Fort Worth Star-Telegram from Fort Worth, Texas • 31

wwwstar-tclegnmicom Thursday March 2 2000 3C Hicks group negotiating the sale of KXTX ADS Station was part of sports strategy but new rules make sale lucrative But in September Hicks accepted a $300 million offer from Fox for the long-term cable rights to the Rangers Stars and Mesquite Rodeo which he also owns That set in motion other changes Recently Southwest Sports disclosed that it was close to finalizing the sale of its over-the-air broadcast rights to Fox which plans to show most of those games on free TV While the two sides are still working on the final price tag Cramer said he is confident that a deal will be reached before the baseball season begins next month Mitchell Schwirman (817) 390-7821 schnunnanstaptelegrancom From Page IC goose they will lose the battle for the attention of consumers to their content and the attention of advertisers as the major advertising vehicle" A strong economy has increased the number of advertisers wanting to get on television There's been a particular flood of ads by dot-corn companies that use television to create an image At the same time TV networks are being squeezed by increased programming costs so the extra ad time is a temptation too hard to resist There was no immediate response yesterday from the networks to the study None of the four major net with one bidder exclusively But if this deal doesn't happen in the next few weeks we'll start talking with the others again" Cramer declined to identify the prospective buyers The value of independent TV stations increased sharply last fall he said after broadcasting rules were changed to allow operators to own two stations in the same market By selling the station Cramer said Hicks expects to realize the gains he envisioned without assuming the risk of executing the strategy Hicks who has made his fortune with opportune investments originally believed that he could maximize the value of the Stars and Rangers by combining them with a media play His purchase of 10(TX initially made through his investment firm in 1997 provided an outlet for over-the-air distribution Then he pursued a cable-broadcast deal with Fox and ESPN hoping to create a regional sports network BY MITCHELL SCHNURMAN Star-Telegram Staff Writer Tom Hicks who once set his sights on building a local sports media empire is moving closer to spinning off the media pieces that were part of that vision A top official confirmed yesterday that Hicks' firm Southwest Sports Group is negotiating the sale of KXTXChannel 39 the independent station that Hicks owns and has used to broadcast over-the-air games for his Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars "We've talked with several potential buyers" Michael Cramer chief operating officer for Southwest Sports said yesterday "At the moment we've agreed to negotiate 11 AETNA I From Hicks Muse joins deal to back Internet companies abroad $21 billion and $7 billion respectively Well-Point has 10600 employees to Aetna's 55900 But Aetna is in a weak position Aetna's stock which traded as high as $998750 last May has been under pressure as the company struggled with high medical costs lagging profits and controversy over its policies toward patients Last fall the company became the target of several class-action lawsuits alleging among other things that its system of paying doctors rewards them for skimping on care The suits were filed by the same trial attorneys who won big awards against the tobacco companies Aetna denies the allegations million State regulators have yet to approve the deal WellPoint and 1NG offered $44 in cash and $26 in Well Point common stock for each share of Aetna WellPoint based in Thousand Oaks Calif saw its shares fall 8 percent or $56250 to $618750 on the NYSE after the announcement 1NG's US shares were up 25 cents to $518125 Calls to Well Point went unretumed Executives of 1NG based in Amsterdam could not be reached For Well Point it is a bold bid by chairman and CEO Leonard Schaeffer Aetna is three times larger than Well Point with revenues of ance provider in North Texas after completing its $1 billion purchase of Prudential Healthcare in August The combined company has more than 324000 health maintenance organization members in North Texas The company also owns NYLCare Health Plan which has about 206000 HMO members But in September Aetna reached an agreement to sell the North Texas and Houston NYLCare divisions to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for $500 works stands out as a particular culprit ABC had the greatest average ad time at 16:57 per hour and CBS was the least at 16:32 Yet CBS had the most dramatic increase it was up 1:47 from the year before There was an average of three minutes more commercials per hour in prime-time than in November 1991 the ad agencies said in a