REEBOK FACES DIFFICULT FIGHT FOR NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

     Reebok International Ltd. "has been warned" by the
State of Massachusetts that it faces a "tough political and
public relations fight" if it insists on a 207-acre site
alongside Route 128 in Dedham, MA, for a new corporate
headquarters.  The athletic show and sportswear company said it
wants to move from its present office in Stoughton, MA, where it
is "cramped for space."  The land was bought last year by the
state for development as a park, and Michael Hogan, Dir of the
state Office of Business Development, said Reebok was told by
state officials, including Governor Weld, that the company was in
danger of a public relations "battle" if it asks for legislative
help in selling the park land (Jerry Ackerman, BOSTON GLOBE,
2/16).