10 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK: In a deal worth an estimated $20 million, entertainer Michael Jackson made his debut as spokesman for L.A. Gear in what was called the most expensive promotional agreement ever struck between a company and a celebrity Marvin Davis lost his bid to take over the parent company of United Airlines but said he would be willing to match the winning offer if it fell through.

THE NEWSMAKER

Kirk Kerkorian accepted a $1.5 billion purchase offer for MGM/UA Communications from Australia’s Qintex Corp. over an 11th hour bid from two firms controlled by media mogul Rupert Murdoch. The deal was viewed as yet another financial magic trick by Kerkorian, who was accused by the Murdoch camp of soliciting their bid to jack up the Qintex offer.

THE NUMBERS

SEPTEMBER 13, 1989

Dow Jones Industrial Average 2767.29

London gold $359/oz.

Ultra-Brite toothpaste $1.16

Black and Decker Dustbuster $21