UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 14A Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) Filed by the Registrant // Filed by a Party other than the Registrant /X / Check the appropriate box: / / Preliminary Proxy Statement / / CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY RULE 14a-6(e)(2)) / / Definitive Proxy Statement / / Definitive Additional Materials /X/ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12 META Group, Inc. (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) Gartner, Inc. (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): /X/ No fee required. / / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: (5) Total fee paid: / / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. / / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: (3) Filing Party: (4) Date Filed: PERSONS WHO ARE TO RESPOND TO THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RESPOND UNLESS THE FORM DISPLAYS A CURRENTLY VALID OMB CONTROL NUMBER. Filed by Gartner, Inc. Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Subject Company: META Group, Inc.. Commission File No.: 0-27280 On December 27, 2004, Gartner, Inc. sent the following letter to its clients. To Our Valued Clients: I am delighted to share with you the news that Gartner, Inc. has reached an agreement to acquire META Group. Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company's professional staff of research analysts and consultants will be able to provide an even greater scope of independent, objective counsel to help senior IT and business executives leverage information technology to meet their strategic objectives. META Group represents an outstanding strategic fit with Gartner. The acquisition of META Group allows us to expand our ability to deliver the broadest, deepest, most timely advice and consulting on information technology. We expect the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and approval by META Group's stockholders, to close in the second quarter 2005. We will keep you informed of developments as they occur. As Gartner moves forward, I want to thank you for allowing us to be your partner. We look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with you in the future. Most Sincerely, /s/ Gene Hall Gene Hall