Barron's descendants, the Bancroft family, would continue to control the company until 2007.

The Bancroft family, which controlled more than 60% of the voting stock, at first rejected the offer, but later reconsidered its position.

So too for the Bancroft family, it would seem.

But the journalists hope that the Bancroft family will place significant weight on a newsroom recommendation.

This copy was kept by the Bancroft family for many years.

First, the deal will be made at some point, regardless of what the Bancroft family said last week.

Later, the Bancroft family confirmed a willingness to consider a sale.

Members of the Bancroft family declined to comment on the meeting.

But they ultimately concluded that they could not appear at odds with the Bancroft family, these people said.

Corporate governance experts say the board's actions suggest that the Bancroft family is preparing for a sale.