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

 

Filed by the Registrant þ

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

 

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o  Preliminary Proxy Statement

o  Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

þ  Definitive Proxy Statement

o  Definitive Additional Materials

o  Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

HENRY SCHEIN, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 14, 2008

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Henry Schein, Inc. (the “Company”), to be held at 9:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the Melville Marriott Long Island, 1350 Old Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747.

 

The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

 

 

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2008 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

The Company is pleased to take advantage of the new Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow issuers to furnish proxy materials to their stockholders on the Internet. The Company believes the new rules will allow it to provide its stockholders with the information they need, while lowering the costs of delivery and reducing the environmental impact of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Accordingly, stockholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2008 will receive a Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials and may vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.

 

To assure your representation at the Annual Meeting, you are urged to cast your vote, as instructed in the Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials, over the Internet or by telephone as promptly as possible. You may also request a paper proxy card to submit your vote by mail, if you prefer. Any stockholder of record attending the Annual Meeting may vote in person, even if he or she has voted over the Internet, by telephone or returned a completed proxy card.

 

Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person, your vote is very important. Please cast your vote regardless of the number of shares you hold. I believe that you can be proud, excited and confident to be a stockholder of Henry Schein. I look forward to discussing our plans for Henry Schein’s future at the Annual Meeting, and I hope to see you there.

 

STANLEY M. BERGMAN
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Melville, New York

April 4, 2008

HENRY SCHEIN, INC.
135 DURYEA ROAD
MELVILLE, NEW YORK 11747

 

 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

 

The Board of Directors of Henry Schein, Inc. (the “Company”) has fixed the close of business on March 20, 2008 as the record date for determining the holders of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01, entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). As of that date, 90,082,040 shares of common stock were outstanding, each of which entitles the holder of record to one vote. The Notice of Annual Meeting, this proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy are being made available to stockholders of record of the Company on or about April 4, 2008. A copy of our 2007 Annual Report to Stockholders is being made available with this proxy statement, but is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares eligible to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum in connection with the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes (i.e., proxies from brokers or nominees indicating that such persons have not received instructions from the beneficial owner or other persons eligible to vote shares as to a matter with respect to which the brokers or nominees do not have discretionary power to vote) are counted as present for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business.

 

Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors (Proposal 1), which is by plurality vote.

 

Abstentions will, in effect, be votes against the ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 2), as this item requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present and eligible to vote on such items. Broker non-votes will not be considered votes cast on Proposal 2 and the shares represented by broker non-votes with respect to this proposal will be considered present but not eligible to vote on this proposal.

 

We will pay all expenses of this proxy solicitation. In addition to this proxy solicitation, proxies may be solicited in person or by telephone or other means (including by our directors or employees without additional compensation). We will reimburse brokerage firms and other nominees, custodians and fiduciaries for costs incurred by them in distributing proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by such persons.

 

If your shares of Common Stock are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. In accordance with rules and regulations recently adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials to each stockholder of record, we may now furnish proxy materials to our stockholders on the Internet. If you received a Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice of Internet Availability”) by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of these proxy materials. Instead, the Notice of Internet Availability will instruct you as to how you may access and review all of the important information contained in these proxy materials. The Notice of Internet Availability also instructs you as to how you may submit your proxy on the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, including a proxy card, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials included in the Notice of Internet Availability.

 

If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” and the Notice of Internet Availability was forwarded to you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct that organization on how to vote the shares held in your account.

Shares of Common Stock held in a stockholder’s name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting. Shares of Common Stock held beneficially in street name may be voted in person only if you obtain a legal proxy from the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares.

 

Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Annual Meeting. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by submitting a proxy electronically via the Internet, by telephone or if you have requested a paper copy of these proxy materials, by returning the proxy or voting instruction card. If you hold shares beneficially in street name, you may vote by submitting voting instructions to your broker, trustee or nominee.

 

Whether or not you are able to attend the Annual Meeting, you are urged to complete and return your proxy or voting instructions, which are being solicited by the Company’s Board of Directors and which will be voted as you direct on your proxy or voting instructions when properly completed. In the event no directions are specified, such proxies and voting instructions will be voted FOR the nominees for election to the Board of Directors, FOR the ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 27, 2008 and in the discretion of the proxy holders as to other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

 

You may revoke or change your proxy or voting instructions at any time before the Annual Meeting. To revoke your proxy, send a written notice of revocation or another signed proxy with a later date to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at Henry Schein, Inc., 135 Duryea Road, Melville, New York 11747 before the beginning of the Annual Meeting. You may also automatically revoke your proxy by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not in and of itself constitute revocation of a proxy. To revoke your voting instructions, submit new voting instructions to your broker, trustee or nominee; alternatively, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the right to vote your shares, you may attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. All shares represented by a valid proxy received prior to the Annual Meeting will be voted.

 

PROPOSAL 1

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board of Directors has approved the thirteen persons named below as nominees for election at the Annual Meeting to serve as directors until the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. Directors will be elected by plurality vote. Any executed proxies returned to the Company will be voted for the election of all of such persons except to the extent the proxy is specifically marked to withhold such authority with respect to one or more of such persons. All of the nominees for director (other than Karyn Mashima) currently serve as directors and were elected by the stockholders at the 2007 Annual Meeting. All of the nominees have consented to be named and, if elected, to serve. In the event that any of the nominees is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies may be voted in the discretion of the persons acting pursuant to the proxy for the election of other nominees. Set forth below is certain information, as of March 20, 2008, concerning the nominees:

 

 

BARRY J. ALPERIN has been a director since 1996. Mr. Alperin, a private consultant since 1995, served as Vice Chairman of Hasbro, Inc. from 1990 through 1995, as Co-Chief Operating Officer of Hasbro, Inc. from 1989 through 1990 and as Senior Vice President or Executive Vice President of Hasbro, Inc. from 1985 through 1989. Mr. Alperin served as a director of Seaman Furniture Company, Inc. from 1992 to 2001. He currently serves as a director of K’NEX Industries, Inc., The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. and K-Sea Transportation Partners L.P.

 

GERALD A. BENJAMIN has been our Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since 2000 and a director since 1994. Prior to holding his current position, Mr. Benjamin was Senior Vice President of Administration and Customer Satisfaction since 1993. Mr. Benjamin was Vice President of Distribution Operations from 1990 to 1992 and Director of Materials Management from 1988 to 1990. Before joining us in 1988, Mr. Benjamin was employed for thirteen years in various management positions at Estée Lauder, Inc., where his last position was Director of Materials Planning and Control.

 

STANLEY M. BERGMAN has been our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1989 and a director since 1982. Mr. Bergman held the position of President of the Company from 1989 to 2005. Mr. Bergman held the position of Executive Vice President from 1985 to 1989 and Vice President of Finance and Administration from 1980 to 1985.

