The 29 companies supporting the effort include Amgen Inc.

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The impact could be amplified by another new effort, by health insurer Aetna Inc.

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The autonomous car idea got a boost in 2010 when Google Inc. disclosed its effort to perfect the technology.

WSJ: But Can It Find the Perfect Parking Spot, Too?

He considered overseas investments after falling short in a 2010 effort to buy U.S. rival General Growth Properties Inc.

WSJ: Investors Ponder Simon Property's French Appetite

Lehman already has had discussions with investors Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Blackstone Group LP about joining in an effort to acquire the banks' Archstone stake, according to people familiar with the matter.

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The moves are part of the Waterloo, Ontario-based company's effort to win back customers opting for more app-friendly iPhones from Apple Inc.

WSJ: BlackBerry Maker Hopes New Tools Lure Customers From iPhone, Other Rivals

The Voting Information Project-a joint effort of state and local officials, the Pew Center on the States, Google Inc.

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