billion dlrs from billion dlrs year ago data reflect two for one common stock split reuter 
acq	packaging systems paks buy label firm packaging systems corp said agreed acquire walter richter labels inc privately held maker woven labels based paterson terms the acquisition which expected completed within days were 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 from cumulative effect accounting change reuter 
gold	haiti announces find ore rich gold field the ministry mines has announced the discovery major gold field grand bois haiti mineral rich north press conference yesterday ministry spokesman reported the deposit contained estimated mln tons ore with each ton capable containing grams gold the spokesman gave estimate what thought the find discovered wednesday was worth however mining could only begin after foreign partners invest eight mln dlrs needed for technical equipment the spokesman said the haitian government has never before operated gold mine but the united nations has recently completed three year feasibility study which lists grand bois and morne bossa sites important gold deposits the sedren copper mine gonaives operated canadian firm closed down after years mining concentrate containing gold well copper the new grand bois mine represents large amounts money said former official sedren mine but like everything else there catch the gold has extracted and first someone has come with the money finance the operation the official who asked not named told reuters reuter 
acq	holiday corp hia comsat close sale holiday corp and communications satellite corp said they closed the previously announced sale comsat holiday pct interest net communications their joint venture that provides room video entertainment hotels satellite under terms the deal comsat paid holiday mln dlrs cash and assumed half the venture mln dlrs outstanding debt the company said net they 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 seven 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 may record may one reuter 
rubber	new rubber pact appears the balance negotiations new international natural rubber agreement inra are approaching the make break point and prospects for future pact appear the balance delegates said manaspas xuto thailand chairman the inra renegotiation conference holding consultations with small group producers and consumers try resolve major outstanding issues when the talks began monday xuto said those issues should settled the end the first week allow time draft agreement during the second week the talks are due last until march xuto said there nothing concrete yet but the atmosphere good the discussions are expected continue late into the night and xuto said may hold weekend meetings delegates said negotiations now focus the degree which price adjustments should automatic present the market price has been above below the reference price set malaysian singapore cents kilo the current agreement for six months the reference price revised five pct amount decided the international natural rubber organisation council consumers are asking that these circumstances the adjustment automatic five pct more producers want the council have the last word and have resisted reducing its role the price adjustment procedure delegates said there seems optimism about settling another issue that the floor price now appears that consumers may consider dropping their insistence downward adjustment the floor price called the lower indicative price under certain circumstances this means that any possible compromise would centre the reference price and the may buy may sell and must buy must sell levels without changing the lower indicative price which set malaysian singapore cents the current pact delegates said that exchange for consumer flexibility the floor price question producers may consider agreeing another consumer proposal for more frequent price reviews month intervals instead present reuter 
earn	transact int inc tact qtr jan net shr one three cts net rev mln mln nine months shr two cts four cts net rev mln mln note nine months period includes gain dlrs from sale meston lake resources shares and credit dlrs from favroable settlement state income tax assessment nine months period includes gain dlrs two cts share from sale ferrotherm reuter 
money-fx	france repays some currency intervention debt france today repaid billion francs short term currency intervention debt the european monetary cooperation fund emcf the finance ministry said said the debt was part billion franc liability incurred through the activation emcf swap facilities defend the franc before the january european monetary system realignment the realignment following several weeks speculative pressure produced three pct revaluation the west german mark and the dutch guilder against the french franc and two pct revaluation the 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 with strikers please read second para offer from the companies global and flumar instead offer from the companies globo and flumar corrects name first 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 said told bank presentation the soviet union was last year hit the fall world oil prices which cut export revenue from oil related products and natural gas and its overseas buying power was also adversely affected the lower dollar dresdner bank economist alfred apholte said the soviet union large currency and gold reserves had softened the impact the dollar weakening and oil price drop reuter 
acq	national pizza piza acquire restaurants national pizza said reached agreement principle buy seven straw hat pizza restaurants and certain related real estate for approximately three mln dlrs cash the acquisitions will converted pizza hut restaurants said national pizza and are expected generate annual sales approximately eight mln dlrs when the sale complete will bring the number restaurants operated national pizza the company said reuter 
earn	citicorp says placing brazil loans cash basis could cut qtr net mln dlrs 
ship	singapore spend billion dlrs ports the port singapore authority psa will spend billion dlrs develop port facilities and cargo handling equipment over the next five years communications minister yeo ning hong told parliament yeo said the improvements were needed cope with expected growth ship tonnage and cargo handled the port but gave further details the psa handled mln gross registered tonnes cargo according the latest available statistics from the port authority reuter 
crude	ors seeks canadian funds for heavy oil test ors corp said dominion securities alberta inc has been appointed offer common shares new canadaina company being organized exploit heavy oil production opportunities canada and western europe ors said the offer for private sale the stock being made best efforts basis designed raise five mln canadian dlrs which the new company will invest properties and projects using the electromagnetic well stimulation process developed iit research institute under sponsorship ors reuter 
acq	chrysler unit buys beneficial bnl unit chrysler corp said its chrysler first inc acquired major portion the commercial lending portfolio beneficial business credit corp subsidiary beneficial corp said the acquisition involves about mln dlrs net receivables chrysler first subsidiary chrysler financial corp had receivables billion dlrs the end reuter 
crude	petrobras asks army withdraw troops brazil state oil company petrobras has asked the army withdraw the troops which were occupying its oil installations since tuesday petrobras said statement the statement said the request for the withdrawal the troops was made because the calmness reigning all its refineries the request was also due the end the seamen strike and the willingness the oil industry workers sit again the negotiating table the statement said even though the petrobras statement said the seamen strike was over union spokesman said only two small shipping companies had reached pay agreement the overwhelming majority brazil seamen remained strike the statement said meeting between petrobras and oil industry leaders was set for next wednesday rio with the presence labour minister almir pazzionotto mediator petrobras said the request for the withdrawal the troops was made local hours gmt but company spokesman said did not know the troops had already been removed reuter 
interest	italian interbank rate rises february italy average interbank rate rose provisional pct february from pct january figures from the bank italy show weighted average rate bank lending was provisional pct february compared with january while average weighted rate paid deposits eased provisional pct from pct italy today announced that its official discount rate would cut pct from pct effective tomorrow reuter 
acq	paint company has metex mtx stake may buy more metropolitan consolidated industries inc new york paint company said has acquired shares metex corp pct the total and left open the possibility that might acquire more through merger filing with the securities and exchange commission metropolitan said bought the metex stock investment also said may buy additional shares sell some all its current stake buys more shares metropolitan said would consider doing the open market private deals through exchange offer tender offer merger metropolitan said may acquire option may buy some all the metex shares owned william hack metex director who together with this wife holds the company common shares pct the total metropolitan said already has option buy another metex common shares dlrs each the option not exercisable until april said metropolitan were exercise the option and acquire all hack stake would have metex common shares pct the total metropolitan sec filing was made shareholder group with hack metropolitan which said spent mln dlrs acquire its metex stake listed its recent stock purchases common shares march dlrs each and shares march dlrs reuter 
acq	bpi systems bpii talks sell company bpi systems inc said holding discussions that could lead the sale all its outstanding shares for about mln dlrs bpi president and chief executive officer david fernald declined identify the other party involved the talks for the nine months ended december bpi lost dlrs sales dlrs reuter 
acq	bally manufacturing said considering sale six flags theme parks 
acq	telemedia buy harrowsmith equinox magazines telemedia inc said its telemedia publishing inc subsidiary agreed buy privately owned harrowsmith and equinox magazines for undisclosed amount cash telemedia said the acquisition expected have small positive impact short term earnings harrowsmith alternative life style magazine canada seventh largest paid circulation english language magazine while equinox the country eighth largest each has circulation about copies the magazine group had revenues eight mln dlrs last year and employs people telemedia said telemedia said will also acquire pct interest the company which recently launched the edition harrowsmith the magazine editiion begun last year now has paid circulation the company said said final deal expected mid april telemedia said the magazines founder has agreed continue provide editorial and publishing direction for the magazines reuter 
earn	divi hotels dvh qtr net shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln nine mths shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln note nine months fiscal includes extraordinary gain cts per share reuter 
acq	bally bly considering sale six flags bally manufacturing corp said considering the sale its six flag theme amusement park unit and would use the proceeds pay off debt addition the possible sale the amusement parks bally plans sell minority stake its health club chain the public the company will register proposed offering with the securities and exchange commission for pct the health clubs soon spokesman william peltier told reuters selling six flags definitely under consideration peltier said response inquiry said the company would use much the income from the amusement park chain were sold repay debt six flags might sell for much mln dlrs analysts said the health club chain the nation largest valued mln dlrs they said bally reportedly already has been approached about six flags several prospective buyers the company needs the cash begin paying back mln dlrs mountain debt bally recently completed mln dlrs acquisition the golden nugget casino hotel atlantic city from golden nugget inc gng the purchase pushed its long term debt billion dlrs almost times its equity mln dlrs bally unit health and tennis clubs had revenues more than mln dlrs about pct bally total revenues billion dlrs bally acquired six flags for mln dlrs january from penn central corp bally bought the great america theme park gurnee ill may for mln dlrs from marriott corp mhs the parks had pretax operating profit mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs the clubs and equipment unit combined post operating profit mln dlrs revenues mln dlrs which mln came from the clubs the company earlier this month said will take charge earnings the first quarter mln dlrs result its deal buy back mln its common shares from real estate developer donald trump under february deal bally agreed buy the mln the mln shares held trump dlrs share mln dlrs plus mln dlrs related expenses exchange for trump not seeking control the company for years the deal also requires bally buy trump remaining shares for dlrs share the stock price does not reach that level february reuter 
acq	franklin resources ben says net may double franklin resources inc said believes earnings could double this year compared year ago when the company reported income mln dlrs mln dlrs revenues franklin resources financial services company its fiscal year ends september reuter 
sugar	cuba sugar crop seen least same last year cuban sugar export figures for january suggest that this year crop may least large last year mln tonnes according sugar analysts exports january totalled tonnes raw value from year earlier according figures received the international sugar organization january the first major export month and the figures thus give good indication the current crop they said fourth quarter exports fell tonnes from tonnes year earlier but this was because cuba was destocking the end they added trade house czarnikow recently estimated production this year mln tonnes cuban sugar production the third quarter was tonnes giving final crop total mln tonnes compared with crop mln tonnes there normally third quarter production cuba but hurricane meant that last year crop was extended exports the ussr were substantially down january tonnes from january but other comecon countries received tonnes against tonnes the same month last year figures received the iso show bulgaria czechoslovakia poland and romania all took substantially more cuban sugar cuba november exports totalled tonnes compared with tonnes and december total was tonnes down from tonnes the year before calendar year exports for were also lower mln tonnes against mln the lowest level since mln tonnes the figures show reuter 
earn	helmerich and payne inc increases div qtly div cts nine cts payable june one record may 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 from discontinued operations per share figures also reflect partial three for one stock split effected december reuter 
trade	white house says trade bill generally good white house spokesman marlin fitzwater said the administration had some disagreements with the trade bill that cleared house subcommittee yesterday but generally felt good about the bill generally feel very good about the bipartisan consideration the trade legislation think are progressing very well told reporters there are wide areas agreement there are some areas disagreement said 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 which has said considering seeking control cenergy corp said raised its stake the company shares pct the total filing with the securities and exchange commission bryson said bought cenergy common shares march eight dlrs each previously had held shares pct bryson has request detailed shareholder information from cenergy case decided communicate with shareholders but said cenergy has made legal challenges the request reuter 
acq	sunter begins tender for allegheny allegheny international inc said sunter acquisititon corp formed first boston inc began cash tender offer accordance with their previously announced merger agreement for all the outsanding shares allegheny common stock dlr cumulative preference stock and dlrs convertible preferred stock the offer expires april unless extended under terms the agreement tendering shareholders will receive dlrs per common share dlrs per preference share and dlrs per preferred share allegheny said the offer conditioned upon the valid tender stock representing majority the voting power and least two thirds outstanding shares preference stock and preferred stock the merger agreement was announced earlier this week reuter 
earn	transit financial holdings inc qtr net shr cts cts net revs not given year shr cts cts net revs reuter 
earn	sporting life inc splf qtr jan net oper shr loss six cts profit four 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 new york investment firms said they lowered their stake cyclops corp shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission the group led mutual shares corp said 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 after dlr writedown property and other assets reuter 
earn	transit financial sees share profit rise transit financial holdings inc earlier reporting higher fourth quarter and full year earnings said expects share profit increase dlrs from cts the company said the share forecast based mln shares outstanding after one mln common share issue december its and earnings were based mln shares outstanding the company earlier reported profit rose dlrs cts shares from year earlier dlrs cts share reuter 
interest	san paolo torino cuts prime rate pct from pct official 
money-supply	canadian money supply rises mln dlrs week bank canada said 
earn	holly corp hoc qtr jan loss shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit revs mln mln avg shrs half oper shr four cts cts oper net revs mln mln avg shrs note current half net excludes dlr loss from discontinued oil and natural gas operations share adjusted for three for one stock split and recapitalization december prior year net both periods includes pretax charge dlrs from recapitalization costs reuter 
acq	cyclops cyl will not give data group cyclops corp said its board rejected request cyacq corp investor group for more non public information about cyclops maker specialty steels and electronics retailer cyclops cited its agreement acquired britain dixons group plc for dlrs share under tender offer that expires midnight march cyacq comprising audio video affiliates inc citicorp capital investors ltd and other investors yesterday said would increase its tender offer for cyclops dlrs share from dlrs subject certain conditions the conditions were that cyclops provide cyacq with non public data given dixons and that cyacq satisfied with financial projections made dixons its offer cyclops also said its board determined that cyacq announcement was not offer cyacq press release does not amend cyacq outstanding tender offer which remains dlrs per share and does not state that cyacq has financing commitments necessary carry out its original offer any increased offer that may make cyclops said statement its agreements with dixons are binding and dixons indicated will not rescind waive any provisions the pacts cyclops said the company also said was advised that dixons shareholders approved the merger satisfying that condition the agreement reuter 
earn	san juan racing association inc sjr qtr shr cts cts net revs mln mln nine months shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln note qtr and nine months include extraordainry gain dlrs and dlrs respectively sale land reuter 
acq	edelman cuts lucky stores lks stake pct group led new york investor asher edelman said lowered its stake lucky stores inc lks shares pct the total outstanding common stock from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission the edelman group said sold lucky stores common shares march and prices ranging from dlrs share long edelman stake below five pct not required report his dealings lucky stores stock reuter 
money-supply	canadian money supply rises week canadian narrowly defined money supply rose mln dlrs billion dlrs week ended march bank canada said which plus daily interest chequable and non personal deposits rose mln dlrs billion dlrs and which plus other notice and personal fixed term deposit rose billion dlrs billion dlrs which non personal fixed term deposits and foreign currency deposits residents booked chartered banks canada rose billion dlrs billion dlrs chartered bank general loans outstanding rose mln dlrs billion dlrs canadian liquid plus short term assets fell mln dlrs billion dlrs and total canadian dollar major assets the chartered banks rose mln dlrs billion dlrs chartered bank net foreign currency assets rose mln dlrs minus mln dlrs notes circulation totalled billion dlrs mln dlrs from the week before government cash balances rose billion dlrs billion dlrs week ended march government securities outstanding fell three mln dlrs billion dlrs week ended march treasury bills rose mln dlrs billion dlrs and canada savings bonds fell mln dlrs billion dlrs reuter 
rubber	makes conciliatory move rubber pact talks the has dropped its insistence that the floor price new international natural rubber agreement inra revised downward under certain circumstances conference sources said the surprise conciliatory move the meets one the producers main concerns that the floor price lower indicative price remain unchanged they said not clear however whether all consuming countries will follow suit number them particular britain west germany and belgium appeared have strong reservations the sources added the group consumers has been seeking adjustment the lower indicative price set malaysian singapore cents kilo the present pact the buffer stock currently tonnes rises tonnes the sources said the question what extent price adjustments should automatic remains problem conference chairman manaspas xuto thailand has been holding consultations with producers and consumers throughout the day the consumers group now holding separate meeting ahead further consultations within the president group tonight reuter 
acq	interconnect prefers friendly gates glj offer interconnect capital said seeks acquire gates learjet corp friendly terms late yesterday the company said has offered dlrs per share for all gates learjet shares interconnect capital said intends purchase the gates corp loan gates learjet for mln dlrs should its 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 nine mths shr profit eight cts loss cts net profit loss sales reuter 
acq	mindscape buys harcourt brace hbj unit mindscsape inc said agreed buy the educational software unit holt rinehart and winston inc subsidiary harcourt brace jovanovich inc for undisclosed terms sales the division which had been purchased holt rinehart from cbs peaked about mln dlrs mindscape said reuter 
earn	health mor inc hmi sets dividend qtly dividend cts cts pay april record march reuter 
acq	caesars world says considers restructuring and sale other company 
earn	fairchild industries inc qtr oper shr loss cts loss eight cts 
acq	arco sells two agricultural research operations atlantic richfield said sold its plan cell research institute unit and its arco seed operations two transactions for undisclosed prices the company said sold dublin calif based plant cell research montedision spa milan italy and arco seed genetics hollister calif atlantic richfield said the divestitures are line with its policy focusing resources oil gas chemical and coal operations reuter 
acq	caesars world caw says mulls restructuring caesars world inc rejecting dlr share takeover bid new york investor martin sosnoff said considering alternatives that include restructuring the company and the sale someone else filing with the securities and exchange commission caesars world said its board decided special meeting yesterday explore and investigate several alternatives effort thwart sosnoff takeover attempt more 
sugar	low sugar prices may attract soviet chinese any further decline raw sugar prices likely attract buying from the soviet union and china woodhouse drake and carey said their latest weekly market report present lower terminal values may reflection the lack renewed prompt offtake particularly from these two large consumers the report said the week has seen good demand for thai raws particulary for october december shipment which has traded above twenty points premium the october new york delivery said reuter 
acq	chemlawn chem seeks bids march chemlawn corp said has asked potential purchasers the company submit their proposals est march chemlawn said waste management inc wmx intends participate the bidding process will have submit confidentiality agreement chemlawn financial advisor smith barney harris upham and inc waste management has dlr per share tender offer for chemlawn underway that chemlawn has already rejected inadequate chemlawn has already said holding talks with various parties the sale the company and said has informed all potential purchasers that they mnust sign confidentiality agreemnents receive confidential information chemlawn chemlawn said waste management were sign such agreement chemlawn would supply with the same information being supplied other potential purchasers but said will not make exception for waste management which would give that company advantage the 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 both periods includes dlr writedown value seismic laboratory and dlr increase reserve for doubtful accounts reuter 
earn	fairchild industries inc fen qtr loss oper shr loss cts oper loss eight 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 after provision for pfd dividends fourth qtr earnings exclude loss from discontinued operations mln dlrs dlrs share and loss mln dlrs dlrs share from tax reverse versus gain from discontinued operations mln dlrs cts share qtr oper earnings excludes loss from discontinued operations mln dlrs dlrs share versus loss mln dlrs dlrs share reuter 
acq	smartnames buy american information network smartnames inc said reached agreement principle buy american information network terms the agreement were not disclosed the company said the purchase american will allow meet the needs broader range direct mail industry customers reuter 
acq	arco acr sells two operations atlantic richfield said sold its plan cell research institute unit and its arco seed operations two transactions for undisclosed prices the company said sold dublin calif based plant cell research montedision spa milan italy and arco seed genetics hollister calif atlantic richfield said the divestitures are line with its 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 through which ecuadorean crude could pumped the pacific coast ecuadorean energy minsitry officials said they said would take about two months and least mln dlrs build the pipeline from lago agrio ecuador puerto colon colombia for connection the colombian pipeline which goes the port tumaco colombia pacific ocean coast the lago agrio puerto colon pipeline designed transport between barrels day bpd ecuadorean crude the colombian pipeline they said the colombian pipeline tumaco has ample room for ecuadorean crude they said currently transporting about bpd out its bpd capacity ecuadorean energy ministry official said the ecuadorean crude reaching tumaco will shipped boat ecuador for refining into oil products meet domestic demand the completion the pipeline would allow ecuador resume some production paralysed since march six earthquake the night before the tremor ruptured the country main pipeline from jungle oilfields the ecuadorean port balao the pacific ocean ecuador was pumping about bpd before the earthquake would take about five months repair the pipeline balao government officials said ecuador estimates that will cost between mln dlrs repair oil installations damaged the earthquake energy ministry javier espinosa said reuter 
trade	dutch trade fully balance but down january the netherlands recorded flat trade balance january with both exports and imports totaling billion guilders modestly lower compared with december but sharply down from january last year economics ministry spokesman said quoting official statistics january exports compared with december figure billion guilders and were pct below last year level billion january imports compared with billion guilders december and fell pct from 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 
ipi	brazil industrial growth rate slowed january the growth rate brazilian industrial output slowed january pct above the same month after rising pct december brazilian geography and statistics institute figures show the result line with the declining trend the growth rate since october the institute said the months end january industrial production was pct above the months end january last year while calendar output was pct above the biggest output rises the months end january were pct pharmaceuticals and pct machinery reuter 
earn	general cinema corp gcn common stock dividend qtly div cts cts prior pay april recrod april nine reuter 
earn	stephan ftc year net shr cts cts net revs reuter 
acq	plm plma unit ends merger talks plm cos inc said its plm power unit broke off merger discussions with sunlaw energy corp beverly hills calif january plm power entered into letter intent negotiate potential acquisition sunlaw subject substantial due diligence the company said but also said the two companies were not able agree mutually satisfactory final terms and conditions reuter 
coffee	colombia opens april may coffee registrations colombia opened coffee export registrations for april and may with the national coffee growers federation setting limit gilberto arango president the private exporters association said told reuters the decision not put any limit responded new factors which have emerged from recent international coffee organisation talks london where producers and consumers failed agree introduction export quotas reuter 
earn	met pro corp mpr pay regular dividend qtrly cts cts prior pay may eight 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 first qtr net shr profit three cts loss cts net profit loss rev mln mln avg shares reuter 
acq	maxtor mxtr agrees acquire design maxtor corp and design corp usdc said they reached definitive agreement covering the acquisition design maxtor they said the arrangement which subject number conditions including design shareholder approval calls for maxtor issue mln dlrs worth its own common stock exchange for all design the number maxtor shares issued will determined the average closing price maxtor stock over the trading day period prior the day the acquisition becomes effective the companies also said 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 four cts net loss profit rev mln mln nine months shr loss cts profit cts net loss profit rev mln mln note per share information adjusted for three for two stock split january reuter 
cotton	cotton certificate expiration date extended expiration dates upland cotton certificates issued under the upland cotton program are being extended the agriculture department announced the certificates are being extended because shortage commodity credit corporation inventory available for exchange with certificates usda undersecretary danial amstutz said presently upland cotton commodity certificates expire nine months from the last day the month issuance under the new procedure all current outstanding and all new upland cotton certificates issued under the upland cotton program will have expiration date either february nine months from the last day the month which the certificate issued whichever later reuter 
earn	bnl announces net profits bank sector state owned banca nazionale del lavoro bnl said profits for its banking activities equalled billion lire against billion lire consolidated results for bnl which also has interests tourism public works industrial credit and other sectors are expected announced later this year the results for the banking sector are presented shareholders meeting scheduled for april reuter 
earn	applied dna systems inc adna qtr loss shr loss one nil net loss loss revs avg shrs year shr loss three cts loss six cts net loss revs note amounts include losses pct owned scientific development affiliate analytical biosystems corp reuter 
acq	oilman has pct qed exploration qedx kansas oilman nicholas powell told the securities and exchange commission has acquired shares qed exploration inc pct the total outstanding common stock powell who heads prairie resources corp and mack colt inc both kansas oil and gas exploration companies said bought the stock for investment purposes powell who said has already spent dlrs his qed stock said plans buy more shares long considers them undervalued reuter 
earn	john labatt ltd qtr shr diluted cts cts 
earn	lifestyle restaurants inc lif qtr jan shr loss cts loss eight cts net loss loss revs mln mln note current qtr loss included gain dlrs and dlrs from the 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 nine mths shr loss one cent profit four cts net loss profit sales reuter 
ipi	brazil industrial production slowed january industrial output january was pct above the same month after rising pct december brazilian geography and statistics institute figures show the result line with the declining trend the growth rate since october the institute said the months end january industrial production was pct above the months end january last year while calendar output was pct above the biggest output rises the months end january were pct pharmaceuticals and pct machinery reuter 
earn	wheeling and lake erie railway wle div qtly div dlrs dlrs pay may record april note dividend paid all shareholders other than 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 ltd qtr jan net shr cts cts shr diluted cts cts net revs billion mln nine mths shr dlrs dlrs shr diluted dlrs dlrs net revs billion billion avg shrs mln mln reuter 
trade	trade bill change agriculture trade laws the house ways and means committee moving toward passage trade bill that sponsors said was intended help open foreign markets agricultural goods and modify some agricultural trade laws the trade subcommittee voted require president reagan take into account the potential harm agricultural exports any trade retaliation might impose for foreign unfair trade practices against other domestic industries the bill would allow agricultural producers seek government monitoring imports there reasonable chance the industry would harmed import surge the full ways and means committee consider the bill next week and congressional sources said they expect will approved investigations involving processed agricultural product trade associations processors producers would have petition for relief from foreign dumping unfair duties the bill sets out trade negotiating objectives for the uruguay round talks under the general agreement tariffs and trade would seek fair trade agriculture seek discipline restrictive trade distorting import and export practices eliminate tariffs subsidies quotas and non tariff barriers president reagan authority negotiate new gatt agreement would extended through january and authority negotiate free trade zone with canada would extended through january the bill extends reagan authority negotiate international coffee agreement through october allows refund import duties paid raw sugar imported from november march for production sugar products containing sugar and destined for export the export the sugar products must occur before octoer presently qualify for the refund the sugar must processed within three years after import and exported within five years agriculture would also benefit from more rapid decisions complaints unfair foreign trade practices injury from imports reuter 
earn	american city ambj sets initial preferred div american city business journals inc said declared initial dividend cts share its recent issue mln shares convertible exchangeable preferred stock the dividend payable march shareholders record march american city said adding that future dividends will paid quarterly basis the preferred stock was issued february reuter 
money-supply	business loans rise mln dlrs march week fed says 
money-supply	business loans rise mln dlrs business loans the books major banks excluding acceptances rose mln dlrs billion dlrs the week ended march the federal reserve board said the fed said that business loans including acceptances increased mln dlrs billion dlrs reuter 
earn	weyerhaeuser said sees significant increases earnings 
earn	varity expects report qtr and full year loss 
money-fx	after round one goes central banks central banks have easily beaten back the foreign exchange market first test the industrialized nations recent pact stabilize currencies analysts said active trading this week the market pushed the dollar sterling the canadian dollar and australian dollar higher but operators got their fingers burned one one the central banks signalled their displeasure far has been roaring success said james neill financial markets economist marine midland bank the central banks are sending strong signals that they won tolerate any kind momentum building behind currencies added senior corporate trader one bank february the finance ministers and central bank governors the japan west germany france and the the group five plus canada signed accord under which they agreed cooperate closely foster stability exchange rates around prevailing levels the agreement was viewed many the market attempt put floor under the dollar after its sizeable two year decline against major world currencies and initially traders indicated their respect for the accord refraining from pushing the dollar lower but wednesday the dollar climbed more than marks about five pfennigs above its levels the friday before the accord the move was aided indications that the economy picked steam february the same time the west german economy was regressing but dealers said the federal reserve bank new york gave traders sharp reminder that the pact had encompassed the idea limiting inordinate dollar gains well declines dealers differed whether the central bank actually intervened sell dollars above marks simply telephoned dealers ask for quotes and enquire about trading conditions but the dollar quickly backed off hovered today around marks the market was surprised that the fed showed its face soon said marine midland neill also wednesday london dealers said the bank england intervened the open market sell sterling the currency rose dlrs compared with dlrs before the pact sterling along with the other high yield currencies like the australian dollar and canadian dollar was favor after traders surmised that the the chance intervention pursuant the paris currency accord left limited room for profit plays dollar mark and dollar yen the pound also was boosted suggestions improving economy anticipation popular british budget march and public opinion polls showing good chances for the incumbent conservative party any general election there was real run sterling said anne mills shearson lehman brothers inc sterling traded today around dlrs down from dlrs last night slid marks from yesterday and from peak about recently there been some heavy profit taking sterling mark ahead next tuesday budget said james mcgroarty discount corp speculators detected the presence the and british central banks they acclerated their shift into canadian and australian dollars but here too they were stymied the bank canada acted slow its currency rise the canadian dollar traded per dollar today down from yesterday and the australian reserve bank using the fed agent sold australian dollars the yesterday dealers said the australian dollar fell low cents today from high thursday analysts said the central banks moves stifle sudden upward movement leave the market uncertain about its next step today the focus shifted the yen which has held very tight range against the dollar for several months the dollar fell yen from last night analysts said the yen also gained traders unwound long sterling short mark positions established lately because the change perceptions about the health the german economy the funds from those unwinding operations are ending yen dealer one bank said recent west german data have shown falling industry orders lower industrial output and slowing employment gains moreover the yen benefitting japanese entities who have invested heavily overseas for example australian financial instruments repatriate their profits ahead the end the japanese fiscal year march noting that the dollar yen rate sense the most controversial one because the large trade deficit with japan analysts said the stage could set for another test the dollar downward scope against the japanese currency its latest review the foreign exchange market through the end january the federal reserve revealed that intervened protect the dollar against the yen january that day the dollar fell low yen sure the fed bought dollars near the yen level january but the market has bear mind that time marches and the situation changes said mcgroarty discount reuter 
earn	weyerhaeuser sees higher earnings weyerhaeuser said should have significant increases earnings and should another very good year weyerhaeuser reported earnings mln dlrs dlrs per share billion dlrs revenues anticipated improved cash flows will allow the company invest and acquire much more aggressively than has the past few years weyerhaeuser also said weyerhaeuser principally lumber products company said the forecast was made the company chief financial officer during meeting institutional investors tokyo also said its expects see opportunities the building products area particularly composite panels and other engineered products directed toward specific rather than commodity end use markets but said growth may higher added value products financial services and other diversified businesses addition the company said rising product prices and demand for pulp and paper are reflected all the major world markets except the case some light weighted paper grades where overcapacity remains problem weyerhaeuser further stated that has lowered its manufacturing cost structure and obtaining significant productivity increases reuter 
earn	ldbrinkman corp ldbc qtr jan loss shr loss seven 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 three cts net loss profit revs avg shrs year shr loss cts profit four cts net loss profit revs avg shrs notes revenues exclude hospital television rental business sold dec losses both periods include gain dlrs sale discontinued business reuter 
acq	tony lama tlam buy coulson texas inc tony lama inc said signed letter intent buy coulson texas inc maker heels and leather components the company said exact terms the deal have not been determined but that does not expect the acquisition have material effect its financial position addition buying substantially all coulson assets tony lama said would assume certain the 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 said completed the sale the danville cable television system cablevision industries ltd partnership affiliated with cablevision industries inc liberty said the danville system was one two systems acquired tribune september part its purchase the daily press inc publisher the newport news daily press and the times herald agreements sell both systems for total mln dlrs were reached october sale the newport news system was completed december reuter 
acq	gte gte unit sell infortext products infortext systems inc said finalized two year agreement under which gte services corp and eight affiliates will sell infortext line personal computer based telephone call accounting systems gte services unit gte corp evaluated competitive call accounting systems the company said reuter 
acq	sheppard resources merge with cancer clinic sheppard resources inc said signed letter intent merge with breast centers inc owner operator and franchiser clinics that provide services for the early detection breast cancer terms were not disclosed after the merger breast centers shareholders would become the majority shareholders the combined company also approved sheppard will change its 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 three 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 seven 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 respectively for possible land and real estate losses qtr and year net includes mln dlr and mln dlr provision respectively for possible losses reuter 
earn	enzo biochem inc enzo qtr jan net shr one three cts net revs avg shrs mln mln six mths shr five cts six cts net revs avg shrs mln mln reuter 
acq	tender for allegheny int underway first boston inc fbc sunter acquisition corp said began its previously announced dlr per share tender offer for allegheny international inc common stock the company also offering dlrs for each dlr cumulative preferred share and dlrs for each share dlr convertible preferred stock the company said the offer and withdrawal rights will expire midnight april nine unless extended reuter 
