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<P align=center>UNITED STATES<br>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<br>
Washington, D.C. 20549</P>
</FONT>
<P align=center><FONT size=5>FORM 8-K</P>
</FONT><FONT size=2>
<P align=center>CURRENT REPORT</P>
<P align=center>Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act
of 1934</P></FONT></B>
<FONT size=2>
<P align=center>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May18,
2005</P>
<P align=center></FONT><B><FONT size=5>General Binding Corporation</FONT></B><br>
<FONT size=2>_______________________________________________<br>
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</P>
<P align=center></P>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=624 border=0>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="37%"><FONT size=2>
      <P align=center>Delaware</P>
      </FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="26%"><FONT face="CG Times" size=2>
      <P align=center>000-02604</P></FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="32%"><FONT face="CG Times" size=2>
      <P align=center>36-0887470</P></FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top width="37%"><FONT size=2>
      <P align=center>(State or other jurisdiction of
    incorporation)</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="26%"><FONT size=2>
      <P align=center>(Commission File Number)</FONT></P></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD vAlign=top width="32%"><FONT size=2>
      <P align=center>(IRS Employer Identification
No.)</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P align=center>One GBC Plaza, Northbrook, Illinois 60062<br>
__________________________________________<br>
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)</P>
<P align=center>Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (847)
272-3700</P>
<P align=center>Not Applicable.<br>
_____________________________________________________<br>
(Former name or former address, if changed since last
report.)</P>
</FONT>
<P align=justify></P><FONT size=2>
<P align=justify>Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is
intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under
any of the following provisions:</P>
<P align=justify>[x] Written communications
pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</P>
<P align=justify>[x] Soliciting material pursuant
to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</P>
<P align=justify><FONT face=Wingdings>o</FONT> Pre-commencement communications
pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</P>
<P align=justify><FONT face=Wingdings>o</FONT> Pre-commencement communications
pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</P><B>
<hr>
<P>Item 8.01 Other Events. </P></B>
<P>On May 18, 2005, General Binding Corporation ("GBC") and Fortune Brands, Inc.
("Fortune Brands") issued a joint press release announcing that the waiting
period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended, in connection with the pending merger of GBC and ACCO World Corporation
("ACCO World"), a subsidiary of Fortune Brands, has expired. </P>
<P>For additional information concerning the foregoing, a copy of the joint
press release dated May 18, 2005 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is
incorporated by reference herein. </P><B>
<P>Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits. </P></B>
<P>(c) Exhibits. The following exhibit is being filed herewith: </P>
<P>99.1 Joint Press Release dated May 18, 2005. </P>
<P>&nbsp; </P></FONT>
<P align="center"><font size="3">1</font></P><FONT size=2>
<P>&nbsp;</P><B>
<P align=center>SIGNATURES</P></B>
<P>Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</P>
<b>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
GENERAL BINDING CORPORATION</p>
<p></b>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
By: <u>/s/ Steven Rubin&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
</u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Steven Rubin<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Vice President, Secretary &amp;<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
General Counsel<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
May 18, 2005</p>
<P>&nbsp;</P></FONT>
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face="CG Times" size=2>
<P align=center>EXHIBIT INDEX</P></B>
<P align=center></P></FONT><B><FONT size=2>
<P>Exhibit<U><br>
Number</U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <U>Description</P></U>
</B>
<P>99.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Press Release dated May 18,
2005.</P></FONT>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="center">3</p>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "GENERAL BINDING CORP", "cik": "0000040461", "assigned-sic": "3579", "irs-number": "360887470", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "000-02604", "film-number": "05841626"}, "business-address": {"street1": "ONE GBC PLZ", "city": "NORTHBROOK", "state": "IL", "zip": "60062", "phone": "8472723700"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "ONE GBC PLZ", "city": "NORHBROOK", "state": "IL", "zip": "60062"}}
UNITED STATES
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act
of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May18,
2005
General Binding Corporation
_______________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
000-02604
36-0887470
(State or other jurisdiction of
    incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification
No.)
One GBC Plaza, Northbrook, Illinois 60062
__________________________________________
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (847)
272-3700
Not Applicable.
_____________________________________________________
(Former name or former address, if changed since last
report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is
intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under
any of the following provisions:
[x] Written communications
pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[x] Soliciting material pursuant
to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications
pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications
pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 8.01 Other Events.
On May 18, 2005, General Binding Corporation ("GBC") and Fortune Brands, Inc.
("Fortune Brands") issued a joint press release announcing that the waiting
period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended, in connection with the pending merger of GBC and ACCO World Corporation
("ACCO World"), a subsidiary of Fortune Brands, has expired.
For additional information concerning the foregoing, a copy of the joint
press release dated May 18, 2005 is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is
incorporated by reference herein.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits. The following exhibit is being filed herewith:
99.1 Joint Press Release dated May 18, 2005.
1
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
GENERAL BINDING CORPORATION
By:
/s/ Steven Rubin
Steven Rubin
Vice President, Secretary &
General Counsel
May 18, 2005
2
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
99.1             Press Release dated May 18,
2005.
3