OTHER NEWS - Aug. 15, 1996

Mrs. Fields, Original to Combine: Mrs. Fields Cookies Inc. said it agreed to merge with Original Cookie Co., its next-largest rival in the fresh-baked cookies business. Mrs. Fields said the combined companies will operate more than 1,000 stores in the U.S. under current store names. Also included will be about 140 Hot Sam’s Co. pretzel stores. The companies will be based out of Mrs. Fields’ headquarters in Salt Lake City. Closely held Mrs. Fields eliminates one of its rivals in the cookie market with the move. Cleveland-based Original Cookie and Hot Sam’s are units of Chocamerican Inc., a holding company for France’s Midial. Terms weren’t disclosed.