earn	varity vat expects qtr full year loss varity corp formerly massey ferguson ltd said expected report march loss for the fourth quarter and full year ended january company spokesman said specific figures were unavailable varity posted net profit mln dlrs for the previous fiscal year ended january and mln dlr net profit for the previous fourth quarter its net loss for the nine months ended october totaled mln dlrs after mln dlr third quarter loss tied strikes and plant shutdowns its british and french operations varity also said would seek shareholder approval special shareholders meeting april authorize transfer values the contributed surplus account its balance sheet from the stated capital account for common shares the spokesman said the move would help raise company values required pay dividends under canadian law reuter 
acq	cablevision buy valley cable for mln dlr cablevision industries corp said its cablevision industries california inc subsidiary has entered into agreement buy substantially all the assets valley cable for about mln dlrs the company said will buy the system from california limited partnership which wholly owned toronto based hollinger inc said valley cable operates subscriber cable television systems passing about homes the west san fernando valley area los angeles cablevision said the nation largest cable company and ownnd alan gerry its chairman president and chief executive officer the company said the agreement subject regulatory approval reuter 
earn	anthes industries inc qtr net oper shr cts nine cts oper net revs not given year oper shr cts six cts oper net revs mln mln note qtr excludes extraordinary loss dlrs nine cts share versus gain dlrs five 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 said its directors approved the sale for about mln dlrs its industrial products division new york based private investment firm clayton and dubilier inc and senior management the group yesterday the company said agreed sell the division which has annual sales about mln dlrs and based long beach california reuter 
earn	autrex inc qtr january net shr one cts two cts net revs reuter 
acq	southam unit acquires winnipeg community papers southam inc said its flyer force unit acquired three community newspapers winnipeg with combined circulation for undisclosed terms southam said the newspapers the herald the lance and metro one will printed its canadian publishers division winnipeg flyer force intends expand distribution the newspapers begin improved service the winnipeg market southam said reuter 
earn	mlx corp mlxx qtr loss shr loss cts profit one net loss profit revs mln avg shrs mln year shr loss cts loss three cts net loss loss revs mln avg shrs mln reuter 
acq	forest city feca completes sale forest city enterprises inc said completed the previously announced sale assets its retail store division excluding real estate handy andy home improvement centers inc private gurnee ill firm the sale for cash and notes but exact terms were not disclosed reuter 
acq	minn bank okla thrift actions taken beaver creek state bank beaver creek minn failed and the bank insured assets were transferred citizens state bank silver lake minn the federal deposit insurance corp said separately the federal home loan bank board said victor federal savings and loan association muskogee okla was placed into receivership beaver creek two offices will open branches citizens monday the transfer was arranged because there were bids buy beaver creek the fdic said citizens will pay premium dlrs the fdic and purchase beaver creek assets for mln dlrs was the bank failure the nation this year the fhlbb said victor federal savings was insolvent and its assets were transferred newly chartered federal mutual association with directors named the fhlbb victor was stock association with mln dlrs assets the new association known victor savings and loan association and its assets continue insured the federal savings and loan insurance corp the fhlbb said reuter 
earn	lifestyle restaurants lif adjusts revenues lifestyle restaurants inc said revenues for the first quarter ended january were mln dlrs and not the mln dlrs had reported earlier the company also said note attached its earnings concerning gain certain sales was incorrect and should disregarded reuter 
lumber	says canada complying with lumber pact the commerce department said that all canadian firms had begun pay agreed pct surcharge softwood shipped markets made the statement after talks with canadian officials about press reports and speculation canada that some exporters were not paying the charge canada and the united states agreed last december the pct charge ending lengthy trade dispute over alleged canadian subsidies canada softwood exporters commerce officials would not say they found any canadian companies had been evading the charge but that following the talks they were convinced all exporters were complying with the agreement undersecretary commerce bruce smart said are gratified learn that companies canada have begun paying the export charge lumber added the agreement was important the health the lumber industry and intended see that was fully carried out reuter 
acq	investor disappointed caesars caw response investor martin sosnoff said statement that was disappointed caesars world inc response his dlrs share offer buy the company the company had said the offer was inadequate and that was exploring restructuring sale the company another party sosnoff said believes the offer fair all shareholders primary desire still sit down with management negotiate friendly acquisition said reuter 
crude	venezuela lend mln barrels oil venezuela will lend ecuador mln barrels crude oil help meet its export commitments and its domestic energy demand ecuadorean energy and mines minister javier espinosa said today statement ecuador was forced suspend exports after the pipeline connecting its jungle oil fields with the pacific ocean port balao was damaged last week earthquake venezuela would lend barrels per day crude for total mln barrels help ecuador meet export commitments espinosa said also venezuela will sell the crude and provide the foreign exchange earnings ecuador said ecuador would repay venezuela crude once resumed its exports after repairing its pipeline balao task that would take estimated five months venezuela lending ecuador five mln barrels crude for refining this country meet domestic demand ecuador would repay that loan with crude once the oil pipeline repaired both countries are the only latin american members the organisation petroleum exporting countries opec ecuador was exporting about bpd before the earthquake energy ministry officials said its total output was around bpd reuter 
crude	pdvsa sign champlin refinery deal march petroleos venezuela said will sign contract march buy half interest corpus christi texas refinery and related operations the contract signed pdvsa and champlin petroleum parent company the union pacific corp unp will create new joint venture called champlin refining the state oil company said pdvsa will pay the order mln dlrs for the half interest champlin energy minister arturo hernandez grisanti said wednesday the cost would mln dlrs cash plus additional mln crude and refined oil shipments pdvsa and union pacific have sought line credit from group north american and japanese banks finance the new company working capital the venezuelan company said under the deal pdvsa will supply barrels day the refinery with the option place bpd more mostly gasoline and distillates through champlin distribution system states the new company will directed six member board with three representatives each from pdvsa and union pacific reuter 
acq	pratt prat offer for resorts expires acquisition unit pratt hotel corp said its mln dlrs per share tender offer for all shares class common stock resorts international inc expired today about shares were tendered insufficient number shares satisfy the condition that pct the voting power tendered earlier this week new york developer donald trump made competing bid for the class shares reuter 
crude	saudis drop condition for oil sale brazil saudi arabia has dropped its condition that brazil secure international bank guarantees before saudia arabia would ship oil the state oil company petrobras said statement petrobras said the saudis will accept banco brasil credit guarantees petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase from the saudis yesterday after they refused accept letter credit from the official bank brazil the saudis had demanded that brazil get credit guarantees from leading international banks petrobras said the saudis had been advised that they did not change their mind monday petrobras would negotiate the purchase oil with other producers the petrobras statement said the shipment mln barrels will made the saudis march scheduled the shipment part contract signed february for the saudis supply brazil with barrels per day until june reuter 
crude	saudi arabia decides accept brazil credit saudi arabia has lifted the condition imposed the sale oil brazil and will accept banco brasil credit guarantees state oil company petrobras said statement petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase from the saudis yesterday after they refused accept letter credit from the bank brazil demanding guarantees from leading international banks advised the saudis the company would negotiate oil purchases elsewhere unless they changed their mind monday the mln barrels shipment will made the saudis march scheduled the statement said under bpd contract signed february the saudis agreed supply oil brazil until june reuter 
earn	micron technology dram sees qtr loss micron technology inc said expects record net loss about mln dlrs the second quarter compared loss mln dlrs the first quarter and mln dlrs the year ago second quarter revenues the quarter ended march five increased about mln dlrs from mln the preceeding quarter and mln dlrs the year ago quarter the company makes semiconductors memory components and related products reuter 
interest	trading range likely continue debt futures economic data due out next week unlikely hold any surprises that will shake interest rate futures out their relatively narrow trading range the last months financial analysts said people don seem have any firm conviction about the current strength the economy about the federal reserve doing anything said drexel burnham lambert analyst norman mains the narrow range trading also taking its toll trading volume noted had decline activity recent economic statistics have not greatly changed people viewpoints interest rates mains said the data which has provided not clear cut view the economy coupled with dampened activity the foreign exchange markets after the paris initiative has made for less than ebullient market action mains said added however that treasury bond futures could for retracement after the recent rise they are near the top the trading range view that the economy remains relatively strong and market participants will see that current prices are unjustified mains said refco inc senior vice president michael connery also noted that the market showing very little momentum and lacks retail interest all the movement occurs the opening afterwhich volume dwindles and momentum fades connery said although data during the week was mildly positive for bond prices the small rise february producer prices and downward revisions january retail sales and industrial production were not real exciting said prudential bache analyst fred leiner there one factor that will push through the highs this moment leiner said next week revision fourth quarter gross national product also likely little interest the market said kleinwort benson chief financial economist sam kahan still forecasts for first quarter gnp could play role the direction bond prices over the next month kahan said his early estimate for first quarter growth around three pct due largely buildup inventories reflected the january inventory data friday which showed the largest increase since the key question will not whether there large increase first quarter gnp but whether any increase sustainable one shot deal kahan said said that sizable increase first quarter gnp stemming from increase inventories will drag second quarter growth that the case gnp the second quarter could ease back one two pct growth rate kahan said reuter 
earn	agra industries ltd six mths jan net oper shr cts cts oper net revs mln mln note net excludes extraordinary loss dlrs four cts shr ago loss dlrs cts shr net includes non cash loss dlrs cts shr ago loss dlrs cts shr from depreciation and amortization allowances cable operation fewer shrs outstanding reuter 
lumber	says canada complying with lumber pact the commerce department said all canadian firms have begun pay agreed pct surcharge softwood shipped markets made the statement after talks with canadian officials about rumors canada that some exporters were not paying the charge canada and the agreed last december the pct charge ending lengthy trade dispute over alleged canadian subsidies canada softwood exporters commerce officials declined say any canadian companies had been evading the charge but said following the talks they were convinced all exporters were complying with the agreement undersecretary commerce bruce smart said are gratified learn that companies canada have begun paying the export charge lumber added the agreement was important the health the lumber industry and intended see that was fully carried out reuter 
coffee	heavy coffee export implied colombia official decision colombia open coffee export registrations for unlimited amount does not imply the country will heavily sell coffee until recently withheld gilberto arango president the private exporters association told reuters colombia today opened export registrations for april and may with the national coffee growers federation setting limit since the start the coffee year last october private exporters were average allowed bags kilos per month traders will initially interpret this measure announcing heavy sales even today pressured the market but will quickly become apparent that colombia does not intend over the top arango said interview colombia marketing policy sell without haste but consistently targets for volume will set will react market factors adequately colombia has intention give its coffee away added arango described measures adopted here yesterday including lower export registration price major change colombia coffee marketing policy the export registration price reintegro was lowered dlr per dock new york dlrs per bag kilos from dlrs dlrs the government announced more flexible policy reintegro order closely reflect market trends which arango warmly welcomed saying private exporters will undoubtedly more actively present the market frequent gap between international market prices and the reintegro was unlikely recur said reuter 
rubber	geneva negotiators conference agree basic elements new rubber pact chairman 
rubber	major differences resolved rubber pact talks negotiators united nations conference new international natural rubber agreement inra have agreed basic elements new pact conference chairman manaspas xuto said have resolved major differences opinion told reuters xuto said the way now cleared for drafting new accord replace the current one which expires october xuto said welcome the friendly and cooperative atmosphere that has prevailed without interruption since the talks began last monday hope that delegations will back home and try ratify the new agreement added the renegotiation conference under the auspices the conference trade and development unctad the fourth such meeting two years xuto said producers and consumers had agreed four points regular price reviews will held every months previously consumers were proposing month intervals between price reviews instead the current pact the average the daily market indicator prices over six months prior review below above the lower intervention price the upper intervention price the reference price will automatically revised downwards upwards five pct unless the international natural rubber organisation council decides higher percentage buffer stock purchases sales reach tonnes the reference price will lowered raised three pct unless the council decides higher percentage the buffer stock reaches tonnes the price which the additional contingency stock tonnes brought into operation will two malaysian singapore cents above the floor price cents the floor price will not breached throughout the talks producers had adamantly resisted consumer proposal lower the floor price cents the buffer stock currently tonnes rose tonnes the proposal initiated the was withdrawn last night setting the stage for compromise legal drafting provisions will start next week and formal adoption the new accord the countries taking part the conference expected take place march the current conference was widely seen the last chance clinch deal three previous attempts negotiate new five year pact had failed the last round breaking down october over consumer demands for tighter controls the buffer stock the united states japan west germany france italy and britain are the major consumers unctad latest estimates project increase pct rubber prices this year and pct reuter 
acq	acquisition raises toll the federal home loan bank board fhlbb announced the acquisition home savings and loan association seattle washington interwest savings bank oak harbour washington the fhlbb said home savings was the troubled savings institution requiring federal action this year said 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 from billion january and billion february the central bureau statistics said the trade surplus for the first two months the year rose billion crowns from billion the corresponding period the report said february imports stood billion crowns while exports were billion reuter 
iron-steel	yugoslav steel output hit mln tonnes yugoslavian steel output will rise one mln tonnes mln tonnes year between and under development program adopted the yugoslav iron and steel metallurgy association the official tanjug news agency said the association groups together the main yugoslav iron and steel enterprises extraction iron ore should show annual growth rate nine pct and reach seven mln tonnes under the program iron output planned grow eight pct year reaching mln tonnes the end the decade tanjug said the programme would create conditions for raising exports finished steel products the main yugoslav steel producers plan market mln tonnes steel goods this year tonnes more than last year with mln tonnes going export reuter 
alum	pechiney pukg signs soviet packaging accords french state owned aluminium and special metals group pechiney said has signed two protocols intent set joint ventures with the soviet union pechiney said statement one accord was set joint ventures manufacturing aluminium packaging for food and cosmetics while another was produce machinery manufacture packaging under the latter pechiney which does not manufacture packaging equipment will form and lead consortium yet unspecified european partners spokesman said said was early put figures possible deals outline what form joint ventures would take the statement said joint working groups for each accord had three month deadline come with contract proposals firm contracts have yet been finalised under new laws enabling joint ventures first deputy prime minister and chairman the state agro industrial committee gosagroprom vsevolod murakhovsky told journalists here wednesday reuter 
ship	iran has anti ship missiles near gulf paper iran has deployed about six large missiles near the strait hormuz which increase the threat shipping the gulf the new york times said the paper quoted intelligence sources saying the missiles appeared chinese design known which based the soviet ssn styx missile styx missiles have range miles said the missiles had been deployed two sites and quoted naval analyst saying they could used sink supertanker and block the strait hormuz missiles now used iran had only fraction the explosive power the styx and could sink supertanker only with lucky hit the paper said none the new missiles had been fired yet added the cbs television network reported friday that iran had installed new missiles along the gulf and said washington had warned tehran not use them against civilian shipping reuter 
trade	baldrige warns world trade war danger commerce secretary malcolm baldrige predicted congress will pass reasonable trade bill this year and said tough protectionist legislation could prompt trade war the mood the congress right now tough trade ever seen six years washington baldrige said television interview think still able get reasonable trade bill out spite that because the whole congress trying work together with the administration but there hardening trade attitude said president reagan opposes protectionist legislation but agreed support trade bill when became apparent that opposition democrats would pass such legislation however baldrige warned measures that would penalise trading partners such japan south korea and taiwan for failing cut their trade surpluses with the could lead retaliation and said would urge reagan veto any such bill when asked there rising danger worldwide trade war baldrige said yes don think there any question about that reuter 
acq	delors quoted favouring franco german bid for cgct european commission president jacques delors quoted monde newspaper said favoured franco german candidate take over cie generale constructions telephoniques which has pct stake the french public telephone switching market wish for european solution that will enable germany and france move closer together which currently necessary was quoted saying given the situtation the european community and the importance for our future connunications audiences and cooperation already undertaken the community level that seems the best choice delors added five groups including alliance between west germany siemens sieg and france schneider schn subsidiary jeumont schneider have applied buy what france second largest telephone switching firm under french privatisation law foreign companies are restricted pct stake privatised companies reuter 
crude	saudi oil minister foresees need for new opec measures before june 
crude	saudi oil minister sees need alter opec pact saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer said opec december agreement stabilise oil prices dlrs barrel was being implemented satisfactorily and there was immediate need change nazer interview with reuters and the television news agency visnews said saudi arabia was producing around three mln barrels per day bpd crude oil well below its opec quota saudi arabia the world largest oil exporter will continue restrain production long other opec members adhere the pact nazer said the nation opec agreed december cut its production ceiling pct mln bpd and abide fixed prices averaging dlrs barrel from february nazer his first interview since succeeding ahmed zaki yamani last october said not foresee any need for new measures before the june when our next opec meeting will take place scheduled nazer said opec was producing below mln bpd and all members were abiding its agreements heard news every now and then violations but they were not all verified said opec production curbs have boosted world oil prices from year low around eight dlrs barrel last august near dlrs after announcement the december pact spot market prices slipped some two dlrs february but have firmed the past two weeks near opec levels traders gained confidence opec price and output discipline nazer said saudi arabia would continue produce below its mln bpd quota necessary defend the dlr price long all the opec members adhere the program devised december saudi arabia will continue adhere the agreement said current production three mln bpd includes oil from the neutral zone shared with kuwait but not sales from floating storage nazer said king fahd saudi arabia interview with reuters and visnews march said the kingdom wanted oil price stability and called non opec producers avoid harmful competition with opec saudi arabia doesn decide prices itself but certainly desires price stability said nazer said the output level did not mean the kingdom had returned role swing producer within opec saudi arabia allowed its output sink low two mln bpd august compensate for slack demand and over production some opec states saudi arabia not playing that role being played opec membership whole because the reduction the mln bpd share opec the market being shared other members opec nazer said nazer said opec estimated demand for its oil during third quarter this year would around mln bpd but said circumstances changed sure then the opec members will consult with each other and take the necessary measures oil analysts say the opec pact could come under strain when demand for petroleum products generally falls the northern hemisphere spring and summer nazer said was satisfied with the extent cooperation from non opec producers norway egypt and the soviet union agreed help opec restraining production exports after visited them opec behalf earlier this year did not ask any country anything these were programmes they thought were necessary stabilise market conditions and help themselves attain better pricing conditions nazer said said was countries that declined cooperate such britain come with their own proposals they saw fit reuter 
cocoa	ivory coast confirms presence cocoa talks senior ivory coast agriculture ministry official confirmed his country backing for new international cocoa pact and said ivorian delegates would present talks its buffer stock starting this week the official told reuters that ivorian agriculture minister denis bra kanon would attend the opening the talks convened the international cocoa organization icco london monday while bra kanon due return home this week for funeral ceremonies for sister ivorian president felix houphouet boigny scheduled held the country capital yamoussoukro between march senior ivorian delegates will present throughout the london talks the official said bra kanon chairman the icco council and rumours that ivorian delegates might delayed because public mourning the west african nation helped depress already low world cocoa prices friday the official said ivory coast continued support the new pact which was agreed principle last year most the world cocoa exporters and consumers also said bra kanon would fulfil his duties icco council chairman during the talks scheduled end march the meeting aims set rules for the operation the pact buffer stock which producers hope will boost market hit successive world cocoa surpluses ivory coast did not participate the last international cocoa pact and its decision join the new accord has sparked hopes that will more successful supporting prices reuter 
crude	saudi businessmen discuss private sector saudi arabian business leaders assembled for conference aimed thrashing out problems facing the private sector the kingdom oil dependent economy the meeting some top businessmen from across saudi arabia comes time guarded optimism industry and commerce following the opec pact boost world oil prices the four day conference this resort town high the mountains above the tihamah plain stretching the red sea has been organised saudi arabia chambers commerce finance minister mohammed ali abal khail and commerce minister suleiman abdulaziz salim will attend the first day bankers and businessmen said the conference will air problems facing commerce and industry after last year slide oil prices and examine ways promote higher investment private sector sorely short finance government planners have long recognised that saudi arabia the world largest crude exporter needs foster private enterprise diversify its oil based economy the fledgling private sector was hard hit the middle east recession early and several big manufacturing and trading companies ran into problems repaying loans renewed optimism this year stems largely from the accord reached opec last december curb oil output and boost prices benchmark level dlrs per barrel with oil prices recovering saudi arabia went ahead the turn the year with long delayed budget plans incorporating billion riyal deficit bridged drawing down foreign reserves the simple act publishing budget restored measure confidence the business community some share prices have risen more than pct since last november while banks are generally reporting slowdown the number new non performing loans but not all bankers are convinced one senior corporate finance manager riyadh said banks are still reluctant lend there certainly more optimism the air but not sure firmly based some businessmen and bankers point out that government spending still under tight control and the non oil economy may still contracting capital expenditure large projects has been cut sharply embassy report saudi arabia published just before the budget said while industrialisation has continued one the government highest priorities the recession the payments problem and the lack financing have reduced saudi and foreign investor interest industry the lack fresh investment that expected major issue among the businessmen gathered here official figures show the number new licences for industrial ventures fell pct the six months march compared with the same period lending the saudi industrial development fund major source industry backing has fallen steadily since trading companies have also been hit some caught with huge inventories construction equipment recession bit some firms laid off workers and cut bloated inventories others have effectively been liquidated few have reached agreement with bankers extend debt repayments the latest rescheduling for the shipping hotels conglomerate redec its negotiators have just initialled draft accord restructure payments billion riyals bank debt bankers and businessmen said the conference was also likely discuss the apparent reluctance and british firms step investment the kingdom british government delegation has just left riyadh after holding preliminary talks ways offsetting the huge saudi outlay defence contract supply fighter aircraft worth five billion stg reuter 
earn	citroen expects higher profits helped automobiles citroen expects rising sales its new compact car help boost profits significantly this year continuing financial recovery after six straight years losses president jacques calvet said speaking reporters during weekend trials for the new sports model said all the budgetary forecasts that have been able make show relatively significant improvement compared with added citroen part the private peugeot peup group increased its share the french new car market pct first two months from pct year earlier aiming for average pct share throughout the year after pct the firm believes target raise its share the european market excluding france pct this year from pct our first problem produce enough vehicles meet the demand calvet said this relatively new problem for citroen lost close two billion francs but cut the deficit mln helped moves modernise its range and improve productivity calvet indicated last december expected citroen profit between and million francs this weekend said that those profit estimates remain about the same perhaps even little more optimistic some this optimism due the early success the launched the french market last october will available throughout most western europe within four months the car has registered just over sales being built citroen large plant aulnay sous bois northern paris well rennes brittany and vigo spain with production just reaching target level cars day the car which citroen markets intermediate model between its long running and the visa designed compete with the renault volkswagen polo and opel corsa the had built its market share france around four pct last month calvet said our hope that once the fully developed will have between and seven per cent the national market reuter 
sugar	taiwan sugar exports expected this year taiwan not expected export sugar this year because falling production and growing domestic consumption state owned taiwan sugar corp said company spokesman told reuters this will the first time more than years taiwan has not exported sugar last year sugar exports totalled tonnes said the actual production during the season november may about tonnes barely enough meet local consumption this compares with actual output said the production fall was due typhoon damage more than hectares canefields last year reuter 
money-fx	leading industrial nations meet april leading industrial nations will meet again next month review their accord currency stability but officials said financial markets are convinced for now the countries will live commitments speed economic growth the narrow currency movements recent weeks strongly suggests the six leading industrial countries have tamed the normally unruly financial markets and next month talks seem likely build that stability reagan administration official said the paris agreement last month was the main reason markets were calm but said interview that financial markets also understood that all six countries concluded that the measures taken over period time the future should foster stability exchange rates around current levels that fact what has happened since paris monetary analysts said stability has been helped part the decision industrial nations bury the hatchet and cease quarrel over short term policy objectives instead they have focused medium term policy goals but left room adjust their agreements with periodic meetings the official refused comment however whether the agreement included secret pact consider further coordinated interest rate cuts measure industrial nations have taken jointly several times the past year february the united states japan west germany france britain and canada agreed that major currencies were within ranges broadly reflecting underlying economic conditions given commitments washington cut its budget deficit and toyko and bonn boost economic growth the shake would strengthen the position future international talks think these changes will strengthen the president hand politically and the stronger politically the better off are with the congress and the better off are international fora said the official administration economic policymaker would beneficial the continued conduct our initiatives but the official also said the administration would resist calls for tax increase cut the budget deficit target europeans say crucial help curb economic instability last week dealers said the federal reserve intervened stop the dollar rising against the mark which had breached the dollar british authorities are also understood have intervened curb sterling strength international monetary sources say finance ministers and central bankers who will review market performance and their own economic prospects will reassemble again washington just before the april policymaking meeting the international monetary fund the sources said italy which refused join the paris pact was invited back treasury secretary james baker since paris there are signs west german growth slowing while officials said they were giving japan until april show that economic stimulus package was the offing signs concern about german prospects emerged recently when bundesbank central bank president karl otto poehl told bankers would consider cutting west german interest rates the fed was ready follow suit reagan administration official said this would show there had been some change approach the part the central bank germany but declined comment the prospects for action the fed and the bundesbank there such provision private and talked about would longer private said the official who asked not identified public comments fed officials suggest the central bank keeping credit conditions broadly unchanged but the major economies continue show sluggish growth and the trade deficit remains stubbornly high further coordinated action could the april agenda reuter 
acq	harper and row hpr mull options after bids harper and row publishers inc said its board directors decided take action two takeover bids that the company has received instead appointed committee independent directors study strategic alternatives for the year old firm the alternatives include continuation the company existing business plans possible business combinations sales stock restructuring and the sale all part the company kidder peabody and inc has been retained advise the alternatives harper and row added private investor theodore cross last week offered dlrs share for harper and row prompting rival bid dlrs share from another publishing firm harcourt brace jovanovich inc hbj after considering the two offers meeting friday the harper and row board decided not act them the directors unanimously expressed their strong desire preserve the company independence and take advantage its considerable future prospects according director winthrop knowlton former chief executive and now chairman the newly established independent committee however given the significant current interest the company also feel that should carefully review all the options available the committee will consider all the pertinent facts and alternatives intend make careful and informed decision but will proceed expeditiously conclusion knowlton said pending its deliberations harper and row board has postponed indefinitely special meeting stockholders that had been scheduled for april discuss proposal recapitalize the company stock create two classes shares with different voting rights reuter 
ipi	soviet figures show economy still short targets the soviet economy recovered slightly last month after poor performance january but major industries including oil and machinery are still short production targets official figures show central statistical board data published the weekly ekonomicheskaya gazeta yesterday showed that industrial output was only pct the first two months over the same period last year however the figure for january alone showed fall output pct from year earlier production targetted increase pct for all the figures showed that only pct enterprises met their supply obligations january and february production oil the country main export western nations hit mln tonnes january and february from mln year earlier and exceeded its target pct economists said this reflected the huge investments poured into the oil sector recent months effort reverse the stagnation production which began november falling world oil prices last year helped cause decline soviet trade with the west billion roubles from billion ekonomicheskaya gazeta said labour productivity targets were also not fulfilled but did not give figures economists said the overall data reflected exceptionally bad weather the start the year and stricter quality controls imposed enterprises production the machine building sector priority moscow plans for economic renewal recovered slightly february but was still pct lower the first two months the year compared with the same period the figures showed that five republics produced less than the first two months reuter 
money-fx	taiwan says wants taiwan dollar appreciate the united states wants taiwan currency appreciate faster reduce taiwan trade surplus with the senior trade official said board foreign trade director vincent siew told reporters saturday officials told him washington last week that unless taiwan allowed its dollar rise faster would face retaliation siew returned from washington friday after the responded taiwan request increase its textile export quotas promising further talks may taiwan surplus with the hit record billion dlrs washington signed three year accord with taipei last year limiting textile export growth pct year siew said the taiwan dollar had risen about pct against the dollar since september surged last week amid indications washington was seeking major rise its value rose four cents against the dollar saturday close western trade sources told reuters taiwan and the have been holding talks the currency issue but added not clear how far washington wants see the taiwan dollar rise reuter 
earn	the national bank new zealand ltd year december net profit mln dlrs mln pre tax profit mln mln total assets billion billion notes the company pct owned lloyds bank plc lloy results include for the time first pre tax profit mln dlrs from australian unit lloyds bank nza ltd reuter 
money-fx	zambia imf talks hit problems over food subsidies zambia talks with the world bank and international monetary fund imf financial rescue package have run into difficulties the issue food subsidies official newspaper said the times zambia which run the ruling united national independence party unip quoted official sources saying the imf and world bank had refused continue financing food subsidies and were pressing the government explain how proposes pay for them president kenneth kaunda tried abolish maize subsidies last december line with imf recommendations but the move caused maize meal prices double overnight and led riots which people were killed the subsidies were immediately restored part moves quell the disturbances but they are estimated cost the government about mln kwacha per year the times zambia said another major issue the government current talks with the imf and world bank was the remodelling zambia foreign exchange auction the central bank weekly auction foreign exchange the private sector has been suspended since the end january pending modifications slow down the rate devaluation and dampen fluctuations the exchange rate the kwacha slid around per dollar under the auction system losing pct its value months however since the end january has been revalued fixed rate nine per dollar banking sources said zambia was persuaded the world bank and imf lift its proposed ceiling kwacha per dollar the currency devaluation once the auctions restart according the times zambia the imf team led assistant director for africa paul acquah due conclude its talks with the government schedule march the imf mission arrived lusaka february and its talks with the government have taken longer than expected reuter 
ship	japan line selling tankers and bulkers major tanker operator japan line ltd jlit selling vlccs and several bulk carriers for scrap further trading industry sources said the tanker disposals include japan orchid dwt japan lupinus dwt sovereign dwt rosebay dwt saffron dwt and cattleya dwt all which have been reported the london sale and purchase market they said but refused give further details japan line officials declined comment reuter 
cocoa	corrected ivory coast confirms presence talks senior ivory coast agriculture ministry official confirmed his country backing for new international cocoa pact and said ivorian delegates would present talks its buffer stock starting this week the official told reuters that ivorian agriculture minister denis bra kanon would attend the opening the talks convened the international cocoa organization icco london monday while bra kanon due return home this week for funeral ceremonies for sister ivorian president felix houphouet boigny scheduled held the country capital yamoussoukro between march senior ivorian delegates will present throughout the london talks the official said bra kanon chairman the icco council and rumours that ivorian delegates might delayed because public mourning the west african nation helped depress already low world cocoa prices friday the official said ivory coast continued support the new pact which was agreed principle last year most the world cocoa exporters and consumers also said bra kanon would fulfil his duties icco council chairman during the talks scheduled end march the meeting aims set rules for the operation the pact buffer stock which producers hope will boost market hit successive world cocoa surpluses ivory coast did not participate the last international cocoa pact and its decision join the new accord has sparked hopes that will more successful supporting prices reuter 
cpi	lange predicts inflation fall pct new zealand inflation rate could fall eight pct the coming year prime minister david lange said said forecasts released soon research groups would predict rate around eight nine pct the months the end march against pct calendar predict will something between eight and per cent told news conference lange would not name the forecasting groups reuter 
rubber	malaysia welcomes accord new rubber pact malaysian primary industries minister lim keng yaik welcomed the basic accord reached over the weekend geneva between producers and consumers new international natural rubber agreement inra this good development and new pact adopted this week will augur well for the rubber industry and prices the long term told reuters here negotiators united nations conference new inra resolved differences and agreed last saturday basic elements for new pact replace the current one which expires october conference chairman manaspas xuto said legal drafting the new pact will begin this week and expected formally adopted some countries march malaysia the world top producer acted spokesman for producers the talks which began march malaysian traders said they expected prices firm few cents the news that pact expected adopted prices will also firm the short term because some tonnes rubber held inra buffer stock will not liquidated with new pact sight they said reuter 
