2.23 In pursuing its market testing process English Partnerships were able to avoid imposing significant costs on potential bidders who did not make the shortlist. Only the three firms short listed were requested to submit more fully developed proposals. Costs to bidders in the second process were high, but not unreasonably so. Meridian Delta Limited, the successful bidder, told us that although high, at some £850,000 prior to being appointed preferred bidder, they thought such costs were reasonable. Anschutz Entertainment found their participation cost twice the cost of those associated with the Staples Center in Los Angeles, reflecting the greater number of parties involved in the Dome scheme. Both the unsuccessful shortlisted bidders told us that their costs were substantial, but not unreasonable.