Barclays Bank

A class action lawsuit against U.K. Barclays Bank has been dismissed. The multi-million dollar suit accused Barclays of helping Enron set up "special purpose vehicles" which allowed the company to hide billions of debts. One of those vehicles was named Chewco, after the Star Wars character Chewbacca. A judge ruled that the special purpose vehicles were legitimate and made a distinction between Barclays' role in helping to set them up and the way Enron chose to account for them. Although a group of shareholders can appeal the decision, it is unlikely that the trial in Enron's hometown of Houston, Texas, will proceed. (Jul-22-06) [TELEGRAPH]