SPRINGFIELD, MO— The potential merger between John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. and Barcelo Crestline Corporation is in jeopardy once again since JQH Hotels’ agreement to negotiate the merger exclusively with Barcelo expired yesterday. Furthermore, JQH’s principal stockholder, John Q. Hammons, has seen his exclusive negotiation agreement with Barcelo expire as well. Nevertheless, JQH Hotels’ board of directors reaffirmed the authority of its special committee that was previously formed by the board to negotiate the terms of any transaction with Barcelo on behalf of JQH’s Class A stockholders. This reaffirmation came about because John Q. Hammons himself has said that he wants to continue to pursue a possible merger transaction. Also helping the cause is the fact that the special committee has received another unsolicited proposal.