On July 30, the company had presented what it called its "final offer," but the union rejected it.

It called Time's offer for Warner "a momentary diversion."

On Aug. 2, the two companies made what they called their "last and best offer" and gave the board 48 hours to say yes or no.

On April 17, prosecutors put what they called their final offer on the table.

Mr. Carey said at his news conference that the company had not changed what it called its "last, best and final offer."

Analysts universally called the Dolans' offer simply an opening bid.

Eight days ago the union rejected what the league called its final offer in the last round of talks.

The management of the paper made what it called its final offer about 8:30 p.m.

On March 28, the owners offered the players what they called their last offer.

Delta Air Lines confronted the joint bid standing pat and calling its own $260 million offer a better one.