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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report Pursuant
to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) October 13, 2000
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LERNOUT & HAUSPIE SPEECH PRODUCTS N.V.
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(Exact Name Of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)
The Kingdom of Belgium
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
0-27296 N/A
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(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
52 Third Avenue, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices in the U.S.) (Zip Code)
(781) 203-5000
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(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
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(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
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Item 5. Other Events.
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As previously announced by the Registrant, on October 13, 2000, Visteon
Corporation ("Visteon") filed a complaint against the Registrant in the Suffolk
County Superior Court Department of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Visteon
has also commenced an arbitration proceeding before the American Arbitration
Association against the Registrant. The court action alleges breach of the
parties' joint venture operating agreement and letter of intent, breach of
fiduciary duties and violation of RICO and seeks injunctive relief and damages.
The Registrant believes that Visteon's claims are without merit and plans to
vigorously defend this position.
Litigation is unpredictable. As a result, notwithstanding the Registrant's
belief that Visteon's claims are without merit, the Registrant cannot make any
guarantees regarding the outcome of these proceedings. Moreover, even if the
Registrant is successful, litigation can be extremely expensive and time
consuming. An unfavorable outcome or prolonged litigation with Visteon could
have a material adverse affect on our business, results of operations or
financial condition.
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SIGNATURE
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
LERNOUT & HAUSPIE SPEECH
PRODUCTS N.V.
Dated: October 17, 2000
By: /s/ Daniel P. Hart
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Daniel P. Hart
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
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