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STATE OF
OFFICE OF
SECURITIES
121 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, ME 04333
In
the Matter of J.
P. Morgan Securities Inc., |
) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) |
CONSENT ORDER No. 03-104 |
WHEREAS, J. P. Morgan
Securities Inc. is a broker-dealer licensed in the state of
WHEREAS, coordinated
investigations into J. P. Morgan Securities Inc.’s activities in connection
with certain of its equity research practices
during the period of approximately July 1999 through June 2001 have been
conducted by a multi-state task force and a joint task force of the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), and
the NASD, Inc. (“NASD”) (collectively, the “regulators”);
WHEREAS, J. P. Morgan
Securities Inc. has cooperated with regulators conducting the investigations by
responding to inquiries, providing documentary evidence and other materials,
and providing regulators with access to facts relating to the investigations;
WHEREAS, J. P. Morgan
Securities Inc. has advised regulators of its agreement to resolve the
investigations relating to its research practices;
WHEREAS, J. P. Morgan
Securities Inc. agrees to implement certain changes with respect to its research
practices, and to make certain payments; and
WHEREAS, J. P. Morgan
Securities Inc. elects to permanently waive any right to a hearing and appeal
under 32 M.R.S.A. §§ 10708-10709 with respect to this Consent Order (the
“Order”);
NOW, THEREFORE, the Securities
Administrator of the State of Maine Office of Securities, as administrator of
the Revised Maine Securities Act, 32 M.R.S.A. §§ 10101-10713, hereby enters
this Order:
I.
B. Overview
C. Research Analyst Participation in Investment
Banking Activities
1.
Research analysts were responsible for providing analyses of the
financial outlook of particular companies in the context of the business
sectors in which those companies operated and the securities market as a
whole.
2.
Research analysts evaluated companies by, among other things, examining
financial and other information contained in public filings; questioning
company management; investigating customer and supplier relationships;
evaluating companies’ business plans and the products or services offered;
building financial models; and analyzing competitive trends.
3.
After synthesizing and analyzing this information, research analysts
drafted research reports and more abbreviated “notes” that typically contained
a recommendation, a price target, and a summary and analysis of the factors
upon which the analyst relied in issuing the price target and
recommendation.
4.
The Firm published research on publicly traded companies, and this
research was distributed to the Firm’s institutional and private equity
customers. Published research was made
available through mailing lists, the Firm’s website, and subscription services
provided by First Call. In addition, the
research was made available to some retail customers of another broker dealer
and offered via websites offering brokerage and investment services.
5.
In addition to performing these research functions, certain research
analysts participated in IB activities.
6.
These IB activities included identifying and/or vetting companies as
prospects for IB services, participating in pitches of IB services to
companies, participating in “roadshows” associated with underwriting
transactions, and speaking to investors to generate interest in underwriting
transactions.[1]
7.
These IB activities also included participating in commitment committee
and due diligence activities in connection with underwriting transactions and
assisting the IB Department in providing merger and acquisition (“M&A”) and
other advisory services to companies.[2]
8.
The Firm encouraged all research analysts to support its businesses,
including the Firm’s IB business, and in some cases, research analysts were
expected to participate in the foregoing IB activities. The level of analyst participation in these
IB activities was sometimes significant.
9.
For example, in an e-mail dated
10.
IB business was an important source of revenue for the
Firm. In 2000, the combined operating
revenues for JPM and Chase totaled $32.793 billion, and the combined revenues
for the Equity Capital Markets (“ECM”) and the M&A Departments at JPM and
Chase totaled $1.687 billion.
D. Participation in
Investment Banking Activities Was a Factor in Evaluating and Compensating
Research Analysts
1.
The compensation system at the Firm provided an incentive for research
analysts to participate in IB activities and to assist in generating IB
business for the Firm.
2.
The performance of research analysts was evaluated by the Head of
Research through an annual review process and, where not set by contract in
advance, the research analyst’s bonus was determined through this process.
3.