report released yesterday Except for local news prime time is actually the least cluttered time of day ABC CBS and NBC all carry at least 20 minutes of ad time per hour during daylight hours over 22 minutes on average for NBC An extra 30 seconds of ad time was also crammed into the half-hour network evening news programs the report said Late night and early morning also saw increases Microsoft each invested $200 million in Teligent which specializes in broadband networks People familiar with the firm said that Hicks Muse wants to start a $2 billion fund targeted at high-tech investments but officials have not confirmed those plans Hicks praised CMGI yesterday saying it "is now well-established as the world's leading Internet operating company" CMGI has stakes in more than 60 companies including majority ownership of Alta Vista Engage Technologies and NaviSite Its stock has been among the highfliers of the Internet economy Pacific Century plans to be the leading provider of broadband Internet services to be launched initially in Asia Ventures said it will invest in emerging Internet businesses that focus on content community commerce and infrastructure It plans to open regional offices in urban centers such as London and Hong Kong In a separate deal involving a different industry Hicks Muse said yesterday that it and an affiliate Emergent Genetics have acquired Produsem Argentina's leading wheat seed producer Terms of the transaction were not disclosed Produsem controls 35 percent of Argentina's market for wheat seed the firm said and is a major player in the alfalfa corn and sunflower seed markets Hicks Muse has been building an international platform of companies in the seed business and it said Produsem will serve as the foundation for a similar effort in South America Mitchell Schnurman (817) 390-7821 schnurmanstar-telegramcom Page 1C turn off car way to push on Internet provider relaying information back and forth between the driver and Sirius Millstein said Any purchases would be charged to a customer's satellite radio bill If buying products from cars catches on Millstein said the way people and businesses think of cars could change "There would be no need for billboards" Millstein said "There is already that dot-corn element to grocery stores" Some automotive groups and safety experts however cautioned against another potential distraction being placed into cars "More and more cars are being equipped with electronic gadgetry that distracts from the drivers' attentions" said Jerry Cheske a spokesman for AAA "Some cars are virtual offices now and trying to maintain an office while you are driving is not the best practice" Cheske said the association has advised drivers not to use cellphones while driving although there is no evidence that using a cellphone is any more dangerous than turning on the radio "Driving is a full-time occupation and we do not advocate things that take away from that Cheske said Millstein said the system would probably be voice-operated to keep drivers' eyes on the road Partnership involves CMGI Pacific Century BY MITCHELL SCHNURMAN Star- I elegi am Stall WI iter Hicks Tate Furst the Dallas investment firm led by sports owner Tom Hicks said yesterday that it will invest up to $500 million in a $15 billion fund to back Internet companies in Asia Europe and South America The move is the latest in a string of high-tech plays for Hicks Muse and analysts said it was part of a larger trend among major buyout firms attracted by the Internet's high investment returns The partnership to be called Ventures Global Partners will be led by CMG! an acclaimed Internet venture capital company in Andover Mass A third partner is Pacific Century CyberWorks a Hong Kong provider of high-speed access services The same three companies combined on a separate deal Tuesday when Pacific Century acquired Cable Wireless IIKT Hicks Muse and CMGI each committed $500 million to participate in that deal Hicks reflecting the increased high-tech activity at his firm said he and his partners view their Internet combination as a "long-term strategic operational and financial relationship" Since late last year Hicks Muse has sharply increased its bet on technology Last month it pumped $250 million into Rhythms NetConnections which sells high-speed Internet access to businesses In December it invested $80 million in Globix Corp a provider of Internet connectivity and services In November it and No matter to Yahoo chatters "RINI is going to 50 today" a poster predicted late yesterday "This is the most undervalued stock in the semiconductor sector" Impending takeover another whispered Mistaken identity isn't the only explanation for the sudden spike Fraud is also possible Pump and dump artists manufacture interest in obscure stocks and then sell out after they've driven up share prices Internet chat