Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Interesting - and negative for Ambac

GE used to be in the bond insurance game. It sold GICs as per Ambac and MBIA.

This news story (repeated below) suggests that GE is being investigated as part of an industry wide probe into the marketing of these contracts.

Presumably that investigation includes Ambac and MBIA - and it differs from other investigations going on into those companies.

This is negative.

----------

GE finance unit says 2 units probed over marketing
Monday July 28, 10:14 am ET

GE finance arm says 2 units are being examined over marketing, sales of financial instruments HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- The finance arm of General Electric Co. says two units are being investigated in connection with an industrywide probe into marketing and sales of guaranteed investment contracts and other financial instruments to municipalities.

In a filing Friday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, General Electric Capital Corp. said GE Funding CMS and GE Funding Capital Market Services Inc. have been subpoenaed for information.

GE Funding Capital Market Services has received notice that the SEC staff may recommend that the agency bring a civil injunction or begin an administrative proceeding in connection with the bidding for financial instruments associated with municipal securities by former employees of GE Funding Capital Market Services.

General Electric Capital said it is cooperating with the SEC and antitrust division of the Department of Justice.

No comments:

General disclaimer

The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of Mr. Hempton. You should assume Mr. Hempton and his affiliates have positions in the securities discussed in this blog, and such beneficial ownership can create a conflict of interest regarding the objectivity of this blog. Statements in the blog are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors. Certain information in this blog concerning economic trends and performance is based on or derived from information provided by third-party sources. Mr. Hempton does not guarantee the accuracy of such information and has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of such information or the assumptions on which such information is based. Such information may change after it is posted and Mr. Hempton is not obligated to, and may not, update it. The commentary in this blog in no way constitutes a solicitation of business, an offer of a security or a solicitation to purchase a security, or investment advice. In fact, it should not be relied upon in making investment decisions, ever. It is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author. In particular this blog is not directed for investment purposes at US Persons.