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EXHIBIT 23(a)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-31980 of The Bear Stearns Companies
Inc. on Form S-3 of our reports dated August 23, 1999 appearing in and
incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Bear
Stearns Companies Inc. for the year ended June 30, 1999, and to the reference
to us under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus which is part of said
Registration Statement.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
August 1, 2000