For a maximal subgroup M of a finite group G, a theta-pair is any pair
of subgroups (C,D) of G such that (i) D<G, D<C, (ii) (M, C)=G, (M,D)=
M and (iii) C/D has no proper normal subgroup of G/D. A natural partia
l ordering is defined on the family of theta- pairs. We study the furt
her properties of the maximal theta-pairs of M and obtain several resu
lts on theta-pairs which imply G to be pi-solvable, pi-supersolvable a
nd pi-nilpotent.