Item 8.01. Other Events

On June 24, 2009, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (the "Company") reached a definitive agreement with SPARX Investment & Research, USA, Inc. to acquire its assets related to the management of the SPARX Japan Fund and SPARX Japan Smaller Companies Fund (the "SPARX Funds"), each a series of SPARX Asia Funds. Pursuant to the proposed transaction, Hennessy Advisors will become the investment manager to the SPARX Funds, and the Hennessy Funds trustees will become the trustees of the SPARX Asia Funds. The SPARX Funds have approximately $65 million in assets.

The Company will pay for all costs associated with gaining approval of the shareholders of the SPARX Funds. The proposed transaction is also subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of SPARX Asia Funds. The transaction is expected to close by the end of September 2009.

A copy of the press release announcing the proposed transaction is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit Description

99.1 Press Release

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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)
June 24, 2009 By: /s/ Daniel B. Steadman Daniel B. Steadman
Executive Vice President

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HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC.