COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

Viacom President Says Blockbuster Deal Near: Frank Biondi, seeking to counter growing skepticism that Viacom Inc.’s acquisition of video rental giant Blockbuster Entertainment Corp. is in trouble, predicted that the deal will close within a few weeks. But analysts remain skeptical because many Blockbuster shareholders are unhappy with the terms of the deal, which call for Blockbuster stockholders to receive Viacom securities, which have plunged in value. The merger stems from the battle over Paramount Communications Inc., of which Viacom took control in part by using $1.85 billion that Blockbuster paid for the Viacom securities. Biondi made his comments before money managers at a Wertheim Schroeder/Variety media investor conference in New York.