Compensation is not in dispute, according to the people close to the discussions.

This time, United officials have been told the board wants to see just one version of a plan, people close to the discussions said.

One idea is a magazine aimed at baby boomers, according to several people close to the discussions.

There have been some talks but they were very preliminary, a person close to the discussions said.

The talks have been difficult in part because they are very complex, one person close to the discussions said.

Talks between the two companies are continuing, a person close to the discussions said yesterday.

Several people close to the discussions said it seemed unlikely that a deal would ultimately happen.

So far, there has been no response to the letters, which were sent on Monday, one person close to the discussions said.

But people close to the discussions said they came too late.

But now, several players have finally started merger talks, people close to the discussions said yesterday.