He is believed to have bought most of his interest at less than 40 cents on the dollar.

"If you're buying 5,000 miles at almost 4 cents per mile, it's pretty expensive," he said.

I don't want to declare - I'll buy it back from you at 20 cents on the dollar.'

The cost is negligible for developers, who are able to buy land at less than 25 cents an acre.

"Rarely do you get a chance to buy something at 10 to 15 cents on the dollar."

So if it comes to pass, and those who bought at 5 cents make 95 cents.

"I think they'd be delighted if someone would buy it back at five cents on the dollar."

"If they bought at 50 cents, I'm not so sure."

Buy a couple of bags now, at 99 cents for 12 ounces, and store them in the freezer, where they keep beautifully.

Too late, said the broker, who had already bought 110,000 shares at 23 cents apiece.