 

JAMES P. BRESLAWSKI has been our President and Chief Operating Officer since May 2005 and a director since 1992. Mr. Breslawski held the position of Executive Vice President and President of U.S. Dental from 1990 to April 2005, with primary responsibility for the North American Dental Group. Between 1980 and 1990,

Mr. Breslawski held various positions with us, including Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance and Administration and Corporate Controller.

 

PAUL BRONS has been a director since April 2005. Between 1994 and 2002, Mr. Brons served as an executive board member of Akzo Nobel, N.V. From 1965 to 1994, Mr. Brons held various positions with Organon International BV, including President from 1983 to 1994 and Deputy President from 1979 to 1983. From 1975 to 1979, Mr. Brons served as the General Manager of the OTC operations of Chefaro. Both Organon and Chefaro operated within the Akzo Nobel group. Mr. Brons currently serves on the Board of Directors of Laboratorios Almirall S.A.

 

MARGARET A. HAMBURG, M.D. has been a director since 2003. Since 2005, Dr. Hamburg has served as Senior Scientist for the Nuclear Threat Initiative where she served as Vice President of Biological Programs from 2001 to 2004. From 1997 to 2001, Dr. Hamburg served as the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. From 1991 to 1997, Dr. Hamburg served as the Commissioner of Health for the City of New York. From 1988 to 1990, Dr. Hamburg held positions with the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

DONALD J. KABAT has been a director since 1996. Mr. Kabat was the Chief Financial Officer of Central Park Skaters, Inc. from 1992 to 1995 and the President of D.J.K. Consulting Services, Inc. from 1995 to 2006. From 1970 to 1992, Mr. Kabat was a partner in Andersen Consulting (now known as Accenture, Ltd.). Mr. Kabat currently serves on the Board of Directors of Phoenix House Development Fund.

 

PHILIP A. LASKAWY has been a director since 2002. Mr. Laskawy joined the accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP in 1961 and served as a partner in the firm from 1971 to 2001, when he retired. Mr. Laskawy served in various senior management positions at Ernst & Young including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to which he was appointed in 1994. Mr. Laskawy currently serves on the Board of Directors of Cap Gemini SA, General Motors Corporation, Loews Corporation and Discover Financial Services.

 

KARYN MASHIMA was recommended by the Nominating and Governance Committee and nominated by the Board of Directors in March 2008 as a nominee to the Company’s Board of Directors. Ms. Mashima has been the Senior Vice President, Strategy and Technology of Avaya Inc. since 2000. Prior to holding her current position at Avaya, Ms. Mashima held similar positions with the Enterprise Communications unit of Lucent Technologies and AT&T from 1994 to 2000. Ms. Mashima was Vice President of Marketing at Proteon Technologies, Inc. from 1992 to 1994 and Vice President of Marketing at Network Equipment Technologies, Inc. from 1990 to 1992. From 1984 to 1990, Ms. Mashima was Product and Marketing Manager at Hewlett-Packard Company. From 1981 to 1984, Ms. Mashima was employed at Xerox Corp., where her last position was Product Manager of Xerox’s Office Systems division.

 

NORMAN S. MATTHEWS has been a director since 2002. Since 1989, Mr. Matthews has worked as an independent consultant and venture capitalist. From 1978 to 1988, Mr. Matthews served in various senior management positions for Federated Department Stores, Inc., including President from 1987 to 1988. Mr. Matthews currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Progressive Corporation and Finlay Fine Jewelry Corporation.

 

MARK E. MLOTEK has been Executive Vice President, Corporate Business Development since 2004 and was Senior Vice President of Corporate Business Development from 2000 to 2004. Prior to that, Mr. Mlotek was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from 1994 to 1999 and became a director in 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mlotek was a partner in the law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP, counsel to us, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations and tax law from 1989 to 1994.

 

STEVEN PALADINO has been our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2000. Prior to holding his current position, Mr. Paladino was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1993 to 2000 and has been a director since 1992. From 1990 to 1992, Mr. Paladino served as Vice President and Treasurer and from 1987 to 1990 served as Controller. Before joining the Company, Mr. Paladino was employed as a public accountant for seven years, most recently with the international accounting firm of BDO Seidman. Mr. Paladino is a certified public accountant.

LOUIS W. SULLIVAN, M.D. has been a director since 2003. Since 2002, Dr. Sullivan has been President Emeritus of Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. From 1993 to 2002, Dr. Sullivan was President of Morehouse School of Medicine. From 1989 to 1993, Dr. Sullivan served as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Dr. Sullivan currently serves on the Board of Directors of United Therapeutics Corporation, BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Emergent BioSolutions Inc.

 

THE AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF THE HOLDERS OF A PLURALITY OF THE OUTSTANDING SHARES OF COMMON STOCK PRESENT IN PERSON OR REPRESENTED BY PROXY AND ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THIS MATTER AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE PROPOSED NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Board of Directors Meetings and Committees

 

During the fiscal year ended December 29, 2007 (“fiscal 2007”), the Board of Directors held seven meetings. The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and a Strategic Advisory Committee. During fiscal 2007, the Audit Committee held four meetings, the Compensation Committee held ten meetings, the Nominating and Governance Committee held three meetings and the Strategic Advisory Committee held three meetings. During fiscal 2007, each director, other than Marvin Schein (who attended five of seven, or 71% of the Board of Directors’ meetings), attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and committees on which such directors served. Each of the committees of the Board of Directors acts pursuant to a separate written charter adopted by the Board of Directors.

 

Independent Directors

 

The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that Messrs. Alperin, Brons, Kabat, Laskawy, Matthews, Ms. Mashima and Drs. Hamburg and Sullivan are “independent,” as defined under Rule 4200 of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”). In determining Ms. Mashima’s independence, the Board of Directors considered her significant other’s employment with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. He is a non-audit principal of such firm.

 

Independent directors, as defined under Nasdaq’s Rule 4200, meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without members of Company management present.

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Kabat (Chairman), Alperin and Laskawy. All of the members of the Audit Committee are independent directors as defined under Nasdaq’s Rule 4200. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee are “audit committee financial experts,” as defined under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, as such, each satisfy the requirements of Nasdaq’s Rule 4350.

