Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating whether the fiduciaries of the 401(k) defined contribution retirement plan ("Plan") of The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. ("Bear Stearns") (NYSE:BSC) may have breached their ERISA-mandated fiduciary duties of loyalty and prudence to participants and beneficiaries of the Plan. A breach may have occurred if the fiduciaries mismanaged the Plan by investing in Bear Stearns stock when it was no longer an advisable investment for participants' retirement savings.

It is suspected that Bear Stearns failed to disclose its true operating condition, including disclosures relating to Bear Stearns sub-prime operations and the reliability of the Company's reported financial information. The gravity of Bear Stearns' troubles was finally revealed on Sunday, March 16, 2008, when JP Morgan Chase & Co. ("JP Morgan") announced a transaction whereby JP Morgan would acquire Bear Stearns for $236 million.  The market reaction to this selling price caused Bear Stearns' stocks to tumble 84% from a closing price of $30 per share on Friday March, 14 2008 to a closing price of $4.81 per share on Monday, March 17, 2008.

Current and former Bear Stearns employees who own Bear Stearns stock through the Plans may be able to recover their losses. If you or anyone you know is a member of the Bear Stearns 401(k) Plans, purchased Bear Stearns stock through the Plans, and wish to discuss your rights and interests as an investor, please contact our Washington, D.C. office toll-free at (877) 337-1050 or by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .