-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, BvxMx2j1abEocij5ekiSp9JO37gF359FkpdV/YyCEKly/NbIKDMR0zWmbG5AJFmo guCgL+oezjdL9KI9GvK2sg== 0001012709-00-000124.txt : 20000215 0001012709-00-000124.hdr.sgml : 20000215 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001012709-00-000124 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13G PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000214 GROUP MEMBERS: BRANDES HOLDINGS, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: BRANDES INVESTMENT PARTNERS L P GROUP MEMBERS: BRANDES INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC. GROUP MEMBERS: BRANDES INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: CHARLES H. BRANDES GROUP MEMBERS: GLENN R. CARLSON GROUP MEMBERS: JEFFREY A. BUSBY SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: AMERICAN GREETINGS CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000005133 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: GREETING CARDS [2771] IRS NUMBER: 340065325 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 0228 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13G SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-09984 FILM NUMBER: 539754 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE AMERICAN ROAD CITY: CLEVELAND STATE: OH ZIP: 44144 BUSINESS PHONE: 2162527300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE AMERICAN ROAD CITY: CLEVELAND STATE: OH ZIP: 44144 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BRANDES INVESTMENT PARTNERS L P CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001015079 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [] IRS NUMBER: 330704072 STATE OF INCORPORATION: CA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13G BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 12750 HIGH BLUFF DR CITY: SAN DIEGO STATE: CA ZIP: 92130 BUSINESS PHONE: 6197550239 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 12750 HIGH BLUFF DR CITY: SAN DIEGO STATE: CA ZIP: 92130 SC 13G 1 ------------------------- OMB APPROVAL ------------------------- OMB Number: 3235-0145 Expires: August 31, 2000 Estimated average burden hours per response..14.90 ------------------------- UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13G UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. ) * ------ AMERICAN GREETINGS CORP - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name of Issuer) COMMON - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Title of Class of Securities) 026375105 -------------------------------------------- (CUSIP Number) December 31, 1999 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement) Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule is filed: [X] Rule 13d-1 (b) [ ] Rule 13d-1(c) [ ] Rule 13d-1(d) * The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the ACT but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes). Page 1 CUSIP No. 026375105 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Names of Reporting Persons. Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only). 33-0704072 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. SEC Use Only - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Citizenship or Place of Organization California - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Sole Voting Power ------------------------------------------------------------ Number of Shares Bene- 6. Shared Voting Power 4,122,841 ficially owned ------------------------------------------------------------ by Each Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power Person With: ------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Shared Dispositive Power 4,122,841 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 4,122,841 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9) 6.9% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IA, PN - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 2 CUSIP No. 026375105 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Names of Reporting Persons. Brandes Investment Partners, Inc. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only). 33-0090873 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. SEC Use Only - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Citizenship or Place of Organization California - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Sole Voting Power ------------------------------------------------------------ Number of Shares Bene- 6. Shared Voting Power 4,122,841 ficially owned ------------------------------------------------------------ by Each Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power Person With: ------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Shared Dispositive Power 4,122,841 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 4,122,841 shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by Brandes Investment Partners, Inc., as a control person of the investment adviser. Brandes Investment Partners, Inc. disclaims any direct ownership of the shares reported in this Schedule 13G, except for an amount that is substantially less than one per cent of the number of shares reported herein. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9) 6.9% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) CO, OO (Control Person) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 3 CUSIP No. 026375105 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Names of Reporting Persons. Brandes Holdings, L.P. I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only). 