 

The Audit Committee oversees (i) our accounting and financial reporting processes, (ii) our audits and (iii) the integrity of our financial statements on behalf of the Board of Directors, including the review of our consolidated financial statements and the adequacy of our internal controls. In fulfilling its responsibility, the Audit Committee has direct and sole responsibility, subject to stockholder approval, for the appointment, compensation, oversight and termination of the independent registered public accounting firm for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work. Additionally, the Audit Committee oversees those aspects of risk management and legal and regulatory compliance monitoring processes, which may impact our financial reporting. The Audit Committee meets at least four times each year and periodically meets separately with our management, internal auditor and the independent registered public accounting firm to discuss the results of their audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, their evaluation of our internal controls, the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting, our critical accounting policies and to review and approve any related party transactions. We

maintain procedures for the receipt, retention and the handling of complaints, which the Audit Committee established. The Audit Committee operates under a charter available on our Internet website at www.henryschein.com, under the Corporate Information-Corporate Governance caption.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Alperin (Chairman), Kabat and Matthews. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves (i) all incentive and equity-based compensation plans, including, without limitation, option, restricted stock and restricted stock unit plans in which officers or employees may participate, (ii) the Company’s Employee Retirement Income Security Act and other employee and executive benefits plans, and all related policies, programs and practices and (iii) arrangements with executive officers relating to their employment relationships with the Company, including, without limitation, employment agreements, severance agreements, supplemental pension or savings arrangements, change in control agreements and restrictive covenants. In addition, the Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating the Company’s compensation and benefit plans, policies and programs. Each member of the Compensation Committee is an independent director as defined under Nasdaq’s Rule 4200, “non-employee director” as defined under the SEC’s rules and “outside director” as defined under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Compensation Committee may form subcommittees, consisting of members of the committee, and delegate authority to such subcommittees as it deems appropriate. The Compensation Committee operates under a charter available on our Internet website at www.henryschein.com, under the Corporate Information-Corporate Governance caption.

 

Use of Outside Advisors

 

In making its determinations with respect to executive compensation, the Compensation Committee has historically engaged the services of an independent compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee retains the services of Pearl Meyer & Partners to assist the Compensation Committee with several special projects, including advice on director compensation and the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”).

 

The Compensation Committee retains Pearl Meyer & Partners directly, although in carrying out assignments, Pearl Meyer & Partners also interacts with Company management when necessary and appropriate in order to obtain compensation and performance data for the executives and the Company. In addition, Pearl Meyer & Partners may, in its discretion, seek input and feedback from management regarding its consulting work product prior to presentation to the Compensation Committee in order to confirm alignment with the Company’s business strategy, identify data questions or other similar issues, if any, prior to presentation to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has authorized the Company’s Chief Administrative Officer to work with Pearl Meyer & Partners in managing the specific assignments made by the Compensation Committee.

 

The Compensation Committee annually reviews competitive compensation data prepared by Towers Perrin, a human resources consulting firm which provides a number of services to management.

 

The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain, terminate and set the terms of its relationship with any outside advisors who assist the Committee in carrying out its responsibilities.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee

 

The Nominating and Governance Committee currently consists of Messrs. Laskawy (Chairman), Alperin and Sullivan. The purpose of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to identify individuals qualified to become Board of Directors members, recommend to the Board of Directors the persons to be nominated by the Board of Directors for election as directors at the annual meeting of stockholders, determine the criteria for selecting new directors and oversee the evaluation of the Board of Directors and management. In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee reviews and reassesses our corporate governance procedures and practices and recommends any proposed changes to the Board of Directors for its consideration. All of the members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are independent directors as defined under Nasdaq’s Rule 4200. The Nominating and Governance Committee operates under a charter available on the Company’s Internet website at www.henryschein.com, under the Corporate Information-Corporate Governance caption.

The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider for nomination to the Board of Directors candidates suggested by stockholders, provided that such recommendations are delivered to the Company, together with the information required to be filed in a proxy statement with the SEC regarding director nominees and each such nominee’s consent to serve as a director if elected, no later than the deadline for submission of stockholder proposals. Our policy is to consider nominations to the Board of Directors from stockholders who comply with the procedures set forth in the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, for nominations at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders and to consider such nominations using the same criteria it applies to evaluate nominees recommended by other sources. To date, we have not received any recommendations from stockholders requesting that the Nominating and Governance Committee consider a candidate for inclusion among the Committee’s slate of nominees in the Company’s proxy statement.

 

In evaluating director nominees, the Nominating and Governance Committee currently considers the following factors:

 

 

The Nominating and Governance Committee may also consider such other factors that it deems are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

 

The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board of Directors willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board of Directors with skills and experience that are relevant to the Company’s business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board of Directors with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board of Directors does not wish to continue in service or if the Nominating and Governance Committee or the Board of Directors decides not to re-nominate a member for re-election, the Nominating and Governance Committee identifies the desired skills and experience of a new nominee, and discusses with the Board of Directors suggestions as to individuals that meet the criteria. In addition, the Nominating and Governance Committee has the authority to retain third party search firms to evaluate or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees.

 

With the goal of increasing the effectiveness of the Board of Directors and its relationship to management, the Nominating and Governance Committee evaluates the Board of Director’s performance as a whole. The evaluation process, which occurs at least annually, includes a survey of the individual views of all directors, which are then shared with the full Board of Directors. In addition, each of the committees performs a similar annual self-evaluation.

 

Strategic Advisory Committee

 

The Strategic Advisory Committee currently consists of Messrs. Matthews (Chairman), Brons, Laskawy and Drs. Hamburg and Sullivan. The purpose of the Strategic Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the Board of Directors and to our management regarding the monitoring and implementation of our corporate strategic plan, as well as general strategic planning. All of the members of the Strategic Advisory Committee are independent directors as defined under Nasdaq’s Rule 4200. The Strategic Advisory Committee operates under a charter available on our Internet website at www.henryschein.com, under the Corporate Information-Corporate Governance caption.

 

Stockholder Communications

 

Stockholders who wish to communicate with the Board of Directors may do so by writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at Henry Schein, Inc., 135 Duryea Road, Melville, New York 11747. The office of the

Corporate Secretary will receive the correspondence and forward it to the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee or to any individual director or directors to whom the communication is directed, unless the communication is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, does not reasonably relate to the Company or its business or is similarly inappropriate.

 

Our policy is to encourage our Board of Directors members to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and twelve of our thirteen directors then in office attended the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

Corporate Governance Guidelines

 

The Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, a copy of which is available on our Internet website at www.henryschein.com, under the Corporate Information-Corporate Governance caption. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines address topics such as (i) role of the Board of Directors, (ii) director responsibilities, (iii) Board of Directors composition, (iv) definition of independence, (v) committees, (vi) selection of Board of Directors nominees, (vii) orientation and continuing education of directors, (viii) executive session of independent directors, (ix) management development and succession planning, (x) Board of Directors compensation, (xi) attendance of directors at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, (xii) Board of Directors access to management and independent advisors, (xiii) annual evaluation of Board of Directors and committees, (xiv) submission of director resignations and (xv) communicating with the Board of Directors.

