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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: February 24, 2000
(DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED)
THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
Tennessee 1-4682
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION (COMMISSION FILE NUMBER)
OF INCORPORATION)
22-1326940
(IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
8155 T&B Boulevard
Memphis, Tennessee 38125
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL (ZIP CODE)
EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:
(901) 252-8000
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
On February 16, 2000, a shareholder filed a purported class-action suit
in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
against the Corporation, Clyde R. Moore and Fred R. Jones. The complaint,
served on February 24, 1999, alleges fraud and violations of Section 10(b)
and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5
thereunder. The plaintiffs allege that purchasers of the Corporation's
common stock between April 28, 1999 and December 14, 1999 were damaged when
the market value of the stock dropped by nearly 29% on December 15, 1999.
The plaintiffs allege generally that the defendants artificially inflated the
market value of the Corporation's common stock by a series of misleading
statements or by failing to disclose certain adverse information. An
unspecified amount of damages is sought. At this time, the Corporation is
continuing to investigate the allegations, and is unable to predict the
outcome of this litigation and its ultimate effect, if any, on the financial
condition of the Corporation. However, the Corporation believes that
meritorious defenses to the claims exist and intends to vigorously defend
against them. Mr. Moore and Mr. Jones may be entitled to indemnification by
the Corporation.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Thomas & Betts Corporation
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Jerry Kronenberg
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Jerry Kronenberg
Title: Vice President-General Counsel
and Secretary
Date: February 25, 2000
