SEC v. Steven J. Harrold, Central District of California (Mar. 8, 2012) — Complaint
raw: BERNARD B. SMYTH III, Cal. Bar. No. 217741
BERNARD B. SMYTH III, Cal. Bar. No. 217741 (Mar. 8, 2012)
Steven J. Harrold, a former CCE vice president, committed insider trading by buying 15,000 shares of CCE stock using his wife’s account while in possession of material nonpublic information about CCE’s planned $800M acquisition of KO’s Nordic bottling operations, realizing $86,850 in illicit profits before the public announcement, and was charged by the SEC with violating Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5.
Steven J. Harrold, while serving as Vice President of CCE’s European Group, misappropriated material nonpublic information regarding CCE’s planned $800+ million acquisition of The Coca-Cola Company’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. Despite signing a non-disclosure agreement and receiving formal trading blackout notices, he purchased 15,000 shares of CCE stock through his wife’s brokerage account on February 24, 2010, at an average price of $19.30, and sold them the next day for $25.09 per share, generating $86,850 in illicit profits after CCE’s stock surged 30% upon the public announcement. The SEC charged him with violations of Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5(a) and (c), seeking disgorgement of profits, prejudgment interest, a civil penalty, and a permanent bar from serving as an officer or director of a public company.
Steven J. Harrold, a Vice President in CCE’s European Group based in London, obtained material nonpublic information about CCE’s impending $800+ million acquisition of The Coca-Cola Company’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations, information to which he was privy due to his executive role and confirmed by multiple non-disclosure agreements he signed. Despite being subject to CCE’s internal trading blackout policies and receiving explicit warnings prohibiting trading during such periods, Harrold executed 15,000 share purchases of CCE stock on February 24, 2010, through his wife’s brokerage account to conceal his actions. He sold all shares the following day, February 25, 2010, immediately after CCE publicly announced the transaction, resulting in a 30% stock price increase and $86,850 in illicit profits. The SEC alleges that Harrold’s conduct constituted securities fraud under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5(a) and (c), as he breached his fiduciary duty of confidentiality by misappropriating confidential information for personal gain. The Commission seeks a permanent injunction against future violations, disgorgement of the $86,850 in profits plus prejudgment interest, a civil monetary penalty, and a permanent bar from serving as an officer or director of any publicly traded company. Harrold’s actions reflect a deliberate circumvention of corporate compliance protocols and federal securities laws designed to ensure market integrity. The case underscores the SEC’s enforcement focus on insider trading by corporate insiders who exploit confidential information despite contractual and ethical obligations to the contrary.
Extracted insights
- $8.90B $8.9 billion ≥$1B
- $800.00M $800 million $100M–$1B
- $376K $376,350 $100K–$1M
- $290K $289,500 $100K–$1M
- $87K $86,850 $10K–$100K
- company coca-cola enterprises, inc.
- company non-disclosure agreement with coca-cola enterprises, inc.
- agency Securities and Exchange Commission
- company securities of coca-cola enterprises, inc.
- person steven j. harrold
- company the coca-cola company
- company vice president in cce's european group
- Steven J. Harrold engaged in unlawful insider trading Securities of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
- Steven J. Harrold obtained material nonpublic information regarding CCE's proposed acquisition of KO's Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations
- Steven J. Harrold served as Vice President in CCE's European Group
- Steven J. Harrold signed Non-Disclosure Agreement with Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.
