Iset, for her part, though wooed by wealthy and/or powerful foreign suitors, remains attached to Duroy.

In Switzerland, many companies use an arcane but effective means of beating back foreign suitors.

British regulators have essentially banned mergers among domestic banks, saying it would limit consumers' choices, leaving the field open to foreign suitors.

General Nutrition said in March that it was exploring financial options, including the sale of the company, possibly to a foreign suitor.

She suddenly needed to know, and know with certainty, if there really was a possibility for a foreign suitor.

But so far the foreign suitors are like a pack of unfed dogs and the Chinese authorities are carefully playing them against each other.

Buchi's advice to his foreign suitors is blunt and discomforting.

Mr. Lipson, while he did not identify the potential buyers, said he had both American and foreign suitors.

Even the largest Thai companies have suspended payments owed to banks, putting them in technical default and raising tricky legal questions for potential foreign suitors.

The rumours grew more sinister when Elizabeth remained single against the common expectation that she would accept one of her many foreign suitors.