TOP SPORTS NAMES COMBINE ON REAL ESTATE- RETAIL VENTURE

     The "largest real estate merger ever" is underway between
Simon Property Group and DeBartolo Realty Corporation, according
to "NBR's" Paul Kangas.  The new company, formed by Pacers Owners
MELVIN and HERBERT SIMON and 49ers Owner EDWARD DEBARTOLO JR.,
will have a market capitalization of $7.5B and be called Simon
DeBartolo Group.  It would be the largest real estate company in
North America.  DeBartolo shareholders will receive .68 shares of
Simon common stock for each share of DeBartolo.  Analysts called
the combined company a "retail powerhouse."  Dean Witter Reynolds
analyst Gregory Whyte:  "Combining two of the largest mall
companies in the United States to create what will conceivably be
the dominant retail landlord going forward.  Any retailers who
want to roll out new concepts, it will be imperative that they
speak to the Simon DeBartolo Group" (PBS, 3/26).  The deal will
allow Debartolo "to concentrate on his true love," the 49ers
(N.Y. POST, 3/27).