Mr. Kavner said such threats were common during hostile takeover struggles but seldom materialized.
Most of the others were suffering from a degree of nervous exhaustion after the long takeover struggle.
At the time of the takeover struggle with Mr. Maxwell in 1987, the company's share price was as high as $63.75.
The takeover struggle split the ranks of the consumer product giant and turned the company's board against its senior management.
The deal ends a four-month takeover struggle waged by Popeye's and will create the second-largest chicken chain.
They said the move would take the pressure off a Federal judge who is scheduled to hear arguments today on issues in the complex takeover struggle.
Harcourt stock traded as high as $63.75 a share during the takeover struggle with Mr. Maxwell.
THE battle has many trappings of a takeover struggle.
Ever since the takeover struggle had started, he had become more and more paranoid.
The takeover struggle that followed was among the most brutal in the annals of American business.