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Date
Rule
15 USC 18a(c)(10) - 7A(c)(10)
Staff
Michael Verne
Response/Comments
Yes - A-D can use the (c)(10) exemption as long as Parent and Buyer are shells.

Question

From: (redacted)

Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 10:55 AM

To: Verne, B.Michael

Subject: (c)(10) statutoryexemption

Mike,

Would the A, B, C & D be able totake advantage of the (c)(10) statutory exemption (transaction does notdirectly or indirectly increase voting percentage) under the following facts?

Today, A, B, C, andD each own 25% of Holdings.

E is going toindirectly buy 80% of Holdings and A-D will each drop to 5% each. E has filedan HSR for this purchase.

For tax and Bermuda law reasons, rather than Epurchasing 80% of Holdings, two new entities are being created on top ofHoldings.

A-D E

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5% each 80%

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[Parent]

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100%

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[Buyer]

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100%

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[Holdings]

The only asset ofParent will be 100% of Buyer. The only asset of Buyer will be 100% of Holdings.

Technically, A, B, C, and D willexchange their Holdings shares for cash plus shares in Parent. I know there isan interpretation that the creation of a new holding company above an existingholding company that is done on a pro rata basis is exempt. This is not beingdone on a pro rata basis, but E is filing HSR for its acquisition. Can A, B, C& D take advantage of (c)(10) because their voting interest is beingreduced from 25% each to 5% each, even though Parent is technically a different"issuer" than Holdings?

If you need any other facts, pleaselet me know. Thank you,

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