Court hearings have ended in the US lawsuit brought by Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda Corp. alleging that Daimler-Benz's merger with Chrysler was in effect a take-over that deprived Chrysler shareholders of a fair offer.

The case will be decided by the presiding judge, who, US reports say, can take as long as he wants to make a decision. But the same reports suggest that an appeal is likely, whichever side wins, and notes that the lawyers on both sides have so far racked up legal bills in excess of $50 million.