The Business Week Ahead : SOUTHLAND

Time Warner-Giant Deal: In a move that will culminate months of quiet negotiations, Time Warner is expected to close a new deal this week with Giant Records, expanding its commitment to the Beverly Hills-based label until the year 2001. Sources say the five-year, multimillion-dollar pact is predicated on a plan to restructure Giant, whose roster includes rock group Steely Dan, country crooner Clay Walker and rapper D.O.C. Streamlining the label, which opened its doors in 1990, should allow Giant to concentrate more on venue development and artist management.