Analysts said that the deal had been expected since early 1998, when the earlier talks between the companies collapsed.

The board's move had been expected since late last year.

But few people were willing to make firm predictions because almost nothing had gone as expected since the bidding opened on Monday.

I haven't expected anything else since the minute I realized she was gone.

It was a moment we have expected ever since Sept. 11.

He had expected a visit from this gentleman, ever since his last call to Burbank.

The need for added funds has been expected since last May.

The first move had been expected since the early days of the season; the second was not unexpected either.

The charges had been expected since late last year.

The order had been expected since a Justice Department announcement last week.