The original SEC investigation named Brant as one of the figures who went on to "control and dominate the granting process" for options. The SEC found that Brant personally received ten grants of backdated options, worth nearly 2.1 million shares, which were later exercised for millions of dollars.

The new, formal, investigation will allow regulators to subpoena witnesses over stock option practices of the company, its directors, officers and employees, according to a Reuters report