Retaining ownership of his brand, O'Neal signed an agreement with ACI International, a Los Angeles distributor and marketer of Chinese-made-footwear labels like LA Gear.

FORBES: The Dunk Man

Both he and the market-friendly Mr Simsek are known to favour a new agreement with the IMF, which is crucial to retaining the confidence of foreign investors.

ECONOMIST: Turkey's fragile economy: Fund management | The

The agreement collapsed because the Syrians insisted on getting the whole region back and the Israelis insisted on retaining control of the Sea of Galilee's shoreline.

ECONOMIST: After Assad

The agreement includes a 40-day go-shop provision allowing GSIC to seek higher bids, with eBay retaining the right to match any higher proposals.

FORBES: eBay To Buy GSI Commerce For $29.25 A Share