================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNITED STATES Washington, DC 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) October 14, 2003 ---------------- HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC. ----------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) California 000-49872 68-0176227 ---------- --------- ---------- (State or other jurisdiction Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 750 Grant Avenue, Suite 100 94945 Novato, California ----- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number including area code: (415) 899-1555 -------------- Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) ================================================================================ Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure On October 14, 2003, the Company announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with Lindner Asset Management, Inc., based in Deerfield, Illinois, for Hennessy to purchase assets related to the investment advisory agreements for five Lindner Funds. A copy of the announcement is attached as Exhibit 99. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits (c) Exhibits 99 Press Release 2 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC. (registrant) October 14, 2003 By: /s/ Neil J. Hennessy ------------------------------------- Neil J. Hennessy President 3