"It is an idea that has been making its way" around the government, said a person briefed on the talks.

"They're making progress," one person briefed on the investigation said.

The trading took place from 1998 to 2001, and maybe longer, a person briefed on the matter said.

The 50-year-old former Disney executive did not put up much of a fight, according to a person briefed on the matter.

The company refused, according to a person briefed on the situation.

One person briefed on the deal said an announcement was expected this morning.

"It's not better than a 50-50 chance he will stay," a person briefed on the Nets' decision making said.

"You kind of lose twice," said one person briefed on the new investment policy.

The fund will eventually be open to institutions, a person briefed on the plan said.

One person briefed on the deal said the reported figure was "in the ballpark."