Securities And Exchange Commission: Easing Of Issuer Repurchase Restrictions To End. Will Not Be Renewed

On September 28,2001, the Commission issued an exemptive order temporarily easing certain restrictions of Rule 10b-18 and giving relief from pooling of interest provisions for issuers repurchasing their own common stock.

The relief provided in that order expires tomorrow, October 12, 2001, and will not be renewed.

The SEC will continue to staff hotlines for investors and market participants. Investors can e-mail questions to the SEC staff at help@sec.gov. The toll-free investor telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330. Firms seeking additional information about the Financial Responsibility Rules should call the SEC staff at 202-942-7891, 202-942- 7892 or 202-942-7893. All other firm inquires should be directed to 202-942-0069.