 

Among other things, the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that it is the Board of Directors’ policy to periodically review issues related to the selection and performance of the Chief Executive Officer. At least annually, the Chief Executive Officer must report to the Board of Directors on the Company’s program for management development and on succession planning. In addition, the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer shall periodically discuss the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations as to a successor in the event of the sudden resignation, retirement or disability of the Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines also provide that it is the Board of Directors’ policy that, in light of the increased oversight and regulatory demands facing directors, directors must be able to devote sufficient time to carrying out their duties and responsibilities effectively. Accordingly, directors should not serve on more than five other boards of public companies in addition to the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

In addition to our Worldwide Business Standards applicable to all employees, we have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our Internet website at www.henryschein.com, under the Corporate Information-Corporate Governance caption. We intend to disclose on our website any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Controller.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table presents certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 20, 2008 by (i) each person we know is the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) each director of the Company, (iii) each nominee for director of the Company, (iv) our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and each of the other three most highly paid executive officers serving as of December 29, 2007 (the “Named Executive Officers”) and (v) all directors and executive officers as a group.

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Our executive officers and directors are required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) to file reports of ownership of common stock of the Company with the SEC. Copies of those reports must also be furnished to the Company. Based solely on a review of the copies of reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, the Company believes that during fiscal 2007 the executive officers and directors of the Company timely complied with all applicable filing requirements.

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Compensation Objectives and Strategy

 

The Company’s executive officer compensation program is designed to attract and retain the caliber of officers needed to ensure the Company’s continued growth and profitability and to reward them for their performance, the Company’s performance and for creating long term value for stockholders. The primary objectives of the program are to:

 

 

The Company’s executive compensation programs are approved and administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Working with management and outside advisors, the Compensation Committee has developed a compensation and benefits strategy that rewards performance and behaviors and reinforces a culture that the Compensation Committee believes will drive long-term success.

 

The compensation program rewards team accomplishments while promoting individual accountability. The executive officer compensation program depends in significant measure on Company results, but business unit results and individual accomplishments are also very important factors in determining each executive’s compensation. The Company has a robust planning and goal-setting process that is fully integrated into the compensation system, enhancing a strong relationship between individual efforts, Company results, and financial rewards.

 

A major portion of total compensation is placed at risk through annual and long-term incentives. As shown in the Summary Compensation Table, in 2007 the sum of restricted stock awards, options, non-equity incentive plan compensation (annual incentive awards), and bonus represented between 65% and 72% of the total compensation

for the Named Executive Officers. The combination of incentives is designed to balance annual operating objectives and Company earnings performance with longer-term stockholder value creation.

 

We seek to provide competitive compensation that is commensurate with performance. We target compensation at the median of the market, and calibrate both annual and long-term incentive opportunities to generate less-than-median awards when goals are not fully achieved and greater-than-median awards when goals are exceeded.

 

We seek to promote a long-term commitment to the Company by our senior executives. We believe that there is great value to the Company in having a team of long-tenure, seasoned managers. Our team-focused culture and management processes are designed to foster this commitment. The vesting schedules attached to restricted stock (three year performance-based vesting) and option awards (25% per year over four years time-based vesting) reinforce this long-term orientation.

 

Role of the Compensation Committee

 

General

 

The Compensation Committee provides overall guidance for our executive compensation policies and determines the amounts and elements of compensation for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee’s function is more fully described in its charter which has been approved by our Board of Directors. The charter is available on our Internet website at www.henryschein.com, under the Corporate Information-Corporate Governance caption.

 

When considering decisions concerning the compensation of our executive officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee asks for Mr. Bergman’s recommendations, including his detailed evaluation of each executive’s performance. When considering decisions concerning the compensation of our outside directors, the Compensation Committee reviews management’s recommendation before making its own determination.

 

Use of Outside Advisors

 

In making its determinations with respect to executive compensation, the Compensation Committee has historically engaged the services of Pearl Meyer & Partners, an independent compensation consultant. In addition, the Compensation Committee annually reviews competitive compensation data prepared by Towers Perrin, an independent human resources consulting firm which provides a number of services to the Company.

 

Compensation Structure

 

Pay Elements — Overview

 

The Company utilizes four main components of compensation:

 

 

Pay Elements — Details

 

Base Salary

 

The Compensation Committee annually reviews executive officer salaries and makes adjustments as warranted based on individual responsibilities and performance, Company performance in light of market conditions

and competitive practice. Salary adjustments are generally approved and implemented during the first quarter of the calendar year. The 2007 salaries of the Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Bergman, were increased by an average of 3.6% over 2006 levels. Mr. Bergman’s salary increased by 2.7% over his 2006 salary. Salary increases for executive officers are generally consistent with those of other management employees.

 

Annual Incentive Compensation

 

Annual incentive compensation for each of the Company’s executive officers, other than Mr. Bergman, is paid under the Performance Incentive Plan (“PIP”) for such year. The components of the PIP are designed to reward the achievement of pre-established corporate, business unit and individual performance goals. At the beginning of each year, the Chief Executive Officer recommends to the Compensation Committee which executive officers should participate in the PIP for that year and, following review and approval by the Compensation Committee, such officers are notified of their participation. The Chief Executive Officer recommends to the Compensation Committee the PIP’s performance goals for executive officers, subject to the Compensation Committee’s review and approval, and determines such goals for participants who are not executive officers.

 

PIP awards for 2007 performance for the Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Bergman, were established at the beginning of 2007. For Messrs. Breslawski, Mlotek and Paladino, such performance awards were based on (i) the Company’s 2007 earnings per share measured against pre-established standards, as may be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the 2007 PIP (the “2007 EPS Target”), (ii) achievement of financial goals in their respective business units (“Business Financial Goal”) and (iii) achievement of individual objectives (“Individual Performance Goal”). For fiscal 2007, Mr. Komaroff’s annual incentive award was equal to the average of the annual PIP bonuses received by Messrs. Benjamin, Paladino and Mlotek. Mr. Komaroff’s annual incentive award in 2008 will, like the other Named Executive Officers (other than Mr. Bergman), be based on the Company’s financial goal, Mr. Komaroff’s respective Business Financial Goal and his Individual Performance Goal.

 

The weight (as a percentage of the PIP target award) for each component of the PIP awards for Messrs. Breslawski, Paladino and Mlotek’s are as follows:

 

 

In March 2007, the Compensation Committee set the 2007 EPS Target at $2.52, representing the target goal designed to result in a PIP award payout equal to 100%. Pursuant to the 2007 PIP, the Compensation Committee is required to (i) adjust the PIP goals for acquisitions and new business ventures not initially considered when developing the target and (ii) exclude from the calculation of the 2007 EPS items of gain, loss or expense related to the disposal of a business or discontinued operations, capital transactions undertaken by the Company during the fiscal year, the Company’s repurchase of any class of its securities during the fiscal year or changes in accounting principles or changes in applicable law or regulations. Additionally, the Compensation Committee may adjust the EPS target for items resulting from unforeseen events or facts and circumstances outside the Company’s control. Also, the Compensation Committee or the CEO (solely with respect to non-executive officers) may award all or a portion of a PIP award (i) upon the attainment of any goals (including the applicable predefined goals) or (ii) regardless of whether the applicable predefined goals are attained. To account for the impact of the Company’s stock buyback program, acquisitions and certain capital transactions that occurred in 2007, the Compensation Committee decreased the 2007 EPS Target from $2.52 to $2.50. Our actual 2007 EPS was $2.58, which resulted in a payout of 192% of PIP target based on a pre-established weighted formula set by the Compensation Committee under the 2007 PIP.

