But Mr. Hooks plays down the notion that there is a problem.

Mr. Hook says the acquisition was a good one and will soon pay off.

"Mr. Hook, have you seen a cat on the grounds?"

"Mr. Hook," he said, "in your wide experience have you ever seen anything like that madness?"

"At one time we spent all our efforts trying to get voting rights passed," Mr. Hooks said.

Mr. Hook was seeking more than $7 billion for the whole company.

Mr. Hooks acknowledged, however, that the year was also marked by setbacks for the cause of civil and human rights.

"You can run out of money really quickly if you're not being smart," Mr. Hook said.

"We would feel obligated to certainly understand a great deal about the company, their plans and management," Mr. Hook said.

Mr. Hook said nine of those charged had been arrested.