Japanese companies also spurn mergers and acquisitions as disruptive and gimmicky.

After all, he says, the company spurned frequent-flier cards for fear of diluting its brand and lost millions of its best customers as a result.

Meanwhile, the company spurned involvement in China's Little Smart local mobile-telephone network, a cheap, relatively low-tech service that has been a big hit with consumers.

Big companies such as General Motors have already spurned overtures for cash.

It was the third time in less than a year that the company had spurned an offer from Revlon's chairman, Ronald O. Perelman.

Not every company would coyly spurn billions of dollars and front-page attention.

The company has spurned a $61-a-share bid from Campeau.

The company spurned Paramount, opting to merge with Warner Communications.

Today, many companies are spurning ultra-expensive, high-status buildings for more serviceable and affordable space.

Before a record company spurned him but signed the young woman singer who had captured his heart.