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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
January 18, 2002
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Date of Report
NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
0-692 46-0172280
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(Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Identification Number)
125 South Dakota Avenue, Suite 1100
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(605) 978-2908
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(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
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Item 5. OTHER EVENTS
On January 18, 2002, NorthWestern Corporation (the "Company") issued a
press release announcing that the Company anticipated its earnings per share
from continuing operations would be within the range of analysts' estimates for
its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2001.
On January 18, 2002, CornerStone Propane Partners, L.P. , a publicly traded
master limited partnership (NYSE:CNO)("CornerStone"), issued a press release
announcing that the board of directors of its managing general partner had
determined that it is in the best interests of CornerStone's unitholders to
consider strategic opportunities, including a possible sale or merger of
CornerStone. We own approximately 30% of CornerStone, which we operate through
one of our subsidiaries that serves as CornerStone's managing general partner.
The purpose of this Current Report on Form 8-K is to file as exhibits a
copy of the Company's press release dated January 18, 2002 and a copy of
CornerStone's press release dated January 18, 2002 announcing such events.
The descriptions herein of such press releases are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the press releases attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1
and Exhibit 99.2 which are incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, AND EXHIBITS
(c) Exhibits
Exhibit
Number Description
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99.1 Press Release of NorthWestern Corporation, dated
January 18, 2002
99.2 Press Release of CornerStone Propane Partners, L.P.
dated January 18, 2002
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: January 18, 2002
NORTHWESTERN CORPORATION
By: /s/ Kipp D. Orme
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Kipp D. Orme
Vice President - Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
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99.1 Press Release of NorthWestern Corporation, dated
January 18, 2002
99.2 Press Release of CornerStone Propane Partners, L.P.
dated January 18, 2002
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