33-0836630 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. SEC Use Only - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Citizenship or Place of Organization California - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Sole Voting Power ------------------------------------------------------------ Number of Shares Bene- 6. Shared Voting Power 4,122,841 ficially owned ------------------------------------------------------------ by Each Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power Person With: ------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Shared Dispositive Power 4,122,841 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 4,122,841 shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by Brandes Holdings, L.P., as a control person of the investment adviser. Brandes Holdings, L.P. disclaims any direct ownership of the shares reported in this Schedule 13G. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9) 6.9% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) PN, OO (Control Person) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 4 CUSIP No. 026375105 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Names of Reporting Persons. Charles H. Brandes I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only). - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. SEC Use Only - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Citizenship or Place of Organization USA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Sole Voting Power ------------------------------------------------------------ Number of Shares Bene- 6. Shared Voting Power 4,122,841 ficially owned ------------------------------------------------------------ by Each Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power Person With: ------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Shared Dispositive Power 4,122,841 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 4,122,841 shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by Charles H. Brandes, a control person of the investment adviser. Mr. Brandes disclaims any direct ownership of the shares reported in this Schedule 13G, except for an amount that is substantially less than one per cent of the number of shares reported herein. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9) 6.9% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IN, OO (Control Person) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 CUSIP No. 026375105 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Names of Reporting Persons. Glenn R. Carlson I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only). - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. SEC Use Only - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Citizenship or Place of Organization USA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Sole Voting Power ------------------------------------------------------------ Number of Shares Bene- 6. Shared Voting Power 4,122,841 ficially owned ------------------------------------------------------------ by Each Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power Person With: ------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Shared Dispositive Power 4,122,841 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 4,122,841 shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by Glenn R. Carlson, a control person of the investment adviser. Mr. Carlson disclaims any direct ownership of the shares reported in this Schedule 13G, except for an amount that is substantially less than one per cent of the number of shares reported herein. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9) 6.9% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IN, OO (Control Person) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 6 CUSIP No. 026375105 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Names of Reporting Persons. Jeffrey A. Busby I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only). - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group (See Instructions) (a) [ ] (b) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. SEC Use Only - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Citizenship or Place of Organization USA - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Sole Voting Power ------------------------------------------------------------ Number of Shares Bene- 6. Shared Voting Power 4,122,841 ficially owned ------------------------------------------------------------ by Each Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power Person With: ------------------------------------------------------------ 8. Shared Dispositive Power 4,122,841 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person 4,122,841 shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by Jeffrey A. Busby, a control person of the investment adviser. Mr. Busby disclaims any direct ownership of the shares reported in this Schedule 13G, except for an amount that is substantially less than one per cent of the number of shares reported herein. