/raid1/www/Hosts/bankrupt/CAR

/raid1/www/Hosts/bankrupt/CAR_Public/030623.mbx C L A S S A C T I O N R E P O R T E R Monday, June 23, 2003, Vol. 5, No. 122 Headlines CENTRAL PARKING: Investors Launch Securities Fraud Lawsuit in TN FISHER-PRICE: Recalls 233,000 Crib Mobile Toys For Burn Hazard GOODYEAR TIRE: Liable for $4M in Damages in CO Entran II Suit HOLOCAUST LITIGATION: Suit V. French Railroad Sent Back to Court HOMIER DISTRIBUTING: Recalls Extension Cords For Fire Hazard HOMIER DISTRIBUTING: Recalls 180T Lights For Shock, Fire Hazard HOMIER DISTRIBUTING: Recalls 54T Work Lights For Shock Hazard HOUSEHOLD FINANCE: Court Denies Certification To Consumer Suit INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS: Enters Pact with PA Group, Physicians LAGROU COLD: Indicted for Storing Food in Rat-Infested Warehouse MARTHA STEWART: Trial Over Imclone Stock Fraud Set January 2004 MTC PHARMACY: Attorney General Commences Suit For Medi-Cal Fraud NESTLE WATER: Lawyer To Stop Consumer Lawsuit Over Bottled Water New Securities Fraud Cases CENTRAL PARKING: Charles Piven Lodges Securities Lawsuit in TN CORNERSTONE PROPANE: Kirby McInerney Files Securities Suit in CA CREE INC.: Charles Piven Lodges Securities Fraud Suit in M.D. NC CREE INC.: Milberg Weiss Lodges Securities Fraud Suit in M.D. NC CREE INC.: Goodkind Labaton Launches Securities Fraud Suit in NC CRYO-CELL INTERNATIONAL: Milberg Weiss Lodges FL Securities Suit DAISYTEK INTERNATIONAL: Schatz & Nobel Lodges TX Securities Suit FEDERAL HOME: Much Shelist Commences Securities Suit in E.D. VA FREDDIE MAC: Weinstein Kitchenoff Lodges Securities Suit in VA GUIDANT CORPORATION: Faruqi & Faruqi Files Securities Suit in IN GUIDANT CORPORATION: Spector Roseman Files Securities Suit in IN GUIDANT CORPORATION: Fruchter & Twersky Files IN Securities Suit GUIDANT CORPORATION: Schiffrin & Barroway Files Stock Suit in IN GUIDANT CORPORATION: Cauley Geller Lodges Securities Suit in IN TYCO INTERNATIONAL: Charles Piven Lodges Securities Suit in FL UBUY HOLDINGS: Charles Johnson Lodges Securities Lawsuit in FL ********* CENTRAL PARKING: Investors Launch Securities Fraud Lawsuit in TN ---------------------------------------------------------------- Central Parking Corporation faces several securities class actions filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, alleging that the defendants made material misrepresentations about the financial condition of the Company in violation of federal securities laws. The suit also names as defendants the Company's former CEO, its former CFO and its current CEO, and is filed on behalf of purchasers of the Company's publicly traded securities during the period between November 4, 2002 to February 13, 2003, inclusive. "I strongly believe that there is no merit to the allegations of wrongdoing made in the lawsuit, and we intend to defend the lawsuit vigorously," Monroe Carell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said in a press release. FISHER-PRICE: Recalls 233,000 Crib Mobile Toys For Burn Hazard -------------------------------------------------------------- Fisher Price is cooperating with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission by voluntarily recalling 233,000 Crib Mobile Toys. If batteries used in the mobile leak, the caustic liquid can seep out of the battery compartment, posing a risk of chemical burns to babies. Fisher-Price has received 30 reports of batteries leaking from the toy's battery compartment, including six reports of minor burn injuries to babies. These are Sparkling Symphony(tm) Mobile crib toys that attach to the crib side rail and play music and lights that are activated by remote control. Four star and moon characters are suspended from the mobile, which turns. The recalled toys have model number 71985 found on both the lower arm of the mobile and the back of the remote control. The Fisher-Price logo appears at the top of the upper arm, over the silver decoration. The recalled mobiles were manufactured from October 1999 through November 2000. A date code is located on the upper arm of the mobile and on the back of the remote control. Discount department stores and toy stores nationwide sold these mobiles between December 1999 and December 2001 for about $25. For more details, contact the Company by Phone: (800) 357-9460 anytime or visit the firm's Website: http://www.service.mattel.com. GOODYEAR TIRE: Liable for $4M in Damages in CO Entran II Suit ------------------------------------------------------------- The United States District Court in Colorado found Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company liable for $4 million in damages over its Entran II hose, which caused defects in in-floor home heating and sidewalk snowmelting systems, Reuters reports. The court ruled in a suit filed against the Company and the now- bankrupt Heatway Radiant Floors and Snowmelting, for which Goodyear was a secondary supplier. 35 Colorado homeowners filed the suit, alleging that they had to rip up their floors to install new heating systems. The plaintiffs initially asked the court to award up to $17 million in compensatory damages plus punitive damages. However, the jury ruled that Goodyear was neither liable for civil conspiracy nor liable under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. The jury rejected plaintiffs' claims that their homes were worth less because they had to install new systems. The Company told Reuters it will appeal the award, but also said it feels vindicated that it was not found liable on those "unwarranted" charges. The Company had argued that the problems arose because the Entran II system was not properly maintained, allowing the rubber to corrode. William Maywhort of Holland & Hart, who represented the homeowners, told Reuters he was very happy with the award. US District Judge Lewis Babcock, who presided over the seven-week long trial, will decide whether "prejudgment" interest will start from the time the systems were installed in the early 1990s or when the homeowners had to pay for repairs, several years later. The interest is set by law and is currently around 8 percent, Mr. Maywhort said. A class action is scheduled to begin in Colorado state court on similar allegations, next month. However, Goodyear's attorney Roger Thomasch told the court that attorneys were working on a "global settlement." Goodyear spokesman William Scherer later said the company was exploring options to "put this completely behind us" but because of the confidential nature of talks could not comment further, Reuters reports. HOLOCAUST LITIGATION: Suit V. French Railroad Sent Back to Court ---------------------------------------------------------------- The United States Second Circuit Court in Brooklyn revived the suit filed against the French national railroad Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer on behalf of holocaust survivors and heirs, sending it back to the United States District Court in Brooklyn, New York, the Associated Press reports. The suit charged the railroad of profiting after it delivered 72,000 Jews and others to Nazi concentration camps during World War II, billing the German and French Governments per person per kilometer. The suit was dismissed in 2001 after a federal judge said the railroad was immune from American litigation under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976. The appeals court said it was not clear whether the State Department in the 1940s would have authorized the litigation, as it would have been asked to do before the 1976 Congressional act, the New York Times reported. "It's a big victory for us," Harriet Tamen, a lawyer for the firm that filed the case in 2000, told the Times. Andreas Lowenfeld, who argued on behalf of the railroad, told AP his clients may appeal. HOMIER DISTRIBUTING: Recalls Extension Cords For Fire Hazard ------------------------------------------------------------ Homier Distributing Co., Inc. is cooperating with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission by voluntarily recalling 150,000 HDS Extension Cords. The cords have undersized wiring, which are not polarized and do not have overcurrent protection. This may cause overheating and pose a shock and fire hazard to customers. The products involved are HDC Brand 50-ft. Outdoor Extension Cord (Catalog #04247) and HDC Brand 100-ft. Outdoor Extension Cord (Catalog #04521). The 50-ft. cords are orange and have a three-prong plug. There is no labeling on the cord but the packaging reads, "HDC HOMIER DISTRIBUTING . 