The same factors might constrain any other possible bidders.

The number of possible bidders has grown from two to six.

They declined to identify any of the possible bidders.

Speculation of a possible British bidder, first mentioned last month, has also been strong.

LeFrak is the first possible bidder to say publicly he wants to buy the team.

Kodak itself is viewed as a possible bidder, to resolve the huge damage award expected.

But analysts were hard pressed to think of other possible bidders because there is almost no one left in the business.

Earlier, another possible bidder, Bertelsmann, said it was wary of new acquisitions.

The company declined to comment on the interest of Ford or any other possible bidders.

Black & Decker urged the company to provide it with any information that other possible bidders might have received.