rooms are full of them Then there's the price momentum crowd These folks use computers to flag stocks that are appreciating rapidly which they buy with little or no study Several large trades late Tuesday suggest that institutional investors played a role It doesn't take much to drive RINI shares higher With relatively few shares in public hands and a market value under $100 million small-company stocks move rapidly My advice to you is to do the opposite Don't buy until you understand what you're buying Don't mistake a rising market for genius Todd Mason's column appears Tuesday Thursday and Sunday (817) 390-7552 fax (817) 390-7774 toddmsitir-telegramcom For more business news go to wwwstar-telegrancom To search the Metroplex go to WWVLACCOM 1 For more business news go to Lt? wwwstaptelegramcom kTo search the Metroplex go to wwvidiviCOM Sliop till you engine latest merchandise BY MIKE CRISSEY The Associated Press DALLAS Talking on a cell-phone while driving might soon seeni old-fashioned: Two companies said yesterday that they want to let car occupants shop on the go Sirius Satellite Radio Co and ATX Technologies said they have agreed to develop products to let satellite radio subscribers buy the music they hear and other products while they drive Ira Bahr vice president for marketing at New York-based compared in-car purchasing to buying things on TV shoppingchannels 'What we want to do for the car and radio is what happened with the cable" Bahr said The technology could start showing up in cars as early as 2002 he said The companies hope to merge two technologies: telematics using wireless technology to send location-based information to people on the move such as global-positioning systems and satellite radio which will use the science behind satellite television to beam up to 100 channels of CD-quality sound to specially built car radios for about $10 a month 'What they have is a one-way addressable big pipe to the car" Steve Millstein president of SanAntonio-based ATX "What will do is complete the loop" ATX will play a role similar to of an Internet service I MASON From Page 1C Bivings disputes my analysis that we're looking at a case of mistaken identity RF Media traded Tuesday at $13831 a share she said "Maybe in name these stocks can be mistaken but not in price" she said But the question seemed in doubt yesterday on investor message boards "Semiconductor sector is hot" extols a poster on Yahoo Finance quietly correctly OK there's one slight problem in this case RF Monolithics isn't a chip company The company makes electronic controls "Wireless plus semiconductor are both the hottest sectors in the market" the investor wrote "Come on" replied another investor "They make garage door openers for crying out loud Wireless schmireless" RF Monolithics hopes to graduate to bigger and better things The company adapted its short-distance radio expertise to connect computers and peripheral equipment in office settings It also makes signal filters that could improve cell phone reception The new products have been a drag on the company's profitability so far The company lost $386 million on sales of $933 million in the quarter ending Nov 30 The company said that it will probably show a loss in fiscal 2000 because of its poor start NCDA OF GREATER TARRANT COUNTY JJTCP ENIIIWr 24fat MARCH 9 -12 FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER lhatioWrmint to kollStaaletent 'I sal( 1 I a we I A tha I 9 A A said we that B1111111111111111111mmilimisLAY 0011: 11 wilp 0 ElC Mortgages Stocks c3scks i lemeneeevemeem neminee 1 N853 BusinteRsesnPt rAlaesrtle N862 817 opBpuosritnuensitys 1862 opBpuosninuenss N878 pi 1200- 1500SE OFCWHSE A BUSINESS to Buz or Sell? WaEnniTtly18: io ot 0 8H5 8 100 for notes Rural East Texas 12500 8F East Loop 820 BRAND NEW Snow cone Beer Liquor Wine Business I Frontage: Prime exposure stand (fits in standard sz store wdwelling Call (972)230-2626 pkg space) wbrand new land for Sale or ease Business SnoWizard haved ice oldsotexcitecom 2 (903)984-710 N879 Money To Loan 5000S1- BLDG S850mo 817- 624 6616 or 456-2060 mach $3800 847-0779 11111111111111111111111 CERAMIC SHOP tor sell men- Estate funds 732-7151 N850 Business Property N854 Investment tory over $70k will sell (or SNACK VENDING ROUTE (Sell) Property $50k call after 5pm- 817 S2510 Loc I nancing 275-4342 qua' buyer soply i Metro 811 5168719 Improve Cash HowSales GROCERY SIORF Grill busn SE E1W 12 Duplx Grand Prai- C-S TORE BEER Wine STEAK HOUSE in Colleyvill N9 Debt Use your Acct Rec ness for sale 817-909-340 rie 1 house all rented535h Near 8201 anc aster 175 seat SI 29k 9 817-65Z S60k Call 817-9246253 Proven mo sales $328 01000 to nosimummermommin 1 084 pr 794-0928 530 leave message SUCCESSFUL B1113131-E-GIEM N852 Business Property N855 Off' (Reny ices 1 DAYCARE CENTER in NI Ft- route 11 great locations (Sell