04247 50 FT. HEAVY DUTY EXTENSION CORD WITH 3-WIRE GROUNDED . MANUFACTURED IN CHINA." The 100-ft. cords also are orange and have a three-prong plug. The characters "65 C 16AWGX3C" are printed on the cord. The packaging reads, "HDC HOMIER DISTRIBUTING . 04521 100 FT. OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORD . MANUFACTURED IN CHINA" For more details, contact the Company by Mail: Homier Distributing Co., Customer Service Center, 100 Commerce Drive, Huntington, IN 46750 by Phone: (800) 348-5004 between 8 am and 5 pm ET Monday through Friday or by E-mail: www.customerservice@homier.com HOMIER DISTRIBUTING: Recalls 180T Lights For Shock, Fire Hazard --------------------------------------------------------------- Homier Distributing Co., Inc. is voluntarily recalling 180,000, HDC Brand Handyman's Trouble Lights (Catalog #04299) and HDC Brand Trouble Light with 25' Cord (Catalog #04109). The lights have undersized wiring, are not properly polarized. The lights also have inadequate grounding, faulty electrical connections, and plastic handles that once ignited continue to burn and spread flames, posing a shock, electrocution and fire hazard to consumers. The Handyman's trouble lights have a silver metal shroud, an orange plastic handle with a three-prong receptacle for an extension cord, and a 12-ft. orange cord. The metal shroud has the following labeling stamped into it, "CAUTION AVOID HAZARD - PULL PLUG WHEN RELAMPING - USE ONLY 75 WATT OR SMALLER BULB." The Trouble Lights with 25' Cord have a silver metal shroud, an orange plastic handle with a three-prong receptacle for an extension cord, and a 25-ft. orange cord with a three-prong plug. The metal shroud has the same words stamped into it as the 12-ft. model. The cords were manufactured in China. For more details, contact the Company by Mail: Homier Distributing Co., Customer Service Center, 100 Commerce Drive, Huntington, IN 46750 by Phone: (800) 348-5004 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or by E-mail: www.customerservice@homier.com HOMIER DISTRIBUTING: Recalls 54T Work Lights For Shock Hazard ------------------------------------------------------------- Homier Distributing Co., Inc. is cooperating with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission by voluntarily recalling 54,000 HDC Brand 16-inch AC/DC Fluorescent Work Lights (Catalog #04070). The lights lack proper grounding, have exposed live wires, faulty electrical connections, and have sharp metal edges that can damage the insulation of electrical wires, posing a shock or electrocution hazard to consumers. The work lights have a 16-inch fluorescent light bulb with a silver metal shield on one side and can be plugged into a household outlet or the cigarette lighter in a car. The metal shield is labeled in part, "3 PINS PLUG TO AC, 110V-120V CIGARETTE PLUG TO DC, 12V... MADE IN CHINA...WARNING: To Prevent Fire or Shock Do Not Expose This Appliance to Rain or Moisture." The entire light is about 20 inches long and the bulb and shield are encased in a plastic tube with yellow end caps. The Company has received one report of an individual who sustained an electric shock and burn injury using the fluorescent work light near his car. Traveling sales shows nationwide, the company's two retails stores (in Huntington and Lafeyette, Ind.) and online at http://www.homier.comfrom January 2000 through May 2003 for between $3 and $7. For more details, contact the Company by Mail: Homier Distributing Co., Customer Service Center, 100 Commerce Drive, Huntington, IN 46750 by Phone: (800) 348-5004 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or by E-mail: www.customerservice@homier.com HOUSEHOLD FINANCE: Court Denies Certification To Consumer Suit -------------------------------------------------------------- The United States District Court in Seattle, Washington denied class certification to a lawsuit filed against Household Finance Corporation on behalf of 11,000 state residents, alleging massive consumer fraud, the Seattle Times reports. The suit charges the Company with misrepresenting the true terms of a loan, inserting onerous "prepayment" penalties for getting out of loans and failing to disclose important information to consumers. The charges were also the subject of a settlement the Company forged with attorneys general nationwide, including Washington to settle charges of predatory-lending practices. The settlement apportioned nearly $21 million for Washington residents - the same borrowers who were potential plaintiffs in the suit and in some of the other cases yet to be decided. In his ruling, Judge Lasnik found the arguments for the four proposed classes the plaintiffs wanted certified legally flawed. He concluded the largest of the four proposed classes - all persons who refinanced an existing home loan after January 1, 1999, and received an interest rate more than they had been paying - was "over-inclusive." He said there could be legitimate reasons why a particular borrower chose to increase his payments, such as consolidating loans. He further ruled with respect to the other proposed classes, that individual circumstances about what motivated a particular borrower to do business with Household overshadowed common questions. Judge Lasnik also ruled that he had no doubt that some borrowers were duped, but he was likewise convinced that other borrowers understood the terms of the deals they made. The denial of class certification for the suit could spell financial ruin for many borrowers, who were counting on their day in court, lead plaintiff Jeanie Luna of Bellingham, told the Times. "It's going to cause a lot of bankruptcies," she predicted in a Times phone interview. "Because people don't have the money to fight (Household in court individually) or to hold on any longer." A spokeswoman for the Company characterized Lasnik's decision as "very important," the Times reported. The Company faces similar suits across the country, and a lawyer familiar with them said she would need to study the decision to determine how influential it will be. Bob Parlette, the lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, told the Times he was disappointed by Lasnik's ruling. He criticized the state settlement as "grossly inadequate" partly because it didn't undo high interest rates or stop future foreclosure actions. Lawyer for the plaintiffs Tony Rafel told the Times that options include asking Judge