8-KMaterial Agreements

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORP 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Oct 28, 2005)

Filed October 28, 2005For Securities:BSX

Summary

Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX) filed an 8-K report on October 28, 2005, detailing the retirement and separation agreement for Executive Vice President, Corporate Operations, Jim Taylor Jr., effective December 31, 2005. This filing outlines the financial and other benefits Mr. Taylor will receive upon his retirement, reflecting his significant contributions to the company, particularly in establishing the international manufacturing system for Taxus® drug-eluting coronary stent systems. Investors should note the comprehensive package provided to Mr. Taylor, including executive retirement benefits, consulting fees for transition services, continued executive life insurance coverage, a special recognition bonus, relocation assistance, and a corporate donation to a charitable foundation established in his name. While this is a standard executive separation event, the specifics highlight the company's recognition of long-term employee contributions and efforts to ensure a smooth transition for critical operational responsibilities.

Key Highlights

  • 1Executive Vice President Jim Taylor Jr. is retiring effective December 31, 2005.
  • 2Mr. Taylor will receive executive retirement benefits calculated as 2.5 months of salary per year of service, approximately $547,000.
  • 3The company will retain Mr. Taylor as a consultant for transition and project services in 2006, with a retainer of $100,000 for the first 50 days and $3,000 per day thereafter.
  • 4An additional lump sum payment of $550,000 is being made to Mr. Taylor in special recognition of his contributions, including establishing the international manufacturing system for Taxus® drug-eluting coronary stent systems.
  • 5Mr. Taylor will receive executive life insurance benefits for a total of nine years post-retirement, with a total estimated payout of approximately $552,500.
  • 6The company will provide approximately $136,000 in relocation services, including costs associated with selling his Massachusetts home.
  • 7Boston Scientific will make a $100,000 donation to an independent charitable foundation to be formed by Mr. Taylor for scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K filing is primarily to disclose the terms of the separation agreement and retirement of Jim Taylor Jr., Executive Vice President of Corporate Operations, including his retirement benefits, consulting arrangements, and other compensation upon his departure.

While the exact total can vary based on consulting days and relocation specifics, the disclosed components include approximately $547,000 in retirement benefits, up to $550,000 as a special recognition bonus, approximately $552,500 in life insurance benefits, $100,000 for initial consulting retainer, potential additional daily consulting fees, and around $136,000 in relocation services. The total value is substantial, reflecting his tenure and contributions.

Mr. Taylor is being retained as a consultant to provide 'transition and project services' during 2006. His role is designed to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and leverage his expertise during the transition period, suggesting a focus on continuity and knowledge transfer rather than driving new strategic initiatives.

The filing states that Boston Scientific will make a donation to an independent charitable foundation to be formed by Mr. Taylor. While charitable donations are typically tax-deductible, the filing does not explicitly detail the tax implications for Boston Scientific; however, it's a common practice for companies to seek tax benefits for such contributions.