Notice of Roundtable Discussion Regarding Proposed Rules Relating to Security Holder Director Nominations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2004-15

Washington, D.C., Feb. 9, 2004 – The Securities and Exchange Commission announced today that it will host a roundtable on March 10, 2004, from 9 a.m. – 5:15 p.m., to discuss the rules proposed by the Commission on Oct. 14, 2003, relating to security holder director nominations. As more fully described in the proposing release, which is available on the Commission’s Web site, the proposals would, under certain circumstances, require companies to include in their proxy materials disclosure regarding security holder nominees for election as director.

The roundtable will take place in the William O. Douglas Room of the Commission’s headquarters at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. on March 10, 2004. The public is invited to observe the discussion, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The roundtable discussion also will be available via webcast on the Commission’s Web site at www.sec.gov. A final agenda and list of participants will be published in a press release prior to the roundtable discussion.

The Commission will accept comments regarding issues addressed in the roundtable discussion and otherwise regarding the proposed rule amendments from March 10, 2004 until March 31, 2004. Any comments should be sent either by U.S. mail or electronic mail. It is not necessary to send the same comments in both formats. Comments should be submitted in triplicate to Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549-0609. Comments also may be submitted electronically at the following e-mail address: rule-comments@sec.gov. All comment letters should refer to File No. S7-19-03. This number should be included in the subject line if sent via electronic mail. Comment letters will be posted on the Commission’s Web site at www.sec.gov. We do not edit personal information, such as names or electronic mail addresses, from comment letters. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly.

For additional information, please contact Lillian C. Brown or Andrew Brady, Division of Corporation Finance, at (202) 824-5250, or, with regard to investment companies, John M. Faust, Division of Investment Management, at (202) 942-0721, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549.