Solicitations of Interest Prior to an Initial Public Offering

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission') is publishing for comment a proposed rule that would allow issuers contemplating initial public offerings to solicit indications of investor interest in their companies prior to the filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933. The proposed rule would allow an issuer to assess potential investor interest in the company before incurring possibly significant costs associated with the preparation of offering disclosure documents. The proposals are intended to reduce the regulatory impediments and cost of accessing public markets consistent with investor protection interests.