Home Shopping Network Inc&lt;HSN> said, in response to published reports, that it is not
the target of a formal Securities and Exchange commission
investigation.
    It said, instead, that the SEC initiated an informal
inquiry of all parties involved in the Home Shopping/C.O.M.B.
Co &lt;CMCO> merger negotiations to determine the source of rumors
that caused the stocks to rise prior to a public announcement
in January.
    Home Shopping said it cooperated fully and had no
indication that the informal inquiry is being pursued.
 Reuter
