71.  But people close to BellSouth said that both of the options the company was considering would lead to a smaller investment, at least at first.

72.  But she said that the company was considering making it more widely available.

73.  But Stevens said the companies could not consider problems fixed just because they paid more heed.

74.  But the chaxecutive said Thursday that the company was considering various options but would not proceed with the current deal if the minority tax provision was withdrawn.

75.  But the settlement did not address what many competing companies consider the real antitrust issue.

76.  Buying in HFS options increased last week, suggesting that some investors got an early chance to profit from the news that the two companies were considering combining.

77.  Chairman Robert Miller said earlier this month that the company is considering a new equity issue that would dilute shareholder value.

78.  Chairman and Chief Executive William Siart said he was disappointed at the uninvited offer, but said his company would nonetheless consider it.

79.  Christopher T. Hitt, the president of Whole Foods Market of Austin, Tex., said his company had never considered dropping United Natural Foods during its recent turmoil.

80.  Chief Financial Officer Patricia Cole said that the company is considering a public stock offering.