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See Instructions) [ ] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9) 6.9% - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Type of Reporting Person (See Instructions) IN, OO (Control Person) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 7 ITEM 1(a) NAME OF ISSUER American Greetings Corp. ITEM 1(b) ADDRESS OF ISSUER'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES One American Road, Cleveland, OH 44144 ITEM 2(a) NAME OF PERSON FILING (i) Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. (ii) Brandes Investment Partners, Inc. (iii) Brandes Holdings, L.P. (iv) Charles H. Brandes (v) Glenn R. Carlson (vi) Jeffrey A. Busby ITEM 2(b) ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL BUSINESS OFFICE OR, IF NONE, RESIDENCE (i) 12750 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130 (ii) 12750 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130 (iii) 12750 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130 (iv) 12750 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130 (v) 12750 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130 (vi) 12750 High Bluff Drive, San Diego, CA 92130 ITEM 2(c) CITIZENSHIP (i) California (ii) California (iii) California (iv) USA (v) USA (vi) USA ITEM 2(d) TITLE OF CLASS OF SECURITIES Common Page 8 ITEM 2(e) CUSIP NUMBER 026375105 ITEM 3. IF THIS STATEMENT IS FILED PURSUANT TO (section) 240.13D-1(B), OR 240.13D-2(B) OR (C), CHECK WHETHER THE PERSON FILING IS A: (a) [ ] Broker or dealer registered under section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o). (b) [ ] Bank as defined in section 3(a)(6) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (c) [ ] Insurance company as defined in section 3(a)(19) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c). (d) [ ] Investment company registered under section 8 of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-8). (e) [ ] An investment adviser in accordance with (section) 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E); (f) [ ] An employee benefit plan or endowment fund in accordance with (section) 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(F); (g) [ ] A parent holding company or control person in accordance with (section) 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G); (h) [ ] A savings associations as defined in Section 3(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); (i) [ ] A church plan that is excluded from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(14) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-3); (j) [X] Group, in accordance with (section) 240.13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(J); This statement is filed by Brandes Investment Partners, L.P., an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, its control persons and its holding company. (See, also, Exhibit A.) Page 9 ITEM 4. OWNERSHIP. Common Stock (a) Amount beneficially owned: 4,122,841 ----------------------------------------------------------------- (b) Percent of class: 6.9% ----------------------------------------------------------------- (c) Number of shares as to which such person has: (i) Sole power to vote or to direct the vote 0 ------------------------------------------------------------ (ii) Shared power to vote or to direct the vote 4,122,841 ------------------------------------------------------------ (iii) Sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 0 ------------------------------------------------------------ (iv) Shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 4,122,841 ------------------------------------------------------------ ITEM 5. OWNERSHIP OF FIVE PERCENT OR LESS OF A CLASS If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the class of securities, check the following [ ]. N/A ITEM 6. OWNERSHIP OF MORE THAN FIVE PERCENT ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON. N/A ITEM 7. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE SUBSIDIARY WHICH ACQUIRED THE SECURITY BEING REPORTED ON BY THE PARENT HOLDING COMPANY. N/A ITEM 8. IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE GROUP See Exhibit A ITEM 9. NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF GROUP N/A Page 10 ITEM 10. CERTIFICATION (a) The following certification shall be included if the statement filed pursuant to (section) 240.13d-1(b): By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect. SIGNATURE Date: January 31, 2000 BRANDES INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P. By: /s/ Adelaide Pund ----------------------------------------- Adelaide Pund as Attorney-In-Fact for Charles H. Brandes, President and Chairman of Brandes Investment Partners, Inc., its General Partner BRANDES INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC. By: /s/ Adelaide Pund ----------------------------------------- Adelaide Pund as Attorney-In-Fact for Charles H. Brandes, President and Chairman BRANDES HOLDINGS, L.P. By: /s/ Adelaide Pund ----------------------------------------- Adelaide Pund as Attorney-In-Fact for Charles H. Brandes, President and Chairman of Brandes Investment Partners, Inc., its General Partner By: /s/ Adelaide Pund ----------------------------------------- Adelaide Pund as Attorney-In-Fact for Charles H. Brandes, Control Person By: /s/ Adelaide Pund ----------------------------------------- Adelaide Pund as Attorney-In-Fact for Glenn R. Carlson, Control Person By: /s/ Adelaide Pund ----------------------------------------- Adelaide Pund as Attorney-In-Fact for Jeffrey A. Busby, Control Person Page 11 EXHIBIT A Identification and Classification of Members of the Group --------------------------------------------------------- Pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b)(ii)(J) and Rule 13d-1(k)(1) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the members of the group making this joint filing are identified and classified as follows: Name Classification ---- -------------- Brandes Investment Partners, L.P. Investment adviser registered under (the "Investment Adviser") Investment Advisers Act of 1940 Brandes Investment Partners, Inc. A control person of the Investment Adviser Brandes Holdings, L.P. A control person of the Investment Adviser Charles H. Brandes A control person of the Investment Adviser Glenn R. Carlson A control person of the Investment Adviser Jeffrey A. Busby A control person of the Investment Adviser Page 12 EXHIBIT B Joint Filing Agreement Pursuant to Rule 13d-1 --------------------------------------------- This agreement is made pursuant