text: **(14) Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts**
  
  On May 26, 1999, the Company entered into foreign currency call options with Merrill Lynch to purchase Euro 79.3 million for $85.9 
  million and foreign currency put options to sell $83.6 million for Euro 79.3 million on May 26, 2000 (the “Settlement Date”). Under such 
  contracts, the Company would be re q u i red to make a cash payment to Merrill Lynch on May 31, 2000, should the Euro weaken against the 
  US Dollar and fall below $1.055 (the “Floor Rate”) on the Settlement Date. At the same time, should the Euro strengthen against the U.S. 
  dollar and rise above $1.0835 to the Euro (the “Ceiling Rate”) the Company would receive a cash payment from Merrill Lynch depending 
  upon the Euro/Dollar exchange rate on such Settlement Date. 