FORM 8-K
UNITED STATES 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
April 2, 1999
(Date of Report, date of earliest event reported)
Stage Stores, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission file number 001-14035
DELAWARE 76-0407711
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identifications No.)
10201 Main Street, Houston, 77025
Texas (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive
offices)
(713) 667-5601
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or address, if changed since last report)
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ITEM 5. Other Events.
A press release regarding the Company's denial of
allegations of securities laws violations and certain other
matters was issued by the Company on April 1, 1999 and is
attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(a) Financial statements of business acquired.
Not applicable.
(b) Pro forma financial information.
Not applicable.
(c) Exhibits.
99.1 Press release dated April 1, 1999 issued by the
Company.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
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.
STAGE STORES, INC.
April 2, 1999 /s/ James A. Marcum
(Date) James A. Marcum
Vice Chairman and,
Chief Financial Officer
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Bob Aronson
Director of Investor Relations
(800) 579-2302
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STAGE STORES, INC. STRONGLY DENIES ALLEGATIONS OF SECURITIES LAWS
VIOLATIONS
______________________________
HOUSTON, TX, April 1, 1999 -- Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SGE)
today issued a strong denial of allegations of securities laws
violations contained in a class action lawsuit filed on March 30,
1999 in the United States District Court for the Southern
District of Texas.
The complaint against Stage and certain of its officers,
directors, underwriters and controlling shareholders seeks class
action certification on behalf of persons who purchased Stage
Stores, Inc. common stock during a certain period of time. The
suit alleges generally that the defendants made false or
misleading statements or omissions relating to Stage's
acquisition of C.R. Anthony Company as well as Stage's business
and prospects and seeks unspecified damages.
Carl E. Tooker, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer,
stated, "The claims contained within the suit are completely
without merit and have no basis in law or fact. Stage will
vigorously contest all allegations contained in the complaint and
we categorically deny that any securities laws were violated by
the Company or any of its officers or directors."
Stage Stores, Inc. brings nationally recognized brand name
apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire
family to small towns and communities throughout the United
States. The company operated 679 stores in 34 states at the end
of the fourth quarter, primarily under the Stage, Bealls and
Palais Royal trade names.
Any statements in this press release that may be considered
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially. These
risks and uncertainties are discussed in periodic reports filed
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission that
the Company urges investors to consider.
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