The Head of Research evaluated the research analysts’ job performance
through responses to self-evaluation forms; surveys of the sales force; input
from the IB, Sales, and Trading departments; consideration of market factors
and rankings by investor publications; and, in some cases, written “team
reviews” submitted by individual investment bankers.
4.
The self-evaluation forms contained questions on areas constituting the
major allocations of research analysts’ time, including questions relating to
participation in IB activities.
5.
In response to questions relating to participation in IB activities,
research analysts reported one or more of the following: their IB activities, accomplishments, and
goals; their participation in lead- and co-managed underwritings; and the fees
associated with IB transactions on which the analyst worked.
6.
For example, the “Investment Banking Activities” section of
a 1999 self-evaluation form queried: “In
what way have you assisted in discovering or executing banking transactions
(i.e., due diligence sessions, pitches)?
Be specific.” In response, a
research analyst stated: “Helped put
together and develop pitch books for KV Pharma and King Pharmaceuticals;” “Helping to come up with creative ideas and
contributing to brainstorming sessions with bankers – ad hoc and in biweekly
Monday meetings;” “Have a good handle on which companies will need financing in
the near future and stepping up research efforts to ensure a place for H&Q on
the cover;” and “Increasing responsibility in the office allows [another
research analyst] to travel and be more active in pitching and winning deals
with new companies.”
7.
In another example, a research analyst stated the following
in response to IB questions contained in his year 2000 self-evaluation
form: “Completed 21 investment banking
deals, including 11 lead-managed deals.…Biotechnology new issues have generated
$70 million in primary fees in fiscal year 2000 YTD. In 2000 we were ranked #1 in healthcare
common equity offerings by U.S. Issuers, raising $3.9 billion and capturing
21.9% market share.” In addition, the
analyst listed all deals on which he worked that were “Lead Managed,”
“Co-managed, “Pitched,” and “Pending.”
8.
The self-evaluation forms conveyed to research analysts
some of the criteria used to evaluate their performance. As reflected in the IB questions contained in
the forms, contribution to the Firm’s IB business was an important part of the
analyst’s job.
9.
In some circumstances, research analysts requested that individual
investment bankers complete a written “team review” of the analyst, which was
then submitted to the Head of Research.
In these reviews, the investment banker described his or her contact
with the analyst and the analyst’s participation in IB activities, including
pitch and underwriting activities.
10.
For example, in a 1999 review of a research analyst by an
investment banker, the banker stated the following: “I have worked extensively with [this
research analyst] over the past year. I
probably speak to her everyday [sic] on topics ranging from executing live
transactions, evaluating potential business opportunities, drafting ‘pitch’
presentations, coordinating scheduling and marketing efforts across IB, and
strategizing about the Internet practice….I consider [her] to be a partner in
our building of the firm’s Internet franchise and, as a result, probably work
more closely with her than anyone in IB.”
11.
Research analysts sometimes provided reviews of investment bankers in
conjunction with the banker’s performance review. In these reviews, analysts described their
contact with the banker and referenced participation in specific IB activities.
12.
For example, in an e-mail dated
13.
Based upon comments in the self-evaluations completed by research
analysts and the reviews completed by both analysts and investment bankers, the
two groups worked closely on IB transactions and shared a common goal of
building the Firm’s IB business.
14.
The Head of Research reviewed the self-evaluations and team reviews and
provided a verbal and/or written evaluation of the research analyst. The written evaluations provided feedback on
the analyst’s performance during the year and in certain cases highlighted the
analyst’s participation in IB activities, including the revenues generated by
IB transactions on which the analyst worked.
15.
For example, the Head of Research at RESPONDENT JPMSI
stated the following in the first paragraph of his year 2000 evaluation of a
research analyst: “By every measure,
[the research analyst] had an outstanding year in 2000. Most importantly, [he] led the charge in
establishing J.P. Morgan as the #1 biotech shop with a resounding 21.9% share
of the underwriting wallet in his sector.
[He] supported 21 transactions this year, 11 of which were as the lead
underwriter. The revenue attributable to
these transactions is over $70 mm.” Later
in the evaluation, the Head of Research stated that the analyst’s contribution
to the Firm’s “corporate underwriting business” was “enormous.”
