For all of 1995, Wall Street firms generated $6.6 billion in underwriting fees, up more than 23 percent from 1994.

The offering, expected next year, would generate more than $200 million in underwriting fees.

The five firms collectively accounted for nearly 60 percent of all underwriting fees.

After accounting for underwriting fees, Blackstone saw proceeds of about $505 million.

In the 1990s the "underwriting" fee for appearing as a guest on the show was about $38,000-$50,000.

As a result, companies are paying more money than ever in underwriting fees.

It is also true, however, that underwriting fees run higher on negotiated deals.

Wall Street's underwriting fees during the third quarter fell to their lowest level in six years.

Collectively, they accounted for just over 54 percent of all underwriting fees.

In the second quarter of last year, underwriting fees were $2.2 billion.