 

The Compensation Committee believes that the Business Financial Goal and Individual Performance Goal are designed to motivate management to achieve challenging, but attainable goals for talented executives. Achievement of these targets is substantially uncertain at the time such targets are established. The Compensation Committee sets

the targets for PIP awards such that incentive compensation is paid at less-than-median of the market awards when Business Financial Goal or Individual Performance Goal are not fully achieved and greater-than-median awards when goals are exceeded.

 

During the first quarter of 2008, the Chief Executive Officer reviewed the relevant financial and operating performance achievements of the Company and its business units, as well as the individual performance of the participating officers, against the PIP performance goals that had been previously established, and submitted proposed PIP awards for the participating officers (other than the executive officers) to the Compensation Committee for approval. The Compensation Committee evaluated and approved PIP awards for the executive officers and, considered and approved, in its sole discretion, an additional amount to be awarded to certain executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers (other than Mr. Bergman). Such additional amounts were awarded to (i) reflect measured achievement of individual and business unit goals that were not initially considered when developing the targets for such executives and (ii) award such executive officers for their individual contributions to the Company’s growth in diluted earnings per share. The total PIP payments (including discretionary and non-discretionary portions) for 2007 for the four Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Bergman, averaged 128% of salary. The discretionary portion of the PIP awards for the four Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Bergman, averaged 3.2% of the actual PIP award amount paid to them.

 

PIP awards for the Named Executive Officers (other than the discretionary portion) appear in the Summary Compensation Table in the column captioned “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” The discretionary portion of such awards appears in the Summary Compensation Table in the column captioned “Bonus.”

 

Mr. Bergman’s annual incentive award is based on pre-established performance goals set under the Company’s Section 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan. Mr. Bergman’s 2007 award was based on the Company’s 2007 EPS Target (weighted at 75% of his award) and the average performance of the Company’s other executive officers with respect to their Business Financial Goal and their Individual Performance Goal (weighted at 25% of his award).

 

The Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Bergman an annual bonus under the Company’s Section 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan equal to $1,800,000 with respect to 2007 performance. In making its bonus determination, the Compensation Committee certified the achievement of the 2007 performance goals that were set in March 2007 and evaluated the Company’s 2007 EPS Target (as adjusted) and the average bonuses earned by the Company’s executive officers (including the Named Executive Officers) in relation to their target bonus opportunities. Such achievements generated a bonus amount of $2,612,469. However, given the Company’s strong team-based approach and general philosophy regarding executive compensation, after discussion with Mr. Bergman, the Compensation Committee reduced Mr. Bergman’s 2007 bonus to $1,800,000. The decision to reduce the amount payable to Mr. Bergman is in no way a reflection on his performance.

 

Equity-Based Awards

 

The Company and the Compensation Committee believe that equity-based awards are an important factor in aligning the long-term financial interest of the officers and stockholders. The Compensation Committee continually evaluates the use of equity-based awards and intends to continue to use such awards in the future as part of designing and administering the Company’s compensation program. Beginning in 2006, the Compensation Committee replaced its practice of granting equity incentives solely in the form of options with a mix of 50% options and 50% restricted stock or restricted stock units, which was the practice for the 2007 LTIP. The stated percentages are based on value, with values for options being based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Allocating the equity grant value to be 50% options and 50% restricted stock provides equity grant values consistent with past awards while using fewer shares overall. It is designed to provide emphasis on preserving stockholder values generated in recent years while providing significant incentives for continuing growth. Except with respect to new hires, all grants are issued on the date they are approved by the Compensation Committee. In the case of new hires, grants are approved by the Compensation Committee for grant on the last business day of the fiscal quarter in which such grant was approved. The exercise price of an option is always the grant date closing market price per share. The options uses time-based vesting and vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, provided that no termination of service has occurred.

Awards of restricted stock granted to the Named Executive Officers use performance-based vesting and vest at the end of three years if certain Company performance goals are met, provided that no termination of service has occurred (“Performance-Contingent Restricted Shares”). Performance goals are tied solely to growth of the Company’s diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). These performance goals are based on the Company’s long-term earnings growth objectives of earnings per share growth in the mid-teens (as a percentage) per year. If the Company continues to perform at expected levels, it is likely that our executives will earn equal to or greater than their target awards under the plan. Similar to the PIP, pursuant to the 2006 and 2007 LTIP, the Compensation Committee is required to (i) adjust the LTIP goals for acquisitions and new business ventures not initially considered when developing the target and (ii) exclude from the calculation of the 2007 EPS items of gain, loss or expense related to the disposal of a business or discontinued operations, capital transactions undertaken by the Company during the fiscal year, the Company’s repurchase of any class of its securities during the fiscal year or changes in accounting principles or changes in applicable law or regulations. Additionally, the Compensation Committee may adjust the EPS target for items resulting from unforeseen events or facts and circumstances outside the Company’s control. To account for the impact of the Company’s stock buyback program, acquisitions and various capital transactions that occurred in 2007, the Compensation Committee decreased the three year EPS goal for the Performance-Based Contingent Restricted Shares granted in 2006 by 0.5% and decreased the three year EPS goal for the Performance-Based Contingent Restricted Shares granted in 2007 by 0.7%.

 

Prior to 2006, Mr. Bergman did not receive equity grants. As part of its consideration of an amendment to Mr. Bergman’s employment agreement, approved by the Board of Directors on December 16, 2005, the Compensation Committee determined that it was appropriate to provide equity incentives to Mr. Bergman in a manner consistent with those granted to other Named Executive Officers and, as a result, options and restricted stock were granted to Mr. Bergman with respect to 2006 and 2007. (See the table entitled “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2007 Fiscal Year End.”)

 

Other Benefits and Perquisites

 

The Company’s executive compensation program also includes other benefits and perquisites. These benefits include annual matching contributions to executive officers’ 401(k) plan accounts, annual allocations to the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) accounts, health benefits, automobile allowances and life insurance coverage. The Company annually reviews these other benefits and perquisites and makes adjustments as warranted based on competitive practices and the Company’s performance. In addition to the executive benefits and perquisites provided to other senior executives, Mr. Bergman is provided with administrative services, as well as a payment to cover income taxes resulting from his use of an automobile provided by the Company. The Compensation Committee has approved these other benefits and perquisites as a reasonable component of the Company’s executive officer compensation program. (See the “All Other Compensation” column in the Summary Compensation Table.)