16.
Comments by the Head of Research conveyed to
research analysts the performance areas that were important to research
management and the Firm. Based upon
these comments, certain analysts were encouraged to participate in IB
activities, increase IB revenues, and enhance the reputation of the Firm’s IB
franchise.
17.
Research analyst bonuses were determined by the Head of Research in his
discretion after considering several factors that contributed to the analyst’s
market value.
18.
The research analyst’s contribution to and impact on the Firm’s IB
business, and the fees generated by IB transactions on which the analyst
worked, were some of the factors used to determine the analyst’s bonus. If the analyst did not disclose in the self-
evaluation form the fees generated by the IB transactions on which he or she
worked, the Head of Research requested this information from the ECM Department
at the Firm.
E. Investment Banking
Interests Influenced the Firm’s Decision to Initiate and Maintain Research
Coverage
1.
In general, the Firm determined whether to initiate and maintain
research coverage based upon institutional investors’ interest in the company
and/or based upon IB considerations, such as attracting companies to generate
IB business or maintaining a positive relationship with existing IB
clients.
2.
Regarding companies for which the Firm lead- or co-managed an underwriting
transaction, research coverage was typically initiated and maintained for a
period of time beyond the transaction.
3.
The Head of Research was responsible for approval of the determination
to issue, maintain, and drop research coverage.
The Head of Research solicited input from other departments, including
the IB Department, to determine the coverage preferences of those
departments. IB considerations sometimes
played a role in the decision to initiate and maintain research coverage.
4.
For example, after the merger of JPM and Chase, the Director of U.S.
Equity Research at RESPONDENT JPMSI sent an e-mail entitled: “U.S. Equity Research Organizational
Announcement.” Attached was an internal
memorandum “outlining Investment Banking Coordination Responsibilities,” which
stated: “One of the important duties of
the Director of Research is to work closely with Investment Banking to ensure
that research resources are appropriately aligned with identified investment
banking opportunities.”
5.
In addition, the Head of Research requested that research analysts
obtain from investment bankers lists of companies that the bankers wanted under
coverage.
6.
For example, an e-mail dated November 4, 1999, from the Head of
Research to all equity research analysts, stated: “[T]alk to your counterparts in IB and
prepare a list of the companies that they would like you to cover.…Please be
sure to have a conversation with the appropriate bankers before you submit your
list.”
7.
Some research analysts and investment bankers actively coordinated the
initiation and maintenance of research coverage based upon, among other things,
IB considerations. This coordination
consisted of meetings and communications by telephone and e-mail.
8.
For example, a research analyst sent an e-mail, dated March 9, 2001, to
the Director of U.S. Equity Research at RESPONDENT JPMSI which stated: “[Another research analyst] and I have
prioritized the coverage area in coordination with banking, and we are moving
to a more targeted (no pun intended) investor marketing plan which
leverages our combined coverage.…We are clearly focused on building both the
brokerage and banking businesses.…We are actively discussing trimming a couple
of the less relevant of these companies and replacing them with larger market
capitalization firms which we can bank.…In total, I would look to us to
initiate on two non-deal related stocks this year, keeping the total
names under coverage around the current level.
In addition to two non-deal initiations, we have mapped out the year and
have planned original theme pieces and other value-added activities for
investors including non-deal related road shows….Banking: We already did KPMG, for which I believe we
were paid $12.5M. And we have
been mandated as a senior co-manager on Accenture, another large
transaction. Beyond these, a likely
opportunity later in the year is Technology Partners International, an
outsourcing consultant. We are well
positioned to lead this company’s IPO….[An investment banker] leads the
coordinated banking effort covering the sector, and we are working closely with
[him] and the other coverage bankers to bank existing companies and to identify
quality early stage firms.” (Emphasis in
the original.)
9.
In another example, an investment banker sent an e-mail, dated
10.
In another example, a research analyst sent an e-mail,
dated
11.
The following e-mails reflect the IB influences in the initiation and
maintenance of research coverage as perceived by an individual research
analyst.
