Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 425 (2024)

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Upon Written Request Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of FOIA Services, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549–2736

Notice is hereby given, that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) is soliciting comments on the collection of information summarized below. The Commission plans to submit this existing collection of information to the Office of Management and Budget for extension and approval.

Rule 425 (17 CFR 230.425) under the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.) requires the filing of certain prospectuses and communications under Rule 135 (17 CFR 230.135) and Rule 165 (17 CFR 230.165) in connection with business combination transactions. The purpose of the rule is to permit more oral and written communications with shareholders about tender offers, mergers and other business combination transactions on a more timely basis, so long as the written communications are filed on the date of first use. Approximately 5,370 issuers file communications under Rule 425 at an estimated 0.25 hours per response for a total 1,343 annual burden hours (0.25 hours per response × 5,370 responses).

Written comments are invited on: (a) whether this proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden imposed by the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted in writing within 60 days of this publication by December 4, 2023.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number.

Please direct your written comment to David Bottom, Director/Chief Information Officer, Securities and Exchange Commission, c/o John Pezzullo, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549 or send an email to: PRA_Mailbox@sec.gov.