money-fx	german banking authorities weigh swap regulations german banking authorities are weighing rules for banks off balance sheet activities attempt cope with the growing volume sophisticated capital market instruments banking sources said interest rate and currency swaps and currency options are under closest scrutiny and revisions are made they may resemble regulation jointly proposed the and japan juergen becker director the bundesbank division banking law and credit supervision said the british proposals were interesting but declined elaborate but banking sources said west germany was more likely produce its own conclusions than adopt foreign proposals there formal plan yet but talks are the latter stages one representative the german banking association cologne said bankers expect rule changes this year all alterations must approved the bundesbank west germany four major banking associations and the federal banking supervisory office talks have been slowed the fact that fundamental changes would require revision germany credit law which has been effect since authorities favour reinterpreting the credit law fit present circumstances order avoid the long parliamentary political process changing banking sources said since the beginning the banking law has limited banks lending times shareholders equity plus reserves consolidated basis but lending ratios not extend several newer instruments such spot and forward currency contracts currency and interest swaps commercial paper programs currency options interest rate futures foreign currencies and various innovative types interest rate hedges the sources said the main value the proposals lay differentiating between different types risk factor and for instance placing greater weight currency swaps than interest swaps but even german banking authorities agree with some the assessments swaps they disagree how find balance sheet equivalents for the risk british proposals include complicated series formulae for assessing the stream payments involved swaps whose ultimate risk borne the financial intermediary especially when counterparties remain anonymous this the called market market value but german authorities are likely consider this much too complex and base their evaluation instead schedule lending ratings assigned according the creditworthiness the borrowers involved the sources said the weightings also likely lending ratios are extended include banks securities portfolios are zero for public authorities pct for domestic banks pct for foreign banks and pct for other foreign and non bank borrowers further complication that the more flexible definitions equity allowed the and the may put german banks competitive disadvantage the sources said stricter definitions here also mean the use version the proposals could far exceed the intent the and british authorities the sources said one specialist for dresdner bank said long dated foreign exchange forward transaction could for instance brought under the same rule cross currency swap despite the fact that the risk may entirely different how new regulations will affect foreign banks here was uncertain many have converted full subsidiary status and applied for full banking licence over the last two years order lead manage mark eurobonds but their equity capital fairly small tight lending ratios will severely hamper foreign banks freedom movement particularly the growing business currency swaps they are required include more transactions the balance sheet the sources added reuter 
acq	bhp merge bhp minerals and utah international the broken hill pty ltd brkn said will merge its bhp minerals division and utah international inc into single business unit under common management structure the merger will effective june coinciding with the retirement utah international chairman and chief executive bud wilson bhp said statement the new bhp utah minerals international group will headed jim curry executive general manager and chief executive officer curry currently executive vice president utah international bhp said bhp petroleum americas inc formerly part utah international will become subsidiary bhp renamed bhp petroleum international now bhp petroleum pty ltd the company said bhp will also bring its queensland coal operations under one management structure and consolidate minerals marketing and sales offices various markets throughout the world bhp acquired utah from general electric utah assets include stakes pct seven large central queensland coking mines pct the samarco iron ore operation brazil pct escondida copper deposit chile the island copper mine port hardy canada pct coal mine and pct gold mine south africa and coal and other mines the bhp minerals assets include wholly and partly owned iron ore mines coal mines manganese and base metal operations prospects and pct the tedi gold copper project papua new guinea reuter 
retail	german retail turnover rises one pct january west german retail turnover rose real one pct january compared with the same month year earlier according provisional data from the federal statistics office there were shopping days january this year the same january statistics office statement said statistics office official added retail turnover had risen pct december compared with the year ago month slight upward revision from the pct increase provisionally posted reuter 
money-supply	bangladesh money supply rises december bangladesh broad based money supply rose pct billion taka december after rising pct billion november and pct billion december the central bank said year year basis rose pct the months december pct november and pct december narrowly based rose pct billion taka against fall pct billion november and pct rise billion december added year year rose pct december reuter 
gold	japan dowa mining produce gold from april dowa mining ltd said will start commercial production gold copper lead and zinc from its nurukawa mine northern japan april company spokesman said the mine monthly output expected consist tonnes gold ore and black ore which consists copper lead and zinc ores company survey shows the gold ore contains grams gold per tonne said proven gold ore reserves amount tonnes while estimated reserves gold and black ores total one mln tonnes added reuter 
earn	japan business decline seen bottoming out the extended decline japan overall business performance was likely bottom out the current january march quarter the finance ministry said improved corporate earnings and better prospects for the stability the yen had made companies more optimistic said after carrying out quarterly survey the survey conducted february was based questionnaires returned large and small firms all sectors except the finance and insurance industries the survey said overall corporate earnings were expected turn positive with estimated pct year year increase the second half fiscal ending march after pct decrease the first half corporate earnings will grow further the first half fiscal rising estimated pct added manufacturers earnings hit hard the yen steady rise against the dollar will rise pct first half fiscal after falling pct the second half fiscal said overall earnings non manufacturing companies will rise pct year year the first half fiscal after growing pct the second half fiscal the survey said said this figure was bolstered profits firms such electric power and gas companies which have benefitted from the yen appreciation reuter 
acq	carlton buys stake central independent carlton communications plc ccml said statement had purchased pct stake some mln shares central independent television from ladbroke group plc ladb per share the consideration mln stg will met with mln stg cash and the issue one million ordinary carlton shares said central showed pretax profits pct mln stg for the year ended september reuter 
sugar	european beet plantings seen little changed european sugar beet plantings are expected show little change from last year despite recent firmness world prices analysts and industry sources said reuter survey planting intentions showed that while far european community growers plan unchanged lower areas increases are expected some eastern european nations trade analysts said their private reports give similar results and not differ significantly from the first estimate stagnant european beet plantings made last week west german sugar statistician licht areas may slightly lower but analysts and agricultural experts said the steady rise yields resulting from improved seed varieties and better farming techniques could offset this recent years good autumn weather has given yields late boost making for lower areas despite some disappointing starts growing seasons changes areas reflect the extent which producers will grow called sugar for unsubsidised sale the world market this what produced excess the basic area needed meet the and quotas which receive full and partial price support respectively some analysts said the open row that broke out last week between producers and the commission over its export policy could have serious implications for future sugar output beet producers have threatened effectively dump nearly one mln tonnes white sugar into intervention stocks they feel export subsidies have been too low compensate for the gap between high internal and low world market prices however with the budget stretched breaking point this could give treasury ministers extra resolve resisting higher guaranteed sugar prices and build case for future cut the basic and quotas they added france the largest producer quota and non quota sugar the sugar market intervention board firs said first planting intentions indicate area about the same last year hectares nine pct below the previous year the basic trend towards stability firs spokesman said unlike world market raw sugar prices dollars white sugar french franc prices are not particularly high and are not encouraging higher planting levels said beet sugar output last year was mln tonnes with average yield tonnes per the highest the apart from the netherlands but below the previous year and five year average west germany recent price rises have not altered plans since planting decisions were taken few months ago industry sources said the farm ministry said december survey still valid and plantings should cut slightly after being trimmed just under four pct when yields were above average licht last week estimated west german plantings reduced hectares against last year british sugar plc the monopoly beet processor has signed farmers grow mln tonnes beet this should yield about mln tonnes whites last year crop equalled the second highest ever mln tonnes british sugar has and quotas totalling mln tonnes whites and its output due improved yields from more consistent disease resistant seed types recent price rises have not altered polish plans wincenty nowicki deputy director cukropol the amalgamated sugar industry enterprises said world prices are still below polish production costs and there way convince farmers increase the area above the already signed contracted level the national plan set before prices began rise put plantings this year hectares against nowicki said last year production was mln tonnes world prices have less impact italy than france germany traditionally not exporter but geared the domestic market official the national beet growers association said italian sowings are not yet complete but surveys suggest drop from last year especially the north where some farmers have switched soya beet output last season mln tonnes yielded higher than expected mln tonnes white sugar dutch plantings are expected fall from record new self imposed quota system comes into force spokesman for centrale suiker the second largest dutch sugar processor said the new system aims for average around tonnes white sugar and cut output sugar last year the netherlands produced record mln tonnes white sugar against combined and quota only tonnes the world price sugar would have rise much higher than has done recently make planned production sugar really worthwhile the spokesman said western agricultural experts moscow said soviet planting intentions are likely unchanged licht put this year soviet beet area mln against mln last year hungary expanding its beet area from some the official mti news agency said but diplomats said policy balance supply with domestic demand the spanish ministry agriculture said beet sowings are estimated unchanged this year spokesman for denmark largest beet concern danske sukkerfabrikker said its sugar target was unchanged from tonnes from steady area sweden where beet grown just meet domestic demand the planted area seen little changed against last year according spokesman for sugar company svenska sockerfabriks last year irish yields were the lowest for years due late sowings and the state run irish sugar plc said the plantings target the equivalent hectares down from reuter 
jobs	swiss unemployment falls pct february swiss unemployment edged down pct the working population from one pct january and february the federal office industry trade and labour said seasonally adjusted however there was slight rise unemployment the number out work fell down compared with the previous month the number vacant positions registered with employment offices stood against january reuter 
reserves	malaysia gold and foreign exchange reserves rise malaysia gold and foreign exchange reserves rose billion ringgit february from billion january and billion february bank negara malaysia said the central bank said cumulative assets end february fell billion ringgit from billion end january but were from billion end february last year holdings federal government securities dropped mln ringgit february from billion month earlier and billion february malaysia special drawing rights rose mln ringgit end february from mln end january and mln end february the bank said the imf position was unchanged from january mln but was above the mln february year ago currency circulation february fell billion ringgit from billion month earlier but was from billion february last year reuter 
earn	pearson plc pson ended dec shr final div making pre tax profit mln stg mln net profit before 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 the 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 the first two months this year according figures released the state statistics bureau the new china news agency quoted the bureau saying foreign trade totalled billion dlrs the period which exports were worth billion dlrs the bureau said total trade volume was pct the same period with exports pct but gave other 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 said will raise its capital mln francs from mln for rights offering shareholders priced par francs share the offer between march and april the second stage capital restructuring plan announced december under which tenneco will become poclain majority shareholder the first stage poclain reduced its capital mln from mln reducing the nominal value its shares francs from poclain traded friday the paris bourse francs reuter 
money-fx	money market offered early assistance the bank england said invited early round bill offers from discount houses after forecasting shortage the system some billion stg among the main factors affecting liquidity bills maturing official hands and treasury bill take will drain some billion stg while exchequer transactions will take out around mln stg and bankers balances below target five mln stg partly offseting these outflows fall note circulation will add some mln stg the system today reuter 
acq	manila government take over san miguel board government commission that controls pct san miguel corp smc stock will increase its nominees the firm member board nine from six want correct business practices ramon diaz chairman the presidential commission good government pcgg told reuters right now there are lot companies that keep many things from their shareholders and one them san miguel said san miguel spokesman declined comment diaz said new york investment bank allen and inc told the pcgg was interested tendering for all outstanding smc stock with the subsequent dispersal pct the stock filipino investors comply with investment laws said australian businessman and brewer alan bond and the brewing company elders ixl ltd elxa were interested buying pct each smc stock added that the pcgg wanted some foreign input but would not allow foreign control the brewing and food conglomerate the philippines biggest manufacturing concern diaz said the pcgg did not plan remove smc president andres soriano from his family company has tremendous prestige run the company diaz said appreciate his management but certainly some practices have corrected reuter 
earn	cie bancaire one for five bonus share issue cie bancaire subsidiary recently privatised banking group cie financiere paribas pari said issuing mln new francs nominal shares the basis one for five already held the operation will begin march spokesman said cie bancaire also said has increased its capital billion francs from billion the incorporation mln francs reserves reuter 
cpi	israeli inflation rate pct february israel inflation rate for february was one pct compared pct january and pct february spokesman for the central bureau statistics said inflation for the months ending february was pct the spokesman said february price rises were mostly housing health education entertainment and transport wage and price controls have been force since august officials said the controls have helped soften the effect recent pct devaluation the shekel reuter 
acq	bond defers rights issue mulls project partners bond corp international ltd subsidiary the australian based bond corp holdings ltd bona said would defer its planned rights issue but still wants the issue made before july date has been set for the issue announced january document shareholders bond corp said the delay follows its receipt mln dlr loan from its parent company meet the first payment the newly acquired bond centre commercial complex central hong kong also wants outside partners take pct the project the company said the january announcement said the rights issue would finance bond corp billion dlr acquisition pct stake tvb ltd tvbh from film magnate run run shaw the company then reached agreement with consortium led sino land ltd sino buy commercial complex that still under construction for billion dlrs bond international said the document that except for the mln dlr loan the deal would financed from internal resources and selling interest the building the payments must completed the end bond international has also sold several residential buildings hong kong mid levels district for total mln dlrs the statement said the flats were among the properties bought last year from hongkong land ltd hkld for billion dlrs analysts said bond international heavily geared has relied bank borrowings purchase both the hongkong land properties and the tvb shares bond international also said the document that while plans sell interest the complex will hold the tvb shares long term investment reuter 
interest	philippines sees government revenue pct philippine government revenue expected rise pct billion pesos this year from billion finance secretary jaime ongpin said report president corazon aquino his department performance during the year ended february ongpin said least billion pesos were expected accrue from new tax reform measures announced last year said the goal for official development assistance oda this year two billion dlrs adding that aid donors have committed oda inflows billion dlrs pct from billion ongpin said steps planned provide sound revenue base included value added tax vat system due introduced gave other details said treasury bill maturities interest rate levels and the volume government securities sold the private sector have improved significantly particular short term prime interest rates which had gone over pct are now down less than pct said ongpin said the government debt equity scheme introduced august last year had attracted more than mln dlrs worth applications but selective evaluation had resulted approvals only mln dlrs end february said his department aims accelerate its privatisation program and the sale non performing assets owned associates former president ferdinand marcos achieve sales target four billion pesos which would help finance land reform aquino said earlier this month that all the billion pesos the government hopes raise from the sale the failed companies will used finance the land reform plan ongpin also said the government would pursue efforts obtain mln dlrs concessional funding for the program from world bank led consultative group multilateral and bilateral aid donors the government has said the land reform plan aims distribute mln hectares land poor peasants reuter 
trade	norway trade deficit widens february norway trade deficit widened february mln crowns from mln crowns january and mln crowns february last year the central bureau statistics said exports dropped billion crowns last month compared with billion january and billion february added crude oil and natural gas exports totalled billion crowns february against billion january and billion year ago reuter 
interest	uae government paper yields unchanged yields certificates deposit issued the united arab emirates central bank were unchanged pct the bank said the yield applies maturities one two three and six months reuter 
cpi	dutch cost living falls pct february the dutch cost living index base fell pct the year mid february after pct fall the year mid january the economics ministry said the february index was pct january clothing shoe and vegetable prices rose february while prices coffee heating oil and most car fuels fell the ministry added reuter 
ipi	swedish industrial production falls january sweden industrial production fell pct during january compared with fall pct the month before and remains unchanged compared with january according figures from the central bureau statistics the bureau attributed the fall long christmas break and particularly cold weather which lowered production the forestry industry reuter 
alum	pechiney signs letters intent with soviet union pechiney pukg said signed two letters intent with the soviet union covering the setting packaging and packaging materials joint ventures said one proposed venture would produce aluminium packaging for food and cosmetics the other envisaged pechiney putting together consortium european partners set packaging and equipment manufacturing unit the soviet union pechiney spokesman said two working groups would prepare detailed projects over the next three months said was too soon estimate the financial value the two ventures reuter 
crude	mees says second week march opec output mln bpd opec produced only about mln bpd oil the second week march mln bpd below its ceiling largely because pipeline problems turkey and ecuador the middle east economic survey mees estimated landslide breached iraq one mln bpd pipeline through turkey march for week and earthquakes ecuador have shut down its export pipeline for four five months ecuador has opec quota bpd mees put saudi arabian output mln bpd the first week march and mln bpd the second addition output from the neutral zone between saudi arabia and kuwait mees said saudi arabia was pumping more than bpd its total production into floating storage saudi oil minister hisham nazer told reuters and the television news agency visnews yesterday that saudi output including neutral zone production was around three mln bpd the cyprus based newsletter also said authoritative libyan oil sources said libya was producing bpd compared with its bpd quota and that actual liftings are much lower than that said one major libyan equity producer had partially stopped lifting its bpd equity entitlement for march because libya was insisting official prices but still lifting bpd debt crude official prices and further bpd purchase crude said small equity producers with entitlements only bpd had also told tripoli they could not lift official prices mees said iraq had sent telex opec and member countries calling for the formation committee study what said were inequalities marketing potential among various members the newsletter said the iraqi letter indicated baghdad was having difficulty selling crude official prices the iraqi telex pointed out that some member countries export substantial volumes oil that are not subject opec price regulations exports refined products equity crude which the margins are equivalent covert discounts and other forms hydrocarbons which are marketed package deals with crude oil reuter 
cpi	finnish inflation falls pct february year year finnish consumer prices fell pct february from pct january and pct february the central statistical office said consumer prices rose pct february after rises one pct january and pct february the consumer price index base was february january and february reuter 
earn	pearson concentrates four sectors pearson plc pson said the recent sale its fairey engineering companies mln stg management buy out was part its policy concentrating four key sectors statement with its results the company said its information and entertainments sector financial times newspaper had record sales and profits the subject mln stg investment programme with the printing and publishing operation moving new plant the london docklands next year its other key sectors are merchant banking oil and china commenting its camco inc oil service subsidiary pearson said believes the oil business setback only temporary the group has been acquiring oil properties both the and britain which will begin make significant impact profits the far east operations fine china subsidiary royal doulton ltd are being expanded the wake record recent sales japan added pearson reported pre tax profit mln stg from mln turnover fell mln from mln reuter 
money-supply	german february central bank money grows annual pct january same prov bundesbank data 
money-supply	german february central bank money growth steady west german central bank money stock was growing annualized pct february unchanged from the pct reported january provisional data from the bundesbank showed the figure was thus outside the three six pct range set the bundesbank for absolute terms the measure rose billion marks february from billion the prior month the data showed that the stock grew annualized pct over the six months february slower than the pct rise the same period january the two components comprising central bank money stock cash circulation rose billion marks february from billion january the bundesbank data showed this gave annualized pct rise over the six months february down from pct increase over the six months january minimum reserve requirements domestic liabilities grew billion marks february from billion january this yielded annualized pct rise over the six month february slightly from pct increase over the same period january reuter 
retail	feb retail sales rise provisional pct jan fall pct official 
gold	german bank sees higher gold price for gold expected continue its rise this year due renewed inflationary pressures especially the hamburg based vereins und westbank said said statement the stabilisation crude oil prices and the organisation petroleum exporting countries efforts achieve further firming the price led growing inflationary pressures the the world biggest crude oil producer money supplies the japan and west germany exceed the central banks limits and real growth their gross national products said use physical gold should rise this year due increased industrial demand and higher expected coin production the bank said speculative demand which influences the gold price futures markets has also risen these factors and south africa unstable political situation which may lead temporary reduction gold supplies from that country underline the firmer sentiment said however australia output estimated rise tonnes this year from tonnes reuter 
retail	retail sales rise pct february the volume retail sales rose provisional seasonally adjusted pct february after falling final pct january figures released the department trade and industry show the february sales index base was put preliminary after final january the three months from december february the level sales was little changed over the previous three months but was nearly six pct higher than the same year ago period non seasonally adjusted value basis retail sales february were provisional pct higher than year earlier the department noted the latest figures were similar the average the fourth quarter last year but well above the january index which was depressed the effects severe weather the february trading period comprised the four weeks february final february retail sales figures will published april 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 after tax mln mln minority interest net tangible assets per ordinary shr reuter 
cocoa	cocoa latest focus for commodity pact negotiators the credibility government efforts stabilise fluctuating commodity prices will again put the test over the next two weeks countries try agree how buffer stock should operate the cocoa market government delegates and trade experts said only two weeks ago world coffee prices slumped when international coffee organization members failed agree how coffee export quotas should calculated this week many the same experts gather the same building here try agree how the cocoa pact reached last summer should work the still unresolved legal wrangle surrounding the international tin council itc which had buffer stock losses running into hundreds millions sterling also casting shadow over commodity negotiations the itc failure has restricted negotiators ability compromise governments not want involved pacts with built flaws unlimited liability but want clear lines drawn between aid and trade more hopeful sign cooperation was agreement basic elements new international natural rubber agreement geneva the weekend some importing countries insist the international cocoa organization icco buffer stock rules must not muddied with quota type subclauses which might dictate the type cocoa bought one consumer country delegate said this would distort not support the market trade and industry sources blame uncertainty about the icco for destabilising the market the recent collapse coffee prices has made traders acutely aware that commodity pacts can founder friday this uncertainty helped push london cocoa futures down eight month lows the strength sterling has also contributed the recent slip prices the icco daily and average prices friday fell below the must buy level sdrs tonne designated the pact which came into force the last icco session january but without rules for the operation the buffer stock consumers and producers could not agree how should operate and what discretion should given the agreement limits trading physical cocoa and expressly says cannot operate futures markets cash balance some mln dlrs and stock almost tonnes cocoa enough mount large buying selling operations were carried forward from the previous agreement members finance the stock through dlrs tonne levy all cocoa they trade has upper limit tonnes the key arguments being faced the icco working group buffer stock rules which meeting today and tomorrow will over non member cocoa and differentials the buffer stock should pay when trading different types cocoa another working group scheduled meet wednesday discuss administrative matters and the full council meets thursday producers have far maintained that buffer stock funds should not help mop surplus cocoa produced non member countries such malaysia consumers say when this cocoa the cheapest the buffer stock should buy rather than compete with chocolate manufacturers for premium priced high quality cocoas the argument over buying non member cocoa closely linked the one over differentials for different qualities european industry and trade advisers have suggested compromise that the buffer stock have maximum share that can represent non member cocoa and that use the london futures market existing differentials for different qualities currently good west african cocoa tendered par onto the london market discounts which are currently under review range stg tonne for brazilian and malaysian cocoa consumer delegates said the same arguments reverse would operate when prices are high the buffer stock should sell the highest priced cocoa most demand forcing all prices lower the january talks were slowed split inside the european community key icco consumer group with france siding with producers representatives met closed session brussels friday attempt reach common ground and diplomatic source said narrowed the range positions among the nations the source said the will looking for signs flexibility the part producers the next few days and will able respond they are there one icco delegate describing the producer consumer split said consumer proposals mean buying more cocoa for less and backs the concept the pact which meant support the market where trade buying not contrast said producers seem want sell their cocoa the buffer stock rather than consumers other more technical issues still outstanding include whether the buffer stock should buy single announced posted price the previous pact announcing buying then accepting offers either case delegates said accepted that producers must given clear opportunity make offers cocoa for forward shipment directly the buffer stock way that competitive with spot offers made dealers reuter 
cpi	yugoslav february inflation rises pct yugoslav retail prices february rose pct from january stand pct higher than february the federal statistics office said january retail prices rose pct from december stand pct higher than january the cost living index that includes services and utilities well retail prices was pct february from january and stood pct higher than february january the cost living increased pct from december and stood pct higher than january reuter 
earn	mai plc mlll six months december shr div pretax profit mln stg mln net after tax mln extraordinary credit mln stg nil turnover mln note the extraordinary item comprises profit less losses the sale certain subsidiaries less 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 says will pay debt when can president leon febres cordero said ecuador would honour its debt when had the capacity make payments but said foreign banks had calculated oil would have dlrs barrel for ecuador meet its commitments ecuador said friday that last week earthquake was forcing reaffirm earlier decision based the slide world oil prices suspend debt payments private foreign banks which hold two thirds its billion dlr foreign debt all legitimate debt commitment honour the president said during visit the quake zone government sovereign entity has dignity and prestige maintain private foreign banks and the world bank had calculated oil would have least dlrs barrel for quito able meet its commitments febres cordero said added that ecuadorean crude was now selling for dlrs barrel after having been sold for many months dlrs barrel and low seven dlrs before that meanwhile ecuador announced austerity program and price freeze key consumer goods result the earthquake which killed least people presidency minister patricio quevedo said the budget would cut five pct government hiring would frozen and salaries top officials including the president and cabinet would reduced also said price freeze would imposed basic consumer items mainly food staples while the price gasoline would rise between and pct and bus fares would rise pct gasoline supplies would also limited reuter 
money-fx	money market deficit forecast revised upwards the bank england said had revised its estimate the shortage the money market today billion stg before taking account its early operations earlier the bank forecast the deficit billion stg and gave mln stg assistance early round bill offers reuter 
crude	paribas seeking adjust ecuador oil facility banque paribas which arranged mln dlr loan for ecuador last year pre finance oil exports wants adjust the terms the facility help the country recover from devastating earthquake bankers said but the french bank plan which would effectively postpone repayment about mln dlrs the loan for several months running into stiff resistance from many the members the loan syndicate the pipeline that carries all ecuador oil exports was ruptured the march tremor and will take some five months repair cost about mln dlrs repair president leon febres cordero friday estimated total damages caused the quake one billion dlrs and said that ecuador result would maintain january suspension interest payments its foreign commercial bank debt payments were halted january because the drop the price oil which accounts for nearly two thirds ecuador export earnings and pct government revenue although sympathetic ecuador plight many banks the paribas facility feel that emergency financial relief job for international financial organizations and not for commercial banks bankers said the month oil financing facility which was signed last october one the few purely voluntary credits for latin american nation since the region debt crisis erupted august because was voluntary deal many bankers feel strongly that the orginal terms must adhered otherwise they fear the gradual establishment normal market conditions for latin borrowers will set back there lot reluctance the other banks they feel different facility and any kind suggestion restructuring would look bad one banker commented reuter 
acq	bank china takes stake baii holdings bank china has taken stake luxembourg based finance company baii holdings spokesman for baii said the stake was between three and five pct but further details the deal which was announced simultaneously paris london and hong kong were immediately available baii which pct arab owned looking expand its activities the far east and recently established wholly owned merchant banking subsidiary hong kong the spokesman said the group had earnings mln dlrs reuter 
crude	saudi oil minister sees need alter pact saudi arabian oil minister hisham nazer said opec december agreement stabilize oil prices dlrs barrel was being implemented satisfactorily and there was immediate need change nazer interview with reuters and the television news agency visnews said saudi arabia was producing around three mln barrels per day bpd crude oil well below its opec quota saudi arabia the world largest oil exporter will continue restrain production long other opec members adhere the pact nazer said the nation opec agreed december cut its production ceiling pct mln bpd and abide fixed prices averaging dlrs barrel from february nazer his first interview since succeeding ahmed zaki yamani last october said not foresee any need for new measures before the june when our next opec meeting will take place scheduled nazer said opec was producing below mln bpd and all members were abiding its agreements heard news every now and then violations but they were not all verified said opec production curbs have boosted world oil prices from year low around eight dlrs barrel last august near dlrs after announcement the december pact spot market prices slipped some two dlrs february but have firmed the past two weeks near opec levels traders gained confidence opec price and output discipline nazer said saudi arabia would continue produce below its mln bpd quota necessary defend the dlr price long all the opec members adhere the program devised december saudi arabia will continue adhere the agreement said current production three mln bpd includes oil from the neutral zone shared with kuwait but not sales from floating storage nazer said king fahd saudi arabia interview with reuters and visnews march said the kingdom wanted oil price stability and called non opec producers avoid harmful competition with opec saudi arabia doesn decide prices itself but certainly desires price stability said nazer said the output level did not mean the kingdom had returned role swing producer within opec saudi arabia allowed its output sink low two mln bpd august compensate for slack demand and over production some opec states saudi arabia not playing that role being played opec membership whole because the reduction the mln bpd share opec the market being shared other members opec nazer said nazer said opec estimated demand for its oil during third quarter this year would around mln bpd but said circumstances changed sure then the opec members will consult with each other and take the necessary measures oil analysts say the opec pact could come under strain when demand for petroleum products generally falls the northern hemisphere spring and summer nazer said was satisfied with the extent cooperation from non opec producers norway egypt and the soviet union agreed help opec restraining production exports after visited them opec behalf earlier this year did not ask any country anything these were programmes they thought were necessary stabilise market conditions and help themselves attain better pricing conditions nazer said said was countries that declined cooperate such britain come with their own proposals they saw fit 
trade	turkish trade deficit widens turkey trade deficit rose billion dlrs from billion following increased imports from western countries figures from the state statistics institute show exports were down pct billion dlrs compared with billion while imports were down pct billion dlrs from billion total trade with mid east gulf states fell some pct due lower oil prices with imports billion dlrs compared with billion and exports billion after billion exports organisation for economic cooperation and development countries rose billion dlrs from billion while imports were billion after billion turkey trade deficit december narrowed mln dlrs from mln november and compared with mln december reuter 
earn	alusuisse shares fall after capital cut news bearer shares schweizerische aluminium aluz alusuisse fell sharply trading resumed after one day suspension friday when the firm disclosed plans for capital cut the bearers held mainly foreign investors dropped swiss francs but volume was not particularly heavy registered shares were less affected slipping five the participation certificates fell francs from alusuisse made net loss mln francs after restated mln loss and set pct capital cut the company said could break even this year reuter 
trade	egypt soviets renegotiate arms debt terms egypt and the soviet union are expected sign agreement moscow next week settling cairo three billion dlr military debt egyptian officials said one official who asked remain anonymous told reuters draft agreement would reduce zero from two pct future interest payable the year old debt and set year repayment term talks are due begin moscow wednesday economy minister youssri mustapha who leaves for moscow tuesday met president hosni mubarak and egyptian ambassador moscow salah bassiouni discuss the issue one official said egypt would propose new exchange rate for trade with the soviet union current commerce based rate set the egyptian pounds the dollar which moscow sees unreasonable the fluctuating official rate about pounds the dollar the officials said part the debt would paid exports goods such textiles leather and furniture egypt wants settle the debt problem partly open the door for new cooperation mainly modernising soviet built steel aluminium and fertiliser plants under five year development plan ending june egypt which already imports soviet coal wood newsprint and glass also wanted debt deal allow purchases currently blocked spare parts for its ageing soviet military hardware the officials said estimated pct egypt arsenal still made soviet supplied equipment one official said cairo stopped repaying moscow for arms purchases when then president anwar sadat broke with its long standing ally and turned the reuter 
crude	saudis drop condition for oil sale brazil saudi arabia has dropped its condition that brazil secure international bank guarantees before saudia arabia would ship oil state oil company petrobras said statement petrobras said the saudis will accept banco brasil credit guarantees petrobras cancelled mln dlr crude oil purchase from the saudis yesterday after they refused accept letter credit from the official bank brazil the saudis had demanded that brazil get credit guarantees from leading international banks petrobras said the saudis had been advised that they did not change their mind monday petrobras would negotiate the purchase oil with other producers the petrobras statement said the shipment mln barrels will made the saudis march scheduled the shipment was part contract signed february for the saudis supply brazil with barrels per day until june reuter 
earn	bsi raising mln swiss francs via rights issue banca della svizzera italiana bisz said planned one for rights issue pct nominal value raise about mln francs new capital the rights issue would have theoretical value shareholders swiss francs per bearer share and per registered share bsi was also seeking shareholder authorization for new participation certificates nominal value francs without rights for shareholders back future convertible warrant bonds for other purposes existing franc tranche certificates would split five for one the split would improve the marketability the existing certificates chief executive giorgio ghiringhelli told news conference the new bearer shares would priced francs compared with closing price last friday the zurich stock exchange while the registered shares would issued francs against market price reuter 
acq	pepsico offers acquire calny inc for dlrs share 
