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UNITED STATES
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
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 7, 2004
NorthWestern Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-692 46-0172280
(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
incorporation) Identification No.)
125 South Dakota Avenue 57104
Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
(605) 978-2908
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Item 8.01 Other Events
On October 7, 2004, the Company issued a press release announcing that the U.S.
Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware had approved an agreement that
settles and dismisses all claims associated with consolidated securities class
action lawsuits and derivative cases. Under the terms of the settlement, all
claims against the Company, its subsidiaries and other parties will be dismissed
without admission of liability or wrongdoing. The agreement establishes a
settlement fund for class members in the amount of $41 million of which
approximately $37 million will be contributed by the Company's insurance
carriers and $4 million would be contributed from other persons or parties. The
settlement is subject to approval by the U.S. District Court for the District of
South Dakota, where the consolidated class action lawsuits and derivative cases
are pending. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
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99.1* Press Release of NorthWestern Corporation dated October 7, 2004
* filed herewith
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.
NorthWestern Corporation
By: /s/ Roger Schrum
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Roger Schrum
Vice President - Human Resources and
Communications
Date: October 11, 2004
Index to Exhibits
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EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
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99.1* Press Release of NorthWestern Corporation dated October 7, 2004
* filed herewith