But it negotiated a more favorable contract with others, including Oxford and Aetna.

"To get agreements, we're going to have to make promises, give favorable contracts, that sort of thing."

Apple had a big head start in being able to negotiate favorable contracts with suppliers, and in ramping up production to keep costs relatively low.

Mr. Melbinger described a recent board meeting called to fire a chief executive who had a very favorable contract.

Unions took advantage of the growth to negotiate favorable contracts that raised labor costs to unprecedented levels.

"It's as favorable a contract as I ever know has been given to a new artist," said a member of the industry familiar with the negotiations.

The changes would make Mr. Ross's $125 milllion-plus contract even more favorable.

These people have made a fine, favorable contract with a highly civilized, technically advanced species.

Charlotte was going to take Walker in the expansion draft and then trade him to the Knicks for several role players with favorable contracts.

Besides modernizing their plants, the three producers have negotiated more favorable contracts with power suppliers.