HARCOURT <HBJ> DISAPPOINTED WITH HARPER <HPR> Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc said it is disappointed that no negotiations with Harper and Row Publishers Inc are underway. Harcourt made a 50 dlrs a share unsolicited bid on March 11. On March 17, Harcourt said three of its officers met with Harper's financial advisor but has had no discussions since then. Harcourt said it does not plan to increase its bid. Harcourt's bid was preceded by an earlier 34 dlrs a share bid by Theodore Cross. Harper had no response to Harcourt's announcement. Earlier today, Harper said a recently appointed special committee of independent directors had received expressions of interest from several domestic and foreign firms with respect to restructuring or acquisition transactions. Harper said no determination had been made as to any transaction and that its special committee is continuing in talks with interested parties in an effort to come to a conclusion in the near future.