Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) said in an SEC filing last week it has now completed its internal investigation and hasn’t raised the $54 million reserve it set aside in June for an FCPA settlement.
Illinois-based ADM launched an internal investigation in 2008 into deals for grain and feed exports that might have violated the FCPA and other laws.
It self-disclosed the investigation to U.S. and foreign enforcement agencies in 2009 and is still in discussions with the DOJ and SEC about settling potential violations.
ADM had reserved $29 million to cover ‘disgorgement, penalties, and fines’ but upped the reserve to $54 million as of June this year. It cited the same amount in its latest filing.
The company hasn’t said where the FCPA violations might have happened or the size of any potential illegal payments.
It doesn’t expect possible enforcement actions to have a material impact on its business.
_________________
Here’s the full FCPA disclosure from ADM’s November 1, 2013 Form 10-Q:
Since August 2008, the Company has been conducting an internal review of its policies, procedures and internal controls pertaining to the adequacy of its anti-corruption compliance program and of certain transactions conducted by the Company and its affiliates and joint ventures, primarily relating to grain and feed exports, that may have violated company policies, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and other U.S. and foreign laws. The Company initially disclosed this review to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and certain foreign regulators in March 2009 and has subsequently provided periodic updates to the agencies. The Company engaged outside counsel and other advisors to assist in the review of these matters and has implemented, and is continuing to implement, appropriate remedial measures. The Company has completed its internal review and is engaged in discussions with the DOJ and SEC to resolve this matter. In connection with this review, government agencies could impose civil penalties or criminal fines and/or order that the Company disgorge any profits derived from any contracts involving inappropriate payments. Included in selling, general, and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were charges for the Company’s current estimate of potential disgorgement, penalties, and fines that may be paid by the Company in connection with this matter of $54 million. As of September 30, 2013, the estimated loss provision liability of $54 million is included in accrued expenses and other payables in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. These events have not had, and are not expected to have, a material impact on the Company’s business or financial condition.
___________
Julie DiMauro is the executive editor of FCPA Blog. She can be reached here.
Comments are closed for this article!