The entrance to Universal Studios, in Universal City, California, on August 25, 2003. The multi-bill..,...

The entrance to Universal Studios, in Universal City, California, on August 25, 2003. The multi-billion dollar auction of Vivendi Universal's show-business empire nears a conclusion his week as the media giant seeks to end its ill-fated foray into Hollywood. [The French conglomerate was locked in last-minute negotiations with contenders over the weekend after auction favorite NBC firmed up its merger proposal ahead of a key board meeting on August 26 that could pick a candidate for final talks. The auction of Hollywood properties including Universal Studios has shaped up as a two-horse race between TV network NBC and a team led by Vivendi vice chairman Edgar Bronfman Jr.]