New 8-K Rules Now Effective

By John T. Blatchford, Robyn B. Goldman and Jason K. Zachary

The SEC’s new Form 8-K rules went into effect on August 23, 2004. The new rules, which now require a Form 8-K to be filed within four business days of most reportable events, reorganize and expand Form 8-K to include the

following new disclosure items:

• entry into, material amendments to or termination of a material agreement;

• creation of new financial obligations or obligations under off-balance sheet arrangements, and the occurrence of events triggering an increase or acceleration;

• any exit or disposal plan, sale of long-lived assets or termination of employees pursuant to a plan of termination under which an issuer will incur material charges under GAAP;