acq	harper and row hpr mull options after bids harper and row publishers inc said its board directors decided take action two takeover bids that the company has received instead appointed committee independent directors study strategic alternatives for the year old firm the alternatives include continuation the company existing business plans possible business combinations sales stock restructuring and the sale all part the company kidder peabody and inc has been retained advise the alternatives harper and row added private investor theodore cross last week offered dlrs share for harper and row prompting rival bid dlrs share from another publishing firm harcourt brace jovanovich inc hbj after carefully considering the two offers meeting friday the harpers and row board decided not act them the directors unanimously expressed their strong desire preserve the company independence and take advantage its considerable future prospects according director winthrop knowlton former chief executive and now chairman the newly established independent committee however given the significant current interest the company also feel that should carefully review all the options available the committee will consider all the pertinent facts and alternatives intend make careful and informed decision but will proceed expeditiously conclusion knowlton said pending its deliberations harper and row board has postponed indefinitely special meeting stockholders that had been scheduled for april discuss proposal recapitalize the company stock order create two classes shares with different votinmg rights reuter 
acq	failing washington state acquired the federal home loan bank board fhlbb announced the acquisition home savings and loan association seattle washington interwest savings bank oak harbour washington the fhlbb said home savings was the troubled savings institution requiring federal action this year said 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 said tough protectionist legislation could prompt trade war the mood the congress right now tough trade ever seen six years washington baldrige said weekend television interview think still able get reasonable trade bill out spite that because the whole congress trying work together with the administration but there hardening trade attitude said president reagan opposes protectionist legislation but agreed support trade bill when became apparent that opposition democrats would pass such legislation however baldrige warned measures that would penalize trading partners such japan south korea and taiwan for failing cut their trade surpluses with the could lead retaliation and said would urge reagan veto any such bill when asked there rising danger worldwide trade war baldrige said yes don think there any question about that reuter 
acq	calny clny gets bid from pepsico pep calny inc said has received offer acquired pepsico inc which already owns pct calny stock for dlrs per share subject approval pepsico and calny boards and calny shareholders the company said its board intendsd schedule meeting the near future review the proposal and has asked oppenheimer and inc assist evaluating the offer and advise calny its alternatives calny the largest franchisee pepsico taco bell restaurants operating california oregon texas and washington well petite boulangerie bakeries seattle calny earned dlrs sales mln dlrs for the nine months ended november four december four calny rejected inadequate investor group led former president and chairman robert larive second offer acquire because the bid was inadeuqate and subject too many contingencies the group offered dlrs and one dlr pct preferred stock per calny share reuter 
acq	warburg pincus starts symbion symb bid warburg pincus capital corp said has started tender offer for common shares symbion inc dlrs each newspaper advertisement the firm said the opffer not conditioned receipt any minimum number shares but conditioned holders nor more than symbion sharesseeking receive the fair value their shares under provisions the utah business corporation act warburg said receipt shares would raise its interest symbion about pct from pct currently and give control warburg said reserves the right buy more than shares the offer oversubscribed but has present intention doing said has asked symbion provide its shareholder list help disseminating the offer the firm said the offer proration period and withdrawal rights expire april unless extended reuter 
earn	zim energy zimr sell shares privately zim energy corp said has entered into agreement for group consisting strategy and development inc norsk vikingolje oslo and mis gas corp which already owns one third zim buy mln new common shares cts each association with polo energy corp and jaguar petroleum corp the company said the investor group also bought about mln shares from zim management said james mitchell william richardson and steven duin have resigned officers and directors zim said chemclear inc cmcl has unilaterally canceled agreement merge with zim and zim board studying the possiblity claim against chemclear the company said expects report loss for the year about dlrs due lower oil and natural gas prices unsuccessful well workover programs and excessive overhead and corporate expenses said plans dramatic reduction overhead costs that should improve results the company said michel billard has been named chairman and robert berckmans has been named president and chief executive and berckmans and two others have joined the board zim said has agreed acquire the remaining interest its buccaneer and blue dolphin pipeline affiliates for about one mln dlrs cash and stock gave further details reuter 
earn	bluefield supply bfld liquidating payout bluefield supply said its board declared its second liquidating dividend dlrs per share payable march shareholders record march the company paid initial liquidating dividend dlrs per share january eight 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 has sold mln shares woolworth holdings plc wlth through salomon brothers equity ltd statement from salomon said the shares were placed with about institutions europe and the far east dixons retains one mln woolworth shares dixons spokesman added industry sources said dixons acquired the woolworth shares connection with its unsuccessful bid for the company last year dixons paid average price per share which compares with today woolworth closed froday dixons spokesman said the decision retain one mln shares reflected woolworth buoyant prospects reuter 
earn	joule inc joul sets stock split joule inc said its board declared three for two stock split payable april record march reuter 
acq	whippany paper board inc merger approved whippany paper board inc said 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 said met with officials northern air freight inc try negotiate friendly acquisition northern but northern management had interest the proposal northern has annual revenues about 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 said has extended the expiration its offer pay dlrs unit buy all outstanding units benequity holdings california limited partnership march from march march renouf said about units had been tendered renouf pointed out this exceeds the minimum number sought the offer but its statement gave reason for the extention benequity has mln units outstanding reuter 
earn	new world pictures ltd 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 eight mln half shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln eight 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 four 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 from carryforward investment tax credits dlrs the quarter and gain dlrs four cts share for the year reuter 
cpi	economic spotlight france awaits economic lift year after squeezing power with narrow bare coalition majority gaullist prime minister jacques chirac has swept away cobweb controls and regulations choking the french economy but france still waiting for promised industrial recovery the government says will follow from its free market policies company profits and the stock market are rising but unemployment growth stagnant about two pct year and the outlook for inflation held year low pct uncertain forced last month cut the government growth target and raise its inflation estimate finance minister edouard balladur ruled out action stimulate the economy but some government supporters say they fear time for economic miracle may running out the political clock ticking towards presidential elections due april next year france economic performance led mixed cast right wing ministers and socialist president has won mixed reviews from non partisan analysts for michel develle director economic studies newly privatised banque paribas the government outstanding achievement has been launch veritable intellectual revolution breaking the staid habits formed centuries state control the figures may look mediocre neither good nor bad but set their context structural reforms they are excellent develle said but some analysts say they fear that balladur chief architect the government free market policies may pursuing mirage the belief that economic liberalism will produce explosion economic forces ideological said indosuez chief economist jean cheval personally think illusion dirigisme direction basic fact the french system from school onwards ultra liberalism impossible illusion not the government has pushed its vision hard over the past year foreign exchange and consumer price controls have been largely abolished labour regulations have been pruned ease the sacking redundant workers and hugely popular programme has been launched sell state owned banks and industries private investors since december nearly five mln french investors have bought shares cie financiere paribas pari and glass maker cie saint gobain sgep the first two state companies brought the stock market under the billion franc five year privatisation plan encouraged amnesty for past illegal exports capital and the lifting most currency controls money has flooded into the paris stockmarket from abroad helping lift the market pct last year and another pct since december the end last year the government abolished price controls that had existed for years services such car repairs and hairdressing freeing from state intervention small businesses which account for some pct the french economy the immediate result was pct rise consumer prices january partly responsible for forced revision the official inflation forecast pct from two pct less but even pct would fantastic result when you consider that prices are now free for the first time since commented develle paribas other achievements include major reduction the state foreign debts and cut the state budget deficit billion francs last year billion francs below target and down from billion but despite healthy balance payments surplus and gradual improvement industrial productivity the french franc was forced speculators january into humiliating three pct devaluation against the west german mark its second since chirac took power recent report the organisation for economic cooperation and development pilloried french industry for failing produce the goods that its potential customers wanted outside the mainly state controlled high technology sectors french industrial goods were increasingly ill adapted demand and over priced the report said french economists including cheval indosuez agreed with the report one the assumptions the government that you give them freedom the employers will invest and modernise but nine out ten will say yes they like freedom and then wait told which way said and despite rising industrial investment and the introduction special incentives boost youth employment the end number jobless was reported record million some more than year earlier the problem for the government that there may little more can prod the economy into faster growth french producers failed more than most take advantage last year oil price falls and growth hopes now rest the shaky prospects expansion other industrial countries like west germany and japan they say reuter 
acq	becor western gets offer acquired new group for dlrs share 
earn	everest and jennings international eja qtr shr profit nine cts loss cts net profit loss sales mln mln year shr profit dlrs loss cts net profit mln loss sales mln mln note net both 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 
gold	german bank sees higher gold price for gold expected continue its rise this year due renewed inflationary pressures especially the hamburg based vereins und westbank said said statement the stabilisation crude oil prices and the organisation petroleum exporting countries efforts achieve further firming the price has led growing inflationary pressures the money supplies the japan and west germany exceed central bank limits and real growth their gross national products added use physical gold should rise this year due increased industrial demand and higher expected coin production the bank said speculative demand which influences the gold price futures markets has also risen the bank said these factors and south africa unstable political situation which may lead temporary reduction gold supplies from that country underscore the firmer sentiment said however australia output estimated rise tonnes this year from tonnes reuter 
earn	endotronics sees heavy losses qtr from withdrawal japan distributor 
earn	alpine group inc agi qtr jan net shr profit seven cts loss five cts net profit loss revs nine mths shr profit cts profit cts net profit profit revs mln mln note profits include gains dlrs three cts share quarter and dlrs cts share dlrs one cent share nine months from tax loss carryforward reuter 
earn	bsi says expects another good year banca della svizzera italiana bisz said expected business good again this year after pct increase net profit mln swiss francs chief executive giorgio ghiringhelli told reporters expected almost all important sectors expand well important exception would its securities business which would grow more slowly ghiringhelli also said the bank planned convert its representation london into subsidiary the end this year and further expand activities its new york subsidiary particularly 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 from the failure the government anti inflation plan rally this city about northwest sao paulo about bank workers voted strike march unless their demand for pct pay rises met wilson gomes moura president the national confederation which groups the bank employees unions representing workers told reuters the indefinite stoppage would affect all banks the vote came stoppage seamen entered its third week and oil workers threatened action against the state owned petroleum company petrobras reuter 
acq	becor western bcw gets offer acquired becor western inc said investment limited partnership greenwich conn and randolph lenz are offering acquire becor for dlrs per share subject becor receipt least mln dlrs from the proposed sale its western gear corp subsidiary becor said has also received expressions interest from other parties seeking information about becor becor had previously agreed sell western gear for least mln dlrs and acquired bcw acquisition inc for dlrs cash and four dlrs debentures per becor share bcw was formed becor executives and goldman sachs and both deals are subject shareholder approval reuter 
acq	clark equipment ckl stake acquired clark equipment said was informed arthur goldberg acting behalf group investors that the group had accumulated shares about pct clark outstanding common stock said goldberg recently approached clark repurchase the shares however negotiations for the block repurchase were unsuccessful and have been terminated reuter 
coffee	paton reports green coffee roastings higher roastings green coffee the week ended march were about kilo bags including that used for soluble production compared with bags the corresponding week last year and about bags the week ended february george gordon paton and inc reported said cumulative roastings for calendar now total bags compared with bags this time last year reuter 
acq	avia stockholders seek block sale reebok avia group international inc stockholders filed class action suit multnomah county circuit court seeking halt the sale avia reebok international ltd rbok avia stockholders also seek receive compensation from the defendants who include most avia directors according court papers the suit grew out meeting several dozen dissatisfied minority stockholders avia following the announcement reebok proposed acquisition avia and the sudden drop the price avia stock the complaint was filed behalf clem eischen portland area resident who owns shares avia and robert withers also the portland area who owns shares and other individuals who held stock the time reebok announcement jury trial has been requested the actions the small group that contral avia have hurt the little guy said eischen the stockholders according statement have organized steering committee the complaint reviews the price action avia stock from march and noted the plaintifs who purchased stock between dlrs and dlrs per share the price fell from dlrs dlrs share following the reebok announcement the complaint asked the defendants enjoined from proceeding with the reebok acquisition avia also requests damages determined the time trial avia said had not seen the court papers and said had comment the 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 nine 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 nine mths net excludes gains insurance recovery dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs nine mths prior year net excludes dlr loss from 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 nine mths prior nine mths net includes pretax gain sale marketable securities dlrs net includes tax credits dlrs dlrs quarter and credit dlrs provision mln dlrs nine mths reuter 
acq	diamond shamrock dia sets proration factor diamond shamrock corp said will accept about pct the shares its common stock tendered response the company offer pay dlrs share for mln shares the company said expects mail checks representing the purchase price the mln shares purchased later this week and will returning unpurchased shares shortly thereafter reuter 
earn	bralorne resources ltd 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 against disposal surplus inventory losses disposition operating units and writedown assets held for disposal reuter 
earn	and block hrb sees gains from tax reform with the april tax return deadline less than month away confused taxpayers will converging and block inc offices interpret the new tax codes financial results for the nation largest tax preparer are expected good fiscal but next year could bonanza analysts say for the short term the key word confusion block vice president tom bloch said interview when congress drastically changes laws confusion results and tax preparers benefit bloch said next year when taxpayers take the new forms and place them side side compare them more people will throw their hands and say going get help said tax forms will look very different next year added kidder peabody analyst herbert buchbinder expects block fiscal year end april show good gains over fiscal earnings mln dlrs dlrs share revenues mln dlrs estimates block fiscal earnings dlrs next year block could have bonanza buchbinder said based estimates larger work force block could show gain more than five pct tax forms prepared said the tax season block prepared tax returns pct over the previous year the internal revenue service estimates about mln individual income tax returns will filed for the tax season from last year mln forms professional tax preparers accounted for just over million forms according the irs for the longer term while confusion will continue bring clients into block tax preparation offices worldwide there are some changes the act that will have negative effect bloch conceded certain changes filing requirements will shorten the tax return and some cases simplify the form noted addition some low income wage earners will taken off the tax rolls said block currently analyzing its price structure try offset some the negatives last tax season the average cost for each return the amounted dlrs and dlrs worldwide bloch said this tax season rates will about three four pct line with the inflation rate said block expects some expansion this tax season its electronic filing system which directly feeds into the irs and can speed the refund process block can choose where and how much wants expand into the seven cities made available for the direct filing the irs bloch noted the irs estimates about returns will directly filed this tax season from the returns injected the tax season first kansas city analyst jonathan braatz said that block will benefit greatly from lower tax rates fiscal braatz expects block advertising budget about the same last year which will helped bit lower costs for television ads they may get little more bang for their buck said estimates block has about mln dlrs cash its balance sheet sheet and says interest rates rise could great benefit them reuter 
earn	ausimont compo aus raises quarterly qtly div eight cts five cts prior pay april record april three reuter 
acq	aldershot agrees acquire intracoastal refining aldershot resources ltd said signed interim agreement acquire pct the outstanding shares intracoastal refining inc conroe texas aldershot will pay certain number shares common stock based book value and maximum one mln shares under formula linked the next five years pre tax net revenues the transaction subject completion definitive agreement and regulatory approval reuter 
acq	derlan acquires pct aurora industries derlan industries ltd said acquired pct aurora industries inc montgomery illinois for undisclosed price closing subject completion legal formalities derlan said reuter 
earn	marion labs mkc votes split dividend hike marion laboratories inc said its board declared two for one common stock split the form dividend with distribution april record march the board also said intends increase the regular quarterly dividend pct five cts share reflecting the split said the increase will declared the may board meeting and reflected regular payments beginning july reuter 
acq	dart seeks supermarkets sgl negotiations dart group inc said preparted negotiate all terms its proposed acquisition supermarkets general corp early this month dart made unsolicited offer dlrs share cash for supermarkets general stock releasing letter sent friday supermarkets general dart said believe that agreement can reached which will the best interests supermarkets general its stockholders management employees and customers that end are prepared negotiate all terms acquisition agreement dart said dart said urges meeting with supermarkets general officials held promptly the letter pointed out the company has not heard from supermarkets general since making the offer other than this past monday when were informed that our offer would seriously considered and that you would get back timely basis arrange meeting dart said has acted openly and amicably effort facilitate its proposed acquisition adding has not purchased additional supermarkets general stock since prior submission its offer dart said continues interested acquiring supermarkets general friendly manner noting has given the company the tune that you suggested order allow you evaluate the available options dart now owns mln supermarkets general shares slightly less than five pct those outstanding reuter 
earn	decorator industries inc dii qtr net ended jan three shr profit five cts net profit loss revs year shr profit cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note loss per share not given for quarter reuter 
earn	mccormick and inc mccrk qtr net qtr ends feb shr cts cts net revs reuter 
earn	value line inc valu qtr jan shr cts cts net revs mln mln nine months shr dlrs cts net mln seven mln revs mln mln note periods include pretax investment income mln dlrs capital gains distributions from mutual fund investment reuter 
acq	thermo electron tmo considers unit stake sale thermo electron corp said has entered into talks with underwriters the possible public sale minority interest its packaged cogeneration systems subsidiary tecogen inc the company also said plans offer convertible subordinated debentures publicly gave further details reuter 
earn	hongkong bank canada qtr jan net net mln not given note results not comparable with 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 from plant closing provision net excludes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs year net both periods excludes charge dlrs for estimated settlement and expenses connected with chapter bankruptcy reuter 
money-fx	money market given mln stg late help the bank england said provided the money market with late assistance around mln stg this takes the bank total help today some billion stg and compares with its estimated deficit around billion reuter 
acq	renouf extends benequity holdings offer repeat new york march renouf corp international said has extended the expiration its offer pay dlrs unit buy all outstanding units benequity holdings california limited partnership march from march march renouf said about units had been tendered renouf pointed out this exceeds the minimum number sought the offer but its statement gave reason for the extention benequity has mln units outstanding reuter 
grain	lyng says too late for crop decoupling this year agriculture secretary richard lyng said too late implement full acreage provision decoupling for grain crops think there chance see that legislation passed but not for crops too late lyng told the national grain and feed association convention here lyng added that there seems some support congress for and there was good chance pilot program will passed part pending disaster bill but indicated that already too late the year alter the crop program sign for spring crops closes the end this month overall lyng predicted very little change will legislated the farm bill this year reuter 
earn	salant qslt files reorganization plan salant corp said and its thomson inc and obion inc subsidiaries have filed joint reorganization plan with the bankruptcy court and expect emerge from chapter bankruptcy the near future the company said hearing the adequacy the associated disclosure plan scheduled for april nine and completion the plan subject approval creditors equity security holders and the bankruptcy court salant said has reached agreement for ray williams continue president and chief executive officer for five years from the effective date the reorganization plan and has substantially concluded talks for new mln dlr unsecured credit effective the same date the company said the committee its unsecured creditgors and the committee its equity security holders have approved the terms the plan previously announced creditors will receive mln dlrs cash dlrs pct senior subordinated debentures and four common shares for each dlrsd allowed unsecured claims salant today reported earnings for the year ended november dlrs after dlr pretax provision for loss the sale subsidiary but before dlr post tax charge attributable costs and expenses chapter and the settlement pre chapter claims well dlr tax credit year before lost dlrs after 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 the united states fell below four billion marks worth january for the first time since mid provisional bundesbank data showed the figures showed exports were billion marks january sharply down from december billion and the lowest since the billion exported the july this compared with billion marks january total west german exports western industrialised countries also fell january billion marks from december billion also posting the lowest monthly total since july west german exports the european community were billion marks january down from billion december and billion january last year the figures showed exports developing nations and centrally planned economies also slackened separately commerzbank said report that the focus west german exports this year was likely shift europe because expected downturn growth the dollar area this was one the strengths west german exports compared with japan which depended large part the opec and developing country markets added reuter 
acq	texas air give former continental air holders another dlrs share 
cpi	french february inflation between and pct pct january official 
trade	trade interests ready for fight congress lawmakers are gearing for showdown between protectionists and free traders major trade bill winds its way through committees vote the full house representatives late april move toughen enforcement trade laws key house subcommittee last week approved toned down version legislation require president reagan retaliate against foreign countries that follow unfair trade practices this bill will the cornerstone congressional efforts restore competitiveness american industries and turn around last year record billion dlrs trade deficit several lawmakers have argued the new trade bill made too many concessions reagan and said they intend back amendments get tough with countries that violate trade agreements keep out products the other hand congressmen known for their allegiance free trade said the bill ties reagan hands too much trade disputes and they will seek restore his negotiating powers republican bill frenzel michigan said the subcommittee bill was not one that free trader like could endorse all respects but emphasized there was consensus among trade lawmakers work toward bill reagan and republicans would ultimately endorse frenzel said the goal trade legislation was make our trade policy stronger without violating our international trade agreements you find lot people who think have not done the former enough you find poeple who think haven avoided violating agreements key concession made the urging the powerful chairman the house ways and means committee the trade subcommittee backed off requirement that would have forced reagan automatically impose quotas tariffs imports from countries that engage unfair trade practices also agreed may waive any retaliation would hurt the economy ways and means chairman dan rostenkowski illinois democrat insisted the more moderate approach was necessary the house wanted pass bill reagan would sign into law reagan last year had blocked senate consideration tough house trade bill branded protectionist and this year only reluctantly agreed support trade bill when saw democratic leaders were determined pass bill indication his success white house spokesman marlin fitzwater told reporters friday the administration still did not like some provisions but added generally feel very good about the bipartisan consideration the trade legislation think are progressing very well the first battle will take place next week when the full house ways and means committee considers amendment rep richard gephardt missouri democrat force countries such japan south korea and taiwan cut their trade surpluses with the united states the subcommittee limited the gephardt plan provide only that the existence large trade surplus with the united states will trigger investigation unfair trade practices but would not automatically set off retaliation rep phil crane illinois republican and staunch free trader said will try further weaken the gephardt plan organized labor has pressed lawmakers for more relief from imports where jobs have been lost foreign competition afl cio president lane kirkland this year angered the administration statement that any trade bill reagan would sign would not worth passage congress but rostenkowski set the tone the trade debate statement not trying write legislation please lane kirkland trying write legislation that will signed the president writing the bill the subcommittee rejected calls for trade relief for specific industries such textiles rep jenkins democrat from georgia agreed hold off his fight intends push separately bill protect the domestic textile and shoe industry aide said reagan vetoed similar measure last year house speaker jim wright texas democrat one the most influential proponents aid for specific industries beset low priced foreign competition wright thursday renewed his call for import relief for the domestic oil industry and announced his support for senate plan trigger temporary oil import tariff when imports reach half domestic consumption for the most part the trade bill provisions toughen enforcement trade laws the bill forces the administration act rapidly complaints unfair trade practices such dumping products the united states prices below the cost production also forces the administration act rapidly when industry complains that surge imports threatens its existence congressmen said the change would have required the international trade commission impose limits car imports reuter 
earn	endotronics endo expects loss for year endotronics inc said expects incur substantial losses for the second quarter ending march and fiscal year ending sept one factor behind the anticipated loss endotronics cited dispute one its japanese distributors yamaha inc over payment dlr promissory note form filing with the securities and exchange commission endotronics said the note was for overdue accounts receivable from sales instruments yamaha and another japanese distributor during the company fiscal year endotronics said its present reduced level operations will exhaust all currently available cash and credit facilities early may said this assumes full use the remaining dlrs available under line credit from celanese corp which requires approval celanese corp the company said its ability obtain funding was adversely affected suit filed march two its shareholders seeking represent class holders against three officers endotronics endotronics said the complaint against alleges violations the federal securities laws connection with statements made the company annual and quarterly reports the company also said the securities division the minnesota department commerce conducting inquiry into the company japanese sales for fiscal and trading insiders and brokers the company common shares said similar inquiries are being conducted the securities and exchange commission the investigations will hurt the company ability obtain funding said result the dispute over payment the promissory note the law suit challenging its financial data and the various investigations concerning insider trading the company said longer expects that anticipated declines instrument sales japan fiscal will offset increased instrument sales other foreign countries and the united states reuter 
cpi	french february year year inflation pct three pct january official 
acq	continental air holders get further payment texas air corp said under settlement class action litigation with mutual shares corp former minority shareholders continental airlines inc will receive additional dlrs per share february texas air acquired the minority interest continental that did not already own for dlrs per share mutual had challenged the adequacy the price texas air said any former continental holder who has sought appraisal rights under delaware law may continue seek the appraisal remedy delaware chancery court accept the settlement and drop the appraisal process texas air said the settlement has other terms relating employee shareholdrs continental who will receive options from texas air did not give details the company said the settlement subject approval the delaware chancery court which expected take about days reuter 
cocoa	cocoa consumers narrow gap buffer stock issue representatives cocoa consuming countries international cocoa organization icco council meeting here have edged closer unified stance buffer stock rules delegates said while consumers not yet have common position observer said after consumer meeting they are much more fluid and the tone positive european community consumers were split the question how the cocoa buffer stock should operated when the icco met january put the new international cocoa agreement into effect delegates said the january meeting france sided with producers how the buffer stock should operate delegates said that meeting ended without agreement new buffer stock rules the commission met brussels friday see whether the cocoa consuming nations could narrow their differences this month meeting the commissioners came away from the friday meeting with informal agreement respond signs flexibility among producers the key buffer stock issues delegates said the key issues addressed this council session which divide icco members are whether non member cocoa should eligible for buffer stock purchases and what price differentials the buffer stock should pay for different types cocoa delegates said consumer delegate said producers and consumers should able compromise the non member cocoa question working group comprising delegates from all producing and consuming member countries met briefly this morning then broke into producer meeting and meeting followed consumer meeting producers who are favour the buffer stock buying variety grades cocoa and oppose non member cocoa being accepted reviewed their position ahead the working group meeting this afternoon are waiting see what consumers say producer delegate said hope they will flexible will difficult negotiate the icco comprises member countries non members include the consumer and malaysia increasingly important producer reuter 
earn	lowrance electronics leix sees orders off lowrance electronics inc said results from operations the third and fourth quarter may not comparable the first and second quarters which were strong because orders for new sonar equipment for the six months ended jan the company reported net income almost tripled dlrs cts share sales rose pct mln dlrs the company which went public dec also said expects able fill back orders from the first two quarters because improved supply computer chip components reuter 
cpu	canada manufacturing utilization rate rises utilization canadian manufacturing capacity rose pct the fourth quarter from pct the third quarter statistics canada said although the change was small this marked the first quarter since the third quarter which the utilization rates for manufacturing whole rose the federal agency said increased residential construction led strong increases the building materials sector led pct increase non metallic mineral industries reuter 
cpi	french inflation slows february french inflation slowed february between and pct against pct january the national statistics institute insee said the retail price index showed year year rise pct against three pct january insee official said the final figure for february would released later this month after january rise the government was forced revise its inflation target for pct year year from initial target two pct after pct finance minister edouard balladur said half the january rise was due higher oil prices and forecast february slowing reuter 
earn	capitol bancorp capb restate net loss capitol bancorp said expects restate its results for loss about one mln dlrs due reclassification loans recommended auditor ernst and whinney the company said the restatement also reflects substantial increase reserves its principal subsidiary capitol bank and trust said expects earn dlrs for the first quarter capitol said maintain adequate capital ratio will seek additional equity capital the near future also said has delayed its annual meeting until may due the restatement annual earnings capitol said its board raised the quarterly dividend cts from cts share payable april record march the company originally reported earnings dlrs earned dlrs last year first quarter the annual meeting had been scheduled for the second week april reuter 
jobs	swedish unemployment down data revised new method calculating sweden unemployment figures reduced the number jobless sixth spokesman for the central bureau statistics scb said reporting substantial drop the past year according the revised data there were jobless february representing pct the workforce against pct the workforce february scb official olle wessberg said the new figures were based more extensive survey the unemployed which brought sweden into line with the practises recommended the geneva based international labour organisation wessberg said the new method cut the number unemployed about pct the way are now collecting data far more accurate and are asking many more questions find out whether the jobless want work whether they are able work and whether they have actually looked for work told reuters the new method was first used for the january figures which showed unemployment dropping pct the workforce from pct old style december but wessberg said the change had apparently not been noticed the press recalculated according the new method unemployment february would have stood pct the scb said reuter 
money-fx	economic spotlight ems marks eighth birthday the european monetary system marks its eighth anniversary still vulnerable turmoil world money markets despite creating island currency rate stability europe economists say but many economists say the system which holds eight european community currencies within narrow fluctuation bands remains its infancy its new currency the european currency unit ecu has been runaway success with investors and borrowers alike seeking alternative the volatile dollar and wednesday the long term vision the ecu europe common currency took step nearer becoming reality when belgium minted the world first ecu coin but economists say members such west germany have far blocked second stage development envisaged the system founding fathers west german chancellor helmut schmidt and former french president valery giscard estaing under this phase originally due have started two years after the ems was set decision making was have been transferred from national governments and central banks autonomous european monetary fund but members have jealously guarded their sovereignty economic and monetary matters the basic problem the ems that governments are not prepared make the quantum leap situation where certain decisions are taken common said one economist who has closely watched the system development the result that the often divided over policy third currencies accentuating what the economists say the system greatest weakness its vulnerability weak dollar over the past months the dollar plunged and investors moved into strong currencies the resulting sharp rise the west german mark severely strained the system another frustration has been britain failure lend the ems political support keeping the pound still major world currency outside the system change the british government attitude expected before the country next general elections due mid meanwhile the system last realignment the since was set prompted european finance ministers ask the highly secretive monetary committee and committee central bank governors come with suggestions for reinforcing their ideas are due unveiled when finance ministers hold informal meeting belgium early next month but economists said the proposals are unlikely involve more than tinkering with technical details they are sceptical about the chances for any fundamental change technical measures won enough protect the ems against external factors such dollar weakness for that must take the step forward the institutional level said leo corel kredietbank economic research department economists say the system fortunes now will depend largely the success agreement last month among major industrial nations stabilise exchange rates the dollar resumes its slide the ems could for more turbulence they predict reuter 
acq	intermagnetics general inma completes buy intermagnetics general corp said completed the purchase the advanced products department air products and chemicals inc apd terms were not disclosed the department which makes cryogenic equipment will continue operating its present location allentown the company said will market its products apd cryogenics inc reuter 
acq	italy ferruzzi takes over spanish mill italy ferruzzi spa has taken pct stake spanish sunflower seed and cotton mill cooperativa agricola del guadalete guadalco sources guadalco said the italian firm spanish subsidiary ferruzzi espana took the majority equity stake with the remaining pct retained guadalco ferruzzi plans set sugar division and import some tonnes industrial sugar from its french factories its first year operation guadalco has processing capacity tonnes day sunflower seeds and tonnes day raw cotton reuter 
livestock	ccc accepts bid for dairy cattle kuwait the commodity credit corporation ccc has accepted bid for export bonus cover the sale head dairy cattle kuwait the agriculture department said the dairy cattle are for shipment before may said the bonus dlrs per head was made american marketing services inc and will paid the form commodities from the ccc inventory said additional head dairy cattle are still available gulf countries kuwait bahrain oman qatar and the united arab emirates under the export enhancement program initiative announced october said 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 should used tactically yeutter says trade representative clayton yeutter said the export enhancement program eep should used tactical tool and not general policy yeutter made the comment response question whether the should expand the eep cover grain sales the soviet union did not comment directly the soviet question replying that any decision would made the highest levels the reagan administration and don want preempt that yeutter told the national grain and feed association eep should continue used tactical tool against the european community but not general policy said selective eep use has been successful pressuring the reuter 