 

Pay Mix

 

We utilize the particular elements of compensation described above because we believe that it provides a well-proportioned mix of secure compensation, retention value and at-risk compensation which produces short-term and long-term performance incentives and rewards. By following this approach, we provide the executive a measure of security with a minimum expected level of compensation, while motivating the executive to focus on business metrics that will produce a high level of short term and long-term performance for the Company and long-term wealth creation for the executive, as well as reducing the risk of recruitment of top executive talent by competitors. The mix of metrics used for our annual incentive program (i.e., the PIP and the 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan) and our annual LTIP likewise provides an appropriate balance between short-term financial performance and long-term financial and stock performance.

 

For executive officers, the mix of compensation is weighted heavily toward at-risk pay (annual incentives and long-term incentives). Maintaining this pay mix results fundamentally in a pay-for-performance orientation for our executives, which is aligned with our stated compensation philosophy of providing compensation commensurate with performance, while targeting pay at approximately the 50^th percentile of the competitive market.

Pay Levels and Benchmarking

 

Pay levels for executive officers are determined based on a number of factors, including the individual’s roles and responsibilities within the Company, the individual’s experience and expertise, the pay levels for peers within the Company, pay levels in the marketplace for similar positions and performance of the individual and the Company as a whole. The Compensation Committee is responsible for approving pay levels for the executive officers. In determining the pay levels, the Compensation Committee considers all forms of compensation and benefits, using tools such as wealth creation tally sheets to review the total value delivered through all elements of pay.

 

The Compensation Committee assesses “competitive market” compensation using a number of sources. One of the data sources used in setting competitive market levels for the executive officers is the information publicly disclosed by a peer group of the Company, which will be reviewed annually and may change from year to year. The peer group of companies is engaged in the distribution and/or manufacturing of healthcare products or industrial equipment and supplies. The peer group of companies are Dentsply International Inc., MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Omnicare, Inc., Owens & Minor, Inc., Patterson Companies, Inc., PSS World Medical, Inc. and W.W. Grainger, Inc. The Company also reviews comparative data supplied by Towers Perrin for companies with revenues between $4 billion and $8 billion.

 

After consideration of the data collected on external competitive levels of compensation and internal relationships within the executive group, the Compensation Committee makes decisions regarding individual executives’ target total compensation opportunities based on the need to attract, motivate and retain an experienced and effective management team.

 

Relative to the competitive market data, the Compensation Committee generally intends that the base salary and target annual incentive compensation for each executive will be at the median of the competitive market.

 

As noted above, notwithstanding the Company’s overall pay positioning objectives, pay opportunities for specific individuals vary based on a number of factors such as scope of duties, tenure, institutional knowledge and/or difficulty in recruiting a new executive. Actual total compensation in a given year will vary above or below the target compensation levels based primarily on the attainment of operating goals and the creation of stockholder value.

 

Conclusion

 

The level and mix of compensation that is finally decided upon is considered within the context of both the objective data from our competitive assessment of compensation and performance, as well as discussion of the subjective factors as outlined above. The Compensation Committee believes that each of the compensation packages is within the competitive range of practices when compared to the objective comparative data even where subjective factors have influenced the compensation decisions.

 

Post Termination and Change in Control

 

The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Bergman in order to ensure his continuing employment by the Company. This agreement currently extends through December 31, 2008, and may be renewed for successive three-year periods by the Company. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Bergman’s long-term commitment to the Company is a valuable asset to the organization. In conjunction with the negotiation of this agreement, the Company agreed to provide certain severance benefits to Mr. Bergman upon the termination of his employment both before and after a change in control and under other post termination scenarios. These benefits are described and quantified in the section entitled “Employment Agreements and Post Termination and Change in Control Arrangements” under Executive and Director Compensation.

 

The Company believes that a strong, experienced management team is essential to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Company recognizes that the possibility of a change in control could arise and that such a possibility could result in the departure or distraction of members of the management team to the detriment of the Company and its stockholders. We have entered into Change in Control Agreements with Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Bergman, in order to minimize employment security concerns arising in the

course of negotiating and completing a significant transaction. These benefits are payable both before and after a change in control. The Company has also entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Komaroff under which benefits are payable upon the termination of his employment. The benefits to the Named Executive Officers are enumerated and quantified in the section entitled “Employment Agreements and Post Termination and Change in Control Arrangements” under Executive and Director Compensation.

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines

 

The Company believes that, to align the interests of the executive officers and directors of the Company with the stockholders of the Company, the executive officers and directors of the Company should have a financial stake in the Company. In March 2006, the Board of Directors adopted a policy requiring each executive officer to own, no later than three years from the effective date of the policy, equity in the Company equal to a minimum of three times such executive officer’s annual base salary. Each director should own, no later than three years from the effective date of the policy, equity in the Company equal to a minimum of 100% of such director’s annual retainer. Newly appointed executive officers and directors will have three years from the date of their appointment to comply with the stock ownership policy. The Board of Directors will evaluate whether exceptions should be made for any executive officer or director on whom this requirement would impose a financial hardship or for other appropriate reasons as determined by the Board of Directors. Equity includes: shares of any class of capital stock; shares of vested restricted stock; unexercised vested options; vested shares of common stock held in such executive officer’s 401(k) plan; warrants or rights to acquire shares of capital stock; and securities that are convertible into shares of capital stock; provided that an amount equal to at least 20% of such director’s or executive officer’s annual base salary or annual retainer, as the case may be, must be owned by such director or executive officer in the form of shares of common stock. Further, executive officers may only sell up to one-half of the equity value above the ownership requirement.

 

Impact of Tax and Accounting

 

As a general matter, the Compensation Committee considers the various tax and accounting implications of compensation vehicles employed by the Company.

 

When determining amounts of long-term incentive grants to executives and employees, the Compensation Committee examines the accounting cost associated with the grants. Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123 (revised 2004) (“FAS 123R”), grants of options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other share-based payments result in an accounting charge for the Company. The accounting charge is equal to the fair value of the instruments being issued. For restricted stock and restricted stock units, the cost is equal to the fair value of the stock on the date of grant multiplied by the number of shares or units granted. For options, the cost is equal to the Black-Scholes value on the date of grant multiplied by the number of shares or units granted. This expense is amortized over the requisite service period, or vesting period of the instruments. The Compensation Committee also carefully considers the impact of using market conditions (e.g., share price or total stockholder return) as a performance metric under the LTIP, mindful of the fact that if the condition is not achieved, the accounting charge would not be reversible, although the Compensation Committee may grant compensation that does not constitute performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code if it considers it appropriate and in the best interest of the Company. Grants under the 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan, option grants and awards of performance-based restricted stock are generally intended to be performance-based under Section 162(m) of the Code; although grants under the PIP are tied to the Company’s performance, these are not intended to meet the requirements under Section 162(m).

