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: January 18, 2002 (Date of earliest event reported) UNIVERSAL CORPORATION (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Virginia 1-652 54-0414210 (State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer of Incorporation) Identification No.) 1501 North Hamilton Street Richmond, Virginia 23230 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (804) 359-9311 Item 5. Other Events. The Competition Directorate of the European Commission is conducting an administrative investigation of certain green tobacco purchasing practices in Spain. The Company's subsidiary, Tabacos Espanoles S.A.("Taes"), conducts buying operations in Spain. Taes is cooperating fully with the investigation. Management is currently gathering information and believes that it is not appropriate to comment further at this time. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. UNIVERSAL CORPORATION (Registrant) Date: January 18, 2002 By: /s/ James A. Huffman ----------------------------- James A. Huffman Controller