12.
In an e-mail dated November 2, 2000, a research analyst
provided a team review of an investment banker that stated the following: “I have worked with [the banker] on the
International Rectifier (IRF) account since around mid-1998…and he lobbied me
very actively to pick up coverage so that JPM could go after the banking
business, especially equities but also potentially debt, M&A, etc. My attitude initially was that IRF is a low-grade
semiconductor company that would be hard to sell to buy-side clients, but [he]
kept pushing the banking potential.…Finally, I picked up coverage in December
1998…. Then, IRF threw sand in our eyes by giving the lead to Morgan
Stanley….We picked up coverage when they needed us most at the bottom of the
semiconductor cycle and supported the stock enormously. When the plum banking assignment came up that
would pay us back for our support, IRF handed the deal to MS, which had zero
history with the company.”
13.
In an e-mail dated August 8, 2000, the same research
analyst stated: “Given how thoroughly we
just got screwed on IRF, [the Head of Research of RESPONDENT JPMSI] is not
interested in hearing stories about how if we initiate coverage, then we will
be considered for banking business. He wants to hear that the banking business is
locked up. We’ve been screwed too many
times.…[O]ur not covering IFX [Infineon Technologies] is a direct result of
being offered money-losing table scraps in the IPO….I guess I’m still in the
same old place. Initiating coverage of
IFX some time in the next six months is no problem, especially as [a research
analyst] is going to have to cover it eventually anyway. It doesn’t make sense to have a European
semiconductor analyst that does not cover Infineon.” (Emphasis in the original.)
14.
In addition, consideration of “investment banking sensitivities” was
included in a discussion of the Firm’s “Long Term Buy” (“LTB”) research rating.
15.
An e-mail dated
16.
The e-mail’s subject line stated:
“Public dissemination of coverage and Re-Rating your
stocks—IMPORTANT*****.” The e-mail stated: The guidelines for determining the rating
are below…. Long-Term Buy: 0-10%
outperformance of the relevant benchmark target within a twelve to eighteen
month time frame. Shorter-term catalysts
to explain the ‘longer-term’ nature of the recommendation, or in certain
circumstances investment banking sensitivities, are appropriate for this
designation.” (Emphasis in the
original.)
F. The Firm Provided Certain
Companies With an Informal “Warranty” of Research Coverage in Conjunction With
Investment Banking Transactions
1.
The Firm typically initiated research coverage on companies that
engaged the Firm in an IB transaction.
2.
H&Q and Chase H&Q had an informal policy of providing certain
companies with a “warranty” of research coverage in conjunction with IB
transactions.
3.
For example, in an e-mail dated
4.
The Firm verbally promoted this warranty research coverage in conjunction
with pitches of IB business to companies, and research coverage would be
maintained on certain companies subject to the warranty.
5.
For example, in an e-mail dated
6.
Also, in an e-mail dated
1.
During the relevant period, companies considered research coverage to
be an important factor in selecting a firm for an underwriting
transaction.
2.
In certain pitch materials, the Research Department, and research
analysts in particular, were described to implicitly suggest that the Firm
would provide favorable research coverage after the IB transaction.[3] The research analyst’s reputation and
industry ranking, statistics regarding the percentage of lead- and co-managed
IPOs currently under coverage, and the Firm’s “aftermarket support” were
promoted in pitch materials. In addition,
the Firm utilized “case studies” of companies under coverage that included
charts comparing the dates of positive published research to the company’s
stock price. The case studies showed the
stock price increases following the analyst’s positive recommendation and/or
placement on the analyst’s or the Firm’s “Focus Lists.”
3.
For example, in an e-mail dated
4.
The case studies contained charts that showed the stock
price increases following placement of the stocks on the analyst’s and Firm’s
focus lists. The “Wireless Facilities
Case Study” stated the following: “Chase
H&Q adds WFI to Focus List: WFI
gains 11.7% (
5.
Also presented were excerpts of positive commentary by the
research analyst that accompanied the Buy ratings and/or placement on the focus
lists.
