0004014 Informal Interpretation

[redacted]

April 24, 2000

Mr. Patrick Sharp

Compliance Specialist

Federal Trade Commission

Premerger Notification Office

6th and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20580

Re: Nonreportability of Transaction

Dear Patrick:

This letter will confirm our telephone conversation this afternoon in which we discussed the following situation:

Company A, a multibillion international company, purposes acquiring approximately 1% of common voting stock in Company B, a company with a multibillion market capitalization for over $15 million. By agreement of the parties, Company A must vote the stock in accordance with Company B's management. Company A will have no rights to board representation and Company A has no intention of taking an active management role in Company B. Company A views the investment in Company B as "strategic" and seeks to become a preferred supplier of Company B and affiliates of Company B for a service that is not a major cost component for Company B or its affiliates' services. There is no present obligation, however, that Company B or its affiliates actually purchase such services from Company A.

Based upon the above facts, you agreed that the acquisition of the Company B voting securities by Company A would be nonreportable under 16 C.F.R. 802.9 since it is being made solely for investment purposes. Please tell me immediately if I have any way misunderstood your advice in this regard.

As always, I appreciate you assistance. Best personal regards.

Sincerely,

[redacted]