- Steven J. Harrold misappropriated Material nonpublic information about CCE's proposed transaction with KO
- Steven J. Harrold traded in CCE stock in advance of public announcement
- Steven J. Harrold realized illicit profits of $86,850 on purchase and sale of 15,000 shares of CCE stock
- Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. announced planned transaction on February 25, 2010
- Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. planned to enter into transaction with The Coca-Cola Company
- Steven J. Harrold violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5(a) and (c)
- Securities and Exchange Commission filed complaint against Steven J. Harrold
- Steven J. Harrold resides in Los Angeles, California and London
- Steven J. Harrold is age 53
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 JOHN B. BULGOZDY, Cal. Bar No. 219897 Email: [email protected] FINOLA H. MANVELIAN, Cal. Bar No. 180681 Email: [email protected] BERNARD B. SMYTH III, Cal. Bar. No. 217741 Email: [email protected] Attorneys for Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission Rosalind R. Tyson, Regional Director John M. McCoy III, Associate Regional Director John W. Berry, Regional Trial Counsel 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor Los Angeles, California 90036 Telephone: (323) 965-3998 Facsimile: (323) 965-3908 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, Plaintiff, vs. STEVEN J. HARROLD, Defendant. Case No. COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) alleges as follows: SUMMARY OF THE ACTION 1. This case involves unlawful insider trading by Defendant Steven J. Harrold (the “Defendant” or “Harrold”) in the securities of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (“CCE”) shortly before CCE’s February 25, 2010 announcement that it planned to enter into a significant transaction with The Coca-Cola Company (“KO”). Harrold, in his capacity as a vice president in CCE’s European Group, obtained material nonpublic information regarding CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. As an executive of CCE, Harrold had a relationship of trust and confidence with the company and was regularly in possession of sensitive and confidential information. In addition, Harrold signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with CCE confirming that he would maintain the confidentiality of all information he learned regarding CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. In breach of his duties, Harrold misappropriated the material nonpublic information about CCE’s proposed transaction with KO, and used that nonpublic information to trade in CCE stock in advance of the public announcement of the proposed KO transaction. As a result of his illegal trading on material nonpublic information, Harrold realized illicit profits of approximately $86,850 on the purchase and sale of 15,000 shares of CCE stock. 2. By engaging in the conduct alleged in this Complaint, Harrold violated the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws, specifically Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), 15 U.S.C. § § 78j(b), and Rule 10b-5(a) and (c) thereunder, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5(a) and (c). The Commission requests that the Court permanently enjoin Harrold from further violations of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws, order him to disgorge his unlawful profits and pay prejudgment interest thereon, impose a civil - 1 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 penalty, and enter an order prohibiting him from acting as an officer or director of any publicly traded company. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 3. This Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to Sections 21(d)(1), 21(e), 21A, and 27 of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78u(d)(1), 78u(e), 78u-1 & 78aa. Harrold, directly or indirectly, made use of the means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce, or the mails, or the facilities of a national securities exchange in connection with the transactions, acts, practices, and courses of business alleged in this Complaint. 4. Venue is proper in this district pursuant to Section 21(d), 21A, and 27 of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78u(d), 78u-1, and 78aa, because the Defendant maintains a residence within this district. DEFENDANT 5. Steven J. Harrold, age 53, currently resides in both Los Angeles, California and London, United Kingdom. During the relevant time period, Harrold was Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, European Group for CCE, and was based in London. OTHER RELEVANT ENTITES 6. Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (“CCE”) is a Delaware corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia. CCE’s common stock is registered with the Commission pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange. CCE is a marketer, producer, and distributor of KO beverage products. 7. The Coca-Cola Company (“KO”) is a Delaware corporation whose offices are located in Atlanta, Georgia. KO is a licensor, marketer, producer, and distributor of hundreds of non-alcoholic beverage brands, including Coca-Cola. - 2 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 FACTS A. Harrold Had a Special Relationship of Trust and Confidence with CCE and Owed a Duty of Confidentiality to CCE 8. As an employee and executive of CCE, Harrold had a position of trust and confidence with CCE and was subject to the company’s policies and procedures. CCE’s internal policies, set forth in its Code of Business Conduct, expressly prohibit employees from trading when in the possession of inside information. Moreover, Harrold’s employment contract with CCE required him to maintain the confidentiality of nonpublic information regarding the business or affairs of CCE. Harrold understood that he had a responsibility to keep nonpublic information regarding CCE confidential and that he was prohibited from trading in CCE stock while he was in possession of material nonpublic information. 