8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

AMERICAN EXPRESS CO 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Jul 17, 2007)

Filed July 17, 2007For Securities:AXP

Summary

This 8-K filing from American Express Company (AXP), dated July 17, 2007, primarily serves to disclose the filing of a prospectus supplement. This supplement relates to the resale of an additional 8,815 unregistered common shares of American Express, originally issued as consideration in the acquisition of Harbor Payments, Inc. The merger was completed on December 31, 2006. For investors, this filing is important as it clarifies the process and legal basis for the resale of these shares, which were not initially registered. The company is providing an opinion of counsel regarding the legality of these common shares, which will be incorporated into its existing shelf registration statement. This action aims to ensure compliance with SEC regulations for the resale of securities acquired through a merger.

Key Highlights

  • 1American Express Company filed a prospectus supplement on July 17, 2007.
  • 2The supplement registers for resale an additional 8,815 unregistered common shares.
  • 3These shares were issued as part of the merger with Harbor Payments, Inc., completed on December 31, 2006.
  • 4The filing is made to register the resale of shares held by selling stockholders.
  • 5A legal opinion from counsel regarding the legality of these common shares is attached as an exhibit.
  • 6The prospectus supplement is filed under Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act of 1933.
  • 7These shares are being registered under American Express's existing Form S-3 automatic shelf registration statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce and provide details about the filing of a prospectus supplement with the SEC. This supplement registers for resale a specific number of American Express common shares that were issued in connection with a prior acquisition.

The acquisition referenced is the merger with Harbor Payments, Inc. ('Harbor'), which was completed on December 31, 2006. American Express acquired Harbor through its subsidiary, Cove Acquisition Sub, Inc.

The shares being registered for resale were originally issued to Harbor's former stockholders as unregistered common shares during the merger. This filing ensures that these shares can be legally resold in the public market by the selling stockholders, complying with SEC regulations.

The 'Opinion of Counsel' (Exhibit 5.1) provides a legal opinion confirming the legality of the common shares being registered for resale. This opinion is a standard requirement for registering securities and is incorporated into the company's shelf registration statement.