H. Research Analysts Were Visible on
Stocks to Generate Investment Banking Business
1.
Research analysts were encouraged to increase their visibility, or
level of communication, on certain stocks to generate IB business.
2.
Lists of stocks were distributed to various departments at the Firm,
including the Research Department.
3.
The “ECM [Equity Capital Markets] target list” contained stocks of
companies from which the Firm was seeking IB business during the next eighteen
(18) months.
4.
The “trading focus list” contained stocks of companies from which the
Firm was seeking IB or underwriting business during the next three months.
5.
The Research Department and other departments were at times encouraged
to increase the trading volume of the stocks on the lists for IB purposes.
6.
The following e-mail, dated May 11, 2001, and sent from an investment
banker to individuals on the “IB Ebusiness” distribution list, explains the
rationale for the two lists: “The
criteria for being on the [ECM target] list is…potential equity business over the
next 18 months where we would like to target the resources of the firm to win
the books.…Our objective is to make sure we are being as proactive as possible
from an equity perspective, and focusing the equity resources of the firm on
these targets to help you win the books for these transactions….The criteria
for being placed on the trading focus list is an investment banking event with
[sic] the NEXT THREE MONTHS.…This investment banking list could be an m&a
event or an equity event….In cases where the investment banking event will occur
far in advance, our first approach is to work with the traders, analysts and
sales traders to increase our trading activity naturally, before we start
spending the firm’s capital.” (Emphasis
in the original.)
7.
Trading rank was important to a company’s choice of a firm for IB
transactions, and the Firm’s trading rank was often promoted in pitch materials
provided to potential IB clients.
8.
For example, pitch materials provided in conjunction with the AppNet
IPO contained a section entitled, “Commitment to Corporate Clients Delivers
Institutional Credibility and Trading Strength.” There, H&Q’s Autex trading rank is
identified as “#1,” “#2,” “#3,” and “#4” in the stocks of specific companies
that engaged H&Q for an IPO.
9.
Certain research analysts were encouraged to increase their visibility,
or level of communication, on stocks contained in the lists.
10.
For example, in an e-mail dated
I. Payments for Research
1.
During the relevant period, H&Q and Chase H&Q made seven
payments totaling $1,312,500 for research issued in conjunction with five
underwriting transactions in which the Firm was a lead- or co-manager.
2.
H&Q and Chase H&Q made these payments for research without
disclosing or ensuring their disclosure in offering documents or
elsewhere.
1.
While the role of research analysts was to produce
objective research, the Firm also encouraged them to participate in IB
activities.
2.
In addition, the Research and IB Departments had a formal connection
within the Firm’s organizational structure.
From February to December 2000 at RESPONDENT JPMSI, the Head of Research
had a dual reporting line to both the Head of Equities and the Head of
Investment Banking.
3.
Also, in 2000 at Chase H&Q, research analysts were organized and
placed into “Analyst Sub-pods” for purposes of managing and monitoring their IB
activities. Research analysts reported
to “Sub-pod Managers,” who were investment bankers and were responsible for the
day-to-day coordination of the research analysts’ IB activities.
4.
The Analyst Sub-pod system for Chase H&Q “Internet Research and
Banking” is explained in a May 2000 Chase H&Q interoffice memorandum which
contained a “coordination chart.” In the
chart, the Analyst Sub-pods had a direct reporting line to the Sub-pod
Managers. The memorandum stated the
following: “The ‘Analyst Sub-pod’ is the
organizational engine for all that we do.”
Sub-pod Managers, who were investment bankers, were responsible for the
“pipeline management and…the day-to-day coordination of the particular analyst
as it relates to investment banking activity.…The Sub-pod Manager is not
responsible for executing all of that particular analyst’s transactions,
but is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated. As such, the Sub-pod Manager should expect to
spend a majority of his time banking the Sub-pod Analyst with the balance of
his time spent banking other analysts as the demands of the business require
it.” (Emphasis in the original.)
5.
The Analyst Sub-pod system was created to provide “enhanced
coordination between Banking and Research.”
