July 17 (Reuters) -  
    * Washington Co, whose takeover bid has been accepted by 
Canada's Dominion Diamond  DDC.TO , will continue search for new 
Dominion CEO, no timeline, Washington president Lawrence Simkins 
says 
    * Simkins says taking Dominion Diamond private allows for 
longer timeline to invest in exploration to expand mine life 
    * Simkins says will start process of talking to gov't of 
Canada on Dominion takeover on Monday, confident of approvals 
    * Simkins says Washington has had initial discussion with 
Rio Tinto about its 60 percent stake in Diavik diamond mine, 
which is 40 percent owned by Dominion 
    * Simkins says had no discussions with Dominion Diamond's 
shareholders on takeover 
 
Source text for Eikon:  ID:  
Further company coverage:  DDC.TO  
 
 (Reporting by Nicole Mordant) 
 ((nicole.mordant@thomsonreuters.com;))