Section 162(m) of the Code generally prohibits any publicly held corporation from taking a federal income tax deduction for compensation paid in excess of $1 million in any taxable year to certain Named Executive Officers. Exceptions are made for qualified performance-based compensation, among other things. It is the Compensation Committee’s policy to maximize the effectiveness of our executive compensation plans in this regard.

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and based on the review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and incorporated by reference into the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K.

 

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Barry J. Alperin, Chairman
Donald J. Kabat
Norman S. Matthews

 

EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

Executive Officers

 

Our executive officers and their ages and positions as of March 20, 2008 are:

 

 

The biographies for Messrs. Benjamin, Bergman, Breslawski, Mlotek and Paladino follow the table listing our directors under “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors” above. Biographies for our other executive officers are:

 

LEONARD A. DAVID has been Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since March 2006. Mr. David held the position of Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer from March 2005 to March 2006. Mr. David held the position of Vice President of Human Resources and Special Counsel from 1995 to March 2005. Mr. David held the office of Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from 1990 to 1995 and practiced corporate and business law for eight years prior to joining us.

 

JAMES HARDING has been Corporate Chief Technology Officer of the Company since May 2005 and Senior Vice President since October 2001. Prior to holding his current position, Mr. Harding was Chief Information Officer since October 2001, with primary responsibility for worldwide information technology.

 

STANLEY KOMAROFF has been Senior Advisor since 2003. Prior to joining us, Mr. Komaroff was a partner for 35 years in the law firm of Proskauer Rose LLP, counsel to the Company. He served as Chairman of that firm from 1991 to 1999.

 

MICHAEL RACIOPPI has been Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer since January 2008. Prior to holding his current position, Mr. Racioppi was President of the Medical Division from 2000 to January 2008, Interim President from 1999 to 2000 and Vice President from 1994 to January 2008. Mr. Racioppi served as Senior Director, Merchandising from 1992 to 1994. Before joining us in 1992, Mr. Racioppi was employed by Ketchum Distributors, Inc. as the Vice President of Purchasing and Marketing.

 

MICHAEL ZACK has been President of our International Group since March 2006. Mr. Zack held the position of Senior Vice President of the International Group from 1989 to March 2006. Mr. Zack was employed by Polymer Technology (a subsidiary of Bausch & Lomb) as Vice President of International Operations from 1984 to 1989 and by Gruenenthal GmbH as Manager of International Subsidiaries from 1975 to 1984.

Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal 2007 and Fiscal 2006(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Employment Agreements and Post Termination and Change in Control Arrangements

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

The Company and Stanley M. Bergman entered into an employment agreement, dated as of January 1, 2003, as amended on December 16, 2005, providing for his continued employment as our Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer until December 31, 2008, subject to successive three-year extensions as provided in his employment agreement. Mr. Bergman’s annual base salary is set in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. In addition, his employment agreement provides for incentive compensation to be determined by the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors. See “Compensation Structure — Pay Elements — Details — Equity-Based Awards” under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a discussion on stock awards and option awards. See “Compensation Structure — Pay Elements — Details — Annual Incentive Compensation” under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a discussion on non-equity incentive plan compensation. His employment agreement also provides that Mr. Bergman will be entitled to participate in all benefit, welfare, perquisite, equity or similar plans, policies and programs generally available to our senior executive officers.

 

Pursuant to his employment agreement, if Mr. Bergman’s employment with us is terminated (i) by us without cause, (ii) by Mr. Bergman for good reason, (iii) as a result of his disability or (iv) as a result of a non-renewal of the employment term by us, Mr. Bergman will receive all amounts then owed to him as salary and deferred

compensation and all benefits accrued and owed to him or his beneficiaries under the then applicable benefit plans, programs and policies of the Company. In addition, Mr. Bergman will receive, as severance pay, a lump sum equal to 200% of his then annual base salary plus 200% of Mr. Bergman’s average annual incentive compensation paid or payable with respect to the immediately preceding three fiscal years, and a payment equal to the account balance or accrued benefit Mr. Bergman would have been credited with under each retirement plan maintained by us if we had continued contributions until the end of the year of the termination, less Mr. Bergman’s vested account balance or accrued benefits under each retirement plan. Under such circumstances, for a period of two years after termination, Mr. Bergman shall also be entitled to (i) an office comparable to that used by him prior to termination and related office support, including making available the services of one executive assistant and (ii) use of an automobile for two years.

 

If Mr. Bergman resigns within one year following a change in control of the Company or if Mr. Bergman’s employment is terminated by us without cause within one year following a change in control or during a specified period in advance of a change in control, Mr. Bergman will receive, as severance pay, in lieu of the foregoing, 300% of his then annual base salary plus 300% of Mr. Bergman’s incentive compensation paid or payable with respect to whichever of the immediately preceding two fiscal years of the Company ending prior to the date of termination was higher, and a payment equal to the account balance or accrued benefit Mr. Bergman would have been credited with under each retirement plan maintained by us if we had continued contributions thereunder until the end of the year of the termination, less Mr. Bergman’s vested account balance or accrued benefits under each retirement plan upon a change in control, and all unvested outstanding options and shares of restricted stock shall become fully vested. Additionally, under such circumstances, for a period of three years after termination, Mr. Bergman shall be entitled to an office comparable to that used by him prior to termination and related office support, including making available the services of one executive assistant. In such event, Mr. Bergman is also entitled to use of an automobile for two years after termination following a change in control or for three years after termination if he terminates his employment within one year following a change in control. If any amounts owed to Mr. Bergman are subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, we will pay Mr. Bergman an additional amount such that the amount retained by him, after reduction for such excise tax, equals the amounts owed to him prior to imposition of the excise tax.

 

Unless his employment agreement is terminated for cause or pursuant to Mr. Bergman’s voluntary resignation, we will continue the participation of Mr. Bergman and his family in the health and medical plans, policies and programs in effect with respect to our senior executive officers and their families after the termination or expiration of his employment agreement, with coverage for Mr. Bergman and his spouse continuing until their respective deaths, and coverage for his children continuing until the earlier of the date they reach the age of 28 or when they complete graduate studies and will provide Mr. Bergman with use of an automobile for two years after termination.

 

Mr. Bergman is subject to restrictive covenants, including non-solicitation and non-compete provisions, while he is employed by us and for specified periods of time thereafter. Pursuant to such provisions in his employment agreement, Mr. Bergman shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in any activity competitive with a material segment of the Company’s business or recruit, solicit or induce any employee of the Company to terminate their employment with the Company, during Mr. Bergman’s employment term and (i) for one year thereafter if his employment is terminated (a) by us without cause, (b) by Mr. Bergman for good reason, (c) as a result of his disability, or (d) by Mr. Bergman by giving 30 days’ notice within one year following a change in control, or (ii) until the later of (a) the second anniversary of the expiration of his employment term and (b) his termination date if such termination is by us for cause or due to Mr. Bergman terminating his employment by giving 180 days’ notice. We may, at our option, extend the initial one-year term of the non-compete described by clause (i) above for an additional year if we provide Mr. Bergman notice of such extension no later than 180 days prior to expiration of the term and we pay Mr. Bergman his annual base salary in effect on his date of termination. Mr. Bergman is also subject to confidentiality provisions.

