SEC probes KLA-Tencor's option practices

SAN JOSE, Calif. — KLA-Tencor Corp. Tuesday (May 30) said that it received notice from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of an informal inquiry relating to past stock option grants.

KLA-Tencor, based here, said it will cooperate fully with this investigation.

Chip equipment giant KLA-Tencor last week said that U.S. federal prosecutors are investigating the timing of stock option grants made by the company, according to online reports. KLA-Tencor has formed an independent board panel to probe options grants over the past 10 years.