9. In his capacity as an executive at CCE, Harrold was regularly in possession of sensitive and confidential information. On numerous occasions, Harrold signed non-disclosure agreements with CCE requiring him to keep confidential any information he learned regarding potential acquisitions that CCE considered. Harrold also periodically received blackout notices from CCE that prohibited him from trading in the company’s stock for a defined period in which he was likely to be in possession of material nonpublic information. B. Harrold Learned that CCE was Acquiring KO’s Norwegian and Swedish Bottling Operations 10. In early January 2010, Harrold was informed that CCE was considering the acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. On or about January 8, 2010, Harrold signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with CCE that required him to maintain the confidentiality of any nonpublic information he learned regarding the potential transaction between CCE and KO. 11. On February 16, 2010, Harrold received an email from CCE’s legal counsel informing him that he was subject to a blackout period related to the - 3 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 potential transaction with KO and was prohibited from trading in CCE stock “until further notice.” 12. On February 18, 2010, Harrold participated in an internal CCE meeting at which the status of the potential transaction with KO was discussed. The agenda for the meeting was marked “Strictly Private & Confidential.” As a participant in that meeting, Harrold was provided certain confidential information regarding CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations, including an overview of the valuation of the transaction and a description of the financial opportunities for CCE in connection with the potential transaction. 13. CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations was a substantial transaction internally valued at CCE at over $800 million. It was also a transaction that both CCE and analysts following the company viewed as creating significant positive growth opportunities for CCE. C. Harrold Traded on Material Nonpublic Information in Breach of His Duty to CCE 14. On Wednesday, February 24, 2010, less than a week after attending the meeting at which the status of the proposed transaction with KO was discussed and while still subject to a blackout period prohibiting him from trading in CCE stock, Harrold purchased 15,000 shares of CCE stock at a total cost of approximately $289,500. Harrold paid an average price of approximately $19.30 per share. That same day, Harrold placed a limit order to sell all 15,000 shares at a price of $22.00 per share. 15. On the morning of Thursday, February 25, 2010, CCE announced that it had agreed to enter into a transaction with KO in which, among other things, (a) KO would acquire CCE’s North American bottling operations, and (b) CCE would acquire KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. KO also agreed to assume approximately $8.9 billion in CCE debt and CCE obtained the - 4 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 future rights to acquire KO’s German bottling operations in 18 to 36 months. 16. The morning of the announced transaction, CCE’s share price opened more than 30% higher than its closing price the day before. That morning, the 15,000 shares of CCE that Harrold had purchased the day before were sold pursuant to the limit order he placed. The shares were sold at a per share price of approximately $25.09, for total proceeds of approximately $376,350. Harrold realized a profit of approximately $86,850 on his CCE trades. 17. Harrold made the trades in CCE stock alleged above in a TD Ameritrade brokerage account held in his wife’s name. The account listed the Los Angeles address of Harrold and his wife. He had previously used the same brokerage account to trade in CCE stock during times when he was prohibited from doing so pursuant to a blackout notice and company policy. 18. As an employee and executive of CCE, Harrold owed CCE a duty of trust and confidence, including the duty to keep CCE business information confidential. Harrold also signed a non-disclosure agreement specifically requiring him to keep information regarding CCE’s potential acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations confidential. Moreover, Harrold received a blackout notice from CCE’s legal counsel regarding CCE’s proposed transaction with KO that specifically prohibited Harrold from trading in CCE stock during the time he made the trades alleged above. 19. In breach of his duty to CCE, Harrold willfully misappropriated material nonpublic information about CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations, and used that information for his own benefit to trade in CCE stock in advance of the announcement of the transaction. 20. On or about September 16, 2010, Harrold was terminated by CCE in connection with his trades in CCE stock in advance of the February 25, 2010 announcement. Harrold admitted during CCE’s investigation that he placed the trades in his wife’s account, and that he had received notice of the blackout period - 5 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 before he purchased the 15,000 shares CLAIM FOR RELIEF FRAUD IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF SECURITIES Violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rules 10b-5(a) and (c) Thereunder 21. The Commission realleges and incorporates by reference ¶¶ 1 through 20, above. 22. As alleged above, through his employment at CCE, Harrold learned material nonpublic information regarding CCE’s proposed transaction with KO. At all relevant times, Harrold owed CCE a fiduciary duty, or similar duty of trust or confidence, to maintain such information in confidence. 23. Harrold, in breach of a fiduciary duty, or similar relationship of trust or confidence, owed to CCE, misappropriated such material nonpublic information by trading on the basis of such information. 