 

Stanley Komaroff

 

The Company and Mr. Komaroff entered into an employment agreement and a change in control agreement, each dated October 10, 2003 and as subsequently amended. The change in control agreement is described below in the section entitled “Named Executive Officers Other than the Chief Executive Officer.”

Pursuant to his employment agreement, upon Mr. Komaroff’s death or disability, or if Mr. Komaroff’s employment with us is terminated (a) by us without cause, (b) by Mr. Komaroff for any reason or (c) as a result of a non-renewal of the employment term by us (through the 2009 employment term), Mr. Komaroff (or his heirs or estate) will receive (i) all amounts then owed to him as salary and deferred compensation, (ii) any unpaid annual incentive compensation for the last full fiscal year prior to termination, (iii) all benefits owed to him or his beneficiaries under the then applicable benefit plans, programs and policies of the Company, and (iv) a pro rata annual incentive award for the fiscal year in which termination occurs. If Mr. Komaroff’s employment is terminated by us for cause, Mr. Komaroff will receive the amounts described in (i) and (iii) above.

 

In the case of non-renewal by the Company (with respect to a year prior to and including the 2009 fiscal year), Mr. Komaroff will receive, as severance pay, his annual salary, and his annual incentive compensation payable for the fiscal year following the non-renewal (calculated as the average of the bonuses paid with respect to such fiscal year to Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Mlotek and Mr. Paladino). Such severance payment will not be due to Mr. Komaroff for any non-renewal of the employment term by the Company after December 31, 2009.

 

In the event of a non-renewal by the Company or Mr. Komaroff’s voluntary resignation with good reason, Mr. Komaroff’s equity awards vest in full on such termination. Upon retirement (i.e. voluntary resignation without good reason), Mr. Komaroff’s restricted stock vests in full and his unvested options continue to vest for two and a half years after retirement upon which time they will fully vest.

 

Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Komaroff is subject to confidentiality provisions. Additionally, during his employment, Mr. Komaroff will not (other than on behalf of the Company) in any capacity whatsoever (other than as the holder of not more than one percent of the total outstanding stock of a publicly held company) engage in any activity competitive with a material segment of the business of the Company.

 

Named Executive Officers Other than the Chief Executive Officer

 

We have entered into change in control agreements with the Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Bergman , that provide that if the executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason within two years following a change in control of the Company, we will pay and provide the executive with (i) the executive’s base salary (defined to include salary plus the executive’s annual automobile allowance and the Company’s contribution to the 401(k) and SERP plans for the year prior to the change in control) through the termination date, (ii) severance pay equal to 300% of the sum of the executive’s base salary (as defined in (i)) and target bonus, (iii) a pro rata annual incentive award at a target level for the year in which termination occurs, (iv) immediate vesting of all outstanding options, restricted or deferred stock awards and non-qualified retirement benefits, (v) elimination of all restrictions on any restricted or deferred stock awards, (vi) settlement of all deferred compensation arrangements in accordance with the applicable plan and (vii) continued participation in all health and welfare plans for 24 months (provided that such coverage will terminate when the executive receives substantially equivalent coverage from a subsequent employer) at the same level of participation for each executive on the termination date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an executive’s employment is terminated by us without cause or by the executive for good reason, in either case, (i) within 90 days prior to a change in control or (ii) after the first public announcement of the pendency of the change in control, the executive will be entitled to the benefits described above. In the event any payments to the executive become subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, we will pay the executive an additional amount such that the amount retained by the executive after reduction for such excise tax equals the amount to be paid to the executive prior to imposition of the excise tax.

 

Pursuant to the change in control agreements, the Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Bergman, are also subject to restrictive covenants, such as confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions. Additionally, during each Named Executive Officer’s employment and for a period of 24 months thereafter, each Named Executive Officer agreed that he will not, without the Company’s prior written consent, solicit our employees for employment.

Post Termination and Change in Control Calculations

 

The amounts set forth in the table below represent amounts that would have been paid to the Named Executive Officers, pursuant to their employment and change in control agreements, if such Named Executive Officers’ employment was terminated by the Company on December 28, 2007 under the various scenarios set forth below or if a change in control occurred on such date.

 

 

 

 

Other Information Related to Summary Compensation Table

 

Stock Awards and Option Awards

 

See “Compensation Structure — Pay Elements — Details — Equity-Based Awards” under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a discussion on stock awards and option awards.

 

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation

 

See “Compensation Structure — Pay Elements — Details — Annual Incentive Compensation” under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a discussion on non-equity incentive plan compensation.

 

Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings

 

For employees of the Company, including Named Executive Officers, we do not maintain a qualified defined benefit plan.

 

We maintain a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for certain eligible participants who are not able to receive the full Company matching contribution under our 401(k) Savings Plan due to certain limits. The SERP provides for various vesting schedules based on the timing of the contribution. Vesting will also occur upon a participant’s death, disability or attainment of age 65 or upon a change in control, in each case, while employed. Investment return on the contributions is generally equal to the earnings and losses that would occur if 40% of the contributions were invested in the Company stock fund under our 401(k) Savings Plan and 60% were invested in the other investment alternatives available under our 401(k) Savings Plan. A participant’s vested SERP benefit is paid in a lump sum following a termination of employment (subject to a six month delay in certain instances) or a change in control.

 

All Other Compensation

 

See “Compensation Structure — Pay Elements — Details — Other Benefits and Perquisites” under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a discussion on all other compensation.

 

Grants Of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal 2007

 

 

 

Estimated Potential Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards

 

The PIP awards paid to the Named Executive Officers appear in the Summary Compensation Table in the column captioned “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.” The threshold, target and maximum amount of these PIP awards appear in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table in the column captioned “Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards.”

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards, All Other Stock Awards and All Other Option Awards

 

Awards of the Performance-Contingent Restricted Shares and option awards paid to the Named Executive Officers appear in the Summary Compensation Table in the columns captioned “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards.” We do not grant Named Executive Officers time-based restricted stock.

 

The threshold, target and maximum amount of the Performance-Contingent Restricted Shares appear in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table in the column captioned “Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards.”

 

Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards

 

See “Compensation Structure — Pay Elements — Details — Equity-Based Awards” under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a discussion on the exercise price of option awards.

Outstanding Equity Awards At 2007 Fiscal Year-End

 

 

 

 

Option Exercises And Stock Vested for Fiscal 2007(1)

 

 

 

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation for Fiscal 2007(1)

 

 

 

 

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2007