Definition: In this task, a passage will be given and the goal is to identify an event from the passage. An event is defined as a single word representing something that happened, is happening, or may happen. An event can be factual or hypothetical, positive or negative, certain or uncertain. While most events are based on verbs, an event can also be based on a noun (ex. storm, snow, rainfall) or a copula verb (is, was, been, etc.). The event must not be a pronoun or an adjective. For noun events with multiple words, use the last word in the phrase as event.
Input: Passage: Under the deal, APL, the number two US firm, will retain its name and brand in the marketplace and will continue operations headed by its existing management in Oakland, California. "This merger in no way lessens APL's commitment to the US flag and American seafaring labor," said APL president Timothy Rhein.

operations