But it became clear that an outright sale was the best way forward, its spokesman said yesterday.

"Rather than an outright sale, where you'd try to put all these conditions in, but then the other fellow has the title."

Instead, they now required an outright sale of the line to the Association for £53,000.

Another person said that if a deal was struck, it would probably be some kind of a joint venture but not an outright sale.

But the idea was abandoned because an outright sale would generate more money, said the executive, who asked not to be identified.

Still, an outright sale of Dole is by no means certain.

But don't count on an outright sale of the company.

But a stock offering would raise less money than an outright sale.

One problem is that an outright sale of Hughes could create a big tax liability.

She may choose an outright sale of her business.