The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is asking for public comments on a proposed extension of its information collection under Rule 17a-8, which relates to mergers of affiliated investment companies. This rule allows certain mergers to bypass restrictions on transactions between a fund and its affiliates, and it requires directors to evaluate and document key aspects of such mergers. The SEC estimates that this rule affects around 200 funds annually, resulting in a total burden of 1,400 hours and a cost of over $3 million. The public can submit comments on the necessity and burden of these requirements until February 18, 2025.
Simple Explanation
The SEC (kind of like a referee for money rules) wants to know if everyone thinks the rules for special company mergers are fair and not too hard to follow. They want people to tell them what they think before next February.