3 AAC 08.315 - False or misleading statements

(a) A solicitation may not be made by means of a proxy statement, proxy, notice of meeting, or other communication that contains a material misrepresentation. A misrepresentation is a statement that, at the time and under the circumstances in which it is made (1) is false or misleading with respect to a material fact; (2) omits a material fact necessary in order to make a statement made in the solicitation not false or misleading; or (3) omits a material fact necessary to correct a statement, in an earlier communication regarding the solicitation of a proxy for the same meeting or subject matter, which has become false or misleading. A misrepresentation is material if there is substantial likelihood that a reasonable shareholder would consider it important in deciding how to vote. A series of statements or omissions that are objectively false or misleading, but which might not be material misrepresentations if considered separately, might be material misrepresentations if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable shareholder would consider the series important in deciding how to vote. Subjective proof that one or more shareholders actually granted a proxy because of a misrepresentation is not required. The following are some examples of what, depending upon particular facts and circumstances, might be misleading within the meaning of 3 AAC 08.305 - 3 AAC 08.365:

(1) predictions as to specific future market values;

(2) material that directly or indirectly impugns character, integrity, or personal reputation, or directly or indirectly makes charges concerning improper, illegal, or immoral conduct or associations, without factual foundation;

(3) failure to identify a proxy statement, proxy, or other soliciting material so as to distinguish it clearly from the soliciting material of any other person soliciting for the same meeting or subject matter;

(4) claims made before a meeting regarding the results of a solicitation; and

(5) regarding the election of directors, failure to disclose the existence of an agreement or understanding among two or more nominees, proxyholders, or other participants with respect to voting of proxies, and failure to disclose the material provisions of such an agreement or understanding, in circumstances where such participants appear to solicit proxies independently or where there is no apparent affiliation among such participants.

(b) The fact that a proxy statement, proxy, or other soliciting material has been filed with or examined by the administrator under AS 45.55.139 is not a finding by the administrator that the material is accurate or complete or not false or misleading, or that the administrator has passed upon the merits of or approved any statement contained in the solicitation or any matter to be acted upon by shareholders. No representation to the contrary may be made.

(c) The administrator may require a person who has brought to his attention a solicitation which the person believes contains materially false or misleading statements to explain the reasons for his view in writing.

Notes

3 AAC 08.315

Eff. 1/4/81, Register 77; am 11/27/88, Register 108

Authority:AS 45.55.138

AS 45.55.139

AS 45.55.160

AS 45.55.170

AS 45.55.240