Restricted Stock Module For CCH SEC Compliance Desktop Assures Rule 144 Compliance

(RIVERWOODS, ILL., November 6, 2001) – Restricted stock is a versatile tool used for executive compensation, acquisitions and many other purposes, but the disposition of such stock can be complicated and burdensome due to SEC requirements, according to CCH INCORPORATED (CCH), a leading provider of securities and business law information and software.

To help those who are charged with legal compliance on sales of restricted stock, CCH has developed a powerful new module of the SEC Compliance Desktop: The Rule 144 Module. This latest addition to the CCH SEC Desktop helps assure compliance with SEC Rule 144. (To order or for more information, contact your CCH Sales Representative at 1-888-224-7377, call 1-800-449-6435 or visit http://business.cch.com.)

According to CCH Associate Publisher for Securities Peter Berkery, the new module is designed to ensure compliance while at the same time eliminating unnecessary, duplicative effort.

"The end result is a system that’s extremely versatile and powerful. It makes use of good design to minimize drudgery but at the same time ensures compliance and provides useful information to interested parties inside and outside of the company," Berkery said.

Validates Rule 144 Compliance

The SEC Desktop Rule 144 Module makes it easy for administrators to assure compliance with Rule 144 by the holders of restricted stock. As with other modules of the CCH SEC Desktop, the software eliminates unnecessary repetition in data entry, performs validation checks and contains extensive filtering options to create a wide variety of views and reports.

A series of "managers" organizes data by categories, allowing efficient entry of new data and quick generation of reports by use of multiple filters. There are managers for Persons, Acquisitions, Proposed Sales, Form 144 Filings, Non-Insider Transactions and Reports.

A security feature allows the administrator to control levels of user access. This gives the organization the ability to spread the different functions of the administration across different users or even across different departments.

In addition, the CCH SEC Desktop Rule 144 Module:

• Provides an intuitive data entry process that is easy to learn and use.
• Limits access to authorized users through built-in security features.
• Performs automatic validation checks on Rule 144 timing and volume restrictions when proposed sales are entered and issues warnings if rules would be violated.
• Creates the Form 144 filing as well as Seller’s Representation Letters, Stock Power Forms, W-9 Forms, Proposed Transaction Summaries and Restricted Stock Acquisition Summaries.
• Can convert proposed sales into Section 16 dispositions and automatically flow information to Forms 3, 4 and 5 (if separate Section 16 module is purchased).
• Generates over 20 reports and supporting documents.
• Permits creation of hypothetical, "what if" transactions.

Features Save Time, Ensure Accuracy

As with all modules of the SEC Desktop, the software becomes "smarter" the

more it is used—once a piece of information is entered, it doesn’t have to be entered again when a new transaction has to be recorded. Instead, the data already in the system is called up instantly and entered on new reporting forms. There are also picklists designed into the system wherever possible to speed data entry and extensive error-checking to minimize the possibility of mistakes.

Like other SEC Desktop modules, the Rule 144 module readily imports spreadsheet or payroll data. A spreadsheet-style display facilitates data manipulation during the import process.

System Requirements

The SEC Compliance Desktop runs under Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000 or NT on a Pentium 166 or better microprocessor and 32-MB RAM for optimal performance. The program requires a CD-ROM compatible with MSCDEX and an SVGA monitor or better.

Availability and Pricing

All modules in the CCH SEC Desktop are priced individually to allow maximum flexibility and discounts apply when multiple modules are purchased. In addition to an online tutorial and extensive, context-sensitive help, the subscription price includes on-site or telephone training, all customer service calls and all updates. For complete pricing information, contact your CCH Sales Representative at 888 CCH REPS (1-888-224-7377) or visit http://business.cch.com.

About CCH INCORPORATED

CCH INCORPORATED, founded in 1913, has served four generations of business professionals and their clients. The company produces approximately 700 print and electronic products for securities, tax, legal, banking, securities, human resources, health care and small business markets. CCH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wolters Kluwer North America. The CCH web site can be accessed at www.cch.com. The CCH Business and Finance Group web site can be accessed at http://business.cch.com.

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