acq	national pizza piza corrects figure national pizza said the seven straw hat piza restaurants los angeles and bakersfield calif that announced plans buy friday are expected generate annual sales about dlrs not the eight mln dlrs the company originally announced the company said will convert the restaurants pizza hut units closing expected around march reuter 
earn	tbg holdings tgbn year net net profit mln dlrs mln dlrs turnover billion dlrs billion note company lowered nine pct from pct interest rate outstanding subordinated loan for period august july tbg formerly known thyssen bornemisza group reports dlrs since december the start the financial year tbg said the decline profits was mainly caused losses container rental activities reuter 
acq	avaq international seek commitment deal avaq international inc said intends require gates learjet corp glj honor its agreement sell its shares the company avaq said made the statement response offer interconnect capital corp for all gates learjet shares after what believed agreement gates accept its offer avaq said offered pusuant gates guidelines six dlrs per share plus the purchase gates corp promisary note for mln dlrs interconnect said offered dlrs per share plus the repurchase the loan for mlns for aggregate price the mln dlr range interconnect said made the offer the board directors gates learjet march avaq said gates corp and gates learjet approved its 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 from reorganization reuter 
earn	cooper lasersonics inc zaps qtr loss period ended january shr loss cts profit one net loss profit sales mln mln avg shrs note prior qtr figures include gain mln dlrs six cts per share from discontinued operations reuter 
earn	diversified industries dei qtr oper net period ended jan oper shr two cts eight cts oper net sales mln mln avg shrs note full name diversified industries inc earnings exclude gains from utilization tax loss carryforwards dlrs one share dlrs six cts share reuter 
pet-chem	hoechst celanese sets expansion program hoechst hfag unit hoechst celanese corp said has begun projects that will cost more than mln dlrs the unit was formed last month when hoechst completed the acquisition celanese for billion dlrs the company said will expand its sanwet super absorbent polymers unit and its acrylic acid facility also said plans acetaminophen production plant bishop texas 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 said expects report loss for the year ended january about dlrs compared with profit dlrs year before the company blamed the loss the continuing depression agriculture the discontinuance several programs due the passage the tax bill and the failure close the sale four ranches the california carrizo plains during the year expected the company said the prospective purchaser forfieted dlr deposit said talks new 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 both periods includes dlr gain from land sale share adjusted for three for two split august reuter 
earn	tesco forecasts profits rise this year tesco plc tsco said statement expects pre tax profits mln stg for the year ending february before nine mln stg net property profits this compares with mln stg pretax profits and net mln property sales the previous year said the forecast was its formal offer document sent hillards plc shareholders today march tesco launched mln stg bid for hillards the offer new tesco ordinary shares for every hillards ordinary shares valued each hillards ordinary share reuter 
earn	business computer bcsi had quarter profit business computer solutions inc said expects report profit for the fourth quarter ended february its first quarterly profit ever about dlrs revenues about dlrs year before lost dlrs sales dlrs the company attributed the improved results increased purchases its zfour language and development environment for computer software business computer said expects report full year loss about dlrs sales about dlrs last year lost dlrs revenues dlrs reuter 
money-fx	fed says sets three day system repurchase agreements 
earn	mays inc mays qtr jan net shr dlrs cts net revs mln mln six mths shr dlrs three cts net revs mln mln note current periods include pretax gain mln dlrs from sale leasehold glen oaks store queens and gain mln dlrs from benefit tax loss carryforwards year ago six mths includes gain dlrs from 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 one dlr oper net revs mln mln note current qtr and year figures exclude extraordinary losses early debt retirement mln dlrs five cts per share and mln dlrs cts per share respectively full name circus circus enterprises inc reuter 
earn	national fuel gas nfg sets mail date national fuel gas said its mail date for its previously announced two for one stock split june the company which announced the split last week had said the record date for the split may reuter 
acq	comtech cmtl sell premier microwave comtech inc said agreed principle sell pct its outstanding shares premier microwave corp for seven mln dlrs said the buyers include investment group composed the unit management the company said expects the sale close the next few weeks proceeds will used reduce debt reuter 
acq	investment firms have pct purolator pcc group affiliated new york base investment firms and funds told the securities and exchange commission they have acquired shares purolator courier corp pct the total outstanding the group led mutual shares corp said bought the stock for investment purposes also said studying the dlr share leveraged buyout offer made purolator managers and hutton lbo inc but has not decided whether will tender its stock the offer the group said has held talks with the hutton lbo group before and may again reuter 
earn	tofutti brands tof sees profit for new year tofutti brands inc said changing its fiscal year calendar year from year ending july and expects profitable higher sales the company lost dlrs sales mln dlrs the year ended july company spokesman said tofutti will reporting earnings for the last five months calendar the end march and will then report calendar first quarter results reuter 
earn	digitech inc dgtc qtr jan net shr two cts eight cts net revs avg shrs reuter 
gnp	belgium revises down gnp growth forecasts the belgian government has lowered its forecast for the nominal increase gross national product pct from originally forecast pct prime minister wilfried martens said statement parliament said this revision which brings government forecasts more closely into line with those private institutions takes account anticipated slowdown the world economy and international trade but said the impact the belgian economy will limited due recent agreements wages and working conditions agreed employers and unions martens did not say how much the government expected gnp grow volume terms however last month the government planning bureau said had revised its forecast for this pct from pct belgium gross national product rose pct volume terms against pct nominal rise reuter 
earn	cabot medical corp cbot qtr jan net shr four cts two cts net revs reuter 
earn	amerihealth inc ahth qtr loss oper shr loss one 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 after preferred dividends reuter 
gnp	banks see german growth least two pct external risks for the economy have increased but growth two pct this year still possible according president the west german federation banks hanns christian schroeder hohenwarth schroeder hohenwarth told news conference the further fall the dollar since the start this year and the revaluation the mark against european currencies meant west german exporters were facing rough wind however domestic demand was continuing rise and private consumption particular would support the economy said saw good prospects for consumer industries schroeder hohenwarth said economic policy now had concentrate strengthening this domestic growth this context welcomed decision the government increase the scope tax cuts due added planned reform the fiscal system scheduled for which was worked out coalition partners this month was important step the right direction the government plans cut corporation tax pct from pct however schroeder hohenwarth said the decision cut the maximum rate income tax only pct from pct was rather half hearted reuter 
earn	cambridge analytical caan sees first qtr loss cambridge analytical associates inc said expects incur loss for the first quarter fiscal equal greater than its loss dlrs for the fourth quarter ended december cambridge said expects revenues for the first quarter approximately the same those recorded for the fourth quarter ended december dlrs cambridge recorded profit dlrs revenues dlrs for the first quarter fiscal the company said the company attributed the expected loss lower than expected sales from its laboratory and consulting business and planned major investment its proprietary treatment technology the company said winter traditionally its slowest season reuter 
acq	seton sel gets buyout offer from chairman seton said its board has received proposal from chairman and chief executive officer philip kaltenbacher acquire seton for dlrs per share cash seton said the acquisition bid subject kaltenbacher arranging the necessary financing said intends ask other members senior management participate the company said kaltenbacher owns pct seton stock and other management members another pct seton said has formed independent board committee consider the offer and has deferred the annual meeting had scheduled for march reuter 
earn	mrs fields plans open more stores based speciality food retailer mrs fields inc which earlier announced pre tax profits mln dlrs against mln said plans further growth this year with the opening new stores the the company which quoted london unlisted securities market usm said also planned expand its outlets internationally however chairman randall fields told news conference the company would not move into any new countries during but would intensify its efforts where already had stores during the company opened new stores including the two australia and one each japan canada and the intend open minimum five more units london for example and reasonable that might open other stores other european countries fields said said the company acquired competitive businesses matter routine and might add others but declined say how much the company planned spend them last year turnover rose pct mln dlrs from mln dlrs reuter 
cpu	industrial capacity use rate rose pct feb from pct jan 
earn	biotechnology development biod qtr loss shr loss five 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 said its chairman and chief executive officer alan cohen sold shares metex common stock metropolitan consolidated industries inc mony the company said the selling price was dlrs per share with option for metropolitan consolidated industries purchase shares more the same price metex also said mason carter was elected president and chief operating officer the company carter joined metex where was formerly its executive vice president addition attilio petrocelli president metropolitan was named fill vacancy the metex board directors the company said metropolitan owns pct metex common stock the company said reuter 
acq	american security asec release information american security corp said release will forthcoming shortly regarding its pending merger with maryland national corp mdnt approved its stockholders october american was halted nasdaq pending news announcement reuter 
earn	svenska cellulosa scab year group profit after net financial items billion crowns billion sales billion crowns billion profit per share crowns proposed dividend five crowns reuter 
coffee	colombia coffee exporters believe pragmatism private coffee exporters say colombia more pragmatic coffee marketing policy will ensure that the country does not suffer excessively from current depressed prices and erratic market conditions gilberto arango president the exporters association said interview that colombia the world second largest producer was position withstand prolonged absence international coffee organization ico export quotas colombia one the countries that will benefit most from this situation said recent ico talks london failed break deadlock over introduction export quotas suspended february and date has been set for new meeting the issue arango said that government measures adopted here last week including lower export registration price indicated major change but also disclosed welcome pragmatism this the start new era colombia because world market conditions are also new said the government lowered local taxes for exporters and said the export registration price reintegro will changed more often order closely reflect market trends arango said illustration colombia new attitude was the decision friday open export registrations for unlimited amount but added did not imply the country would begin heavy selling coffee our marketing policy sell without haste but consistently targets for volume will set will react market factors adequately and colombia has intention giving its coffee away colombia past records should the basis for upcoming exports said will certainly not export seven mln kilo bags but neither are going sell like mad the trade knows full well what colombia export potential said colombia with stockpiles standing about mln bags exported record mln bags the coffee year which ended last september and mln calendar arango did not want commit himself export predictions but said that output for the coffee year would not exceed mln bags compared with mln forecast the national coffee growers federation and mln the department agriculture figure said was ridiculous said ageing plantations and rust particular the number one producing province antioquia meant output was likely fall but that nationwide estimates were rare and oscillated between mln and mln bags the failure the recent ico talks arango said colombia understandably felt frustrated not having managed force compromise jorge cardenas manager the national federation and head his nation delegation london has blamed the intransigence some big countries without naming them however arango like colombian finance minister cesar gaviria last week was more explicit and said the united states would undoubtedly under great political pressure coming weeks revise its policy washington will have take into account that for many countries and some its allies for instance central america sharp fall coffee export revenue would have far reaching political and economic consequences arango ruled out fresh colombian initiative export quotas saying producers had now show common resolve which could emerge from continuous contacts reuter 
gnp	belgian government cut financial requirement belgian prime minister wilfried martens announced parliament plan reduce the government financing requirement billion francs said this will enable the requirement held billion francs against the previous government target billion eight pct gross national product martens said following lowering government estimates nominal gnp growth and estimation government departments spending the government calculated that unless action was taken the requirement would exceed the target billion francs martens said the plan involved raising non fiscal receipts billion francs and reducing spending billion the remaining billion francs will raised through treasury operations martens said the money being found through series small economies and confirmed that includes the raising two billion francs through the sale part the government pct holding the gas company distrigaz last year the government announced major program designed cut spending billion francs the program was designed get belgium out what the government said was snowball effect under which the government constantly borrowed more finance budget deficits which were due largely the cost servicing and repaying existing debt the government financing requirement estimated billion francs pct gnp reuter 
earn	royal trust plots aggressive global expansion royal trustco ltd move unique among canadian trust companies pursuing bold global expansion that could someday lift the foreign share its yearly earnings pct president michael cornelissen said first marathon securities ltd financial services analyst michael walsh said royal trust international growth target attainable but will tremendous achievement because they going have build international earnings base larger than the earnings lot significant domestic trust companies walsh said global operations which made pct royal trust mln dlr net profit will post pct profit growth this year against expected pct jump total company profit cornelissen told reuters interview said the foreign share total profit would rise pct and pct royal trust canada second largest trust company with assets about billion canadian dlrs has operated internationally since when opened london bank its aggressive global strategy began the when other canadian trusts the equivalent savings and loans were focusing domestic retail banking the company overseas ambitions were whetted heightened domestic competition and impressive growth its london bank operations which attained full british banking powers cornelissen said last year royal trust moved into continental europe and asia with its mln canadian dlr acquisition dow chemical dow dow financial services corp which included asset management merchant and private banking companies was heaven sent opportunity cornelissen said the dow financial acquisition achieved one year what would otherwise have taken five years set cornelissen stressed that royal trust would shun direct competition with 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 said that royal trust hoped complete negotiations before the end this month sell its london based savory milln brokerage acquired the dow financial deal the international market big and have such miniscule share that growth opportunities are really limited only our energy and our desire find more business said adding that trust type services don think the international markets are well served aiding royal trust foreign growth are greater foreign investment interest north america and increased canadian investment abroad cornelissen said central royal trust strategy asia boasting rapid economic growth and huge pools japanese capital said cornelissen whose company administers assets billion dlrs more than any other canadian trust citing statistics indicating that the year asia will contain two thirds the world population and pct global productive capacity cornelissen said knew had there royal trust international locations include offices tokyo hong kong and singapore the company also recently listed its shares the tokyo stock exchange the royal trust president said the company was stressing growth within its overseas units adding did not foresee any acquisitions the immediate future although have our eyes wide open for the right opportunities asked about royal trust plans for the which the company abandoned with the sale its florida bank units cornelissen said the company faced trust services market well covered hundreds small regional banks that doesn mean say shouldn the said cornelissen that probably one area that will probably something with the next five years said the company would continue emphasize its home canadian market which cornelissen and financial services analysts agreed would remain vital royal trust proposed government regulations allow canadian banks trusts insurance and securities dealers full participation one another actitivies will mean more domestic competition for royal trust but not drastically more cornelissen said reuter 
earn	salomon raises caterpillar cat opinion salomon brothers inc said raised its opinion caterpillar inc stock aggressive buy from hold because brighter earnings outlook for salomon analyst david sutliff said statement sees earnings dlrs share from earlier forecast three dlrs for the year the outlook for remains dlrs three dlrs caterpillar stock was down points although earnings will poor for the next two quarters believe that profits could begin improve the second half perhaps significantly and should surge sharply through and said sutliff said improved results should come from four factors higher prices improved market share reduced costs and improved demand the higher prices will stick because its japanese competitor komatsu has had raise prices because the increased value the yen said 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 eight mln revs mln mln note includes extraordinary gains cts per share and cts the fourth quarter and respectively reuter 
trade	canada prime minister says major trade deal emerging with 
acq	forum four ends beverly bev purchase deal forum group inc said has terminated its agreement principle buy eight retirement living centers six states from beverly enterprises due failure reach satisfacotry definitive agreement reuter 
gold	some miners strike south africa some black miners went strike south african gold and coal mines the national union mineworkers num said num spokesman said workers began underground sit the grootvlei gold mine owned general union mining corp protest the transfer colleagues different jobs said about employees anglo american corp new vaal colliery also downed tools but the reason for the stoppage was not immediately clear officials the two companies were not available for comment and the num said was trying start negotiations with management reuter 
earn	fbx corp fbxc year nov net shr cts three cts net revs mln mln reuter 
cpu	capacity use rate pct february factories mines and utilities operated pct capacity february compared with revised pct january and december the federal reserve board said the fed previously said the rate was pct january and pct december surge automobile assemblies february and gain primary metals production helped raise manufacturing pct capacity from pct january durables manufacturing increased pct last month from pct january the fed said nondurable manufacturing eased pct capacity use from pct january last month rate was down from pct february fabricated metals increased pct february from pct january while motor vehicles and parts jumped pct from january primary metals rose pct from pct january petroleum products fell pct february from pct january capacity utilization for mining rose pct february from pct january but was below the february rate pct the fed said the use rate for utilities was pct last month from pct january producers industrial materials operated pct capacity the same january and december but down from the february rate pct the fed said the decline energy materials use and durables goods materials were the reason for the decline over the past year for producers industrial materials reuter 
cpi	balladur maintains pct inflation target after february pct year year 
cocoa	csce put additional margin july cocoa dlr spot charge will added the new york cocoa futures july delivery contract starting wednesday march the coffee sugar and cocoa exchange said the march delivery ceases trading march making may and july the two nearby unlimited positions previously march and may were unlimited the margin requirement for may july position will dlrs dlrs original margin plus dlrs spot fee reuter 
earn	cooper canada ltd year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
earn	tab products tbp qtr feb net shr cts cts net revs mln mln nine 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 the baltic international freight futures exchange biffex are balloted the end this week whether will merge with the london commodity exchange come under new umbrella baltic futures exchanges biffex official said the final decision will left with the biffex board which will meet the end this month said last week three exchanges currently trading the baltic exchange the london potato futures association the gafta soya bean meal futures association and the london meat futures exchange instructed legal advisers implement merger reuter 
earn	machine technology mtec sees qtr loss machine technology inc said expects report second quarter loss cts per share sales about dlrs year earlier lost dlrs three cts per share sales dlrs the company said booked over six mln dlrs the quarter and its backlog has risen pct since the end its fiscal year leading expect improved results the second half reuter 
earn	docugraphix inc docx qtr jan loss shr loss six cts loss cts net loss loss revs avg shrs mln mln nine 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 may record april nine reuter 
acq	triangle microwave trmw talks buyout triangle microwave inc said involved talks its possible purchase substantial company did not identify triangle said agreement has yet been reached and there can assurance that one will reached any acquisitioon would subject approval its shareholders and regulatory filings said triangle microwave makes microwave system components and had earnings for the first half ended january dlrs sales dlrs from earnings dlrs sales dlrs year before reuter 
veg-oil	yeutter repeats retaliation threat oil tax trade representative clayton yeutter said the united states will retaliate the european community adopts proposed tax vegetable oils but did not say what products would singled out for reprisal speaking the national grain and feed association ngfa convention here yeutter said cautiously optimistic the controversial oils tax proposal will rejected the council ministers yeutter said the proposed tax flagrant violation the spirit gatt because would imperil the zero binding duty exports soybeans europe said the reagan administration has yet decide retaliation list the administration would not reveal retaliation list unless the approved the proposal said reuter 
trade	canada mulroney says trade deal nears prime minister brian mulroney said significant progress was being made trade talks with the united states and profile major deal was emerging opening debate free trade the house commons mulroney said accord would create thousands jobs canada and bring greater economic prosperity both countries mulroney who offered few new details the talks said that while the negotiations were risky and difficult profile major trade deal now emerging minute address mulroney made often passionate defense the initiative that said would give poorer areas the country major economic boost because our trading patterns over period decades are the process building two canadas one that rich and promising one that under developed and under employed said mulroney what want make sure newfoundlanders and british columbians and albertans and others that they get their chance they must given the opportunity trade their way prosperity few detials have been released the trade talks which were launched nearly two years ago between the two nations that are each others most important trading partners recent published reports canada quoting senior trade sources said the countries were close reaching trade deal and will involve eliminating border trariffs and many non tariff barriers over the next years has been reported key stumbling block the talks canadian proposal find new way settle trade disputes something that would give canada protection from washington tough trade remedy laws but mulroney sharply critical protectionist sentiment the said canada was fair trader and denied the government was pursuing the deal win unfair access the american market said trade deal must bring benefits both sides recognize good deal must fair deal one that fair both sides mulroney said reuter 
trade	france reduces trade deficit february france posted seasonally adjusted trade deficit mln francs february after billion franc deficit january the finance ministry said for the first two months this year the trade deficit seasonally adjusted basis was billion francs unadjusted the february deficit was billion francs and the two month cumulative deficit billion the ministry said statement the ministry said february exports totalled billion francs pct increase january while imports totalled billion francs increase pct farm and food trade showed two billion franc surplus after surplus billion january the energy deficit was reduced billion francs from eight billion january while industrial trade showed surplus billion francs against only mln francs january reuter 
earn	ncr ncr sees good chance for record year net ncr corp very optimistic that will post record revenues and profits for charles exley chairman and president said much our considerable optimism about the future based the strength continuing flow new products exley told meeting securities analysts our current position the strongest modern ncr history with new generation offerings deliverable every major category this year for ncr earnings rose nine pct dlrs share sales that increased pct billion dlrs during the balance exley said ncr will pay close attention increasing its penetration major accounts expanding its third party distribution channels and continuing its introduction new products new products introduced within the proceding months accounted for more than pct our major equipment order activity said the end two months added can say are off good start for reuter 
acq	equitable banc ebnc boss has ameritrust stake group controlled equitable bancorp chairman alfred lerner said has acquired pct stake ameritrust corp amtr and may buy pct obtains regulatory approval filing with the securities and exchange commission the group said bought its stake mln ameritrust common shares for mln dlrs investment but the group acting through clevebaco cleveland partnership also said would seek regulatory approval increase its stake lerner owns clevebaco corp which the general partner clevebaco the lerner group said filed with the federal reserve board march notice its intent buy more than pct the common stock ameritrust cleveland bank holding company the fed approves lerner whose equitable bancorp also cleveland said intends buy more ameritrust stock subject market conditions and other factors since lerner heads bank holding company with assets greater than one billion dlrs said barred law from serving director officer ameritrust having his representatives its board lerner said has intention influencing ameritrust management its policies the group said clevebaco bought one mln its shares from bear stearns and inc march dlrs share lerner said accumulated the other one mln shares through march and sold them clevebaco which controls march for dlrs share reuter 
acq	american security asec buyout completed maryland national corp mdnt said has completed the acquisition american security corp exchange maryland share for each american mln shares outstanding the company said the mandatory day review the justice department was completed today maryland national said american security shareholders will entitled receive the per share maryland national regular quarterly dividend that payable march holders record today reuter 
acq	rainier rban completes acquisition rainier bancorp said completed the acquisition tacoma wash based united bank for mln dlrs worth rainier stock united savings bank with mln dlrs assets and offices will operate wholly owned subsidiary rainier said rainier which last month agreed merge with security pacific corp spc said the united acquisition will increase its assets billion dlrs from the billion reported the end reuter 
earn	franklin resources inc ben sets quarterly qtly div six cts six cts prior pay april record march reuter 
cpi	balladur maintains french inflation target finance minister edouard balladur said was maintaining his pct inflation target for after the announcement earlier today pct year year rise retail prices for february told radio interviewer saw reason revise his target for after the february monthly result between pct following pct rise january three pct year year that forced the government revise earlier target two pct current pct said was happy with good result for february but stressed need for continued vigilance against inflation finance ministry statement said the year year differential between french and lower west german inflation rates calculated the last three months had narrowed february two pct compared pct january calculated the last months the differential came pct the statement said adding the tendency therefore one lessening the inflation gap with our main trading partner reuter 
earn	general cinema gcn sees flat net general cinema corp said expects flat net income for fiscal ending oct against mln dlrs dlrs share year ago the company said the costs restructuring its carter hawley hale stores inc unit and the previous purchase pct stake cadbury schweppes plc will lead the flat net figure also said may raise its stake cadbury schweppes pct but has not made any additional stock purchases far according the restructuring carter hawley plans spin off its specialty stores including neiman marcus bergdorf goodman and contempo casuals into new company named neiman marcus group whose shares will trade the new york stock exchange said previously announced general cinema will own pct the equity and pct the voting shares the new company the restructuring subject approval carter hawley shareholders reuter 
gold	levon resources lvnvf gold assays improved levon resources ltd said checked gold assays from the howard tunnel its congress british columbia property yielded higher gold grades than those reported january and february said assays from zone one averaged ounces gold ton over foot section with average width feet levon previously reported the zone averaged ounces gold ton over foot section with average width feet levon said checked assays from zone two averaged ounces gold ton over foot section with average width feet levon resources said the revised zone two assays compared previously reported averages ounces gold ton over foot section with average width feet the company also said intersected another vein feet west zone two which assayed ounces gold ton across width feet 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 three 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 one stock split february reuter 
acq	armtek arm completes sale assets armtek corp formerly armstrong rubber completed the previously announced sale its natchez miss tire plant and other assets condere corp condere said condere formed acquire the armstrong assets said named dennis terwillger formerly vice president and controller armstrong tire division president reuter 
earn	data systems inc toot qtr jan net shr three cts four cts net revs reuter 
earn	vishay vsh sets two pct stock dividend vishay intertechnology inc said its board declared two pct stock dividend payable april holders record march the company said the stock dividend will paid only holders commons tock who not exchange for class stock vishay current exchange offer which expires march reuter 
earn	onyx petroleum exploration ltd year loss shr loss dlrs profit cts net loss profit revs note shr and net after dlr writedown oil and gas property values reuter 
earn	integrated circuits ictm sets record date integrated circuits inc said set march the record date for its previously announced pct stock dividend the company said will distribute the dividend march reuter 
gold	unit sees mine proceeding british petroleum plc said based feasibility report from ridgeway mining its joint venture ridgeway project south carolina could start commercial gold production mid the company said the mine would produce approximate rate ounces gold per year over the first four full years operation from through and average ounces year over the full projected year life the mine partner the venture galactic resources ltd galcf toronto the company said subject receipt all statutory permits finalization financing arrangements and management and joint venture review construction short ton per day processing facility can start capital costs bring the mine into production are estimated mln dlrs reuter 
earn	msa realty corp sss qtr net shr profit four 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 all warrants exercised for the qtr only the adjustment second quarter income for earnings per share was 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 from discontinued oil and natural gas operations mln dlrs dlrs quarter and mln dlrs mln dlrs year company sold all its operations the 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 four cts four cts prior pay april record march reuter 
earn	gencorp qtr shr cts cts 
bop	danish credit downgrading not dramatic minister finance minister palle simonsen said today downgrading denmark credit rating standard and poor corp should not over dramatised standard and poor said had downgraded the kingdom denmark long term external debt from plus following the country loss the top aaa rating january this change regrettable but there reason dramatise this change nuance standard and poor defines the category only slightly different from the top aaa rating simonsen said statement the direct effect the lower rating our borrowing capability unlikely very great but against expectation fail reduce permanently the external account deficit this will inevitably affect borrowing terms and capability added standard poor has noted that there was series austerity measures designed particularly cut lending and encourage saving tax reforms have also gone into effect and when becomes necessary the government will ready take any necessary economic and political initiatives has the past simonsen said standard and poor said weaker international competitiveness the face rising labour costs would mean deteriorating current account balance and rise external debt the external current account deficit rose record preliminary billion crowns from billion bringing total foreign debt billion crowns according government statistics government economists forecast that the external current account deficit will fall billion crowns this year denmark net foreign debt rose pct total exports from pct and said reuter 
earn	magnetic technologies corp mtcc half net jan end shr not given net profit loss sales reuter 
earn	gencorp qtr feb net shr cts cts net mln mln sales mln mln reuter 
gold	unit sees gold mine proceeding british petroleum plc said based feasibility report from ridgeway mining its joint venture ridgeway project south carolina could start commercial gold production mid the company said the mine would produce approximately ounces gold per year over the first four full years operation from through and average ounces year over the full projected year life the mine partner galactic resources ltd toronto said subject receipt all statutory permits finalization financing arrangements and management and joint venture review construction short ton per day processing facility can start capital costs bring the mine into production are estimated mln dlrs reuter 
acq	safety kleen buy stake oil refiner safety kleen corp said has 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 the deal expected may breslube leading rerefiner used lubricating oils north america collecting used oils from auto garages car dealers and other businesses refined mln gallons used oil reuter 
trade	trade interests ready for battle house lawmakers are gearing for showdown between protectionists and free traders major trade bill winds its way through committees vote the full house representatives late april move toughen enforcement trade laws key house subcommittee last week approved toned down version legislation require president reagan retaliate against foreign countries that follow unfair trade practices the bill will the cornerstone congressional efforts restore competitiveness american industries and turn around last year record billion dlrs trade deficit generally the bill provisions toughen enforcement trade laws the trade bill forces the administration act rapidly complaints unfair trade practices such dumping products the united states prices below cost production also forces the administration act rapidly when industry complains that surge imports threatens its existence writing the bill the subcommittee rejected calls for trade relief for specific industries such textiles several lawmakers have argued the new trade bill made too many concessions reagan and said they intend back amendments get tough with countries that violate trade agreements keep out products but congressmen known for their allegiance free trade said the bill ties reagan hands too much trade disputes and they will seek restore his negotiating powers bill frenzel said the subcommittee bill was not one that free trader like could endorse all respects but emphasized there was consensus among lawmakers work toward bill reagan and republicans would ultimately endorse the goal trade legislation was make our trade policy stronger without violating our international trade agreements said key concession made the urging ways and means committee chairman dan rostenkowski the trade subcommittee backed off requirement that would have forced reagan impose automatically quotas tariffs imports from countries that engage unfair trade practices also agreed the president may waive any retaliation would hurt the economy rostenkowski insisted the more moderate approach was necessary the house wanted pass bill reagan would sign into law reagan last year blocked senate consideration tough house trade bill branded protectionist and this year only reluctantly agreed support trade bill when saw democratic leaders were determined pass such legislation white house spokesman marlin fitzwater told reporters late last week that the administration still did not like some the bill provisions but added generally feel very good about the bipartisan consideration the trade legislation think are progressing very well the first battle will take place next week when the full house ways and means committee considers amendment rep richard gephardt force countries like japan south korea and taiwan cut their trade surpluses with the the subcommittee limited the gephardt plan provide only that the existence large trade surplus with the united states will trigger investigation unfair trade practices but would not automatically set off retaliation organized labor has pressed lawmakers for more relief from imports where jobs have been lost foreign competition afl cio president lane kirkland this year angered the administration when said any trade bill reagan would sign would not worth passage congress but rostenkowski set the tone the trade debate saying not trying write legislation please lane kirkland trying write legislation that will signed the president rep jenkins intends push separately bill protect the domestic textile and shoe industry aide said reagan vetoed similar measure last year house speaker jim wright texas one the most influential proponents aid for specific industries beset low priced foreign competition last week renewed his call for import relief for the domestic oil industry and announced his support for senate plan trigger temporary oil import tariff when imports reach half domestic consumption reuter 
earn	magnetic technologies mtcc sees improvement magnetic technologies corp said expects the second half show continued growth earnings and sales the company today reported profit for the first half ended january dlrs compared with year earlier loss dlrs sales dlrs from dlrs all last year magnetic earned dlrs after loss from discontinued operations dlrs sales dlrs reuter 
gold	levon resources reports improved gold assays levon resources ltd said checked gold assays from the howard tunnel its congress british columbia property yielded higher gold grades than those reported january and february said assays from zone one averaged ounces gold ton levon previously reported the zone averaged ounces gold ton levon said checked assays from zone two averaged ounces gold ton levon resources said the revised zone two assays compared previously reported averages ounces gold ton the company also said intersected another vein feet west zone two which assayed ounces gold ton 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 four cts three cts oper net revs mln avg shrs note net excludes tax credits dlrs dlrs reuter 
gold	starrex links share price assay speculation starrex mining corp ltd said sharp rise its share price based speculation for favorable results from its current underground diamond drilling program its pct owned star lake gold mine northern saskatchewan starrex mining shares rose cts dlrs trading the toronto stock exchange the company said drilling results from the program which started late february are encouraging but too soon for conclusions starrex did not disclose check assay results from the exploration program reuter 
earn	combined int ask doubling authorized shares stock split 
earn	canbra foods ltd sets special one time five dlr common shr cash payout 
earn	canbra foods ltd 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 from plant closings and workforce reductions current year net excludes tax credits dlrs quarter and dlrs half reuter 
earn	canbra foods ltd year net oper shr profit dlrs loss cts oper profit loss revs not given note shr and net exclude extraordinary gain dlrs cts share sale stafford foods unit reuter 
earn	oxford first corp ofc qtr net oper shr cts cts qtly div six cts six cts prior oper net revs year oper shr dlrs one dlr oper net revs mln mln note net excludes losses from discontinued operations dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs dlrs year dividend pay may five record april share adjusted for three 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 the realty investment trust company started operations august and had comparable figures said reuter 
