Around this time, she gained a contract as television spokeswoman for Holly Farms chicken.

Holly Farms would also pay a fee and any expenses if the merger was not completed.

Holly Farms is considered by the analysts to be the gem of the brand-name chicken industry.

Holly Farms' board will hold an auction for the chicken producer, hoping to avoid a hostile takeover.

Holly Farms is a diversified food company with about 50 percent of its sales in chicken.

Holly Farms' strength, in the brand-name part of the retail business, has also come at a time of growth.

Holly Farms has 17 percent of that market.

Holly Farms reported net income of $36.2 million on sales of $1.6 billion last year.

Tyson's previous bid for Holly Farms was $60 a share in cash.

Holly Farms stock closed at $62.375 today, up 75 cents.