U.S. District Court Judge Carlos Murguia ruled the plaintiffs' claims were not specific enough to file suit against Brooke, which had been one of the fastest-growing insurance franchisers, with more than 900 agencies across the United States. Brooke Corp. and a subsidiary filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last October (BestWire, Oct. 29, 2008). A special master has been appointed to oversee the bankruptcy.

According to court records, several banks, including the Bank of New York Mellon, have also filed suit against Brooke.

Brooke is under federal investigation, and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized company files last December. It is also being investigated by the Missouri Department of Insurance (BestWire, Dec. 17, 2008). An effort to sell the corporation's insurance operations fell through last November (BestWire, Nov. 4, 2008).

(By Chad Hemenway, associate editor, BestWeek: Chad.Hemenway@ambest.com)

The Commission is of the opinion that the public interest and the protection of investors require a suspension of trading in the securities of the above-listed company.

Therefore, it is ordered, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that trading in the securities of the above-listed company is suspended for the period from 9:30 a.m. EDT, August 28, 2009 through 11:59 p.m. EDT, on September 11, 2009.

By the Commission.

Elizabeth M. Murphy,

Secretary.

Citation: "74 FR 45267"

Document Number: "File No. 500-1"

Federal Register Page Number: "45267"

"Notices"

The Commission is of the opinion that the public interest and the protection of investors require a suspension of trading in the securities of the above-listed company.

Therefore, it is ordered, pursuant to Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange

[Page Number 45268]

Act of 1934, that trading in the securities of the above-listed company is suspended for the period from 9:30 a.m. EDT, August 28, 2009 through 11:59 p.m. EDT, on September 11, 2009.

By the Commission.

Elizabeth M. Murphy,

Secretary.

[FR Doc. E9-21142 Filed 8-28-09; 11:15 am]

BILLING CODE 8010-01-P

Vol. 74, No. 168

[File No. 500-1]

Notices

A hearing will be scheduled before an administrative law judge to determine whether the allegations contained in the Order are true, to provide Brooke and Brooke Capital an opportunity to respond to these allegations, and to determine whether it is appropriate to suspend for a period not exceeding 12 months or to revoke the registration of the securities of Brooke and Brooke Capital. The Order directs the administrative law judge to issue an initial decision within 120 days from the date of service of the Order. (Rel. 34-60581; File No. 3-13603)