One of the largest money management firms to own Viacom shares has been quietly selling off much of its stake.

So where is Mr. Crawford putting the money that the sale of Viacom shares generated?

The rise bolsters its bid, which would be paid for largely in Viacom shares.

"The program never occurred while there was a likelihood of a Paramount transaction," he said referring to a program of buying Viacom shares.

Blockbuster stockholders will get a package of Viacom shares and other securities valued at $7.6 billion, about $800 million less than when the deal was announced.

She is also heir to his controlling Viacom shares.

That company also said that investors would receive half a share in each new business for every Viacom share.

They will each also receive options to buy two million Viacom shares at the market price of the stock when the deal is completed next year.

That has focused attention on the Amex trading of Viacom shares, particularly late in the day.

Blockbuster could pay for the parks with 13.6 million Viacom shares, or slightly more than half its holdings, valued at $55 a share, or $748 million.