Flavor violation and tan β in gauge mediated models with messenger-matter mixing

We consider the Minimal Gauge Mediated Model (MGMM) with either fundamental or antisymmetric messenger multiplets and study consequences of messenger-matter mixing. We find that in these models, unlike MGMM without mixing, a wide range of tan beta is allowed. It is shown that existing experimental limits on processes with lepton flavor violation, and on K-0-(K) over bar(0), D-0-(D) over bar(0) and B-0-(B) over bar(0) mixing place significant constraints on relevant coupling constants and mixing parameters. On the other hand, the contributions of the messenger-matter mixing to the rates of 7 --> e gamma, 7 --> mu gamma and b --> s gamma may be well below the present experimental limits depending on the value of tan beta. We also point out the possibility of sizeable slepton oscillations in this model. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.