Although they did not win the deal, the high profile nature of the bid caused investors to flock to Gotham Partners growing it to $500 million in assets by 1998.

One bull is Gotham Partners, L.P., a new investment fund started by two hotshots fresh out of Harvard Business School.

The bridegroom, 34, is a principal in Gotham Partners, a New York investment management firm.

The bridegroom, 32, is a founder of Gotham Partners, an investment firm in New York.

At least one of them, from Gotham Partners, would have been far less expensive and onerous.

On Tuesday, the REIT's board said it would consider that offer, as well as one from Gotham Partners, despite its pending deal with the Zell group.

On Nov. 22, Gotham Partners publicized, for the third time, its bullish view on Pre-Paid.

Had the deal gone through, Gotham Partners would have received $77 million in cash and stock.

HQ Global was the largest asset held by the Frontline Capital Group, the incubator that accounted for 11 percent of Gotham Partners' assets in 2000.

According to a letter to investors in 2000, Gotham Partners had received $108 million in redemption requests, almost a quarter of its capital.