SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 23, 2000
Commission File Number 0-11413
MERIDIAN INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana 35-1689161
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
2955 North Meridian Street
P. O. Box 1980
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (317) 931-7000
MERIDIAN INSURANCE GROUP, INC., AND SUBSIDIARIES
ITEM 5. Other Events
At a meeting held February 23, 2000, the Board of Directors of Meridian
Insurance Group, Inc., (the "Company") approved the repurchase of up to 400,000
shares of the Company's common stock, representing approximately 5 percent of
the shares currently outstanding. Purchases are authorized to be made from time
to time in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, depending on market
conditions. (The Board of Directors had authorized similar repurchases in May
1997.)
In a press release dated February 24, 2000, announcing the authorization to
repurchase, President and Chief Executive Officer Norma J. Oman said, "With our
stock price currently depressed along with much of the property and casualty
insurance industry, Meridian plans to be a purchaser of its own shares,
reflecting the Board's confidence in the positive outlook for the Company's
future operating results." In the same press release, President Oman called the
repurchase plan a step to enhance shareholder value.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
MERIDIAN INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Date: March 1, 2000 By: /s/ Norma J. Oman
Norma J. Oman, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 1, 2000 By: /s/ Steven R. Hazelbaker
Steven R. Hazelbaker
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, and Treasurer
