International to that of the $25 billion take-over of RJR Nabisco, it was claimed yesterday.

The fact that Regal is one of the smallest and least successful companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange does not matter to him, said Regal's former president, Mr. Vijay Dandapani.

One of Mr. Plunkett's favourite books was `Barbarians at the Gate', which was an account of the torrid battle for RJR Nabisco, said Mr. Dandapani.

"He really believed he and Beinhocker were in this league,'' said Mr.

Dandapani.

"I was absolutely astounded by his comparison. I remember it vividly even though it was two and a half years ago.

"I went into fits of laughter inwardly but managed to keep a calm exterior.'' The RJR Nabisco affair is the biggest take-over in American corporate history.

A TV movie is due to premiere tomorrow on the deal -- which has come to typify the "greed of the 1980s''.

Regal, which has been in deep financial trouble for years, pales in comparison of size.

At September 30, 1992, the company had assets of just $7.5 million and its shares were recently valued at just 16 cents.

Dr. Beinhocker and Mr. Fitzpatrick were involved in complicated takeover battles for Regal during the 1980s.

They first won control of the company in 1986, were subsequently overthrown by Mr. Ruben Aragon in a board room coup two years later, but ended up winning the battle by helping to kick out Mr. Aragon in 1991.