6.
As a result of the foregoing, research analysts were
subject to IB influences and conflicts of interest between supporting the
Firm’s IB business and publishing objective research. The Firm had
knowledge of these IB influences and conflicts of interest yet failed to manage
them adequately to protect the objectivity of published research.
7.
The Firm failed to establish and maintain adequate
policies, systems, and procedures reasonably designed to ensure the objectivity
of its published research. Although the
Firm had some policies governing research analysts’ activities during the
relevant period, these policies were inadequate and did not address the IB
influences and conflicts of interest that existed.
II.
CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
1. The Office of Securities has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to the Revised Maine Securities Act, 32 M.R.S.A. §§ 10101-10713.
2. The Securities Administrator
finds that Respondent JPMSI failed to establish and enforce written supervisory
procedures reasonably designed to ensure that analysts were not unduly
influenced by investment banking concerns in violation of 32 M.R.S.A. § 10313(1)(J).
3. The Securities Administrator
finds that Respondent JPMSI engaged in acts and practices that created or
maintained inappropriate influence by the IB Department over research analysts,
therefore imposing conflicts of interest on its research analysts, and failing
to manage these conflicts in an adequate or appropriate manner, in violation of 32 M.R.S.A. § 10313(1)(G).
4. The Securities Administrator
finds that Respondent JPMSI made payments for research to other broker-dealers
not involved in an underwriting transaction when the Firm knew that these
payments were made, at least in part, for research coverage, and failing to
disclose or cause to be disclosed in offering documents or elsewhere the fact
of such payments constituted a violation of 32
M.R.S.A. § 10313(1)(G).
5. The Securities Administrator
finds the following relief appropriate and in the public interest.
On the
basis of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Respondent JPMSI's consent to the entry of this Order, for the sole
purpose of settling this matter, prior to a hearing and without admitting the
Findings of Facts or Conclusions of Law
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:
1.
This Order concludes the investigation by the Office
of Securities and any other action that the Office of
Securities could commence under the
Revised Maine Securities Act on behalf of the Securities Administrator as it
relates to J. P. Morgan Securities Inc., relating to certain research practices
at J. P. Morgan Securities Inc.
2.
J. P.
Morgan Securities Inc. will CEASE AND DESIST from violating sections 10313(1)(G)
and 10313(1)(J) of the Revised Maine Securities Act in connection with the
research practices referenced in this Consent Order and will comply with the
undertakings of Addendum A, incorporated herein by reference.
3. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED
that:
As a result of the Findings of Fact and Conclusions
of Law contained in this Order, J. P.
Morgan Securities Inc. shall pay a total amount of $80,000,000.00. This total amount shall be paid as specified
in the SEC Final Judgment as follows:
$25,000,000 to the states (50 states, plus the
$25,000,000 as disgorgement of commissions, fees and
other monies as specified in the SEC Final Judgment;
$25,000,000, to be used for the procurement of
independent research, as described in the SEC Final Judgment;
$5,000,000, to be used for investor education, as described in the SEC Final Judgment.
J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. agrees that it shall not seek or accept, directly
or indirectly, reimbursement or indemnification, including, but not limited to
payment made pursuant to any insurance policy, with regard to all penalty
amounts that J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. shall pay pursuant to this Order or
Section II of the SEC Final Judgment, regardless of whether such penalty
amounts or any part thereof are added to the Distribution Fund Account referred
to in the SEC Final Judgment or otherwise used for the benefit of investors. J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. further agrees
that it shall not claim, assert, or apply for a tax deduction or tax credit
with regard to any state, federal or local tax for any penalty amounts that J.
P. Morgan Securities Inc. shall pay pursuant to this Order or Section II of the
SEC Final Judgment, regardless of whether such penalty amounts or any part
thereof are added to the Distribution Fund Account referred to in the SEC Final
Judgment or otherwise used for the benefit of investors. J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. understands and
acknowledges that these provisions are not intended to imply that the Office of
Securities would agree that any other amounts J. P. Morgan Securities Inc.
shall pay pursuant to the SEC Final Judgment may be reimbursed or indemnified
(whether pursuant to an insurance policy or otherwise) under applicable law or
may be the basis for any tax deduction or tax credit with regard to any state,
federal or local tax.