Lasnik to reconsider, appealing the decision to the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals and bringing a number of individual actions against Household. INDEPENDENCE BLUE CROSS: Enters Pact with PA Group, Physicians -------------------------------------------------------------- The Independence Blue Cross (IBC), The Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society and three local physicians reached a settlement in the class action brought by the providers in connection with their payment and reimbursement for services, procedures and products. The settlement with The Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, Dr. Robert P. Good, Dr. John R. Gregg and Dr. Vincent J. DiStefano on behalf of a settlement class, will address providers' concerns, simplify and streamline the reimbursement process for providers, and result in additional reimbursement to providers. Under the agreement, IBC will: (1) disclose to providers the standard fee schedules, and changes in fee schedules, that are applicable to the provider's specialty; (2) disclose policies or procedures that may impact the payment or reimbursement that a provider receives for services rendered; (3) process claims in accordance with established standards in various areas, including multiple surgery, radiologic guidance during a procedure, and certain claim specific modifiers used in billing; (4) replace the independent procedure designation with the separate procedure designation of the Current Procedural Terminology; (5) establish a formal resolution process for provider payment disputes. The estimated financial impact of the processing changes will be approximately $40 million in additional claims payments to providers over the next two years. The settlement will apply to all providers who submitted claims for payment or reimbursement to IBC and/or any Released Party for medical services, procedures and/or products, and who have been, claim to have been and/or may have been denied payment or reimbursement or have, claim to have, and/or may have received reduced payment or reimbursement on such claims. The settlement class includes, but is not limited to, all claims by providers for downcoding and/or bundling, however described or characterized. Both the Company and the physicians called the terms of the settlement fair, reasonable, adequate and in the best interests of the settlement class and its representatives. While IBC denies the allegations of the class action, it has agreed to the settlement in order to avoid lengthy, complex and time-consuming litigation, and is pleased that the resulting settlement will address providers' concerns, simplify and streamline the reimbursement process for providers, and result in additional reimbursement to providers. While the settling doctors believed they had meritorious claims, they too entered the Settlement Agreement to avoid lengthy, complex and time-consuming litigation. They believe that the settlement is in the best interests of providers. LAGROU COLD: Indicted for Storing Food in Rat-Infested Warehouse ---------------------------------------------------------------- LaGrou Cold Storage, Inc. and three of its executives were indicted on conspiracy charges, after more than 22 million pounds of contaminated food was seized by federal agents from a rat infested warehouse on Chicago's west side a year ago, the Associated Press reports. The indictment was against the Company, its president and CEO, Jack Stewart, 53, director of sales Michael Faucher, 45, and warehouse manager David Smith, 43. Meat, fish, cheese, butter and other foods were impounded at the warehouse after a federal inspection of the building. Prosecutors declined to describe just how badly the 86-year-old warehouse on Chicago's West Side was contaminated, but officials said the seizure was one of the largest of spoiled food in government history. The defendants allegedly lied to customers who stored food in the warehouse, telling them the goods were damaged because of forklifts or faulty packaging. They did not mention that rats had overrun the warehouse. The defendants did not take corrective action, but instead sent employees on "rat patrols" to remove dead rodents and droppings, the indictment said, according to AP. It said some internal records marked products contaminated by rodents with the initials "MM" - for Mickey Mouse, according to prosecutors. Attorneys for the three and LaGrou general counsel William Biederman did not immediately return calls seeking comment, AP states. MARTHA STEWART: Trial Over Imclone Stock Fraud Set January 2004 --------------------------------------------------------------- Trial for homemaking guru Martha Stewart has been set for January 12,2004 by United States District Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum, over charges that she participated in a stock-trading scandal, the Associated Press reports. The judge also set for November 18, 2003 oral arguments in the case. Martha Stewart appeared in court this week to reiterate her innocence. Ms. Stewart was indicted two weeks ago on five counts surrounding her sale of 4,000 ImClone Systems shares on December 27,2001, a day before the share's price fell over a negative government report on the ImClone cancer drug Erbitux. Ms. Stewart's stockbroker Peter Bacanovic allegedly tipped her that the family of ImClone founder Sam Waksal was trying to sell its shares, AP reports. Prosecutors say Ms. Stewart then lied to investigators about the sale. Ms. Stewart also allegedly propped up stock in her own company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, last summer by claiming she was innocent and was cooperating with investigators - claims the government says were false. Ms. Stewart has resigned as chairwoman and CEO of the media company, but remains on the board and serve as its creative director. Her lawyers were preparing routine motions, including one they planned to submit later asking the judge to drop charges against Ms. Stewart, AP states. Ms. Stewart has set up a Web site to proclaim her innocence. It includes supportive e- mails from fans - Ms. Stewart claims to have received 55,000 - and a statement from her lawyers. MTC PHARMACY: Attorney General Commences Suit For Medi-Cal Fraud ---------------------------------------------------------------- California Attorney General Bill Lockyer filed felony criminal charges against three owners and employees of a bogus Glendale pharmacy and four doctors who fraudulently billed Medi-Cal for more than $500,000, and laundered the money by investing in a pseudo-caviar production company. "This scam operation bilked the state's Medi-Cal system of more than $500,000 - money that is needed to fund a program that provides desperately needed services to some of our most vulnerable citizens," Atty. Gen. Lockyer said. "It is truly atrocious that these doctors and so-called pharmacy owners violated the trust of these patients, stole their identities and submitted false claims to Medi-Cal, all with the intent to line their pockets with these ill-gotten gains. We will prosecute them to the fullest extent." Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the complaint alleges that, during a 10-month period, the defendants defrauded the Medi-Cal program of more than $500,000 through a Glendale "pharmacy" they established as a front for their criminal operation. The "pharmacy" had very few walk-in customers, did not keep regular business hours, was under-stocked, and carried expired supplies. In the criminal complaint, the Attorney General's Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (BMFEA) alleges that four doctors transmitted fictitious prescriptions to the "pharmacy," which billed the Medi-Cal program without filling the prescriptions. Most of the prescriptions were for Aricept, an expensive medication commonly prescribed to Alzheimer patients. An examination of patient files revealed that there was no medical basis for the prescriptions. A wholesaler to the "pharmacy" provided BMFEA investigators with records that indicate the pharmacy only purchased $37,550 in medications. Yet the "pharmacy" requested and received reimbursements of $505,256.56 from Medi-Cal. The lawsuit also alleges that the ill-gotten gains were laundered through investments in a company that produced a caviar-type product. Charged were: (1) Robert Khatchatrian, (2) Asmik Aroutiounian, (3) Norik Yeghisian, (4) Armen Kazanchian, (5) Vahan Madatovian, (6) Noune Pashinian and (7) Vagharshak Pilossyan The defendants were charged with 18 felonies. The charges include one count of grand theft with special allegations, eight counts of Medi-Cal fraud, seven counts of identity theft and two counts of money laundering. If convicted, Mr. Khatchatrian and Mr. Aroutiounian face more than 12 years in prison. The other defendants face more than six years. The complaint alleges that Mr. Khatchatrian and Mr. Aroutiounian purchased the former GMG Hollywood Pharmacy and changed the name to MTC Pharmacy. The two allegedly set up the fraud scheme to finance a second business, Royal Caviar. From July 24, 2000, to April 8, 2001, MTC Pharmacy billed the Medi-Cal program for the filling of 3,745 prescriptions for only 218 patients. The identity theft charges stem from allegations that the defendants used the identities, medical records and Medi-Cal beneficiary information of patients without their permission or knowledge to submit false Medi-Cal claims. More than half of the patients who allegedly received prescriptions from MTC Pharmacy were patients of the defendants. Seven patients interviewed said they never had been to MTC Pharmacy or had never received prescriptions from their doctors. In most of the cases, the patients said they had not visited their doctor near the times during which MTC Pharmacy billed Medi-Cal for their prescriptions. Six of the patients interviewed whose names were used to bill Medi-Cal for Aricept said they do not have Alzheimer's or any memory loss problems. All were under the age of 65. Records show that 67 percent of the prescriptions billed by MTC Pharmacy involved Aricept; in the five pharmacies within the same zip code as MTC Pharmacy, the rate is less than 1.5 percent. BMFEA investigators said that during the same period, Mr. Khatchatrian and Mr. Aroutiounian started Royal Caviar, which produced a soy-based product similar to caviar. Mr. Yeghisian was the office manager for MTC Pharmacy and also an employee at Royal Caviar. NESTLE WATER: Lawyer To Stop Consumer Lawsuit Over Bottled Water ---------------------------------------------------------------- Lawyer Jan R. Schlichtmann intends to seek a court order to stop two attorneys from pursuing a class action filed yesterday against Nestle Water North America, a unit of Nestle S.A. (Z.NES). Atty. Schlichtmann and the attorneys, Thomas Sobolof the Seattle law firm Hagens Berman and GarveIvey of Ivey & Ragsdale of Birmingham, Alabama, had been working with independent spring water bottlers and consumers under a mediation agreement to resolve differences between the bottlers, consumers and the company over its Poland Spring bottled water brand. Under the agreement, all parties agreed to work in good faith together, under the protection of confidentiality and fair dealing. Yesterday, Atty. Sobol and Atty. Ivey broke from the group and, armed with clients' evidence and mediation materials, independently filed a class action against Nestle Waters North America in Connecticut Superior Court. Similar suits were also filed in New Jersey Superior Court and Massachusetts Superior Court. "The actions by these two attorneys are unprofessional and illegal," said Atty. Schlichtmann. "Filing suit in court went against the interests and instructions of our clients and it is grossly unfair to all the parties who are working so hard to resolve honest differences and perspectives in this mediation process, which has been underway for several months. I am profoundly disturbed by this and will take all necessary steps to remedy this unprofessional conduct and crass violation of our agreements." Atty. Schlichtmann said he will vigorously pursue all legal and regulatory remedies against Atty. Sobol and Atty. Ivey for their unprofessional conduct. Atty. Schlichtmann also said he will seek a court order today against the pair to prevent them from further using his clients' property to further their own interests. New Securities Fraud Cases CENTRAL PARKING: Charles Piven Lodges Securities Lawsuit in TN -------------------------------------------------------------- The Law Offices Of Charles J. Piven, PA initiated a securities class action filed on behalf of shareholders who purchased, converted, exchanged or otherwise acquired the common stock of Central Parking Corporation (NYSE:CPC) between November 4, 2002 and February 13, 2003, inclusive. The case is pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Nashville Division, against defendant Central Parking Corporation and certain of its officers and directors. The action charges that defendants violated federal securities laws by issuing a series of materially false and misleading statements to the market throughout the class period which statements had the effect of artificially inflating the market price of the Company's securities. For more details, contact Charles J. Piven, PA by Mail: The World Trade Center-Baltimore, 401 East Pratt Street, Suite 2525, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 by Phone: 410-986-0036 or by E-mail: hoffman@pivenlaw.com CORNERSTONE PROPANE: Kirby McInerney Files Securities Suit in CA ---------------------------------------------------------------- Kirby McInerney & Squire, LLP initiated a securities class action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of all purchasers of CornerStone Propane Partners, LP (Other OTC:CNPP.PK) common stock during the period from July 29, 1998 through February 11, 2003, inclusive. The action charges CornerStone and certain of its senior officers with violations of Sections 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The alleged violations stem from the dissemination of false and misleading statements, which had the effect - during the class period - of artificially inflating the price of CornerStone's shares. The complaint alleges, among other things, that throughout the class period, July 29, 1998 and February 11, 2003, defendants continued reporting false and misleading financial results and making false statements concerning CornerStone's financial status and business condition, and failed to disclose: (1) that Cornerstone had been systematically concealing that it was overpaying for acquisitions made as early as 1997 by improperly misallocating portions of the purchase price of physical assets which should have been allocated to goodwill; (2) that it was materially overstating its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, its net income and its earnings per unit; and (3) that CornerStone lacked adequate internal controls and was therefore unable to ascertain or report the true financial condition of the Partnership. Finally, on February 11, 2003, CornerStone announced that its auditor, Deloitte & Touche, could not reaudit Cornerstone's previous financial filings, citing irreconcilable errors and missing supporting documents. CornerStone's common units traded as high as $22 per share during the class period but declined to $0.35 per share by the end of the class period, erasing over $360 million in market capitalization. For more details, contact Ira M. Press or Elaine Mui by Mail: 830 Third Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10022 by Phone: (212) 317-2300 or (888) 529-4787 or by E-Mail: emui@kmslaw.com CREE INC.: Charles Piven Lodges Securities Fraud Suit in M.D. NC ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Law Offices Of Charles J. Piven, PA initiated a securities class action on behalf of shareholders who purchased, converted, exchanged or otherwise acquired the common stock of Cree, Inc. (NasdaqNM:CREE) between August 19, 1998 and June 13, 2003, inclusive. The case is pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina against the Company and certain of its officers and directors. The action charges that defendants violated federal securities laws by issuing a series of materially false and misleading statements to the market throughout the class period which statements had the effect of artificially inflating the market price of the Company's securities. For more details, contact Charles J. Piven, PA by Mail: The World Trade Center-Baltimore, 401 East Pratt Street, Suite 2525, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, by Phone: 410-986-0036 or by E-mail: hoffman@pivenlaw.com CREE INC.: Milberg Weiss Lodges Securities Fraud Suit in M.D. NC ---------------------------------------------------------------- Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach LLP initiated a securities class action on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Cree, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE) between July 24, 2001 and June 13, 2003 inclusive, and who suffered damages thereby. The action is pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina against the Company and: (1) Charles Swoboda (CEO), (2) Cynthia Merrell (CFO and Chief Accounting Officer), and (3) F. Neal Hunter (Chairman of the Board of Directors) The complaint charges that defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, by issuing a series of materially false and misleading statements to the market between July 24, 2001 and June 13, 2003. The complaint alleges that Cree issued materially false and misleading press releases and SEC reports, thereby inflating its results and stock price. According to the complaint, during the Class Period, Cree issued press releases announcing its results for its fiscal fourth quarter 2001, year 2002, and the first three fiscal quarters of 2003, and filed financial reports covering such quarters with the SEC. Cree's earnings releases and SEC filings were materially false and misleading when made because they failed to disclose that: (1) a material portion of the Company's revenues were generated from non "arms length" sales to related entities that did not reflect the true demand for the Company's products; (2) the Company failed to implement and maintain an adequate internal accounting control system; (3) since 2002, Eric Hunter, Cree's former President, CEO and Chairman had alleged, to the Company's board of directors, that the Company was improperly accounting for transactions with related entities and was issuing and filing materially false and misleading press releases and financial reports; and (4) that a material portion of Cree's reported Class Period sales were improperly recognized and reported in the Company's financial statements in violation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The market first learned of Cree's improper revenue recognition practices on June 13, 2003. On that date, Cree announced that its former CEO, President and Chairman has filed a private action accusing the Company and current Chairman F. Neal Hunter of misleading investors and the SEC by issuing false press releases and filing false financial statements. In response to this announcement, the price of Cree common stock plummeted, falling 18.5% in one day, from $22.21 per share on June 12, 2002 to $18.10 per share on June 13, on unusually large trading volume of almost 28 million shares. For more details, contact Steven G. Schulman by Mail: One Pennsylvania Plaza, 49th fl., New York, NY, 10119-0165 by Phone: (800) 320-5081 by E-mail: creecase@milbergNY.com or visit the firm's Website: http://www.milberg.com CREE INC.: Goodkind Labaton Launches Securities Fraud Suit in NC ---------------------------------------------------------------- Goodkind Labaton Rudoff & Sucharow LLP initiated a securities class action in the United States District Court in Greensboro, North Carolina, on behalf of persons who purchased, or otherwise acquired the securities of Cree, Inc. (NASDAQ:CREE) during the period January 14, 2000 through June 13, 2003, inclusive. As alleged in the complaint, during the class period, the Company issued statements that failed to disclose and/or misrepresented the following adverse facts, among others: (1) that the Company had materially overstated its net income and earnings per share; (2) that the defendants artificially boosted Cree's operating income through an undisclosed agreement with defendant Neal Hunter's brother, Jeff Hunter, the then chairman of C3, that required C3 to accept shipments of silicon carbide (SiC) crystals for the manufacture of moissanite gemstones far in excess of market demand; (3) that the defendants failed to properly disclose the manner by which officers' and director's compensation was determined; (4) that the defendants failed to disclose in its registration statements and its prospectuses the proper use of the proceeds from those offerings. On June 13, 2003, Eric Hunter, the former chief executive of Cree filed a $3 billion lawsuit against Cree and defendant Neal Hunter, his brother. Among the allegations contained in the lawsuit, Eric Hunter alleged that since as early as August 1995 and continuing until at least May 2003, Cree and the Individual Defendants engaged in a series of undisclosed corporate activities, which included, among other things, the filing of false and misleading statements to the public and the SEC with respect to the Company's secondary stock offerings, anticipated earnings and revenue, reported income and operating income. For more details, contact Chris Keller bt Phone: 212-907-0700 or by E-mail: ckeller@glrslaw.com CRYO-CELL INTERNATIONAL: Milberg Weiss Lodges FL Securities Suit ---------------------------------------------------------------- Milberg Weiss Bershad Hynes & Lerach LLP initiated a securities class action on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Cryo Cell International, Inc. (Nasdaq:CCELE - News) between March 16, 1999 and May 20, 2003 inclusive. The action is pending in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, against the Company and: (1) Mercedes Walton, (2) Gerald F. Maass, (3) Edward Modzelewski, (4) Frederick C.S. Wilhelm, (5) Wanda D. Dearth, (6) Junior Winokur, (7) Charles D. Nyberg, (8) Daniel D. Richard, (9) Jill M. Taymans, (10) John