FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AT
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 1997                           (202) 616-2771
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

                                 

ANTITRUST DIVISION STATEMENT REGARDING BELL ATLANTIC/NYNEX MERGER


     The Department of Justice announced today that, after
thorough investigation and analysis, the Department's Antitrust
Division has closed its investigation of Bell Atlantic's proposed
acquisition of Nynex.  The Division has decided that it will not
challenge the transaction, having concluded that the merger does
not violate the antitrust laws.  


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97-173