IN BRIEF (Page 16)

MGM Mirage gets reprieve

MGM Mirage, the casino operator controlled by 91-year-old billionaire Kirk Kerkorian (right), won a two-month reprieve from banks to come up with a debt restructure plan as auditors questioned the company's ability to stay in business.

Banks granted the Las Vegas-based company covenant waivers on a $7 billion bank-loan facility until May 15, MGM Mirage said yesterday in a regulatory filing. The company also reported a $1.15 billion fourth-quarter loss after writing down properties because of shrinking gambling revenue.