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The Intrastate Offering Exemption from SEC Registration Requirements

Securities may be sold without first being registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission if one of several exemptions applies. An exemption does not allow the use of any false or misleading statements in the offer or sale of the securities, and the offering may still be subject to requirements under state laws. However, if an exemption is applicable, then the expense and burden of the initial registration and periodic reporting of substantial information about the company may be avoided.

Investment Advisor Codes of Ethics

Rule 204A-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, adopted pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, requires implementation of codes of ethics by investment advisers. Each adviser's code of ethics must include a standard of conduct and must require compliance with federal securities laws. The codes also must require that investment adviser employees must report their personal stock transactions, and copies of the codes must be made available to clients of the investment advisor.

Record Retention Requirements for Securities Brokers and Dealers

Brokers and dealers engaging in securities transactions are required to maintain various records for varying periods under Securities and Exchange Commission rules. For example, "blotters" reflecting all purchases and sales of securities must be retained for six years. Copies of sale or purchase confirmations must be kept in an easily accessible place for two years and then for an additional year thereafter.

"Mini" Tender Offers

Tender offers for less than five percent of the stock of a company have been labeled mini-tender offers. Such offers are subject to some regulation but are not subject to the full range of rules enacted to protect investors who own stock in a company for which a full tender offer is made. Thus, while a mini-tender offer may include a premium over market price for a selling shareholder, the lack of all of the protections provided for recipients of a full tender offer suggests a more cautious view of the merits of the mini-tender offer.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

Corrupt payments to foreign officials to obtain or keep business are prohibited by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. There are five elements of a violation of the provisions of the Act prohibiting bribery of foreign government officials.