or Lease) S9000 L811)560-9079 CASH BENBROOK 2 (Ace Suites ESTABLISHED CIIIIDILE NS SUNBELT 617-577-1666 REDFORD Hi-Profile Shop 01092600st 135 1191 resale SW El S20000 wwwsunbeitinetworkcom $100 TO 61000 Center 4 lease Bet 100 EUt SERVICE Exec Suites Call James 817-346-8089 24110 64300 Bob Brooks Bedford Rd 1 or 2 rooms ESTABLISHED DETAIL $20 per $100 for 14 days RBroker I 800-603-0451 stritelE117) $90-2907 shop located In Ailing- WOULD LIKE to buy bust LArESHOP SINGLE HI DG HE GARDEN OFEICE ton off Division 1 large ness that's not perform- lwy 377 Great traffic 2200 1200-2400 sq Freshly re- acc established stab l- mg 30 yrs business exp $30 per $100 for 30 days a-1400 I stor 498 8111 modeled $811 285 0055 more Into- 81 7-371-2893 181 71 496-3053 day Rite OFFICE AVAIL All uttl Established Florist Shop or BEST 12500 SF East Loop 820 maint 2400 sq ft $900 Start OR Own Business Ma- 864 Franchises RMES IN TOWN I rootage: Prime exposure rno Call Tony Manny tor Hwy Fronta5e Hico Tx I'l Call (972)230-2626 81 ii? 6138:21 Pruitt Realty 254-796-2417 Redeemable certificates 1MI 1368S1- PRIME area 5-00-9 EST SANDWICHSHOP 20yrS CASE BALDWIN N853 Business Property Hulen Call Jana 294 7887 1811)246-6411 or 498-1223 FtPt Janitorial Routes Avail F1 INo (Rent or Lease) immomitisonommlowl FAST FOOD restaurant $451f Fee Equipment req'd Metro 972-434-8197 N856 Offi ce Equipment plus inventory Excel oppor 817-263-2939 APPROX 6K-8K SE ware- tunity pgr 817-82-6434 CHILDCARE FRANCHISE house (9 21262 4261 RICOH 18 0 Copier good FLORIST FOR Sale 1413 area chrldrensligitthousecom 1-) 11N 4 CAR LOT very nice building cond 72 copies per min $25 0001817J 355 4999 extras SI 200 921-5500 ---i-i3J1L338- 44" 972-257-3808 FOR SAI 15rm motel ca- 9Pilr I ltri qliSA 11 eita 1st c'c 14 IleelMen I off ce agers apt I SI IFE INDUSTRIAL N858 Industri WE al 94q4 27-2r3ng for info 41 Office Cleaning franchisor 10040 st I ronts1-35 $3100 Property FULL SERVICE HAIR SALON We provide S5 0 to S1OK 16790ST HattornCity $4 I 25 11 Chairs Good business Arl per mo in contracts train 28 1450 'T CHECK 30 st Arlington $900 details 817729-4432 equip incur Low invest Fidelity Asset Mgmt store in FEW no gas no JANI-KING wguar tin Mel 817-421 4144 (S8C8N2AA110S07111LP 6 T6: 732-3377 prbperty for sale busy lo- 41 Comml Cleaning ranchise ip me en Esi on we res st NW HWYGRAPEVINE cation good income 10 ol 11 years worldwide COVERALL CLETrAasNncINhiGse CAR TITLE Great 2800 11M11111111111111 S1208 Guaranteed financing 7 rates 1900 2SOU (817)320-3313 S1000 du contracts included sq tt S12sq Et Metro 972-380-0800 Own a VI- Available immediately tor as 'low as (9721960-2035 JANIIORIAL CONIRACTORS RESTAURANT space (3(120 N861 Commercial A uf on At si La Bv aol IxatbsteE7T8c8-1488 $1000 DOWN 1559st 861-8442 RETAIL SPACE CAMP Bowie Property 1-877-MBE-SALE pssi00tnnta: MOBILE LURE tra N883 Proteiler 16' Guaranteed Customers Ridglea Theatre Bldg 3500 SOF I Lease Space in gOOSe fully equiuped for Guaranteed Financing Services 1500 3900sqtt 738 292 -1--- mattock Village Shopping light heavy truck use Complete 1 raining SANDWICHRESTAURANT Center Will Split Into 2 Call: (817)821 2302 Equipment Supplies SUBSTANCE ABUSE EVAL EveningWeekend GREA I sq It Loc On Rule Snow 817 861-8442 Fax 24 61 Offices In The US 8619 NEW C-SIORE FAST FOOD 1932 ments Call 817-460-3171 44114MENIIII High traffic open May 1st in Kitchen Equipment 6 Countries Worldwide Established operator only N862 Business Joshua 817 219-3730 WE Wit I Do Your Mailing tu franchisee Welconte Opp mi ortunity PH CARD Co must sell 1-800 738 7704 $1000per 1000 More In- Call Bill Wastose 498 0773 Fe otter 817-450 0493 072)503-9550 I M9 21 iii IFE119tle 4340 WORKSHOP OFEICE show ABSOLUTE BEST OPPTY SMALL VENDING Route a Our Web Site Chec wPrall advertisteyour room 6000 sqtt prime loca- To Flit America in ast 10 Yrs! Artill New Machines 81 --w-c' om 1 GARAGE SALE! hon SI ROO 817-4 752511 Call Nowt 18171 204 1416 112 0706 er- -071levn 332-3333 cE LIB AT 0 pis 77-- HADEN') --s)4 li 4N Tuesday March 1 530-930 pm Will Rogers Memorial Center Restaurant Tostings Silent Auction Raffle and music by The Party Crashers Call 336-0912 for ticket information All proceeds benefit tki Meals On eels Inc of torrent County 1 0 IQ Stariblegram 0 ea I 111 I a 1 s' PA Eitt" 1 -41P mot CEL1BRATE HADDIT Gums Tuesday March 1 pm Will Rogers Memorial Center Restaurant lastings Silent Auction Raffle and music by The Party Crashers Call 336-0912 for ticket information ee-- All proceeds benefit Meals On Wheels Inc of torrent County rs? Stariblegram 0 I CDs 111As I 0 ::11741 FDIC INSURED ACCESS TO OVER 2500 BANKS OTHER RATES AND MATURITIES AVAILABLE 1 88 4 11(F: 8" ic musanommow Lighthouse Financial Services Todd Gibson Frost Bank Building 4200 Haien St Ste 600 hart Worth TX 76109 Fnmh S100000 per itetinotion pop dotelifor PlitttrISsir 1' 0 Ini.