24. The misappropriated information was material because it would be important to a reasonable investor in making his or her investment decision to know that CCE planned to enter into a transaction in which it would acquire KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. There is a substantial likelihood that the disclosure of the misappropriated information would have been viewed by a reasonable investor as having significantly altered the total mix of information available to investors. 25. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Harrold acted knowingly and/or recklessly by misappropriating information about CCE’s proposed transaction with KO and trading while in possession of such material nonpublic information. At all relevant times, Harrold acted with scienter. 26. By engaging in the conduct described above, Harrold, directly or indirectly, in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, by the use of - 6 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce, or the mails, or the facilities of a national securities exchange, with scienter: a. employed devices, schemes, or artifices to defraud; and/or b. engaged in acts, practices, or courses of business which operated or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person in connection with the purchase or sale of any security. 27. By engaging in the foregoing conduct, Harrold violated, and unless enjoined will continue to violate, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b), and Rule 10b-5(a) and (c) thereunder, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5(a) and (c). PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, the Commission respectfully requests that the Court: I. Issue findings of fact and conclusions of law that Defendant committed the alleged violations. II. Issue a judgment, in a form consistent with Fed. R. Civ. P. 65(d), permanently enjoining Defendant and his officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and those persons in active concert or participation with any of them, who receive actual notice of the judgment by personal service or otherwise, from violating Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b), and Rule 10b-5 (a) and (c) thereunder, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. III. Order Defendant to disgorge, with prejudgment interest, the illegal trading profits or ill-gotten gains received as a result of the conduct alleged in this Complaint. - 7 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 IV. Order Defendant to pay a civil penalty under Section 21A of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78u-1. V. Enter an order, pursuant to Section 21(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78u(d)(2), prohibiting Defendant from acting as an officer or director of any issuer that has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78l, or that is required to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78o(d). VI. Retain jurisdiction of this action in accordance with the principles of equity and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in order to implement and carry out the terms of all orders and decrees that may be entered, or to entertain any suitable application or motion for additional relief within the jurisdiction of this Court. VII. Grant such other and further relief as this Court may determine to be just and necessary. DATED: March 8, 2012 _______________________________ JOHN B. BULGOZDY BERNARD B. SMYTH III Attorneys for Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission - 8 -
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 JOHN B. BULGOZDY, Cal. Bar No. 219897 Email: [email protected] FINOLA H. MANVELIAN, Cal. Bar No. 180681 Email: [email protected] BERNARD B. SMYTH III, Cal. Bar. No. 217741 Email: [email protected] Attorneys for Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission Rosalind R. Tyson, Regional Director John M. McCoy III, Associate Regional Director John W. Berry, Regional Trial Counsel 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11th Floor Los Angeles, California 90036 Telephone: (323) 965-3998 Facsimile: (323) 965-3908 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, Plaintiff, vs. STEVEN J. HARROLD, Defendant. Case No. COMPLAINT FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS mailto:[email protected] mailto:[email protected] mailto:[email protected] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) alleges as follows: SUMMARY OF THE ACTION 1. This case involves unlawful insider trading by Defendant Steven J. Harrold (the “Defendant” or “Harrold”) in the securities of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (“CCE”) shortly before CCE’s February 25, 2010 announcement that it planned to enter into a significant transaction with The Coca-Cola Company (“KO”). Harrold, in his capacity as a vice president in CCE’s European Group, obtained material nonpublic information regarding CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. As an executive of CCE, Harrold had a relationship of trust and confidence with the company and was regularly in possession of sensitive and confidential information. In addition, Harrold signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with CCE confirming that he would maintain the confidentiality of all information he learned regarding CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. In breach of his duties, Harrold misappropriated the material nonpublic information about CCE’s proposed transaction with KO, and used that nonpublic information to trade in CCE stock in advance of the public announcement of the proposed KO transaction. As a result of his illegal trading on material nonpublic information, Harrold realized illicit profits of approximately $86,850 on the purchase and sale of 15,000 shares of CCE stock. 2. By engaging in the conduct alleged in this Complaint, Harrold violated the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws, specifically Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), 15 U.S.C. § § 78j(b), and Rule 10b-5(a) and (c) thereunder, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5(a) and (c). The Commission requests that the Court permanently enjoin Harrold from further violations of the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws, order him to disgorge his unlawful profits and pay prejudgment interest thereon, impose a civil - 1 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 penalty, and enter an order prohibiting him from acting as an officer or director of any publicly traded company. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 3. This Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to Sections 21(d)(1), 21(e), 21A, and 27 of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78u(d)(1), 78u(e), 78u-1 & 78aa. Harrold, directly or indirectly, made use of the means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce, or the mails, or the facilities of a national securities exchange in connection with the transactions, acts, practices, and courses of business alleged in this Complaint. 4. Venue is proper in this district pursuant to Section 21(d), 21A, and 27 of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78u(d), 78u-1, and 78aa, because the Defendant maintains a residence within this district. DEFENDANT 5. Steven J. Harrold, age 53, currently resides in both Los Angeles, California and London, United Kingdom. During the relevant time period, Harrold was Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, European Group for CCE, and was based in London. OTHER RELEVANT ENTITES 6. Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (“CCE”) is a Delaware corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia. CCE’s common stock is registered with the Commission pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange. CCE is a marketer, producer, and distributor of KO beverage products. 7. The Coca-Cola Company (“KO”) is a Delaware corporation whose offices are located in Atlanta, Georgia. KO is a licensor, marketer, producer, and distributor of hundreds of non-alcoholic beverage brands, including Coca-Cola. - 2 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 FACTS A. Harrold Had a Special Relationship of Trust and Confidence with CCE and Owed a Duty of Confidentiality to CCE 8. As an employee and executive of CCE, Harrold had a position of trust and confidence with CCE and was subject to the company’s policies and procedures. CCE’s internal policies, set forth in its Code of Business Conduct, expressly prohibit employees from trading when in the possession of inside information. Moreover, Harrold’s employment contract with CCE required him to maintain the confidentiality of nonpublic information regarding the business or affairs of CCE. Harrold understood that he had a responsibility to keep nonpublic information regarding CCE confidential and that he was prohibited from trading in CCE stock while he was in possession of material nonpublic information. 9. In his capacity as an executive at CCE, Harrold was regularly in possession of sensitive and confidential information. On numerous occasions, Harrold signed non-disclosure agreements with CCE requiring him to keep confidential any information he learned regarding potential acquisitions that CCE considered. Harrold also periodically received blackout notices from CCE that prohibited him from trading in the company’s stock for a defined period in which he was likely to be in possession of material nonpublic information. B. Harrold Learned that CCE was Acquiring KO’s Norwegian and Swedish Bottling Operations 10. In early January 2010, Harrold was informed that CCE was considering the acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. On or about January 8, 2010, Harrold signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with CCE that required him to maintain the confidentiality of any nonpublic information he learned regarding the potential transaction between CCE and KO. 11. On February 16, 2010, Harrold received an email from CCE’s legal counsel informing him that he was subject to a blackout period related to the - 3 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 potential transaction with KO and was prohibited from trading in CCE stock “until further notice.” 12. On February 18, 2010, Harrold participated in an internal CCE meeting at which the status of the potential transaction with KO was discussed. The agenda for the meeting was marked “Strictly Private & Confidential.” As a participant in that meeting, Harrold was provided certain confidential information regarding CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations, including an overview of the valuation of the transaction and a description of the financial opportunities for CCE in connection with the potential transaction. 13. CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations was a substantial transaction internally valued at CCE at over $800 million. It was also a transaction that both CCE and analysts following the company viewed as creating significant positive growth opportunities for CCE. C. Harrold Traded on Material Nonpublic Information in Breach of His Duty to CCE 14. On Wednesday, February 24, 2010, less than a week after attending the meeting at which the status of the proposed transaction with KO was discussed and while still subject to a blackout period prohibiting him from trading in CCE stock, Harrold purchased 15,000 shares of CCE stock at a total cost of approximately $289,500. Harrold paid an average price of approximately $19.30 per share. That same day, Harrold placed a limit order to sell all 15,000 shares at a price of $22.00 per share. 15. On the morning of Thursday, February 25, 2010, CCE announced that it had agreed to enter into a transaction with KO in which, among other things, (a) KO would acquire CCE’s North American bottling operations, and (b) CCE would acquire KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. KO also agreed to assume approximately $8.9 billion in CCE debt and CCE obtained the - 4 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 future rights to acquire KO’s German bottling operations in 18 to 36 months. 16. The morning of the announced transaction, CCE’s share price opened more than 30% higher than its closing price the day before. That morning, the 15,000 shares of CCE that Harrold had purchased the day before were sold pursuant to the limit order he placed. The shares were sold at a per share price of approximately $25.09, for total proceeds of approximately $376,350. Harrold realized a profit of approximately $86,850 on his CCE trades. 