4. J. P. Morgan Securities Inc.
shall comply with the undertakings of Addendum A, incorporated herein by
reference.
5. If payment is not made by J.
P. Morgan Securities Inc. or if J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. defaults in any of
its obligations set forth in this Order, the Office of Securities may vacate
this Order, at its sole discretion, upon 10 days written notice to J. P. Morgan
Securities Inc. and without opportunity for administrative hearing.
6. This Order is not intended
by the Office of Securities to subject any Covered Person to any
disqualifications under the laws of any state, the District of Columbia or
Puerto Rico (collectively, “State”), including, without limitation, any
disqualifications from relying upon the State registration exemptions or State
safe harbor provisions. "Covered
Person" means J. P. Morgan Securities Inc., or any of its officers,
directors, affiliates, current or former employees, or other persons that would
otherwise be disqualified as a result of the Orders (as defined below).
7. The SEC Final Judgment, the
NYSE Stipulation and Consent, the NASD Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and
Consent, this Order and the order of any other State in related proceedings
against J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. (collectively, the “Orders”) shall not
disqualify any Covered Person from any business that they otherwise are qualified,
licensed or permitted to perform under applicable law of Maine and any
disqualifications from relying upon this state’s registration exemptions or
safe harbor provisions that arise from the Orders are hereby waived.
8. For any person or entity not a party to this
Order, this Order does not limit or create any private rights or remedies
against J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. including, without limitation, the use of
any e-mails or other documents of J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. or of others
regarding research practices, or limit or create liability of J. P. Morgan
Securities Inc. or limit or create defenses of J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. to
any claims.
9. Nothing
herein shall preclude the State of Maine, its departments, agencies, boards,
commissions, authorities, political subdivisions and corporations, other than
the Office of Securities and only to the extent set forth in paragraph 1 above
(collectively, “State Entities”) and the officers, agents or employees of State
Entities from asserting any claims, causes of action, or applications for
compensatory, nominal and/or punitive damages, or administrative, civil,
criminal, or injunctive relief, against J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. in
connection with certain research practices at J. P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Dated this 28th day
of August, 2003.
By: s/Christine
A. Bruenn
Christine
A. Bruenn, Securities Administrator
State
of
CONSENT TO ENTRY OF
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
BY J. P. MORGAN SECURITIES,
INC.
J.
P. Morgan Securities Inc. hereby acknowledges that it has been served with a
copy of this Order, has read the foregoing Order, is aware of its right to a
hearing and appeal in this matter, and has waived the same.
J.
P. Morgan Securities Inc. admits the jurisdiction of the Office of Securities,
neither admits nor denies the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law contained
in this Order; and consents to entry of this Order by the Securities
Administrator without a hearing and solely as settlement of the issues
contained in this Order.
J.
P. Morgan Securities Inc. states that no promise of any kind or nature
whatsoever was made to it to induce it to enter into this Order and that it has
entered into this Order voluntarily.
Paul
W. Brandow represents that he/she is Chairman
and President of J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. and that, as such, has been
authorized by J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. to enter into this Order for and on
behalf of J. P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Dated
this 25th day of August, 2003.
J. P. Morgan
Securities Inc.
By: s/Paul W. Brandow
Title:
Chairman and President
SUBSCRIBED
AND SWORN TO before me this _____ day of __________________, 2003.
____________________________________________
Notary Public
My
Commission expires:
____________________
[1] A “roadshow” is a series of presentations made to potential investors in conjunction with the marketing of an upcoming underwriting.
[2] The “commitment committee” was responsible for, among other things, evaluating and then either approving or rejecting the Firm’s participation in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and other IB transactions.
[3] “Pitch materials” are the written materials provided to the management of an issuer in conjunction with the Firm’s pitch or presentation of its strengths and capabilities in conducting an upcoming IPO or other IB transaction.