News is slowly emerging about the Elsevier/Springer deal.  Much of my info
falls into the second-hand category so take it with a grain of salt.  The
deal was apparently finalized on Wednesday with news first emerging from
Holland.  Maxwell did not confirm the purchase until after the close of the
market on Wednesday causing some consternation.  (This info is from
Blackwell's folk).  The news hit the Financial Times on Thursday and was in
the mornings Wall Street Journal (on page B4 at least in the Midwest
version).  It was also in the New York Times although I have not seen that
article.  The purchase price was aroung 765 Million Dollars.  The Wall Street
Journal concentrated on the effect this will have on the stocks and little
was said about how operations would be affected.  Speculation is that things
will continue as they have been for at least the time being.

I would be interested in hearing any other tidbits any of you pick up.

Jim Mouw
University of Chicago

Bitnet:                 uclmouw@uchimvs1
Internet:       mouw@midway.uchicago.edu