Reasons for Corporate Quiet Period per Monica Patrick include : SEC Filings. Layoffs. Conflict Negotiations. Arbitration.
With regard to SEC Filings I quote : "When Companies file paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, it is customary for the applying company to enforce a status of silence. The quiet period is lifted once the paperwork is reviewed and accepted by the SEC. Contrary to popular belief, this quiet rule isn't an SEC regulation, but is a common practice among the corporate community. One reason a company would file with the SEC is corporate restructuring. Before large scale mergers or aquisitions may occur, the company must file with the commission"