to Rule 13d-1(b)(ii)(J) and Rule 13d-1(k)(1) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Act") by and among the parties listed below, each referred to herein as a "Joint Filer." The Joint Filers agree that a statement of beneficial ownership as required by Sections 13(g) or 13(d) of the Act and the Rules thereunder may be filed on each of their behalf on Schedule 13G or Schedule 13D, as appropriate, and that said joint filing may thereafter be amended by further joint filings. The Joint Filers state that they each satisfy the requirements for making a joint filing under Rule 13d-1. Dated: January 31, 2000 BRANDES INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P. By: /s/ Charles H. Brandes ----------------------------------------- Charles H. Brandes, President and Chairman of Brandes Investment Partners, Inc., its General Partner BRANDES INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC. By: /s/ Charles H. Brandes ----------------------------------------- Charles H. Brandes, President and Chairman BRANDES HOLDINGS, L.P. By: /s/ Charles H. Brandes ----------------------------------------- Charles H. Brandes, President and Chairman of Brandes Investment Partners, Inc., its General Partner By: /s/ Charles H. Brandes ----------------------------------------- Charles H. Brandes, Control Person By: /s/ Glenn R. Carlson ----------------------------------------- Glenn R. Carlson, Control Person By: /s/ Jeffrey A. Busby ----------------------------------------- Jeffrey A. Busby, Control Person Page 13 EXHIBIT C Disclaimer of Beneficial Ownership ---------------------------------- American Greetings Corp. 4,122,841 Common Stock Brandes Investment Partners, Inc., Brandes Holdings, L.P., Charles H. Brandes, Glenn R. Carlson and Jeffrey A. Busby, disclaim beneficial interest as to the shares referenced above, except for an amount equal to substantially less than one percent of the share class. None of these entities or individuals holds the above-referenced shares for its/his own account except on a de minimis basis. Page 14 EXHIBIT D Power of Attorney Forms for Schedules 13G and Forms 13F I, Charles Brandes, as director and chairman of Brandes Investment Partners, Inc., which is the sole General Partner of Brandes Holdings, L.P., and as a Managing Partner of Brandes Investment Partners, L.P., hereby appoint Gerald W. Wheeler and Adelaide Pund as attorneys-in-fact and agents, in all capacities, to execute, on my behalf and on behalf of Brandes Investment Partners, Inc., Brandes Investment Partners, L.P., and Brandes Holdings, L.P., to file with the appropriate issuers, exchanges and regulatory authorities, any and all Schedules 13G and Forms 13F and documents relating thereto required to be filed under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including exhibits, attachments and amendments thereto and request for confidential treatment of information contained therein. I hereby grant to said attorneys-in-fact full authority to do every act necessary to be done in order to effectuate the same as fully, to all intents and purposes, as I could if personally present, thereby ratifying all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. I hereby execute this Power of Attorney as of this 31 day of January, 2000. /s/ Charles H. Brandes --------------------------------------- Charles H. Brandes Page 15 EXHIBIT D Power of Attorney Forms for Schedules 13G I, Glenn R. Carlson, hereby appoint Gerald W. Wheeler and Adelaide Pund as attorneys-in-fact and agents, in all capacities, to execute, on my behalf, and to file with the appropriate issuers, exchanges and regulatory authorities, any and all Schedules 13G and documents relating thereto required to be filed under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including exhibits, attachments and amendments thereto and request for confidential treatment of information contained therein in connection with my being a "control person" (as contemplated for purposes of Schedule 13G) of Brandes Investment Partners, L.P., its subsidiaries and affiliates. I hereby grant to said attorneys-in-fact full authority to do every act necessary to be done in order to effectuate the same as fully, to all intents and purposes, as I could if personally present, thereby ratifying all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. I hereby execute this Power of Attorney as of this 31 day of January, 2000. /s/ Glenn R. Carlson ---------------------------------------- Glenn R. Carlson Page 16 EXHIBIT D Power of Attorney Forms for Schedules 13G I, Jeffrey A. Busby hereby appoint Gerald W. Wheeler and Adelaide Pund as attorneys-in-fact and agents, in all capacities, to execute, on my behalf, and to file with the appropriate issuers, exchanges and regulatory authorities, any and all Schedules 13G and documents relating thereto required to be filed under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including exhibits, attachments and amendments thereto and request for confidential treatment of information contained therein in connection with my being a "control person" (as contemplated for purposes of Schedule 13G) of Brandes Investment Partners, L.P., its subsidiaries and affiliates. I hereby grant to said attorneys-in-fact full authority to do every act necessary to be done in order to effectuate the same as fully, to all intents and purposes, as I could if personally present, thereby ratifying all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. I hereby execute this Power of Attorney as of this 31 day of January, 2000. /s/ Jeffrey A. Busby ---------------------------------------- Jeffrey A. Busby Page 17 -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----