earn	bsn corp bsn qtr net shr two cts eight cts net revs mln avg shrs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs note year net includes extraordinary gain one shr and gain two cts from cumulative effect accounting change reuter 
earn	bsn bsn sees higher net bsn corp said expects revenues about mln dlrs and substantial increase net income and earnings per share for today reported net income dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs from dlrs cts per share revenues mln dlrs year before reuter 
earn	combined int pma holders vote split combined international corp said will ask shareholders the april annual meeting approve the doubling authorized common shares mln holders will also vote proposal create new class mln shares serial preferred stock one dlr par value place its existing classes authorized and unissued preferred stock said its regular march board meeting members will consider stock split stock dividend which would contingent upon stockholder approval the changes the capital structure the april annual meeting holders will also asked approve new corporate name aon corp said aon gaelic word meaning unit the name intended eliminate confusion between the parent company and its principal subsidiary combined insurance america holders will also vote proposal limit the liability directors and amend the provision for indemnifying directors officers employees agents this being done reduce the costs liability insurance reuter 
earn	canbra foods sets special five dlr shr payout canbra foods ltd earlier reporting net profit against year ago loss said declared special one time dividend five dlrs per common share pay march record march canbra said set the special payout allow shareholders participate the gain the sale unit stafford foods ltd november well the company unusually profitable performance canbra earlier reported net earnings mln dlrs excluding mln dlr gain the stafford sale compared year ago loss mln dlrs reuter 
earn	advance circuits inc advc qtr feb net oper shr profit one 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 both periods from refinancing debt reuter 
earn	commonwealth mortgage cma sets payout qtrly div cts class cts qtrly div one cent class nil pay may 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 one loss two cts net profit loss revs nine mths shr profit five cts loss cts net profit loss revs note full name precision target marketing inc nine months includes extraordinary gain two cts per share reuter 
acq	cheyenne software chey acquisition talks cheyenne software inc said preliminary talks the acquisition compouter hardware distribution firm components inc and its freeman owings inc subsidiary the company said had sales mln dlrs for and expects report loss for the year cheyenne said the purchase price would paid common stock and would provide additional finances for the operation reuter 
acq	hudson valley patrol agrees buy guard firm hudson valley patrol inc said agreed acquire privately held federal protection services inc palm beach fla security firm for common shares and other considerations hudson valley which provides guard and patrol services upstate said federal protection services provides investigation uniformed guard and armoured truck services banks corporations and residential communities southern florida the company said will issue shares its common closing and additional shares based federal protection pretax earnings over the next three years closing subject setting definitive agreement said reuter 
cocoa	icco examine buffer stock proposal tomorrrow the international cocoa organization icco council adjourned after presenting divergent producer and consumer views buffer stock rules and agreeing examine draft compromise proposal the buffer stock issue tomorrow delegates said icco executive director kobena erbynn will draw what some delegates called pre compromise and present the buffer stock working group hrs gmt tuesday they said while consumer and producer member nations disagree how buffer stock should implemented both sides reiterated they were willing compromise come agreement they said optimistic will able come agreement maybe not tomorrow the next day but some time later the session consumer delegate said producers say they want the buffer stock consist only icco member cocoa comprise representative basket various grade cocoas and pay different prices for different grades delegates said some consumers would rather the buffer stock manager able buy non member cocoa also and pay single price for the buffer stock cocoa without respect origin consumer members were not unified their views how the buffer stock should operate with several countries backing different aspects the producer stance delegates said the semi annual council meeting scheduled run until march consideration the buffer stock rules the most controversial topic the agenda delegates said reuter 
earn	amcast industrial corp acst qtr march one 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 four 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 four cts four 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 said has signed letter intent acquire first railroad mortgage from first union bank augusta for undisclosed terms the company said first railroad had loan production over mln dlrs and was servicing over mln dlrs loans the end reuter 
acq	san paolo torino acquire californian bank italian state bank istituto bancario san paolo torino said its fully owned san paolo holding wilmington the had signed letter intent acquire valley national bank california san paolo said statement that subject obtaining official authorization from the relevant bodies would merge valley national bank with its subsidiary first los angeles bank value the planned acquisition was not disclosed reuter 
grain	senator uncommitted offering bill senator richard lugar indiana ranking republican the senate agriculture committee has not decided whether introduce administration backed bill apply the called provision through grain crops aide the senator said the reagan administration has asked lugar offer the measure the aide said however number farm groups have told lugar they oppose the proposal the grounds would reopen the farm bill and the senator has decided take second look the proposal the aide said last week the aide indicated lugar was planning offer the measure and bill tighten payment limitation loophole reuter 
acq	international fine foods makes acquisition international fine foods inc said has acquired distributors inc west babylon for common shares plus contingent shares based future earnings distributes fresh squeezed juices and had loss sales about one mln dlrs its first year operation reuter 
earn	united tote inc tote qtr jan net shr profit nil loss cts net profit loss revs reuter 
earn	seven oaks qpon telemarketing venture seven oaks international inc said has formed new pct owned subsidiary called seven oaks direct inc offer full line telemarketing services said seven oaks direct management will own the remaining pct the company said initial costs connected with the startupo new memphis tenn marketing center for seven oaks direct may hurt earnings slightly the first half the year ending april but seven oaks direct should operate worse than breakeven for fiscal whole reuter 
earn	quadrex corp quad qtr jan loss shr loss eight 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 said its fourth quarter and annual earnings report will delayed two more weeks the company cited the recent house embezzlement and subsequent review auditors its international situation reason for the delay philip crosby however said believes its december estimate calling for earnings per share between cts and cts revenues mln dlrs was still valid reuter 
earn	united tote inc tote qtr jan net shr nil loss cts net profit loss revs reuter 
earn	new 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 were restated reflect the three for two stock split april one reuter 
acq	schlumberger says terminates pact sell fairchild semiconductor business fujitsu 
acq	lynch corp lgl unit buys television station lynch corp subisidiary lynch entertainment corp said formed general partnership called coronet communications which has acquired whbf station rock island ill the company said the price for the station cbs television network affiliate was mln dlrs the company also said the other partner lombardo communications inc wholly owned corporation phillip lombardo lynch said will pursue further acquisitions media and entertainment entities with emphasis broadcasting and cable television operations reuter 
acq	schlumberger slb ends pact sell fairchild schlumberger ltd said terminated agreement principle for fujitsu ltd buy pct its fairchild semiconductor operations the company said the rising political controversy the concerning the venture made unlikely that the sale the fairchild stake could completed within reasonable time the sale has been opposed the commerce department and the defense department part national security grounds the company said termination the agreement opened other possibilities including possible leveraged buyout the semiconductor maker fairchild management the interim fairchild would continue its ongoing business within schlumberger the oilfield services concern said last october schlumberger announced the sale the fairchild stake and said would take mln dlrs charge the fourth quarter from the sale the company ended recording special charges billion dlrs the fourth quarter leading loss billion dlrs for the year schlumberger never announced price for the sale but industry analysts have estimated the value the deal about mln dlrs the proposed sale was under antitrust review the justice department additionally commerce secretary malcolm baldridge and other officials have voiced reservations about the transaction since was announced government officials have expressed concern that the sale could reduce the competitiveness chip makers putting key advanced technology into japanese hands new high technology semiconductors are used supercomputers which are faster and more powerful than existing computers schlumberger oilfield services company controlled french interests and headquartered new york fujitsu ltd computer and telecommunications company based japan reuter 
earn	henley group heng sets fisher distribution henley group inc said declared special dividend distribution one fisher scientific group inc share for every henley shares previously said would pay one fisher share for every outstanding but changed the ratio because the reduction its outstanding shares mln from mln said the distribution about pct fisher common stock will made april six holders record march fisher will trade nasdaq under the symbol fshg reuter 
earn	gencorp qtr operating earnings rose gencorp said its first quarter earnings from operations rose four pct sales increased six pct mln dlrs from mln year earlier however the company reported net income declined mln dlrs cts share the quarter ended february from mln dlrs cts year earlier this year net included dlrs from the sale assets while last years was increased mln dlrs such sales gencorp said lower operating profits for the tire and plastics and industrial products segments were essentially offset higher wallcovering results reuter 
earn	mccormick and inc mccrk qtr feb net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
acq	twa said does not intend seek control usair acquire more stock this time 
earn	telequest inc telq qtr dec loss shr loss nine cts profit cts net loss profit sales avg shrs year shr profit one profit cts net profit profit sales mln mln avg shrs reuter 
veg-oil	eep veg oil proposals still under review agriculture department proposals offer tonnes subsidized vegetable oil four countries are still under consideration interagency trade policy group usda official close the group said the official who asked not identified dismissed report circulating markets today that the interagency trade policy review group had rejected the proposals under the proposals usda would offer vegetable oil under the export enhancement program eep four countries including tonnes turkey and tonnes algeria morocco and tunisia industry sources said the proposals are still under review the interagency working group the usda official said reuter 
earn	amcast industrial corp acst qtr net qtr ends march one 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 nine mths shr dlrs cts net note full name chicago dock and canal trust nine months earnings include gain from dispositions real estate dlrs dlrs share reuter 
acq	mcgraw hill mhp buys harper row hpr unit mcgraw hill inc said bought medecines sciences internationales french healthcare publisher from harper and row publishers inc the sum the deal was not disclosed said the french company publishes original titles french authors well translations american british and german medical books the company will consolidated with mcgraw hill france said reuter 
earn	infinite graphics infg sees higher qtr infinite graphics inc expects earnings for the fourth quarter ending april exceed the dlrs seven cts share posted year ago chairman clifford stritch told meeting financial analysts stritch also said the company annual revenues should exceed mln dlrs from mln dlrs the previous fiscal year said the company which markets advanced computer aided engineering design and manufacturing systems plans double its dealers during the coming fiscal year reuter 
acq	suburban bancorp subba unit wins judgment suburban bancorp said cook county circuit court ruled favor one its companies suburban bancorp bartlett formerly bartlett state bank claims against six former directors suburban bank barlett claimed that the former directors breached their fiduciary duties and were negligent opposing suburban bancorp tender offer january costing bartlett state bank several hundred thousand dollars said hearing determine the amount damages owed the bank was set for april reuter 
earn	affiliated publications inc afp sets payout qtrly div eight cts eight cts prior pay june record may 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 right raise usair stake pct 
acq	coopervision has pct cooper laser zaps coopervision inc eye told the securities and exchange commission has acquired shares cooper lasersonics inc pct the total outstanding common stock coopervision said bought the stake for mln dlrs for investment purposes said might buy additional cooper lasersonics common shares but said does not plan boost its stake above pct the total outstanding reuter 
acq	dna medical dnam signs pact for stock sale dna medical inc said walter mize had bought about shares about pct dna outstanding stock for dlrs cash under agreement with mize dna said will also become chairman and may his option expand the board provide him equal representation with the current board dna also said will submit proposal its annual meeting for acquire three companies owned mize heritage lite meat corp national lean beef corp and heritage cattle corp dna said the total value the transactions dlrs dna said that when the transactions are approved its shareholders will issue additional shares its common that mize will own pct its issued and outstanding stock dna said mize will replace its current chairman donald holbrook who will remain the board the company also said will continue the medical development business long deemed advantageous reuter 
earn	canadian roxy petroleum ltd year net shr profit five cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln reuter 
acq	cityfed ctyf sell consumer lending offices cityfed financial corp said its city federal savings bank has preliminary agreement sell consumer lending offices goldome fsb for undisclosed terms goldome the largest mutual savings bank the cityfed said decided sell its consumer lending offices outside its main market areas new jersey and florida concentrate its resources these markets the offices being sold operate under the name city consumer serices inc arizona colorado illinois maryland new mexico oregon and virginia reuter 
acq	trans world airlines twa files usair trans world airlines said told the securities and exchange commission does not intend seek control usair group acquire more its stock this time twa also said amending its application with the department transportation seek control usair the amendment said twa reserves the right seek control usair the future that intends maintain its pct stake and that also seeking the flexibility acquire pct usair twa said all usair stock owned would voting trust and voted the same proportion the vote all other usair shareholders twa filed with the securities and exchange commission reporting its holding shares usair twa has said the stake amounts about pct twa also said that order the federal court pittsburgh temporarily barred from buying additional shares usair pending hearing march reconsider usair application expand the temporary restraining order preliminary injunction reuter 
acq	first bank fbs agrees sell another bank first bank system inc said has found potential buyer for first bank luverne and its office pipestone minnesota the bank holding company said holding corporation controlled the family the late robert short will buy first bank luverne the bank has mln dlrs assets first bank which announced plans restructure its banking assets offering sell its banks with total offices said agreements have now been signed for these offices reuter 
acq	american international petroleum buy assets american international petroleum corp aipn said agreed acquire for one mln dlrs the assets western louisiana oil and gas company american international would not identify the company american said assets included nine leases totalling acres various working interests oil and gas wells that property all equipment and machinery necessary for operation and pct interest nine mile gas pipeline reuter 
earn	three departments inc tdd qtr jan shr four 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 new qtr jan net shr profit four cts loss cts net profit loss sales mln mln reuter 
earn	skyline corp sky qtr feb shr cts seven cts net sales mln mln nine mths shr cts cts net sales mln mln note quarter and nine month earnings includes gain sale idle facilities dlrs four cts share nine months earnings include gain sale idle facilities dlrs three 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 the trade surplus doubled february mln dlrs from january mln but was below the mln february official figures show the director the banco brasil foreign trade department cacex roberto fendt told reporters the upturn february confirmed rising trend exports which totalled billion dlrs against billion january and after excluding coffee and oil derivitives was only slightly below the same month last year coffee earnings were down mln dlrs against mln february because lower prices added fendt said that although the february results were lower than the average expected for the rest the year the government target eight billion dlr surplus for should achieved this would compare with surplus billion dlrs exports this year are expected total billion dlrs and imports billion added exports totalled billion dlrs and imports billion fendt said the rise imports february billion dlrs from billion february last year was line with government plans foster economic growth fendt said that imports were running levels well above the traditional average for brazil the first two months the year imports excluding oil and wheat totalled billion dlrs against billion the same period this rise import demand reflected the needs brazilian industry equip raise production and perfectly compatible with the government program for economic growth fendt added reuter 
acq	armtek arm unit leveraged buyout completed condere corp formed former managers armtek corp said completed the acquisition tire plant and other assets armtek for undisclosed terms addition tire manufacturing plant condere bought and truck tire sales and service corp which operates sears truck tire sales and service centers through licensed agreement with sears roebuck and the plant will supply tires armtek armstrong tire well several sears centers condere said expects first year revenues mln dlrs reuter 
earn	horizon bancorp hzb sets regular payout qtrly div cts cts prior pay may record april reuter 
earn	ashland oil chairman sees loss from operations the second fiscal quarter 
earn	henley heng issue subsidiary shares henley group inc said plans issue pct the common stock its fisher scientific group inc unit henley group shareholders the company said intends issue one share fisher scientific for each henley shares held shareholders record march the distribution scheduled for april six the company also said said the fisher shares will trade the over the counter market under the symbol fshg reuter 
acq	schlumberger slb may have alternate buyer schlumberger ltd most likely has alternate buyer lined for its fairchild semiconductor unit wall street analysts said think its clear that cancelling its agreement with fujitsu schlumberger has signaled that has another deal the works said paul johnson semiconductor analyst with rothschild there are unquestionably other buyers out there added kidder peabody analyst adam cuhney lot companies have looked fairchild and would willing buy among the companies that would interested bidding for fairchild are advanced micro devices amd sunnyvale calif and lsi logic corp llsi milpitas calif industry analysts said top chipmakers like national semiconductor corp nsm texas instruments inc txn and motorola inc mot might also seek buy fairchild but could possibly run into antitrust problems the analysts added moreover fairchild management thought considering proposing leveraged buyout the cupertino calif company analysts said brief statement announcing the termination the agreement with fujitsu schlumberger said the decision opened other possibilities including possible buyout fairchild management the company said ended the deal which fujitsu would have bought pct fairchild for estimated mln dlrs because rising opposition the deal the reagan administration made unlikely that the sale could completed within reasonable period time analysts questioned this explanation however arguing that the companies did not need government approval complete the transaction both schlumberger and fujitsu are foreigned owned companies schlumberger would not have terminated the deal because the government didn want said johnson rothschild spokesman for schlumberger declined elaborate the company news release said only that the company was reviewing number possible alternatives for the fairchild unit officials fairchild and fujitsu were not immediately available for comment analysts noted the significance the government apparent success preventing fujitsu from taking control fairchild administration officials including commerce secretary malcolm baldrige and defense secretary caspar weinberger feared that the sale fujitsu would lead japanese control key semiconductor technology for supercomputers and military weapons systems the government really stood for the semiconductor industry said johnson rothschild that think the real significance this consequently analysts said the japanese government might now feel more pressure address complaints about japanese chipmakers violation the semiconductor trade agreement signed last summer reuter 
trade	brazil trade surplus doubled february brazil trade surplus doubled february mln dlrs from january mln but was well below the mln dlrs february last year official figures show director the banco brasil foreign trade department cacex roberto fendt told reporters the upturn february confirmed rising trend exports which totalled billion dlrs against billion january and after excluding coffee and oil derivatives was only slightly below the same month last year coffee earnings were down mln dlrs against mln february because lower prices added fendt said although the february results were lower than the average expected for the rest the year the government target eight billion dlr surplus for should achieved this would compare with surplus billion dlrs exports this year are expected total billion dlrs and imports billion added exports totalled billion dlrs and imports billion fendt said the rise imports february billion dlrs from billion february last year was line with government plans foster economic growth fendt said imports were running levels well above the traditional average for brazil imports the first two months the year excluding oil and wheat totalled billion dlrs against billion the same period this rise reflected industry need for equipment raise production and perfectly compatible with the government program for economic growth fendt added reuter 
earn	silicon valley bancshares sets stock payout silicon valley bancshares said declared five pct stock dividend payable may shareholders record april reuter 
earn	giorgio corp dig qtly dividend shr cts cts prior qtr pay may record april reuter 
heat	heating oil futures sharply april supply shortage number two oil new york for prompt delivery boosted the april heating oil contract energy futures traders said crude oil futures followed but gasoline futures lagged april heating oil ended cts higher cts gallon while april crude settled cts higher dlrs the rally was led spot month heating oil contract which seemed move higher because tigtened prompt deliveries new york harbor said james ritterbusch vice president paine webber inc chicago april gasoline was cent higher cts gallon ritterbusch said the market also found support from report the middle east economics survey that said that opec oil output was down about mln barrels per day the second week march there was not lot interest sell the market because belief opec said richard redoglia broker with merrill lynch futures inc redoglia and ritterbusch said april heating oil could continue rally above cts gallon while crude futures could test dlrs barrel before profit taking stunts the move higher 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 says stake violates law mcdermott international inc said the purchase pct block its stock was apparent violation the laws panama its country incorporation the company said detailed disclosure acquisition offer must made the panamanian national securities commission the target board before acquiring more than five pct stake said transfers securities violation these panamanian regulations are invalid the company was not immediately available say who had acquired the pct block stock reuter 
acq	icahn says target sec investigation corporate raider carl icahn acknowledged that one the targets investigation the securities and exchange commission into possible violations securities laws icahn who heads and controls trans world airlines inc twa made the acknowledgement filing twa was required make with the sec disclosing its pct stake usair group the sec issued formal order launching the private investigation nov icahn said the sec filing the order empowers sec investigators try find out whether any persons including icahn violated securities laws and related rules icahn said specifically the probe examining the acquisition and subsequent sale more than five pct the stock certain unspecified companies said federal law requires individuals groups individuals who have made shareholder agreements disclose stakes companies least five pct within days icahn has acknowledged that has been subpoenaed connection with sec probes but this the first time has disclosed that among those being investigated making the disclosure filing with the sec which obviously already aware its own probe icahn was also alerting current and potential shareholders twa not uncommon for companies which are aware that they their officers are the targets government probes acknowledge the existence the otherwise secret investigations fulfill their legal disclosure requirements their shareholders icahn said the sec looking into whether and others whom did not name violated securities laws acquiring and selling more than five pct company stock sec investigations into those kinds possible securities law violations have been spawned the agency widening probe into the wall street insider trading scandal according published reports making late filings forms which disclose the amount stock over five pct investor has company making filing all could indicate scheme warehouse shares stock warehousing scheme group investors acting concert would each amass stock the company without disclosing that they have agreement among them failing disclose that they are acting together the market unware the amount stock company that controlled group acting concert last year the sec charged members the wealthy belzberg family canada with taking part warehousing scheme while was accumulating stock ashland oil inc reuter 
earn	smithkline skb aims for pct earnings raise smithkline beckman corp said pursuing three point stragey that will achieve pct annual increase operating earnings throughout the remainder the decade smithkline earned mln dlrs dlrs per share revenues billion dlrs the company said its annual report that its nonpharmaceutical business will play major role meeting its earnings growth target and will fact grow faster than its pharmaceutical business smithkline whose major product the antiulcer medication tagamet said the report that intends improve earnings from existing products expand its product portfolio and optimize its financial resources bolster its position the antiulcer market which tagamet has met stiff competition smithkline said its strategy develop over the counter version tagamet bolstered two joint ventures one with wellcome plc and one pending venture japan smithkline also said its allergan inc eye and skin care products division can one billion dlr organization the next five years that can grow more than seven pct annually nondilutive acquisitions are real possibility gavin herbert president the eye and skin care product group said the report allergan had worldwide sales mln dlrs said its smith kline and french laboratories pharmaceuticals unit with sales billion dlrs will file for food and drug administration marketing approval for number cardiovascular agents including tissue plasminogen activator over the next two years also said and sales force will pct larger with more than sales personnel smith kline also said its small clinical laboratory testing unit with sales mln dlrs performs mln tests year and sees increases employee drug testing well testing for the aids antibody smith kline said that depending its share price and the cost money may buy back more shares the last three years has bought back about pct its shares smithkline begins the year with new management team including its new chief operating officer george ebright reuter 
earn	ashland oil ash sees qtr oper loss ashland oil inc said expects report loss from operations the second quarter the company also said expects report mln dlrs net gain the quarter from excess pension funds used pay down debt however difficult determine now whether this gain will sufficient offset the expected operating loss the company said statement company spokesman would not elaborate the company ashland petroleum unit operated loss january and february since was unable raise product prices enough recover higher crude oil costs ashland said although ashland petroleum and superamerica retail marketing operation are having difficult quarter the company valvoline ashland chemical and coal businesses are expected report good results for the quarter ended march the year ago quarter ashland had income from operations mln dlrs before corporate and interest expenses taxes equity income and other items net income the quarter was mln dlrs dlrs share sales billion dlrs reuter 
acq	ameritrust amtr sells two mln shares ameritrust corp said sold two mln shares its common stock investment group named clevebaco ltd partnership the partnership controlled alfred lerner and subsidiary the progressive corp prog the limited partner according the company ameritrust said was advised that the clevebaco group has filed application with bank regulatory authorities seeking permission acquire additional three mln shares ameritrust common stock the company said the group indicated that had hostile takeover intent toward ameritrust and that the purchase was for investment purposes reuter 
earn	bankamerica chairman says bank turning around heading profitability 
earn	general leaseholds ltd year net shr cts cts net revs avg shrs reuter 
trade	british farm minister attacks subsidies farm subsidies and protectionist moves threaten healthy trade both sides the atlantic michael jopling british minister agriculture fisheries and food warned would not sensible provoke another dispute between europe and the united states jopling said remarks prepared for evening speech but some things are clear and they apply both sides the atlantic cannot continue pile stocks while world demand shrinks said governments must not operate farm policies they were purely domestic affairs with impact others they also have recognize that they cannot the long run develop healthy and stable farm sector the basis protectionism and excessive subisdies and above all europe and the united states have too many common interests make worthwhile engage trade wars and competitive export subsidies which end benefitting one added crucial that the united states and the european community remain friends jopling who member the agriculture committee was indiana visit several farms prior talks with officials washington later this week jopling also criticized recent proposal still under consideration the for tax vegetable and fish oils said his government would oppose such move because not think correct that shortage funds support farmers should alleviated raising money the consumer expense reuter 
earn	bankamerica bac chair says bank turning around bankamerica corp chairman clausen said the bank holding company turning around and back the road profitability speech the san francisco chamber commerce clausen said was absolutely convinced bankamerica would return its position preeminence fundamental achieving that goal continue reduce costs dramatically get our arms around our loan loss problems and begin reduce charge offs and enhance our revenue generation clausen said clausen said doubts bankamerica would position this year make any acquisitions experience any growth said bankamerica will continue reduce staff and operations noting that expense growth increased only one pct over expenses clausen also said will continue phase out its overseas retail banking and concentrate wholesale banking with emphasis premium list multinational corporations reuter 
earn	rochester telephone corp rtc sets dividend qtly div cts cts pay may one 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 one loss shr loss nine 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 said the agency would have comment schlumberger ltd announcement that had terminated agreement principle sell its fairchild semiconductor corp unit fujitsu ltd sclumberger had said that controversy surrounding the venture made unlikely the sale could completed any time soon the sale was opposed commerce and the defense department part national security grounds commerce chief spokesman cooper said the department had had contact with schlumberger about the deal defense department spokesman said the agency was unaware schlumberger announcement and would have immediate reaction officials last week told reuters that commerce secretary malcolm baldrige and defense secretary caspar weinberger had joined forces fight the planned sale because could have left the military overly dependent foreign sources for vital equipment used high technology weapons administration opposition the deal also stemmed from ongoing trade tensions between the united states and japan officials said reuter 
earn	precision target marketing inc ptmi qtr shr profit one cts loss two cts net loss revs mln dlrs mln nine months shr profit five cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note qtr ended january qtr and nine months includes dlrs and dlrs gains respectively from 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 its own growth with expected substantial increase brazilian exports canada banco royal president michael brennan said they brazilian exporters are very interested the canadian market because untapped market brennan told reporters after speech the brazil canada chamber commerce brennan said brazil currently exporting products like paper machinery and ships canada said hopes see medium term financing facilities for brazilian companies reinstated shortly following agreement reached january with international financial authorities brennan estimated brazilian exports canada totalled roughly mln canadian dlrs while imports from canada reached about mln dlrs brennan said expects banco royal profit increase this year from the three mln dlrs reported for fiscal ended september but said could not predict how much because the country uncertain financial climate brennan said expects his bank growth come from increased exports canada banco royal the only canadian owned commercial bank brazil although bank montreal has brazilian investment bank subsidiary said brennan said expected brazil able reach equitable agreement with foreign banks restructuring its billion dlr foreign debt because the brazilian economy essentially healthy said believed brazil might position resume debt repayments within year brennan said could not comment the impact brazil interest payment moratorium the royal bank canada reuter 
earn	affiliated publications inc afp sets dividend qtly div eight cts eight cts pay june one record may reuter 
earn	astro med inc alot qtr net shr cts nine cts net revs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
acq	central pennsylvania cpsa buys stake firm central pennsylvania savings association said made pct investment pinnacle mortgage investment terms were not disclosed pinnacle incorporated generates about mln dlrs closed mortgage loans annually central pennsylvania also said its directors recently approved letter intent acquire hamilton reliance savings association norristown reuter 
ship	ports reopen but further closures possible harbour workers returned work this morning after strike support pay claims closed new zealand ports for hours yesterday but the harbour workers union told reporters the pay dispute not settled and the union national executive will meet here tomorrow decide its next moves obviously will considering further industrial action union secretary ross wilson said radio interview the union rejects employers offers pct pay rise over months wants pct over months reuter 
earn	atcor atco says outlook depends steel atcor inc said the magnitude any earnings recovery fiscal depends the direction steel pricing and how fast the company severe operating problems its consumer segment are resolved atcor consumer segment represents about pct its sales letter shareholders the company said that that part its business continues unprofitable atcor said does not expect performance improvements the first quarter sustained throughout the year due increasing raw material costs reuter 
earn	zzzz best inc zbst qtr net shr cts four cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln nine mths shr cts eight cts net revs mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter 
acq	pacific lighting plt considers unit sale pacific lighting corp said considering the sale its land development line business and will initiating discussions with potential buyers the book value the company investment land development operations mln dlrs the pacific lighting real estate group earned mln dlrs and employed people during the company said alternatives the sale being considered include master limited partnership and initial public offering the equity the land development companies said proceeds from the sale would likely invested pacific lightings new specialty retailing line business and its oil and gas operations the company said the investment banking firm morgan stanley has been retained advise pacific lighting the disposition the land development operations completion transaction one made expected the end the year the company said reuter 
acq	mlx mlxx unit agrees abex unit mlx corp said subsidiary has tentatively agreed acquire sintered friction materials business milan italy from unit abex corp for undisclosed terms the deal will close after obtaining italian government approvals expected late april the business which will operated under the name wellman will become member mlx specialty friction materials group the 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 nine mths oper shr profit cts loss cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln mouduline international inc note oper data does not include gains from tax benefit carryforwards dlrs three cts per shr qtr and dlrs ten cts per shr nine mths reuter 
earn	financial trustco capital ltd hikes payout qtly div cts six cts pay march record march note also declares qtly div special shares issued december with same pay and record dates reuter 
earn	usp real estate uspts has gain sale usp real estate investment trust said will post first quarter gain dlrs the sale the spanish villa apartments savannah which was 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 also 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 first qtr profits centel corp said sees first quarter results below those due regulatory limits telephone earnings and cts cts share dilution from acquisitions the annual report chairman robert reuss told shareholders telephone profits will continued limited ceilings imposed regulators well deregulation and structural changes within the industry that have slowed growth the investment base for setting rates such its first quarter results will below last year first quarter dlrs share said several the company telephone units may faced with reduction the rates return authorized their regulators reuss said this could result some rate reductions and refunds customers reuss said encouraged the prospects for progress centel business communications cable television and cellular telephone units centel asking shareholders the annual meeting approve the tripling mln authorized shares reuter 
earn	wings west airlines wing qtr net qtr ended jan shr one nine cts net revs note nine mth data unavailable reuter 
acq	twa twa sees benefits usair merger trans world airlines inc which disclosed that does not intend seek control usair group this time said still believes combination the two airlines would have benefits both filing with the securities and exchange commission twa which controlled carl icahn said continues closely watch the developments usair which has agreement acquire piedmont aviation inc pie twa said spent mln dlrs acquire its usair shares which amount pct its total outstanding common stock twa said would not buy more usair group stock least for the moment but said still believes twa usair combination would create certain synergies that would mutually beneficial both carriers twa stressed that reserved the right revive its takeover attempt and said may continue explore the feasibility and strategies gaining control usair further purchases usair stock would require the approval the department transportation twa said because department transportation rules twa also said put its usair stock into voting trust with fleet national bank the voting trustee the voting trust agreement requires the bank vote favor any acquisition agreement between twa and usair and opposed any other merger usair reuter 
acq	adobe adb high plains hpoc merge adobe resources corp and high plains oil corp said they reached agreement principle under which high plains will merged into unit adobe under terms the agreement the companies said each share high plains common stock not owned adobe held the high plains treasury will exchanged for shares newly issued adobe common the exchange they said will made the effective date the merger which must approved both companies boards and high plains shareholders reuter 
trade	warns and japan trade tensions the european community delivered warnings both japan and the united states over trade frictions which have hit relations between the community and its main trading partners foreign ministers meeting here issued statement deploring japan continued trade imbalance and appealed for greater effort the country open its markets ministers also issued statement saying they were disturbed moves the limit imports textiles and warned that the community would react any such moves external trade commissioner willy clercq has already written his counterpart special trade representative clayton yeutter outlining the concerns the ministers said they were very disturbed the moves adding the adoption such measures would not fail have negative effect the process multilateral negotiations just started well bilateral relations any unilateral moves would leave the option but react according the laws the world trade body the general agreement tariffs and trade gatt they said separate statement japan the ministers said they deplore the continued aggravation the imbalance trade and expect japan open its market more the statement added that the continued insist that the japanese government must boost imports and stimulate demand ministers also called the european commission prepare report japanese trade for july this year enable them take action where necessary one diplomat said the call for report showed ministers were determined not let the japanese question drop wil back the table again and again the diplomat said clercq told journalists there certain nervousness growing impatience within the community trade relations with japan but diplomats said the community keen continue talking with tokyo try and solve the problem rather than embark costly and damaging trade war reuter 
