advertisement placed in newspapers by investment bankers in a public offering of securities. It gives basic details about the issue and lists the underwriting group members involved in the offering in alphabetically organized groupings according to the size of their participation. The name is derived from the similarity in appearance of the ad to a tombstone.
casual reference to an advertisement for a professional individual-such as a doctor, lawyer, or banker-or an organization -such as a banking institution, medical association, or brokerage house-that must meet specific legal requirements and regulations imposed on the industry represented in the advertising. For example, in the securities industry, an advertisement for a public offering of securities, sponsored by an investment banking firm, must follow certain guidelines as outlined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
