They also asked whether a separate board committee should have guided the company's response.

The investigation is being undertaken by a special committee of the company's board.

A special committee of the company's board is expected to be named soon to evaluate the proposal.

It added that the new proposal was being referred to a special board committee.

Standard said previously that a special committee of its board had not yet taken a position on the bid.

Cineplex officials had no comment on a meeting of a special board committee.

Heritage said a special committee of its board would study the revised proposal.

The report may also say board committees had differing levels of information about the deals, this person said.

Viacom said a special committee of its board would review the new bid.

Most important, the company is creating a special committee of its board, charged with reviewing the company's diversity programs.