acq	ceasars world files suit against martin sosnoff and mts acquisition tender offer 
acq	coastal cgp hit with two billion dlr lawsuit transamerica natural gas corp said seeking two billion dlrs punitive and actual damages lawsuit filed today against coastal corp its chairman and certain coastal affiliates transamerica privately held company that has been bankruptcy since said its suit alleges that coastal and its chairman oscar wyatt unlawfully interfered with agreements previously reached with its creditors causing the company significant damage transamerica also said its suit filed state district court harris county texas seeks injunctions against wyatt and coastal enjoin them from interfering with its contractual agreements with its creditors the company alleged that beginning mid coastal and its chairman took various steps acquire its gas and other assets coastal has used transamerica bankruptcy proceedings engineer hostile takeover attempt the company charged its suit transamerican alleged that coastal and wyatt are notorious corporate raiders who have been restrained the past from taking over other corporations their attempt create stranglehold position from which they could control and raise gas prices obvious that coastal efforts improperly take over transamerican thinly veiled attempt control larger share the texas gas market the detriment end users and consumers the company alleged coastal could not reached for comment company name transamerican reuter 
acq	caesars world caw files suit against sosnoff caesars world inc said filed lawsuit against martin sosnoff and mts acquisition corp regarding its march unsolicited tender offer for caesars world stock the company said filed the federal court the central district california charging the tender offer which its board rejected violated federal securities laws and federal margin regulations the suit charges the offering materials are materially false and misleading and misstate and conceal material information required disclosed shareholders the suit also charges the offer illusory and designed manipulate the market caesars world stock enable sosnoff sell the caesars world stock already owns for substantial profit the complaint seeks among other things enjoin the tender offer and require mts and sosnoff correct false and misleading statements the offer caesars world expected seek friendly suitor restructure operations buy back sosnoff holdings attempt fight off the bid sosnoff holds about pct the company stock reuter 
acq	harris ups centerre bancorp ctbc stake harris associates chicago investment advisor said raised its stake centerre bancorporation shares pct the total outstanding from shares pct filing with the securities and exchange commission harris said bought centerre common shares between jan and march prices ranging from dlrs share said its dealings the company stock are behalf its clients reuter 
earn	pay save payn qtr jan net shr profit one loss cts net profit loss sales mln mln reuter 
acq	aero services aeroe pact for nominations aero services international inc said signed agreement with dibo attar who controls about pct its common stock under which three nominees aero board have been selected attar addition attar the nominees are stephen peistner chairman and chief executive officer mccrory corp and james moffat iii vice president and secretary eastover corp reuter 
bop	australia feb current account deficit mln dlrs jan billion official 
bop	australian current account deficit narrows feb australia current deficit narrowed mln dlrs february from billion revised from billion january the statistics bureau said this compared with mln dlr shortfall year earlier february merchandise trade recorded mln dlr surplus against mln shortfall revised from mln january and mln deficit february the current account deficit fell the lower end the range forecasts mln one billion dlrs made market economists yesterday february fob exports rose billion dlrs from billion revised from billion january and billion year earlier while fob imports fell billion from billion revised from billion against billion year earlier the bureau said said four pct decline rural exports despite pct rise wheat exports was more than offset seven pct rise non rural exports notably minerals and fuels the import side the main decreases were falls pct machinery and transport equipment and pct fuels the bureau said the net services deficit narrowed mln dlrs from mln revised from mln january and mln year earlier the bureau said this made sharply lower deficit mln dlrs the balance goods and services against deficits mln january and mln year earlier deficit net income and unrequited transfers was mln dlrs against mln january and mln year earlier official capital transactions february showed surplus mln dlrs against billion surplus january and mln surplus year earlier non official capital and balancing item showed mln dlr deficit against billion deficit january and mln surplus february the bureau said the cumulative current account deficit for the first eight months fiscal ending june widened billion dlrs from billion year earlier the cumulative trade deficit narrowed billion dlrs from billion and the services deficit billion from billion but the transfers deficit widened billion from billion the cumulative official capital surplus narrowed billion dlrs from billion reuter 
reserves	australian reserves fall february australia official reserve assets fell the equivalent billion dlrs february from billion january compared with billion year earlier the reserve bank said australian dollar terms reserves fell billion dlrs billion after falling billion billion january and rising mln billion february the bank said that excluding valuation effects estimated reserves fell mln dlrs after falling billion january and rising mln year earlier the individual value reserve assets australian dollars end february with end january and year earlier respectively brackets were gold billion billion and billion sdr mln mln and mln imf reserve position mln mln and mln dollars billion both billion other foreign exchange billion billion and billion reuter 
wpi	japan february wholesale prices fall pct pct january drop official 
wpi	japan wholesale prices fall pct february japan overall wholesale price index base fell pct february from month earlier for the second consecutive month month fall the bank japan said wholesale prices fell pct january from december the index fell pct from year earlier for the straight year year drop the central bank said the reduced month month drop mainly stemmed from the recovery world crude oil prices said customs cleared basis crude oil prices rose around dlrs barrel february from about dlrs january the average value the yen against the dollar rose pct february from january and was pct from year earlier the bank said the export price index february fell pct from month earlier reflecting price cuts export products like cars and precision instruments due severe foreign competition the index was down pct from year earlier the import price index rose pct from month earlier for the sixth successive month month gain mainly due the continued strength world crude oil prices but the index was down pct from year earlier the domestic price index fell pct february its straight monthly drop mainly reflecting falls prices home appliances such colour televisions due severe sales competition home lower edible oil prices added the decline the index was down pct from year earlier the domestic index marked its largest year year drop pct january since the central bank started compiling such statistics under its current system wholesale prices are likely turn upward march higher world crude oil and raw material prices are expected the bank said reuter 
acq	hongkong bank says close deal property sale hongkong and shanghai banking corp hkbh close deal the sale commercial building hong kong mongkok business district bank spokesman said said the storey wayfoong plaza was likely sold for about mln dlrs but declined identify the buyer the spokesman gave further details reuter 
money-supply	thai money supply rises january thailand money supply rose pct estimated billion baht january after increasing pct december the bank thailand said said year year grew pct january after pct increase december the central bank said rose pct estimated billion baht january after pct increase december while year year expanded pct after pct rise december reuter 
gnp	japan release gnp figures later today the economic planning agency will announce gross national product gnp figures for the october december quarter today hrs local time gmt agency officials told reuters the july september quarter gnp rose pct from the previous three months reuter 
earn	cathay pacific profit seen above target buoyed low fuel prices and favourable currency factors cathay pacific airways ltd caph profits are expected surpass the airline forecast one billion dlrs stock analysts said analysts said they expect the airline show net earnings between billion and billion dlrs when reports results tomorrow for its first year public company cathay pct owned swire pacific ltd swpc made its earnings forecast the prospectus for its flotation may last year cathay expected pay cent final dividend making total cents for the year forecast the prospectus analysts polled reuters said they said the airline performance improved the second half the year after reported interim profits mln dlrs the weakness the local currency pegged one dollar and low fuel prices moved further the company favour from the assumptions made the prospectus the time the flotation james capel far east ltd said james capel estimates average fuel prices for the airline industry cents per gallon pct below the level said one pct movement fuel prices would affect cathay net profits mln dlrs and forecast profits billion dlrs analysts said the company estimates fuel price and currency movements set out its prospectus were conservative this reflected their interim results which showed that profit margin has increased said frederick tsang mansion house securities ltd cathay six month turnover rose pct from year earlier levels but profits rose pct the rise oil prices late had little impact the company fuel oil bill last year aviation fuel prices usually lag behind crude price movements several months analysts said last september the yen had risen some pct against the hong kong dollar from the end the mark pct and sterling pct overall the weakness the hong kong dollar against cathay major trading currencies helped push passenger yields the first half pct said james capel this should continue through the second half enable passenger yields end the year pct strong performance from the billion dlrs cash under management also improved profits james capel said general improvement air traffic last year contributed cathay revenue increase but the company load factor declined because increased competition and expansion its fleet and services james capel estimated cathay passenger kilometres flown last year rose six pct from and freight kilometres flown climbed pct though the airline load factor probably fell pct from pct cathay added new planes and was forced fly some routes last year because the threat competition from dragon air said tsang this affected its load factor fear possible competition from fledgling carrier hong kong dragon airways ltd may have contributed cathay decision resume service new zealand last year analysts said reuter 
copper	renison goldfields extends lyell copper mine life the renison goldfields consolidated ltd rgfj rgc lyell copper mine tasmania will stay open for extra five years following new aid package from the state government rgc said statement the mine had been scheduled close after the series stopes were mined but will now stay open until the deeper and series have played out probably the australian dollar fall since also improved the local dollar copper price making the company profitable and justifying the mining deeper reserves copper grade about pct against about pct now the firm said ore output will cut but the higher grades will keep contained copper output current levels about tonnes year said capital expenditure about mln dlrs will required over the life the new plan rgc said the latest aid package the third since for rgc major employer queenstown the thinly populated west coast tasmania the mine was kept open after tasmania gave rgc mln dlrs aid the new package includes eight mln dlr advance rgc the long term bond rate power concessions and deferred royalties and payroll taxes reuter 
acq	new zealand press group buys more texas newspapers independent newspapers ltd inl said bought two more community newspapers houston texas through subsidiary there for undisclosed sum inl said statement houston community newspapers inc bought the south west advocate and the south bend advocate with combined circulation copies and associated assets from the advocate communications corp inc inl publishes wellington morning and evening newspapers well new zealand provincial dailies and newspapers rhode island just under pct inl owned news ltd australian subsidiary news corp ltd ncpa production and administration the two publications would transferred the company existing centre houston inl said the acquisition took effect march inl chairman alan burnet said the purchase would enable the subsidiary offer advertisers combined distribution nine community newspapers homes the greater houston area trading conditions the area are particularly difficult because the city economy depends large extent the fortunes the petroleum industry but the situation should improve the medium long term and the investment will prove sound said reuter 
rubber	kobe rubber exchange extend trading hours the kobe rubber exchange said will extend its trading hours from may enable more operators use the exchange subject ministry international trade and industry approval the exchange will add sixth session starting local time and will close the account for trading the new session the following day before the opening call starts local time exchange official said trading the singapore rubber market major producer price indicator for japanese end users usually active after the end the current final session here the introduction the new session will enable participants trade overnight after taking account singapore rubber prices because brokers and members who are designated the kobe exchange are allowed add the volume traded overnight the new final session before the opening session starts next day the official said but because the kobe exchange uses the auction system which sets fixed price each session the price contracts traded overnight should fixed price settled the sixth session added industry sources said they expected the ministry approve the plan because has encouraged the japanese futures industry expand and internationalise the tokyo commodity exchange for industry tocom which also trades rubber futures japan said has plans introduce extra session tocom also has five rubber trading sessions day four sessions start minutes later than kobe exchange sessions but both exchanges final sessions start the same time reuter 
nat-gas	coastal cgp seeks halt billion dlr lawsuit coastal corp said federal bankruptcy court will hear its request today for restraining order stop two billion dlr lawsuit against transamerican natural gas corp transamerican which entered chapter bankruptcy proceedings reorganise its debts filed the lawsuit block coastal from taking control coastal spokesman jim bailey confirmed the company which unsecured creditor transamerican would present its own reorganisation plan the bankruptcy court under the plan coastal would buy the natural gas reserves and pipeline system owned transamerican texas for undisclosed amount transamerican lawyer john nabors said the company values its total assets including unused oil refinery about one billion dlrs the company the second largest natural gas producer texas said has gas reserves trillion cubic feet and over miles pipeline and gas gathering lines about pct transamerican gas available for spot market sales texas during peak demand said nabors said the transamerican reorganisation would repay its mln dlr debt with profits from natural gas sales the lawsuit seeks one billion dlrs actual damages and one billion punitive damages from coastal coastal has been trying break into the texas gas market since when was forced sell vaca gas gathering settle over billion dlrs lawsuits texas customers facing abrupt curtailment supply coastal natural gas producer and pipeline company earned mln dlrs sales billion about half the its profits due slumping energy prices reuter 
crude	study predicts dependence foreign oil government study has concluded the will dependent oil from the middle east into the next century and must take steps reduce its vulnerability the new york times said the newspaper said the inter agency government study found serious oil dependency problem due steadily falling domestic production and rising demand for imported oil the study concluded that the will relying foreign countries for pct its oil more than the peak pct reached and far above the pct rate during the arab oil embargo the now imports about pct its oil needs from pct year ago the new york times said said recommendations sent the white house energy secretary john harrington include financial incentives raise domestic oil production one mln barrels day from the current mln barrels the newspaper said the administration has placed increased emphasis stockpiling oil reserves said the view now held that the strategic petroleum reserve tapped times shortages should increased barrels day rather than called for the budget the newspaper said harrington may propose restoring the depletion allowance major producers the administration also plans renew its efforts repeal the windfall profits tax remove bars drilling the outer continental shelf and repeal the law that limits the use natural gas industrial and utility boilers added the new york times quoted senator don nickles oklahoma saying the study greatly underestimated potential demand for imported oil the next decade and overestimated the amount domestic oil which would produced reuter 
money-supply	japan plus money supply rose pct year february jan official 
money-supply	japan february money supply rises pct japan broadly defined money supply average plus certificate deposits cds rose preliminary pct february from year earlier compared with pct rise january the bank japan said the seasonally adjusted february average plus cds supply rose pct from january said unadjusted plus cds stood average billion yen february compared with billion yen january reuter 
grain	china import more grain china grain imports will rise because serious drought and increasing demand but will not large the past chinese officials and japanese traders told reuters they said foreign exchange constraints and national policy would not allow return large scale imports which peaked mln tonnes agricultural official the shanghai government put maximum imports about mln tonnes this year against mln and mln officials said grain imports rose because poor harvest and rising domestic demand but remained below exports which rose mln tonnes from mln china short foreign exchange the shanghai official said cannot rely imports even current low world prices only there major disaster will become major importer japanese trader peking said chinese grain imports would rise and exports fall this year because the drought low world prices and rising domestic demand for human and animal consumption current prices china loses yuan every tonne grain exports though earns foreign exchange which badly needs the trader said the people daily said last saturday serious drought affecting mln hectares arable land which will reduce the summer grain harvest from last year level the paper added that leaders some areas were not paying enough attention agriculture especially grain making difficult achieve the grain output target mln tonnes against mln all areas must spare effort raise the autumn harvest area especially corn sweet potatoes paddy rice and high yield cash crops said added factory production might have reduced provide electricity for agriculture was needed fight the drought since january the press has devoted much attention grain stressing that growth output vital china economic and political stability and that prices paid farmers are too low officials east china have repeatedly said stable grain production key state policy and outlined the measures being taken their areas encourage output the shanghai official said that one suburb pct the pre tax profits factories are used subsidise agriculture said rural industries other suburbs also set aside money for grain and pay the salaries some the workers available help farmers chu jinfeng official fengbing county outside shanghai said factory workers get yuan month and three years unpaid leave grow grain and can keep the profits pan huashan official the agricultural department zhejiang province said rural industry also subsidises grain output his province addition are setting grain production bases raising the level science and technology the farms and improving the supply raw materials roads and other infrastructure said the shanghai official said rural residents who work industry commerce usually keep their land farm their spare time let other family members farm some cases they lease the land grain farmers the china daily said last month that grain output should reach between and mln tonnes and between and mln said growing grain should made profitable the advantages the state promises grain growers actually yield tangible profits for them and are not siphoned off intermediate agencies because bureaucracy corruption only this will boost enthusiasm said reuter 
gnp	japan october december gnp pct july sept revised rise official 
gnp	japan gnp rises pct calendar pct official 
gnp	japan october december gnp rises pct japan gross national product gnp rose real pct the october december quarter after upwardly revised pct increase the previous three months the economic planning agency epa said the rise the july september quarter had originally been put pct the annualized growth rate accelerated pct october december from pct july september the calendar year gnp rose pct after pct increase last year performance was the worst since when gnp fell pct agency officials blamed the strong yen for depressing exports and manufacturing industry nominal terms gnp rose pct the october december quarter reflecting stable prices after one pct increase the previous three months the agency said domestic real demand increased pct october december after one pct rise the previous quarter domestic demand contributed percentage point real gnp growth october december while foreign trade added the figures not tally exactly due rounding july september domestic demand contributed one percentage point gnp growth while foreign trade knocked off point the point contribution foreign trade gnp last quarter falling exports knocked off while falling imports contributed point total export volume fell pct quarter quarter october december imports also fell pct the point contribution domestic demand october december gnp growth the private sector accounted for point and the public sector the private sector contribution included point for housebuilding for corporate capital outlays and for stockbuilding consumer spending had negative impact reuter 
gnp	japan officials see difficulty hitting gnp target the government will find very difficult achieve its new gross national product gnp forecast three pct growth the fiscal year ending march economic planning agency officials said they made the comment reporters after news that gnp rose pct the october december quarter after pct increase the previous three months for japan achieve three pct growth gnp the january march period would have grow pct from october december the officials said the government lowered its gnp forecast for from four pct last december reuter 
acq	fairchild deal failure seen making japanese wary schlumberger ltd slb decision end agreement principle for fujitsu ltd itsu buy pct its fairchild semiconductor corp and the political furore that surrounded the proposed sale will make japanese companies more cautious their efforts acquire high technology firms but will not halt such attempts industry analysts said the collapse the deal will not critical blow fujitsu but will boost the cost future expansion the japanese firm said analysts polled reuters the acquisition fairchild not essential fujitsu north american operations but would have been great boost james capel and analyst tom murtha said french controlled schlumberger said yesterday was ending the agreement because mounting political controversy the made unlikely that the sale the fairchild stake could completed reasonable time the sale was opposed the commerce department and defence department partly national security grounds fujitsu acquisition fairchild would have given the japanese computer maker control comprehensive north american sales and distribution system and access microprocessor technology area where fujitsu weak analysts said the deal would also have given fujitsu additional microchip production facilities worldwide eight them the report the capel firm said was entry point port for semiconductors and marketing channel for other things said barclays zoete wedd analyst rick may several analysts said the purchase would not have given fujitsu access critical defence technology fairchild simply doesn have key technology that thing the past may said the failure could blessing disguise for fujitsu might have had spend several hundred million dollars modernise fairchild production lines capel murtha said the failure the deal will doubtless encourage japanese firms take lower profile attempts acquire high tech firms but they are unlikely stop analysts said most analysts said fujitsu was likely the more costly route expanding its own production and distribution facilities the although some said could use the estimated mln dlrs set aside for buying fairchild try acquire some less politically symbolic firm may slow the pace japanese acquisitions but the necessity expanding their production and design capacity america remains said capel murtha the japanese will continue shop for bargains but will harder find ones that are politically acceptable japanese firms are likely favour joint ventures smaller equity stakes firms avoid the political backlash that blocked the fairchild sale analysts said they not going slow they just going buy smaller pieces because the political risk said barclays zoete may several japanese firms have already taken pct shares smaller high technology firms such super minicomputer makers said opposition the sort that blocked fujitsu could end harming firms and undermining trend toward multinational tie ups some analysts said this not really benefit firms either said jardine fleming securities ltd analyst nick edwards the pooling resources semiconductors positive move why should the government step prevent japan minister international trade and industry hajime tamura told press conference that interference government officials the fairchild deal was inappropriate this entirely private sector matter and not matter for governments comment tamura said think was improper for government officials intervene the extent they did said spokesman told reuters the ministry view that international investment flows ought free and that such flows are increasing importance line with the growing closeness japanese economic ties reuter 
trade	korea says japan complains gatt trade plan japan has complained the secretariat the general agreement tariffs and trade gatt that south korea five year plan cut its trade deficit with japan breaks gatt rules trade ministry officials here said they said japan submitted report earlier this month alleging south korea plan import less from japan and more from the and elsewhere was tantamount creating non tariff trade barriers south korea unveiled the plan november said hoped narrow its trade deficit with japan two billion dlrs south korea trade deficit with japan was record billion dlrs and rose mln dlrs the first two months from mln the same period the plan envisages giving incentives importers not import japanese goods and exporters sell more japan the officials said they believed the japanese action one step short filing suit was designed bring south korea the negotiating table and stop the plan the seoul government wants tokyo ease various import restrictions and simplify customs inspections for south korean goods help reduce the trade deficit reuter 
earn	mitsubishi chemical industries ltd mcit year year ended january parent shr yen div five yen same net billion billion current billion billion operating billion billion sales billion billion note company forecast for current year parent div five yen net seven eight billion current billion sales billion reuter 
ship	japan foreign shipbuilding orders rise february new foreign shipbuilding orders received japanese yards february rose six vessels totalling gross tons from three ships tons january the japan ship exporters association said this compared with six ships gross tons year earlier association official said the backlog orders end february was ships mln gross tons against ships mln month earlier and vessels mln year earlier association official said reuter 
money-fx	money market deficit forecast mln stg the bank england said forecast shortage around mln stg the money market today among the main factors affecting liquidity bills maturing official hands and the take treasury bills will drain some mln stg while banker balances below target will take out around mln stg partly offsetting these outflows exchequer transactions and fall note circulation will add some mln stg and mln stg the system respectively reuter 
earn	ccic finance ltd year dec net profit mln dlrs mln total divs shareholders mln nil note firm underwrote capital market issues next industrial transaction may syndication mln dlr loan the shanghai chun tyre project the company joint venture merchant bank between the bank china first national bank chicago and the industrial bank japan ibjt reuter 
grain	southeast china crops saved heavy rain the heaviest rains for seven months are believed have saved more than one mln hectares drought threatened crops southeast china the official new china news agency said this week rains have alleviated drought conditions guangdong province the agency said china has warned that this year harvest will affected drought many areas reuter 
copper	zambia stops sending copper through south africa zambia has stopped sending its copper exports through south africa the official times zambia said the newspaper yesterday quoted highly placed sources saying the state owned zambia consolidated copper mines zccm was diverting its mineral exports away from south africa but did not say which alternative routes were being used zccm officials declined comment the report but standwell mapara general manager the tanzania zambia railway authority tazara told reuters recently virtually all zambian mineral exports had been channelled along the tazara line dar salaam for the last three months during that period zambian copper had been shipped through zimbabwe the mozambican port beira the only other available route which avoids south africa mapara said last december tazara carried tonnes zambian mineral ore the line record for any one month period added copper cobalt and other mineral exports account for pct zambia foreign exchange earnings and president kenneth kaunda told reuters recent interview was vital for his country assure new outlets for them avoiding the traditional route through south africa referring zambia preparations for possible cut economic links with south africa kaunda told reuters interview march main concern course the mines because whatever happens must continue run the mines according mapara tazara handled mln tonnes freight last year and still working well below its present mln capacity kaunda said that once preparations had been completed for evacuating zambia mineral exports safe and dependable routes his government would look increase its usage tazara for other types cargo the annual report zambia state run metal marketing corporation said pct the country metal exports were channelled through dar salaam last year versus pct the report said zambian copper production fell tonnes last year from despite the official optimism about diversifying zambia export routes diplomatic sources lusaka expressed reservations about the capacity dar salaam and beira ports handle all zambia mineral exports even they could hauled there train the two ports cannot any way and their present form handle the huge exports zambian copper one western diplomat said serious disruption copper movement the markets could brought about would pile the two ports which lack the facilities and space handle the copper tonnage added reuter 
cpi	oecd january annual inflation steady pct inflation the industrialised nations the organisation for economic cooperation and development was pct the year january unchanged from december the oecd said but monthly inflation throughout the oecd was average pct january rise compared the pct the last quarter retail energy prices rose strongly january reflecting the firming world oil prices for oecd states the increase was pct but the january level retail energy prices was still pct lower than year earlier the oecd said the increase consumer prices excluding food and energy pct january for the whole oecd area was unchanged the four previous months but over the year january oecd consumer prices rose pct against pct december unadjusted annual inflation for the seven leading industrialised nations january was running pct italy pct britain and canada three pct france pct the minus pct west germany and minus pct japan the oecd said reuter 
sugar	indonesian sugar output forecast rise indonesian sugar output forecast the government reach mln tonnes calendar against projected consumption mln tonnes agriculture minister achmad affandi said production when indonesia was forced import sugar officially estimated mln tonnes against mln the embassy said its annual agriculture report indonesia there were growing signs that actual output was lower than official figures estimated production mln tonnes and forecast little change for indonesia imported tonnes sugar towards the end last year and early boost low stocks affandi told reporters stocks low tonnes the beginning industry sources said this represented under one month consumption the minister said indonesia should hold three months supply tonnes spokesman for the national logistics bureau which distributes and stores sugar said stocks this month were tonnes the harvesting season begins april reuter 
bop	french january payments surplus billion francs billion december surplus official 
wpi	italian wholesale prices pct january the wholesale price index rose pct month month january after increasing pct december the national statistics institute istat said the index base equals registered january compared with december the january figure represents fall over january pct after year year decrease december pct reuter 
bop	french payments surplus shrinks january france current account payments surplus slipped provisional mln francs seasonally adjusted january from downward revised surplus billion december the finance ministry said the december figure was revised from provisional billion franc surplus reported month ago unadjusted basis january payments showed billion franc deficit after revised billion december surplus the december unadjusted surplus was revised down from provisional billion the ministry said trade measured balance payments criteria showed unadjusted billion franc january deficit while services showed billion surplus other items mainly including unilateral transfers showed billion deficit the current account showed adjusted surplus billion francs january last year and unadjusted deficit one billion the full year current account surplus was reported last month billion francs reuter 
ipi	jan industrial output rises pct manufacturing down pct official 
ipi	industrial output rises january industrial production rose provisional pct january after pct decline december figures from the central statistical office show the index for industrial production base was set seasonally adjusted january after december and compared with year earlier output manufacturing industries fell provisional pct january after pct rise last december the index for manufacturing base fell from and compared with year earlier the cso said industrial production the three months january was provisionally estimated have fallen pct from the level the previous three months while manufacturing output rose pct the same period the three months industrial production was pct higher than the same period year earlier while manufacturing output was two pct higher within manufacturing output the metals industry rose six pct and that engineering and allied industries one pct between the two latest three month periods output chemicals and textiles fell one pct and minerals two pct the office said output the investment goods industries rose pct while consumer goods output increased pct output intermediate goods fell pct between the two latest three month periods the figures showed the energy production index base rose pct january from december and from january the latest three months the energy index which comprises oil natural gas and coal production was down pct the previous quarter and pct below the same period year earlier reuter 
gnp	zimbabwe gdp rises pct zimbabwe real gross domestic product increased pct according preliminary figures published the central statistical office cso this contrasts with rise more than nine pct the main reason for the slower rate economic growth was drop the real value agricultural output this declined pct following pct improvement the previous year mining output fell one pct but manufacturing production increased pct the cso said that current prices gdp rose pct billion zimbabwe dlrs but inflation measured the gdp deflator was estimated pct there was virtually growth real output during reuter 
trade	japan says japan microchip pact working japanese officials sought convince the that japan pact microchip trade working ahead april deadline set the for them prove their case are implementing the agreement good faith and the situation does not run counter the pact osamu watanabe director the ministry international trade and industry miti americas and oceanic division told foreign reporters the effects the measures have taken and are taking are emerging the market place said trade officials have repeatedly accused japanese microchip makers violating the pact continuing sell below cost markets outside japan and the united states the agreement signed last september aimed halting predatory japanese pricing policies and increasing semiconductor firms access the japanese market the comments miti officials followed call prime minsiter yasuhiro nakasone clear any misunderstandings the side about the pact watanabe said yukio honda director miti industrial electronics division denied that japanese chipmakers were selling below cost third countries miti call japanese chip makers last month cut production key memory chips the first quarter this year has begun dry the source cheap chips for sale the non regulated grey market honda said the grey market exports from japan are shrinking now but contrast and south korean companies are expanding market share because their cheaper prices honda said miti plans take further steps reduce the excess supply inexpensive chips which developed japan after the pact was formed because slump japanese semiconductor exports the united states added the ministry will soon release its supply demand guidelines for the second quarter and suggested production volumes are likely lower than that for the first quarter said despite businessmen ingenuity finding ways around any artificial controls regulation supply and demand should bring positive results watanabe said optimistic added reuter 
acq	hanson sells finlays unit for mln stg hanson trust plc hnsn said will sell its finlays confectionery tobacco and newsagent business specially formed company finlays plc for estimated mln stg cash the chain stores was acquired when hanson took over imperial group plc last year reuter 
money-fx	dollar seen falling unless japan spurs economy underlying dollar sentiment bearish and operators may push the currency new low unless japan takes steps stimulate its economy pledged the paris accord foreign exchange analysts polled reuters said here the dollar expected try its psychological barrier yen and fall even below that level senior dealer one leading bank said the dollar has eased this week but remains stable around yen six major industrial countries agreed meeting paris february foster currency stability some dealers said the dollar may decline the long term but drastic fall unlikely because fears renewed inflation and fears reduced japanese purchases treasury securities needed finance the deficit dealers generally doubted whether any economic package japan could adopt soon would effective enough reduce its trade surplus significantly and said such measures would probably invite further steps weaken the dollar under the paris accord tokyo promised package measures after the fiscal budget was passed boost domestic demand increase imports and cut its trade surplus but debate the budget has been delayed opposition boycott parliamentary business over the proposed imposition five pct sales tax and the government has only slim chance producing meaningful economic package the near future the dealers said such steps are taken protectionist sentiment the congress will grow putting greater downward pressure the dollar they said the factors affecting the currency have not changed since before the paris accord they added underlying sentiment for the dollar remains bearish due still sluggish economic outlook the international debt crisis triggered brazil unilateral suspension interest payments its foreign debts and the reduced clout the reagan administration result the iran contra arms scandal said senior dealer leading trust bank there possibility that the dollar may decline around yen the end this year said chemical bank tokyo branch vice president yukuo takahashi but operators find hard push the dollar either way for fear possible concerted central bank intervention dealers said there were widespread rumours that the federal reserve telephoned some banks new york ask for quotes last wednesday and even intervened sell the dollar when rose marks the bank england also apparently sold sterling london when neared dlrs wednesday they said but other dealers said they doubted the efficacy central bank intervention saying may stimulate the dollar decline because many dealers are likely await such dollar buying intervention chance sell dollars however first national bank chicago tokyo branch assistant manager hiroshi mochizuki said the dollar will not show drastic movement least the end march other dealers said the seems unwilling see any strong dollar swing until japanese companies close their books for the fiscal year ending march because weak dollar would give japanese institutional investors paper losses their foreign holdings which could make them lose interest purchases treasury securities monetary officials may refrain from making any comments this month avoid influencing rates they said reuter 
alum	billiton seeks change surinam policies billiton international metals the dutch mining company has urged surinam change policies says are causing heavy losses bauxite mining operations there company spokesman said told reuters that billiton fully owned royal dutch shell subsidiary presented the demands henk heidweiler top aide surinam military leader desi bouterse who visited the netherlands last week for official talks billiton and suralco owned conglomerate alcoa both want devaluation and lower wages welfare contributions taxes bauxite and energy prices the two firms are the biggest private sector employers surinam billiton also urged heidweiler improve the safety its employees the campaign against jungle guerilla group the spokesman said adding rebel fighting since july had depressed production billiton and suralco plants high voltage cables from the power plant afobakka have been cut and bauxite mine moengo has been shut added are already making vast losses surinam and you can expect any company remain operating with losses the spokesman said reuter 
ship	dutch port employers resume lay off plans employers rotterdam troubled general cargo sector have decided restart stalled redundancy procedures within week employers organisation labour relations manager gerard zeebregts told reuters port and transport union spokesman bert duim said the employers decision would not lead the immediate resumption eight weeks strikes the sector the strike action was called off friday after interim court injunction against the employers plans for redundancies this year court amsterdam ruled last week the employers had made error the complicated procedure for obtaining permission for the redundancies and therefore could not proceed until final ruling may zeebregts said the initiation new procedure might well take two months but the employers were not prepared simply sit and wait for the may court ruling with the chance they would have start all over again any case cannot afford not continue with our plans the strikes have already cost lot money and damaged business and further delays would even more damage zeebregts said the campaign lightning strikes the port general cargo sector began january protest employers plans for redundancies from the sector strong workforce starting with this year reuter 