V. Hargiss, (11) Weinick Sanders Leventhal & Company, LLP, and (12) Mirsky, Furst & Associates, P.A. The complaint alleges that defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, by issuing a series of material misrepresentations to the market between March 16, 1999 and May 20, 2003, thereby artificially inflating the price of Cryo Cell securities. During the class period, the Company issued statements that failed to disclose and/or misrepresented the following adverse facts, among others: (i) that the Company had materially overstated its earnings, net income and earnings per share; (ii) that the Company continually recognized revenue in violation of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with respect to related-party transactions, revenue sharing agreements; and revenue recognition for the sale Area Licenses. As a result, the Company's financial results were materially overstated at all relevant times. On April 15, 2003, the Company issued a press release disclosing that it may be necessary to restate its financial results for fiscal years 2001 and 2002 because of improper recognition of revenue. On May 20, 2003, defendants revealed that the Company's new auditors had suddenly resigned. By May 21, 2003, Cryo Cell stock had lost most of its value, and traded at only $0.94 per share, a far cry from the stock's Class Period high of over $10 per share in August, 2001. For more details, contact Steven G. Schulman by Mail: One Pennsylvania Plaza, 49th fl., New York, NY, 10119-0165 by Phone: (800)320-5081 or by E-mail: cryocellcase@milbergNY.com or visit the firm's Website: http://www.milberg.com DAISYTEK INTERNATIONAL: Schatz & Nobel Lodges TX Securities Suit ---------------------------------------------------------------- Schatz & Nobel PC initiated a securities class action filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on behalf of all persons who purchased the securities of Daisytek International Corporation (Nasdaq: DZTK) from November 9, 2001 through April 18, 2003, inclusive. Period"). Also included are all those who acquired Daisytek's shares through its acquisition of ISA International, PLC. The complaint alleges that certain officers and directors of Daisytek, a global distributor of computer and office supplies, issued materially false and misleading statements concerning the Company's business condition. Specifically, Daisytek was improperly accounting for uncollectible customer accounts receivables and vendor rebates receivables to inflate the Company's results. Due to Daisytek's favorable results, defendants were able to secure financing essential to the Company. On April 28, 2003, Daisytek divulged that it would record "significant" write-downs of customer and vendor receivables and inventory and large restructuring charges. On this news, the Company's stock dropped to $0.53. The Company subsequently announced the resignation of its CEO and its CFO. For more details contact Nancy A. Kulesa by Phone: (800) 797-5499 by E-mail: sn06106@aol.com or visit the firm's Website: http://www.snlaw.net FEDERAL HOME: Much Shelist Commences Securities Suit in E.D. VA --------------------------------------------------------------- Much Shelist Freed Denenberg Ament & Rubenstein, P.C. initiated a securities class action against Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (NYSE:FRE) and certain of its officers and directors in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The shareholder lawsuit is on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased Freddie Mac securities between April 18, 2000 and June 6, 2003, inclusive. The complaint charges that defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, by issuing a series of material misrepresentations to the market during the class period, thereby artificially inflating the price of Freddie Mac securities. During the class period, it has been reported that Freddie Mac may have earned more than it reported and had a higher capital surplus. This practice, called ``smoothing'', allows companies to meet or exceed earnings estimates and report substantial growth going forward by deferring present gains to future periods. The effect of this practice is to create the impression that earnings growth is steady and the Company meets or exceeds analysts' expectations on a regular basis. This practice is also called ``cookie jar'' accounting and violates Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the SEC has pledged to stop its practice among public companies. On June 9, 2003, before the market opened, Freddie Mac issued a press release announcing that it had fired defendant David Glenn because of ``serious questions about the timeliness and completeness of his cooperation and candor with the board's audit committee counsel,'' that defendant Leland C. Brendsel had retired and that defendant Vaughn Clarke had resigned. The market reacted swiftly to this news, and shares of Freddie Mac closed at $50.26 on extremely heaving trading volume, down $9.61 from the close of $59.87 on June 6, 2003. After these revelations, on June 11, 2003, numerous news sources reported that the U.S. Attorney's office for Eastern Virginia confirmed that the office was investigating Freddie Mac and that the SEC was also investigating whether Freddie Mac deferred income to smooth out results in future periods. Moreover, the SEC is reportedly investigating whether Freddie Mac's CEO and CFO certified otherwise false financial statements in violation of Sarbanes-Oxley. The full scope and contours of defendants' concerted fraud continues to be revealed. For more details, contact Carol V. Gilden by Phone: (800) 470-6824 or by E-mail: investorhelp@muchshelist.com FREDDIE MAC: Weinstein Kitchenoff Lodges Securities Suit in VA -------------------------------------------------------------- Weinstein Kitchenoff Scarlato Karon & Goldman Ltd. initiated a securities class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of Freddie Mac Corporation (NYSE: FRE) securities between April 18, 2000 and June 6, 2003. The complaint was filed in the United States District Court in Virginia and alleges that Freddie Mac's securities were artificially inflated between April 18, 2000 and June 6, 2003 as a result of violations of the securities laws. During that time period, Freddie Mac's financial results were materially misstated due to its failure to properly classify hedges and assets with respect to derivative securities, and its use of "cookie jar" accounting to create the impression that revenue and earnings were growing steadily. Moreover, Freddie Mac provided investigators with altered and misleading documents in order to conceal its improper accounting. On June 6, 2003, Freddie Mac issued a press release, which confirmed that it would restate earnings and announced the termination of President and Chief Operating Officer, David Glenn, and the resignation of other senior officers of the company. Mr. Glenn was terminated because of "serious questions as to the timeliness and completeness of his cooperation and candor with the Board's Audit Committee counsel." The price of Freddie Mac common stock fell $9.61 per share to $50.26 following the announcement. For more details, contact Paul Scarlato by Phone: 877-805-7200 or by E-mail: scarlato@wkskg.com or visit the firm's Website: http://www.wkskg.com GUIDANT CORPORATION: Faruqi & Faruqi Files Securities Suit in IN ---------------------------------------------------------------- Faruqi & Faruqi LLP initiated a securities class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on behalf of all purchasers of Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT) securities between June 23, 1999 and June 12, 2003, inclusive. The complaint charges defendants with violations of federal securities laws by, among other things, issuing a series of materially false and misleading press releases concerning Guidant's financial results and business prospects. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Guidant failed to disclose, among other facts, that: (1) in violation of Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the Company encouraged a dangerous usage of the ANCUR(r) system, a device used for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, without FDA authorization; (2) that the Company failed to report to the FDA that problems with ANCUR(r) had resulted in more than 2,600 injuries; and (3) that the Company had not properly reserved for the consequences of its massive criminal and civil liability nor adjusted its recorded goodwill to account for the inevitable harm to its reputation. As a result, the price of the Company's securities were artificially inflated during the Class Period, allowing certain Guidant insiders to sell millions of dollars of their personally held Guidant stock. On June 12, 2003, however, the Company shocked the market when it announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, EndoVascular Technologies, pled guilty to 10 felonies and agreed to pay $94.2 million to settle criminal and civil charges that it had covered up thousands of incidents in which the ANCUR(r) device had malfunctioned and had resulted 12 deaths and dozens of invasive surgeries. For more details, contact Anthony Vozzolo by Mail: 320 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016 by Phone: (877) 247-4292 or (212) 983-9330 or by E-mail: Avozzolo@faruqilaw.com GUIDANT CORPORATION: Spector Roseman Files Securities Suit in IN ---------------------------------------------------------------- Spector, Roseman & Kodroff, PC initiated a securities class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT) between June 23, 1999 through June 12, 2003, inclusive. The action is brought against the Company and: (1) Endovascular Technologies, Inc. (EVT), (2) Keith E. Brauer, (3) Ronald W. Dollens and (4) Jay Watkins The complaint alleges that defendants violated the federal securities laws by failing to disclose the following facts, among others: (i) in violation of Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, the Company encouraged a dangerous usage of the ANCURE ENDOGRAFT System that had not been authorized by the FDA; (ii) the Company failed to file 2,628 Medical Device reports - each representing an incident in which the ANCURE ENDOGRAFT System malfunctioned or its use was associated with death or serious injury; (iii) that the Company was the target of a criminal investigation; and (iv) the Company had not properly reserved for the consequences of its massive criminal and civil liability. On June 12, 2003, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced that EVT, Guidant's wholly-owned subsidiary, had pled guilty to 10 felonies and agreed to pay $94.4 million to settle criminal and civil charges that it covered up thousands of incidents, including 12 deaths and 57 emergency procedures, in which the ANCURE ENDOGRAFT System malfunctioned. For more details, contact Robert M. Roseman by Phone: 888-844-5862 by E-mail: classaction@srk-law.com or visit the Website: http://www.srk-law.com. GUIDANT CORPORATION: Fruchter & Twersky Files IN Securities Suit ---------------------------------------------------------------- Fruchter & Twersky LLP initiated a securities class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division, on behalf of purchasers of Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT) publicly traded securities during the period between June 23, 1999 and June 12, 2003, inclusive. The complaint alleges that defendants violated Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, by issuing a series of materially false and misleading statements throughout the class period. Specifically, the complaint alleges that defendants issued numerous positive statements regarding the performance of ANCURE, a device used for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). As alleged in the complaint, these statements were materially false and misleading because they failed to disclose and/or misrepresented the following adverse facts, which were known, or should have been known to defendants at the time they were made: (1) that the Company had violated Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations by marketing and selling a device (ANCURE) which had not been approved by the FDA; (2) that the Company failed to report to the FDA that problems with ANCURE had resulted in more than 2,600 injuries, including 12 deaths; and (3) that as a result of the Company's actions, the Company would be subject to additional government scrutiny, thereby negatively impacting its future earnings. On June 12, 2003, the Company announced that its subsidiary, EndoVascular Technologies (EVT), entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice relating to certain problems with ANCURE. Specifically, the article stated that under the terms of the agreement, EVT agreed to make a payment of $43.4 million and an additional $49 million civil settlement to the government. EVT also agreed to plead guilty to 10 felony counts, including nine for shipping misbranded products and one count of a former employee making false statements to the government. Prior to the disclosure of this adverse information, the Individual Defendants and other Guidant insiders sold more than $26.4 million of their personally-held shares of Guidant stock to the unsuspecting public. For more details, contact Jack G. Fruchter by Mail: One Pennsylvania Plaza, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10119, by Phone: (212) 279-5050, (800) 440-8986, by Fax: (212) 279-3655, or by E-mail: JFruchter@FruchterTwersky.com. GUIDANT CORPORATION: Schiffrin & Barroway Files Stock Suit in IN ---------------------------------------------------------------- Schiffrin & Barroway, LLP initiated a securities class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on behalf of all purchasers of the common stock of Guidant Corporation (NYSE:GDT) from June 23, 1999 through June 12, 2003, inclusive. The complaint alleges that defendants violated Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, by issuing a series of materially false and misleading statements throughout the class period. Specifically, the complaint alleges that defendants issued numerous positive statements regarding the performance of ANCURE(r), a device used for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). As alleged in the complaint, these statements were materially false and misleading because they failed to disclose and/or misrepresented the following adverse facts, which were known, or should have been known to defendants at the time they were made: (1) that the Company had violated Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations by marketing and selling a device (ANCURE) which had not been approved by the FDA; (2) that the Company failed to report to the FDA that problems with ANCURE had resulted in more than 2,600 injuries, including 12 deaths; and (3) that as a