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NEXTEL MERGER AND NASCAR

Wireless telecommunications companies Sprint and Nextel, who sponsor NASCAR, have merged.

Nextel has responded to uncertainty over its sponsorship of the motor sport series by releasing a statement saying it stood by its belief that the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series is one of the best brand and sponsorship investments Nextel has ever made.

The company expects no rebranding of logos or signage in 2005 and will continue to honour its commitment as series sponsor, with the programmes initiated in 2004 continuing to evolve.

Both groups are said to be focused on building on the success of the Nextel Cup's first year.

The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2005 and is subject to approval by the shareholders, federal and state regulatory agencies, possible foreign governmental approvals and other customary closing conditions.