acq	commercial international cmmc makes purchase commercial international corp said has completed the previously announced acquisition most the assets growers distributing international corp table grape marketer for undisclosed amount said the entire purchase price will payable over three year period and based percentage pre tax earnings the acquired operation the company said has option acquire growers cold storage facility and related assets tulare county calif growers owned commercial chairman sid schuman and director arnold cattani reuter 
acq	timex corp sells unit swiss corp for microelectronics and watchmaking industries said has acquired international time corp from privately held timex corp for undisclosed terms international time exclusive distributor swiss corp tissot watches the reuter 
acq	wavehill international inc makes purchse wavehill international ventures inc said has completed the previously announced acquisition personal computer rental corp for restricted common shares giving former shareholders personal computer pct interest the combined company reuter 
gnp	economists see sluggish japanese economy ahead the japanese economy will remain sluggish the months ahead after turning its worst performance for years private economists said consumer spending main driving force domestic demand was likely remain lacklustre although brisk housing and business investment would help sustain the economy this year the economists said they said they were shocked economic planning agency report today that private spending fell pct the oct dec quarter for the first time years the report said japan gross national product rose real pct oct dec after revised pct increase the previous quarter said gnp growth for was real pct down from pct agency officials said this was the worst performance since when gnp contracted pct the wake the first oil crisis they expressed concern about the pct decline consumer spending the final quarter but said was only temporary exceptionally warm winter weather had depressed retail sales but most private economists disagreed and said consumers were likely remain pessimistic coming months they saw their real income level off sure consumers may have spent less winter clothes heating apparatus because the warm winter this year but they have done because they have become even more uneasy about their future pay rises said shoji saito general manager mitsui bank economic research division said the outlook for pay increases was gloomy because falling employment many industries particularly those hit hard the yen rise masao suzaki senior economist the bank tokyo said weakened consumer confidence was the most worrying factor without brisk consumer spending japan can hardly achieve domestically generated economic growth the government has put lid fiscal measures said other economists said the pct growth registered oct dec may have been inflated special factors including exceptionally heavy spending the public sector johsen takahashi chief economist mitsubishi research institute said the pct increase public sector spending oct dec resulted from issue gold coins this just one shot spending and can expect that high level public sector consumption the following quarter takahashi said agency officials said public spending would have risen pct oct dec without the issue which marked years emperor hirohito reign takahashi said the economy might contract the current quarter given the lack additional significant government spending and sluggish consumer spending saito said the most effective government action would income tax cuts and the postponement beyond next january proposed controversial sales tax reuter 
cocoa	cocoa working group meeting delayed the international cocoa organization icco buffer stock working group meeting set for gmt today was rescheduled for icco delegates said the meeting was delayed draft compromise proposal buffer stock rules could completed they said icco executive director kobena erbynn was preparing the plan consultation with other delegates for presentation the full working group they added reuter 
housing	feb housing starts rose pct mln permits rose pct mln 
housing	housing starts rose pct february housing starts rose pct february seasonally adjusted annual rate units the commerce department said january housing starts fell revised pct units the department previously said they fell pct the rate which permits were issued for future construction rose february pct seasonally adjusted units after falling pct units january permits for single family houses fell january pct the number permits for multi family houses fell february pct units after falling january pct the department said housing starts february included seasonally adjusted pct rise single family units units and pct fall multi family homes units the seasonally adjusted permits total february for single family units was and for multi family units was units reuter 
meal-feed	south american fish meal production record high production fish meal the three south american producers chile peru and equador last year reached mln tonnes equalling the record output the international association fish meal manufacturers iafmm said however iafmm said statement that expected chilean and peruvian fish meal production the first quarter much lower than the tonnes produced the last quarter due ban sardine fishing chile for the month february and adverse fishing conditions peru the same month the statement added that due technical market promotion and energetic sales chile and peru the stock position the end the year remained reasonable fish meal production outside south america decreased slightly falling from tonnes the iafmm said fish meal consumption rose west germany scandinavian countries eastern europe and the far east but fell the and remained static the added that fish meal consumption had suffered from competition with feed grade tallow the and with skimmed milk powder the iafmm figures for fish oil production the main producing nations thousands tonnes were oct dec jan dec chile peru norway iceland denmark japan reuter 
copper	talking point copper stocks copper shares which have lagged behind the market should pick steam this year stronger demand and improving prices for the metal analysts said copper prices should move over the next four six quarters said daniel roling merrill lynch and mer see average copper prices cts pound from around cts based tight supply and continued world economic growth other analysts see metal prices ranging from cts pound this year and cts analysts said phelps dodge corp will strong performer because the largest copper producer but asarco inc with about pct total sales from copper and newmont mining corp nem are also potential winners they said newmont spinning off pct its copper operations its shareholders theory phelps the best stock the purest play and benefits most from higher copper prices one said william siedenburg smith barney harris upham and said phelps has lowered costs and streamlined mining operations they accomplished great deal said the company move into carbon black product used tires should provide steady earnings although not rapid growth hedge against copper downturn siedenburg said estimates phelps will earn dlrs and dlrs including tax benefits versus dlrs other analysts including clarence morrison dean witter reynolds inc and merrill roling also recommend phelps morrison projects phelps will earn dlrs and four dlrs while roling sees earnings dlrs this year and around dlrs next year the stock can the mid roling said from its current level around but others see climbing their phelps dodge costs are low they don need copper prices higher than cts make lot money said vahid fathi prescott ball and turben inc the shares will outperform the market over the next months said but nick toufexis prudential bache securities inc says newmont mining more attractive investment rather place our bets with newmont any way you slice see significant premium the current stock price said after the spinoff which closes next month newmont will have gold operations including pct newmont gold ngc pct stake its copper unit and energy operations toufexis noted analysts see newmont earning dlrs three dlrs and about dlrs versus earnings about dlrs from operations buying toufexis said last week when the stock rose sharply near that level but the shares are probably worth about dlrs each dean witter morrison and fathi prescott ball like asarco because cost cutting and restructuring morrison sees earnings dlrs and against losses fathi projects asarco will earn one dlr and from three dlrs dlrs roling merrill lynch recommending cyprus minerals cypm addition phelps dodge cyprus has interests coal and other minerals aside from copper but siedenburg smith barney thinks cyprus overpriced current levels would willing sell cyprus and buy phelps dodge were picking one copper stock said reuter 
acq	kohlberg kravis has pct owens illinois oii holdings corp company formed kohlberg kravis roberts and said received and purchased about mln shares pct owens illinois inc common stock and dlr cumulative convertible preference shares owens about pct the company said its tender offer for all common and preference shares expired last night said owens illinois will merged into subsidiary oii holdings march common shares not bought the offer will converted into the right receive dlrs per share cash the tender price the preference stock has been called reuter 
earn	macgregor sporting goods inc mgs qtr jan shr one cent nine cts net sales mln mln first half shr cts five cts net sales mln mln note net includes gains dlrs one cent share dlrs seven cts share quarter and dlrs seven cts share dlrs one cent share half from tax loss carryforward reuter 
trade	warns and japan trade tensions the european community yesterday warned japan and the united states its main trading partners that friction over trade issues affecting the relations with both countries foreign ministers issued statement deploring japan continued trade imbalance and appealed for the country make greater effort open its markets they also said they were disturbed draft bill before the congress that would impose permanent quotas textile imports and were prepared react the administration has already distanced itself from the bill external trade commissioner willy clercq has written his counterpart trade representative clayton yeutter outlining the concerns the statement said ministers were very disturbed moves towards protectionism the adoption such measures would not fail have negative effect the process multilateral negotiations just started well bilateral relations said any unilateral moves would leave the option but react according the laws the general agreement tariffs and trade said separate statement japan the ministers said they deplore the continued aggravation the imbalance trade and expect japan open its market more the statement said the would continue insist that japan boost imports and stimulate domestic demand ministers also called the commission prepare report japanese trade for july this year enable them take appropriate action where necessary one diplomat said the call for report showed ministers were determined not let the japanese question drop will back the table again and again the diplomat said clercq talking journalists during the meeting said there certain nervousness growing impatience within the community concerning trade relations with japan but diplomats said the keen negotiate with tokyo solve the problem rather than embark costly and damaging trade war and the ministers called for more cooperation with japan industry and research reuter 
earn	microbilt corp bilt qtr jan net shr cts cts net revs avg shrs year shr cts cts net revs mln mln avg shrs reuter 
acq	shamrock holdings unit aquires software company shamrock holdings inc said its subsidiary shamrock holdings california acquired controlling interest dbms inc through the purchase shares its preferred stock the company said the stock was purchased for undisclosed amount from unnamed group investors shamrock said raymond nawara former executive vice president dbms privately held software company also granted options and voting rights major portion his shares common stock the combination preferred and common stock holdings permit shamrock and nawara exercise voting control over approximately pct the shares the company shamrock also said nawara has been elected president dbms and one its directors reuter 
acq	credit agricole replaces bnp hachette bid french state agricultural bank caisse nationale credit agricole has joined the group led publishing house hachette which bidding for control the state television station replacing banque nationale paris which has withdrawn hachette said statement credit agricole stake the consortium will pct last week the broadcasting supervisory board asked hachette remove bnp from the consortium because the bank had acted adviser the government for the imminent privatisation reuter 
earn	payless cashways inc pci qtr feb net shr cts seven cts net sales mln mln qtly div four cts four cts prior pay april six record march six reuter 
acq	france approves waterman acquisition gillette gillette exercised option take pct stake the french pen firm waterman which had previously been authorised the french government the french stockbrokers association csac said gillette has given undertaking intervene the bourse until april prevent waterman shares from falling below francs added this compares with yesterday rate francs under the agreement concluded last november between waterman owners francine and grace foyer gomez and alice lundgren and the gillette group gillette agreed acquire pct the capital waterman francs share gillette buying total shares valuing the deal mln francs reuter 
money-fx	money market shortage forecast revised down the bank england said had revised its forecast the shortage the money market today down mln stg from mln stg reuter 
earn	noel industries inc nol qtr jan loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs reuter 
trade	japan alerts gatt south korea import plan japan told the general agreement tariffs and trade that south korea five year import diversification plan violated the spirit the world trade governing body foreign ministry spokesman said the notification came japan answer recent gatt questionnaire unfair trade practices the spokesman said the five year plan which starts this year south korea aims reduce its dependency japan source imported goods and increase imports from the and europe japan move came after several unsuccessful bilateral negotiations the plan the spokesman said the notification does not represent anything resembling formal complaint nor intended pressure south korea routine procedure followed all other gatt member states reuter 
money-fx	money market receives mln stg assistance the bank england said had provided the money market with mln stg help the afternoon session the bank did not operate the market the morning and earlier revised its estimate the shortage the system today down mln stg from mln the central bank purchased bills outright band one pct comprising two mln stg local authority bills and mln stg bank bills reuter 
acq	atico financial atfc make acquisition atico financial corp said has executed definitive agreement acquire pct intercontinental bank dade county fla from intercontinental bank holding for undisclosed amount cash and common stock said closing subject regulatory approval atico said connection with the acquisition will apply become registered bank holding company and convert its npct owned atico savings bank subsidiary state chartered commercial bank intercontinental had year end assets about mln dlrs atico had year end assets about mln dlrs reuter 
earn	clothestime inc ctme qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln mths shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln note prior qtr and ended jan reuter 
earn	charter crellin inc crtr year net shr dlrs dlrs net sales mln mln avg shrs one mln reuter 
earn	sensormatic canada ltd year net shr cts cts net revs reuter 
earn	dime savings bank wallingford dibk payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april three reuter 
acq	baker international sell electric submersible oilwell pump unit 
acq	baker bko sell oilwell pump unit baker international corp said has signed definitive agreement sell the assets and business the electric submersible oilwell pump product line the continental its baker oil tools inc subsidiary trico industries inc tro for undisclosed amount cash and other consideration the company said the transaction subject hughes tool and baker shareholder approval the baker hughes merger the justice department has announced that will require divestiture the product line for approval the merger baker said the transaction subject approval the justice department and the boards baker hughes and trico reuter 
earn	canadian foremost ltd year net shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
earn	immunogenetics inc igen year net oper shr profit eight cts loss eight cts oper net profit loss sales mln mln note net excludes losses from discontinued operations dlrs dlrs net excludes tax credits dlrs net includes gain dlrs from reversl recapture taxes reuter 
earn	scurry rainbow oil ltd qtr dec net shr cts cts net mln mln revs mln mln reuter 
earn	mcrae industries inc mri qtr jan net shr cts three cts net revs six mths shr cts cts net revs mln reuter 
earn	frontier texas corp qtr nov net oper shr profit one loss four cts oper net profit loss revs avg shrs half oper shr profit nil loss eight cts oper net profit loss revs mln avg shrs note current year net both periods excludes tax credit dlrs reuter 
gold	viceroy resource corp details gold assays viceroy resource corp said recent drilling the lesley ann deposit extended the high grade mineralization over width feet assays ranged from ounces gold per ton over foot interval depth feet ounces gold per ton over foot interval depth feet reuter 
acq	clabir clg unit agres buy popsicle canada clabir corp said its pct owned affiliate ambrit inc abi has agreed acquire the popsicle industries division sara lee corp canada ltd for about mln canadian dlrs cash clabir said the purchase from the sara lee corp sle subsidiary worht about mln dlrs the agreement subject canadian regulatory approval popsicle canada through its licensees the largest maker and distributor frozen novelty products canada clabir added reuter 
earn	jude medical stjm votes dividend rights jude medical inc said its board declared special dividend one right for each outstanding share held the company common stock payable holders record april six said each right entitles the holder buy one tenth share preferred stock jude exercise price dlrs jude said the rights may exercised only after days following the acquisition commencement tender offer for least pct the company common stock the company added that has reason believe jude medical takeover target reuter 
acq	adams russell electronics aare purchase adams russell electronics inc said has acquired hermetronics plc maker hermetic integrated circuit packages for about dlrs the company said hermetronics expected have sales over dlrs for the year ending this month reuter 
earn	mesa limited partnership mlp sets payout qtly div cts cts prior pay may record april seven note partnership said holders common and preference units for all are expected have net taxable income reuter 
money-fx	money market given mln stg late help the bank england said provided the money market with late assistance around mln stg this brings the bank total help today some mln stg and compares with its forecast mln stg shortage the system reuter 
acq	memory protection mpdi sees bogen closing memory protection devices inc said expects close the previously announced acquisition the assets and liabilities bogen division lear siegler inc april one memory protection devices said received senior loan commitment letter well the requisite waiver under the new jersey environmental control reclamation act both which are necessary complete the acquisition declined provide further details reuter 
acq	canadian foremost continues macedon sale talks canadian foremost ltd earlier reporting lower net profit said negotiations are continuing concerning the previously announced sale the company pct interest macedon resources ltd concluded the sale would refelected the company results foremost said without elaborating also said lower revenues from the last half are expected continue during but strong cash and working capital position will enable foremost developing traditional and new markets earlier said earnings fell dlrs from year ago dlrs reuter 
acq	texas international tei completes reserve sale texas international said has completed the previously announced mln dlr sale its domestic oil and natural gas reserves total compagnie francaise des petroles said closing used part the proceeds retire all mln dlrs its bank and senior debt and the rest will used for general corporate purposes reuter 
earn	trans world music corp twmc qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs year shr dlrs cts net sales mln mln avg shrs reuter 
earn	gruen marketing gmc sees year net off gruen marketing corp said expects report earnings for the year ended january cts per share about average shares down from cts shares year before said sales fell about pct from the year earlier mln dlrs reuter 
trade	dutch official warns more trade conflicts already strained relations between the and the european community are likely get worse before they get better director general the dutch economics ministry foreign affairs division frans engering said speaking american chamber commerce lunch the hague engering noted the developing history crises over steel citrus and pasta and warned more come consider the strident tone declarations airbus ill advised and the fats and oils tax proposal dangerous provocation said feel that shall probably have deal with quite few more crises the foreseeable future not only the congress clearly very determined get the american balance payments into better shape but the risks brinkmanship are all the greater because the has its own constraints meeting outside pressure engering noted ask ourselves whether perhaps inevitable that keep pushing each other the brink actual trade war then think the answer probably yes said order reduce these tensions decision making the must become less self centred and the administration will have exercise the authority convince congress and pressure groups the need for accommodation added reuter 
acq	qintex again extends princeville pvdc offer qintex america ltd said its offer for mln princeville development corp shares has been extended march from march yesterday qintex said princeville shares had been tendered response the offer and not withdrawn down from over mln march qintex said extending the offer allow princeville shareholders assess the sale announced last week princeville airways inc aloha inc alo adding supplement the quintex offer further detailing the agreement with aloha will distributed later today reuter 
rubber	negotiators draft details next rubber pact rubber producers and consumers who agreed last week the central elements new international natural rubber pact have started work the legal drafting future accord delegates said compromise issues blocking agreement was reached united nations conference accord replace the current pact which expires october the new international natural rubber agreement inra expected formally adopted friday reuter 
gold	viceroy resource corp details gold assays viceroy resource corp said recent drilling the lesley ann deposit extended the high grade mineralization over width feet assays ranged from about ounces gold per short ton over foot interval depth feet about ounces gold per ton over foot interval depth feet reuter 
earn	first valley corp fivc regular dividend qtly div cts payable april record march reuter 
trade	treasury announces oecd tied aid pact treasury secretary james baker said agreement has been reached members the organization for economic cooperation and development oecd control the unfair trade practice using tied aid promote trade said statement the agreement culminates the reagan administration effot negotiate virtual end export credit subsidies the practice other governments using tied aid mixed credits promote exports has cost the united states lost jobs and lost exports the treasury said the agreement implemented two stages july would ban tied aid credit among industrialized countries and place limits permitted aid developing countries would also reduce export credits that not involve aid and reduce credit subsidies permitted for relatively poor countries the treasury said baker said the agreement imposes particular sacrifices japan and praised japan willingness accept the pact demonstration the japanese government willingness take concrete steps resolve important trade issues reuter 
earn	gulf resources gre sees qtr pretax profit gulf resources and chemical corp said the sale its stake imperial continental gas association will result pre tax profit about mln dlrs dlrs per share fully duliuted the first quarter gulf said sold its remaining stake imperial shares and units loan stock for mln dlrs based exchange rate one pound sterling dlr previously reported sold its imperial shares march nine gulf said the sale the imperial shares were accepted part recent tender offer made groupe bruxelles lambert and tractebel under the terms the offer gulf said entitled receive supplementary payment general offer acquire imperial continental its calor group contibel holdings becomes wholly unconditional before jan price above the tender off pence per share reuter 
earn	sterling inc strl qtr jan net shr dlrs not given net sales mln mln year shr dlrs not given net sales mln mln note company went public may reuter 
earn	automatix inc aitx qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss revs mln mln reuter 
earn	ionics inc ion qtr net shr cts cts net revs mln mln year shr cts cts net revs mln mln backlog mln mln note net includes nonrecurring gain dlrs quarter and charge dlrs year reuter 
grain	soviets said see new floor for grain output the intensive technology concept for grain production has put new floor under ussr grain production the agriculture department officer moscow said field report the report quoting broadcast radio moscow said that due intensive technology grain production bad year will not fall below mln tonnes and good year grain production could reach mln tonnes the agriculture department currently forecasts this year ussr crop mln tonnes and realized this would the third year since that the soviet union grain harvest has exceeded mln tonnes the largest crop since was mln tonnes harvested according usda data reuter 
trade	oecd agrees export credit reforms the western industrialised nations have agreed reforms rules which they provide credit for exports developing countries the organisation for economic cooperation and development said the reforms tighten the rules for the use foreign aid subsidise export credits called mixed credits the oecd said the agreement implemented two stages july this year and july means the minimum aid component mixed credits will raised pct from pct and pct for credits covering exports the world least developed nations additionally new formula will used for calculating the aid element mixed credits take account different interest rates the exporting countries the nation oecd which hosted the reform negotiations said minimum interest rates for officially subsidised trade loans have also been revised with the aim cutting the subsidies and ending them completely loans relatively rich developing countries july next year the reforms follow several years pressure the stop competitors notably france and japan using foreign aid subsidise exports putting firms disadvantage oecd officials said the agreement was based provisional accord reached january subject ratification member governments some governments including austria had linked their final approval other trade credit issues which would discussed meeting here mid april they added raising the minimum amount aid required mixed credits the agreement aims make such hidden subsidies too costly for frequent use major loophole the general agreement tariffs and trade has been closed today senior official here commented reuter 
acq	communications tmci completes purchase communications inc said has completed the acquisition radio station knss reno nev for about dlrs cash reuter 
acq	peoples heritage phbk make acquisition peoples heritage bank said has agreed purchase northeast leasing inc portland maine lessor office equipment for about common shares said norhteast had year end receivables dlrs reuter 
earn	codenoll technology corp codn qtr loss shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales avg shrs year shr loss cts loss cts net loss loss sales avg shrs reuter 
acq	owens corning ocf completes sale plants owens corning fiberglas corp said has completed the previously announced sale its three foam products plants atlas roofing corp for undisclosed terms the sale part its restructuring the company said reuter 
gnp	chancellor forecast budget speech gdp growth pct 
earn	campbell resources inc qtr shr profit three cts loss cts 
earn	genetic laboratories inc genl qtr loss period ended jan net loss loss sales six mths net profit loss sales reuter 
gnp	budget sees gdp growth three pct chancellor the exchequer nigel lawson presenting his budget for fiscal parliament said economic growth was forecast three pct calendar said the treasury expected current account balance payments deficit billion stg after billion shortfall inflation expected pct the end this year lawson said forecast the autumn statement inflation may continue edge for time perhaps exceeding pct the summer before falling back pct the end the year added turning the public sector borrowing requirement psbr lawson said the likely outturn for fiscal was billion stg pct gdp the planned psbr for was set billion stg monetary policy lawson confirmed the target range for the narrow measure would two six pct fiscal explicit target was set for the broad sterling aggregate said but broad money will continue taken into account assessing monetary conditions course will the exchange rate the chancellor told parliament lawson said the low outturn the psbr chiefly attributable the remarkable buoyancy non oil tax revenues general and the corporation tax paid increasingly profitable business sector particular oil prices lawson said was sticking his earlier assumption that north sea crude prices will average dlrs per barrel calendar said clear that the increased flow non oil tax revenues coupled with the prospective further growth the economy excess the growth public expenditure puts the public finances very strong position lawson said the treasury would strive keep the psbr pct gdp future have reached what judge the medium term financial strategy appropriate destination psbr pct gdp aim will keep there over the years ahead lawson said inevitably this greatly diminishes the scope have this year for reducing the burden taxation which course remains major objective government policy but sure right err the side prudence and caution and build still firmer base for the future lawson said the time had come strike the exchange control act from the statute book corporation tax said the rate will remain unchanged pct but companies capital gains will charged the appropriate corporation tax rate said that under the new proposed system companies should able set advanced capital tax act payments against tax capital gains taken together these changes should yield mln stg lawson said lawson said will propose that all companies and building societies treated the same way payment corporation tax with all liable pay corporation tax nine months after the end the accounting period which the tax due also propose legislate now pave the way for new method collecting corporation tax known pay and file this would part wider programme streamlining tax collection and would not come into force until the early lawson said planned two reliefs petroleum revenue tax prt from today companies may elect have pct the costs developing certain new fields set against their prt liabilities existing fields until the income those new fields exceeds the costs incurred second there will new relief against prt for spending research into oil extraction that not related any particular field business employment lawson said employers will receive tax relief for retraining workers lawson said that future traders registered for value added tax vat would able choose account for the tax the basis cash paid and received small businesses may account for vat annually instead quarterly the vat compulsory registration period was being extended days added and vat registration thresholds are raised stg new measures are planned combat vat avoidance added the capital gains tax retirement relief limit would now set stg lawson said proposed change the law that companies multinational groups with dual residence will longer able secure tax relief twice the same interest payment the change will take effect april but genuine trading companies will not affected also planned end the present treatment tax credit relief for foreign withholding tax paid interest bank loans also from april future banks will able offset this tax credit only against tax the profit the relevant loan said the standard rate taxation being reduced two pence pct from pct lawson reiterated the government aim reducing basic taxation pence the pound but added given decision use the greater part the fiscal scope now have reduce the psbr that goal cannot achieved this budget small companies corporation tax also being reduced pct said the lloyd insurance market lawson said planned change the tax treatment lloyd syndicates bringing into line with that provisions for outstanding liabilities made ordinary insurance companies and comparable provisions made financial traders the inland revenue would told consult urgently with lloyd about the details the legislation said the new rules will first apply premiums payable for the lloyd account which closes december this year lawson said more 
acq	royal resources rrco makes acquisition royal resources corp said has exercised its optioon purchase montagu mining investments inc from samuel montagu ltd london for dlrs cash and common shares the company said montagu main asset pct interest the hog ranch joint venture which operates the open cut heap leach hog ranch gold mine washoe county nev the mine now produces gold over ounces year said after nine months following closing montagu may require royal register the shares for sale royal said from six months after closing until one year after montagu also has the right require royal repurchase any all the shares dlrs each reuter 
earn	campbell resources inc cch qtr dec net shr profit three cts loss cts net profit loss revs six mths shr profit three cts loss cts net profit loss revs mln mln note campbell changing its end dec from june reuter 
earn	amertek inc atekf year net oper shr cts eight cts oper net revs mln mln note shr and net exclude extraordinary gain dlrs cts share shr and net exclude extraordinary gain dlrs cts share reuter 
earn	systematics inc syst qtr feb net shr cts cts net revs mln mln nine mths shr cts cts net revs mln mln reuter 
money-fx	fed may supply reserves the money markets there slightly better than even chance that the federal reserve will enter the government securities market add temporary reserves economists said they said the fed would supply the reserves indirectly via around billion dlrs customer repurchase agreements federal funds which averaged pct yesterday opened pct and moved narrow range between there and six pct early trading reuter 
housing	baldrige predicts solid housing growth commerce secretary malcolm baldrige predicted will the fifth successive year for growth housing starts after pct rise overall february starts seasonally adjusted annual rate mln units this year should the fifth solid year row for homebuilding activity with single family units stronger than multi family units said statement single family starts rose last month from january levels pct mln units seasonally adjusted basis while multi family unit starts fell pct units the department said reuter 
acq	irving trust buys gulf western unit irving bank corp said bought the factoring division associates commercial corp unit gulf and western inc associates corp north america the terms the previously announced deal were not disclosed said the assets were transferred irving commercial corp reuter 
earn	amre inc amre qtr jan net shr five cts one net revs mln nine mths shr cts cts net two mln revs mln mln reuter 
earn	porta systems corp psi qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter 
earn	federated department stores inc qtr shr dlrs dlrs 
earn	warnaco group inc eight mths jan three net oper net mln revs mln mths oper net mln mln revs mln mln note eight months represents earnings following acquisition may when company went private period ending jan excludes mln dlrs interest expenses mln dlrs acquisition adjusments and mln dlrs income taxes reuter 
earn	gantos inc gtos qtr jan net shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln avg shrs mln mln reuter 
earn	atlantic express inc half dec net shr not given net revs mln note company went public during reuter 
acq	spendthrift farms sfi gets bid for control spendthrift farm inc said has received three tentative proposals acquyire control the company said evaluating the proposals and will not comment further unless definitive agreement reached reuter 
crude	shearson lehman upgrades oil stocks analyst sanford margoshes shearson lehman brothers said recommended number oil stocks today now that apparent that opec has succeeded holding its prescribed production quotas clear that opec through jawboning and quota restraint will boost the price oil margoshes said prices oil stocks rose sharply today response higher oil prices and optimism about opec quotas margoshes said recommends imperial oil imo standard oil srd exxon xon one and chevron chv addition margoshes said recommended atlantic richfield arc short term basis though said still suspect about its debt situation atlantic richfield rose said the market could come down test the dlr barrel level again but the main thrust investing oil positive right now before the year out will see higher oil prices noted that belief that the government interested raising the strategic reserves factored into the rise oil stocks today reuter 
copper	zambian minister confirms copper diversion minister mines patrick chitambala confirmed that zambia had ended copper shipments through south africa and announced that its state run mining company had closed down its liaison office the white ruled republic told the official times zambia newspaper interview the government was diverting all mineral exports along rail routes dar salaam tanzania and beira mozambique chitambala declined say what volume copper and other minerals were being shipped through these two ports but said there had not been any problem with the new arrangements far our copper has been reaching its destinations without hindrance told the times the times zambia quoted unnamed sources saying zambia exported tonnes copper through dar salaam and through beira the last quarter diplomatic sources lusaka had earlier expressed doubts over zambia ability ship all its copper through beira and dar salaam without causing massive bottlenecks the ports chitambala also said that the state run zambia consolidated copper mines zccm had closed its liaison office johannesburg since was now redundant reuter 
acq	taft chairman group raises taft broadcasting bid dlrs share 
acq	development corp america dca merged development corp america said its merger with lennar corp len was completed and its stock longer existed development corp america whose board approved the acquisition last november for mln dlrs said the merger was effective today and its stock now represents the right receive dlrs share the american stock exchange said would provide further details later reuter 
acq	teva teviy sells promedico subsidiary teva pharmaceutical industries ltd based israel said sold its wholly owned promedico subsidiary foreign investors for four mln dlrs said the book value the unit about mln dlrs teva said will continue market promedico products through its wholly owned subsidiary salomon levin and elstein ltd reuter 
earn	new milford savings bank nmsb raises payout qtly div cts cts prior pay april reord march reuter 
acq	mart ends talks sell stores mart corp said recent talks sell remaining kresge variety stores and their underlying real estate woolworth have ended robert stevenson mart vice president told reuters the talks which began about six weeks ago ended declined give reason kresge the forerunner what now the mart chain the name was changed mart stevenson said selling and buying real estate our real estate division and woolworth was interested some our properties the talks were casual nature said the kresge stores that are scattered around the country downtown and suburban locations said stevenson said mart will continue operate the stores the stores are profitable the only decision mart has made that will continue operate them said kresge had been nationwide chain variety stores reuter 
earn	institute clinical pharm plc icpyy year shr cts net revs note dollar amounts converted from irish pounds noon buying rate the federal reserve bank new york dec dlr per one irish pound the equivalent rate dec was dlr equals one irsh pound full name company the institute clinical pharmacology plc based dulbin ireland reuter 
earn	icn biomedicals inc bimd qtr feb net shr cts eight cts net sales avg shrs reuter 
earn	applied circuit technology acrt qtr loss period ended january shr loss two cts loss cts net loss loss revs note full name applied circuit technology inc reuter 
earn	frisch restaurants inc frs sets quarterly qtly div cts cts prior pay april record april six reuter 
earn	federated department stores inc fds qtr jan end shr dlrs dlrs net mln mln sales billion billion avg shrs mln mln year oper shr dlrs dlrs oper net mln mln sales billion billion avg shrs mln mln note latest year net excludes mln dlr charge from loss early debt extinguishment net includes charges mln dlrs both periods latest year charges mln dlrs both periods earlier year from merger divisions investment tax credits three mln dlrs dlrs quarter and dlrs mln dlrs year latest year net includes nine mln dlr provision for loss disposition two abraham and strauss stores and preopening expenses for another latest year net includes gain from sale interest fort worth texas shopping center dlrs latest year net both periods includes gain dlrs from sale interest memphis tenn shopping center prior year net includes gain dlrs sale boston store division reuter 
earn	clothestime inc ctme qtr net shr cts cts net sales mln mln year shr cts cts net sales mln mln reuter 
earn	video library inc vlvl qtr loss shr loss two cts profit three cts net loss profit revs year shr profit cts loss two cts net profit loss revs mln avg shrs reuter 
earn	chemie linz expects sharply higher loss state owned chemie linz likely record loss some mln schillings compared with mln loss company spokesman said falling sales and lower world prices fertilisers were largely responsible for the sharp increase along with the effects the dollar fall which has helped give fibre producers competitive edge told reuters the firm would have made small profit had not been for mln schillings lost subsidiary merx handelsgesmbh oil trading merx has since withdrawn from the oil market the firm will announce results july reuter 
earn	cabre exploration ltd six mths jan net shr cts cts net revs reuter 
acq	dudley taft raises bid for taft broadcasting tfb dudley taft and narragansett capital inc said was prepared raise its bid acquire taft broadcasting more than dlrs per share taft through theta sent and letter taft board directors stating was committed purchasing the broadcasting company and was ready discuss all aspects the purchase the company said items discussed included price structure and form consideration taft said was prepared negotiate transaction which taft broadcast shareholders would receive excess dlrs per share reuter 
veg-oil	oils tax longer major issue association the proposed european community tax vegetable oils and fats longer major issue the agenda and the commission merely used threat the west german feed stuffs industry association mfi said association chairman ulrich wagner told news conference the west german feed industry believes the does not seriously contemplate the introduction such tax because would end another transatlantic trade war have just avoided trade conflict with the and the commission used the tax threat calm national farm lobbies american soybean association asa president elect wayne bennett said yesterday the hague that soybean producers were confident the tax would rejected bennett who leading one three soybean delegations lobbying tour capitals will also visit bonn thursday and friday there a