17. Harrold made the trades in CCE stock alleged above in a TD Ameritrade brokerage account held in his wife’s name. The account listed the Los Angeles address of Harrold and his wife. He had previously used the same brokerage account to trade in CCE stock during times when he was prohibited from doing so pursuant to a blackout notice and company policy. 18. As an employee and executive of CCE, Harrold owed CCE a duty of trust and confidence, including the duty to keep CCE business information confidential. Harrold also signed a non-disclosure agreement specifically requiring him to keep information regarding CCE’s potential acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations confidential. Moreover, Harrold received a blackout notice from CCE’s legal counsel regarding CCE’s proposed transaction with KO that specifically prohibited Harrold from trading in CCE stock during the time he made the trades alleged above. 19. In breach of his duty to CCE, Harrold willfully misappropriated material nonpublic information about CCE’s proposed acquisition of KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations, and used that information for his own benefit to trade in CCE stock in advance of the announcement of the transaction. 20. On or about September 16, 2010, Harrold was terminated by CCE in connection with his trades in CCE stock in advance of the February 25, 2010 announcement. Harrold admitted during CCE’s investigation that he placed the trades in his wife’s account, and that he had received notice of the blackout period - 5 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 before he purchased the 15,000 shares CLAIM FOR RELIEF FRAUD IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF SECURITIES Violations of Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rules 10b-5(a) and (c) Thereunder 21. The Commission realleges and incorporates by reference ¶¶ 1 through 20, above. 22. As alleged above, through his employment at CCE, Harrold learned material nonpublic information regarding CCE’s proposed transaction with KO. At all relevant times, Harrold owed CCE a fiduciary duty, or similar duty of trust or confidence, to maintain such information in confidence. 23. Harrold, in breach of a fiduciary duty, or similar relationship of trust or confidence, owed to CCE, misappropriated such material nonpublic information by trading on the basis of such information. 24. The misappropriated information was material because it would be important to a reasonable investor in making his or her investment decision to know that CCE planned to enter into a transaction in which it would acquire KO’s Norwegian and Swedish bottling operations. There is a substantial likelihood that the disclosure of the misappropriated information would have been viewed by a reasonable investor as having significantly altered the total mix of information available to investors. 25. At all times relevant to this Complaint, Harrold acted knowingly and/or recklessly by misappropriating information about CCE’s proposed transaction with KO and trading while in possession of such material nonpublic information. At all relevant times, Harrold acted with scienter. 26. By engaging in the conduct described above, Harrold, directly or indirectly, in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, by the use of - 6 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce, or the mails, or the facilities of a national securities exchange, with scienter: a. employed devices, schemes, or artifices to defraud; and/or b. engaged in acts, practices, or courses of business which operated or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person in connection with the purchase or sale of any security. 27. By engaging in the foregoing conduct, Harrold violated, and unless enjoined will continue to violate, Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b), and Rule 10b-5(a) and (c) thereunder, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5(a) and (c). PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, the Commission respectfully requests that the Court: I. Issue findings of fact and conclusions of law that Defendant committed the alleged violations. II. Issue a judgment, in a form consistent with Fed. R. Civ. P. 65(d), permanently enjoining Defendant and his officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and those persons in active concert or participation with any of them, who receive actual notice of the judgment by personal service or otherwise, from violating Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b), and Rule 10b-5 (a) and (c) thereunder, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. III. Order Defendant to disgorge, with prejudgment interest, the illegal trading profits or ill-gotten gains received as a result of the conduct alleged in this Complaint. - 7 - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 IV. Order Defendant to pay a civil penalty under Section 21A of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78u-1. V. Enter an order, pursuant to Section 21(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78u(d)(2), prohibiting Defendant from acting as an officer or director of any issuer that has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78l, or that is required to file reports pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78o(d). VI. Retain jurisdiction of this action in accordance with the principles of equity and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in order to implement and carry out the terms of all orders and decrees that may be entered, or to entertain any suitable application or motion for additional relief within the jurisdiction of this Court. VII. Grant such other and further relief as this Court may determine to be just and necessary. DATED: March 8, 2012 _______________________________ JOHN B. BULGOZDY BERNARD B. SMYTH III Attorneys for Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission - 8 -