The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (NYSE: MHP), today filed a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) acknowledging that on September 22, 2011, it received a “Wells Notice” from the Commission Staff stating that the Staff is considering recommending that the Commission institute a civil injunctive action against Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), alleging violations of federal securities laws with respect to S&P’s ratings for a particular 2007 offering of collateralized debt obligations, known as “Delphinus CDO 2007-1.” In connection with the contemplated action, the Staff may recommend that the Commission seek civil money penalties, disgorgement of fees and other appropriate equitable relief.
The Wells Notice is neither a formal allegation nor a finding of wrongdoing. It allows S&P the opportunity to provide its perspective and to address the issues raised by the Staff before any decision is made by the Commission on whether to authorize the commencement of an enforcement proceeding. S&P has been cooperating with the Commission in this matter and intends to continue to do so.
Source: McGraw-Hill Companies
