These separate Texas companies sometimes took the name of the parent, but often retained their original names.

In the past, for example, he has contacted foreign leaders considering whether to buy military aircraft from Texas companies.

At his official farewell with the Texas company in 1998, the audience reacted as if it were losing a member of the family.

Texas companies sticking close to home are also doing well.

The purchasers were Texas companies, none with any previous experience in the savings industry.

So Kent, like many Texas companies, began selling parts and equipment to the oil services industry.

One Texas manufacturing company, which asked not to be identified, offers bonuses to divisions that keep travel expenses in check.

A Texas company offered to make it at $60 a vial, treble the old price.

The small flat-bottomed boats, the audit said, were bought from a Texas company for a total of $208,000.

"I represent a couple of Texas companies, not a large lobbying practice," she said.