LIPTON OFFERS NO REASON AS TO DROPPING TENNIS SPONSORSHIP

          Ericsson's agreement to title sponsor the Lipton
     Championships is a 10-year deal beginning in 2000, according
     to Alan Snel of the Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL.  Tournament
     Chair Butch Buchholz, who would not give financial details,
     said that Ericsson "has the right to end the deal after the
     fifth year."  Lipton spokesperson John Gould was asked why
     the company decided not to renew its title deal: "We're not
     giving out any reasons.  We decided not to renew."  Sports &
     Sponsorships President Scott Becher said he was "surprised"
     that Lipton pulled out: "When a corporate marketer has the
     title, the benefits build over time and the equity that
     Lipton appears to be walking away from is substantial.  The
     tournament was known as 'The Lipton.'  That's very unusual. 
     That strong association is hard to earn in today's
     marketplace" (Alan Snel, Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 8/28).