That search has helped the equity markets, where companies have been fetching top dollar for new stock issued to the public.
Analysts expect the company to fetch around $1.2 billion, or $50 a share.
It is possible that the company could fetch more than $2 billion, based on its stock value.
They believe the company would fetch at least that much if liquidated, and could hit $20 if things go well.
The break-up value is what a company might fetch if all its parts are sold.
Some analysts in London said the company should fetch even more, though.
Salomon argues that the company could fetch $45 to $55 a share.
At that level, optimistic investors seemed to think the company could fetch $65 a share in a buyout, or even more.
Mr. Graham estimated that the company would fetch at least $60 a share, or about $5 billion.
Comparable companies fetch about six times historical earnings or close to their book value, analysts and investment bankers say.
