LDDS, bankers hold talks on bid for Williams Cos. unit.

LDDS Communications Inc. has held talks with bankers on financing an unsolicited $2 billion offer for Wiltel, the telecommunications unit of Williams Cos.

In a telephone interview Wednesday, LDDS president and chief executive Bernard Ebbers said LDDS is "confident of being able to finance" an all-cash offer.

LDDS has also offered to buy Wiltel with LDDS stock, or with a combination of stock and cash.

Banks Not Named

Mr. Ebbers declined to identify the banks, and he wouldn't comment on other possible funding sources.

NationsBank Texas is the existing agent bank for LDDS, a long-distance phone company based in Jackson, Miss.

Williams Cos., based in Tulsa, Okla., said it is studying the offer, which was disclosed in a regulatory filing.

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