WorldCom Inc has denied reports that it is seeking an alliance with a Baby Bell in order to boost its bid for MCI Corp. The slump in world stock markets has made its all-share offer look considerably less attractive and rumors suggested it needed a partner in order to make a new offer with a cash component. But WorldCom dismissed the talk: We have not approached any of the Bells, said a spokesman. Wall Street opinion is that WorldCom will have to find some way to improve its original $30bn offer if it hopes to win.
