SEC’s NPA with Ralph Lauren, the Agency’s First Ever, Modifies the M&A Due Diligence Requirements Traditionally Included in DOJ DPAs, and Outlines Specific Actions That Constitute Effective Self-Reporting

While implementing an enhanced FCPA compliance program in 2010, Ralph Lauren Corporation (RLC) unearthed a multi-year bribery scheme perpetrated through its Argentine subsidiary, P.R.L.-S.R.L.  RLC reported its findings to the SEC and DOJ within two weeks and cooperated fully with their subsequent investigations.  As a result, the SEC entered into its first-ever non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with RLC.  Simultaneously, the DOJ entered into a separate NPA with RLC.  RLC has agreed to pay aggregate disgorgement, interest and penalties of over $1.6 million, to cooperate further with the SEC and DOJ, to enhance its compliance program and take further remedial measures and to report back to the DOJ for two years.  This article summarizes the terms of those agreements which, among other things, evidence the potential benefits for companies that self-police, self-report and cooperate fully with the SEC and DOJ.  See also “SEC’s FCPA Unit Chief and Top Practitioners Address the Role of Financial Controls in FCPA Compliance Policies, Internal Investigations, Self-Reporting and Related Topics” (Apr. 3, 2013).

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