result of the Company's actions, the Company would be subject to additional government scrutiny, thereby negatively impacting its future earnings. On June 12, 2003, the Company announced that its subsidiary, EndoVascular Technologies (EVT), entered into a settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice relating to certain problems with ANCURE(r). Specifically, the article stated that under the terms of the agreement, EVT agreed to make a payment of $43.4 million and an additional $49 million civil settlement to the government. EVT also agreed to plead guilty to 10 felony counts, including nine for shipping misbranded products and one count of a former employee making false statements to the government. Prior to the disclosure of this adverse information, the Individual Defendants and other Guidant insiders sold more than $26.4 million of their personally-held shares of Guidant stock to the unsuspecting public. For more details, contact Marc A. Topaz or Stuart L. Berman by Mail: Three Bala Plaza East, Suite 400, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 by Phone: 1-888-299-7706 (toll free) or 1-610-667-7706 or by E- mail: info@sbclasslaw.com GUIDANT CORPORATION: Cauley Geller Lodges Securities Suit in IN --------------------------------------------------------------- Cauley Geller Bowman & Rudman, LLP initiated a securities class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division, on behalf of purchasers of Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT) publicly traded securities during the period between June 23, 1999 and June 12, 2003, inclusive. The complaint alleges that defendants violated Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, by issuing a series of materially false and misleading statements throughout the class period. Specifically, the complaint alleges that defendants issued numerous positive statements regarding the performance of ANCURE, a device used for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). As alleged in the complaint, these statements were materially false and misleading because they failed to disclose and/or misrepresented the following adverse facts, which were known, or should have been known to defendants at the time they were made: (1) that the Company had violated Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulations by marketing and selling a device (ANCURE) which had not been approved by the FDA; (2) that the Company failed to report to the FDA that problems with ANCURE had resulted in more than 2,600 injuries, including 12 deaths; and (3) that as a result of the Company's actions, the Company would be subject to additional government scrutiny, thereby negatively impacting its future earnings. On June 12, 2003, the Company announced that its subsidiary, EndoVascular Technologies (EVT), entered into a settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice relating to certain problems with ANCUREr. Specifically, the article stated that under the terms of the agreement, EVT agreed to make a payment of $43.4 million and an additional $49 million civil settlement to the government. EVT also agreed to plead guilty to 10 felony counts, including nine for shipping misbranded products and one count of a former employee making false statements to the government. Prior to the disclosure of this adverse information, the Individual Defendants and other Guidant insiders sold more than $26.4 million of their personally-held shares of Guidant stock to the unsuspecting public. For more details, contact Jackie Addison, Heather Gann or Candace Randle by Mail: P.O. Box 25438, Little Rock, AR 72221- 5438 by Phone: 1-888-551-9944 by Fax: 1-501-312-8505 or by E- mail: info@cauleygeller.com TYCO INTERNATIONAL: Charles Piven Lodges Securities Suit in FL -------------------------------------------------------------- The Law Offices Of Charles J. Piven, PA initiated a securities class action on behalf of shareholders who purchased, converted, exchanged or otherwise acquired the common stock of Tyco International, Ltd. (NYSE:TYC) between December 30, 2002 and March 12, 2003, inclusive. The case is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against the Company and Edward D. Breen-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The action charges that defendants violated federal securities laws by issuing a series of materially false and misleading statements to the market throughout the class period which statements had the effect of artificially inflating the market price of the Company's securities. For more details, contact Charles J. Piven by Mail: The World Trade Center-Baltimore, 401 East Pratt Street, Suite 2525, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, by Phone: 410-986-0036 or by E-mail: hoffman@pivenlaw.com UBUY HOLDINGS: Charles Johnson Lodges Securities Lawsuit in FL -------------------------------------------------------------- Charles P. Johnson Law Offices initiated a securities class action against 57 Defendants, including certain former officers and directors of UBuy Holdings Inc. (Other OTC:UBYH) alleging various violations of both Federal and State securities laws, rules and regulations in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale Division. The lawsuit centers around a ``pump and dump'' scheme in E- PAWN.COM'S common stock from January through June of 2000. The scheme resulted in Federal Criminal Indictments in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which was filed on June 14, 2000 against four individuals. The action seeks damages on behalf of investors. Named in the lawsuit are: (1) Merrill Lynch, (2) Knight Trading Group, Inc., (3) Vfiance, Inc., (4) Fleet Securities Inc., (5) DMN Capital Investment, Inc., (6) Southwest Securities, (7) Richard Gladstone, (8) Leslie S. Greyling, (9) F.Lee Bailey, (10) Donald L. Williamson, (11) Sports Resorts International, Inc., (12) Dr. Thomas Bolera, (13) WCM Capital Inc., (14) various lawyers, (15) law firms, (16) accountants and (17) others For more details, contact William Yarno by Mail: C/O Charles P. Johnson Jr., 917 South Andrews Avenue Suite 2, Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 33316-1035 by Phone: 954 575-7296 or by E-mail: cpjohnson@aol.com ********* A list of Meetings, Conferences and Seminars appears in each Wednesday's edition of the Class Action Reporter. Submissions via e-mail to carconf@beard.com are encouraged. Each Friday's edition of the CAR includes a section featuring news on asbestos-related litigation and profiles of target asbestos defendants that, according to independent researches, collectively face billions of dollars in asbestos-related liabilities. The Asbestos Defendant Profiles is backed by an online database created to respond to custom searches. Go to http://litigationdatasource.com/asbestos_defendant_profiles.html ********* S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N Class Action Reporter is a daily newsletter, co-published by Bankruptcy Creditors' Service, Inc., Trenton, New Jersey, and Beard Group, Inc., Washington, D.C. Enid Sterling, Aurora Fatima Antonio and Lyndsey Resnick, Editors. Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. ISSN 1525-2272. This material is copyrighted and any commercial use, resale or publication in any form (including e-mail forwarding, electronic re-mailing and photocopying) is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the publishers. 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