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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
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 [ ]
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Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to sec.240.14a-11(c) or sec.240.14a-12
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
BIOGEN, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
[ ]
(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:
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[BIOGEN LOGO]
Notice of 1997 Annual Meeting
and Proxy Statement
[Picture of DNA]
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[BIOGEN LOGO]
April 24, 1997
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of Biogen, Inc. to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 1997 at the
Company's offices located at 12 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
At the Annual Meeting, three persons will be elected to the Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors recommends the re-election of the nominees
named in the Proxy Statement. In addition, the Company will ask the stockholders
to ratify the selection of Price Waterhouse LLP as the Company's independent
accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997.
Whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting or not, it is important that
you promptly fill out, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in
accordance with the instructions set forth on the card. This will ensure your
proper representation at the Annual Meeting.
Sincerely,
/s/ James L. Vincent
-----------------------------
James L. Vincent
Chairman of the Board
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE REMEMBER TO RETURN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY.
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BIOGEN, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 6, 1997
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF BIOGEN, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Biogen,
Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6,
1997, at Biogen's offices located at 12 Cambridge Center, Cambridge,
Massachusetts 02142, for the following purposes:
1. To elect three members to the Board of Directors to serve for a
three-year term ending at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2000 and
until their successors are duly elected and qualified or their earlier
resignation or removal.
2. To ratify the selection of Price Waterhouse LLP as the Company's
independent accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997.
3. To transact such other business as may be properly brought before
the Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 11, 1997 as
the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Meeting and at any adjournments thereof.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Meeting. However, to
ensure your representation, you are requested to complete, sign, date and return
the enclosed proxy as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions on
the proxy card. A return addressed envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
/s/ JAMES L. VINCENT
-------------------------------
JAMES L. VINCENT
Chairman of the Board
Cambridge, Massachusetts
April 24, 1997
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BIOGEN, INC.
14 CAMBRIDGE CENTER
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 02142
(617) 679-2000
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 6, 1997
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by
the Board of Directors of Biogen, Inc. (the "Company") of proxies to be voted at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Meeting") which will be held at the
Company's offices at 12 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts on Friday,
June 6, 1997 at 10:00 a.m., for the purposes stated in the accompanying Notice
of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Shares represented by valid proxies, received
in time for the Meeting and not revoked prior to the Meeting, will be voted at
the Meeting. A stockholder may revoke a proxy before the proxy is voted by
delivering to the Secretary of the Company a signed statement of revocation or a
duly executed proxy bearing a later date. Any stockholder at the Meeting who has
executed a proxy but is present may vote in person by revoking the proxy. This
Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy are being mailed on or about April
30, 1997 to all stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting.
The close of business on April 11, 1997 is the record date for determining
the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. On that date,
the Company had 73,852,741 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to
vote.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Board of Directors consists of ten members divided into three
classes serving staggered three-year terms. The term of one class of Directors
expires at the Meeting. Three Directors are to be elected to the class whose
term expires at the Meeting, to hold office until the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders in 2000 and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
VOTE
A plurality of the votes cast at the Meeting is required to elect a
Director. If any nominee is unable or unwilling to accept nomination or
election, the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted for the
election of such other person as the Board of Directors may recommend. THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS ELECTION OF MESSRS. BUIRKLE AND VINCENT AND DR. BEARN AS
DIRECTORS.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
[PICTURE] Director since 1991; Visiting Physician, Adjunct
Professor at the Rockefeller University in New York
Alexander G. Bearn, M.D. since 1966 and Trustee of the Rockefeller University
(age 74) since 1970; Trustee of Howard Hughes Medical
NOMINEE FOR RE-ELECTION Institute since 1987; from 1979 to 1988 Senior Vice
President for Medical and Scientific Affairs of the
International Division of Merck & Co.; Director of
Vasomedical, Inc.; member of the Scientific Board of
the Company and nominated as a Director pursuant to
designation by the Scientific Board.
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[PICTURE] Director since 1990; Member of the class of Directors
with term ending in 1998; President, Chief Operating
Alan Belzer Officer and Director, Allied-Signal, Inc. from 1988 to
(age 64) 1993; from 1983 to 1988, Executive Vice President and
President, Engineered Materials Sector, Allied-Signal,
Inc.
[PICTURE] Director since 1986; Managing Director, The Henley
Group, Inc. from 1986 to 1990; from 1983 to 1985,
Harold W. Buirkle Executive Vice President, Finance and Planning, Allied
(age 76) Corporation (now Allied-Signal, Inc.)
NOMINEE FOR RE-ELECTION
[PICTURE] Director since September 1996; Member of the class of
Directors with term ending in 1999; R.J. Reynolds
Thomas F. Keller, Ph.D. Professor of Business Administration, Duke University,
(age 65) since 1974; Dean, Fuqua School of Business, Duke
University, from 1974 until 1996; Director of American
Business Products, LADD Furniture Co., Inc., Dimon,
Inc., Wendy's International, Nations Funds and Mentor
Series Trust.
[PICTURE] Director since 1987; Member of the class of Directors
with term ending in 1999; Vice President, Schiller
Roger H. Morley International University, Heidelberg, Germany since
(age 65) 1983; Director of Artal, S.A., Luxembourg; Director of
Lorraine Investments Luxembourg S.A.; Co-Managing
Director, R&R Inventions Ltd., Birmingham, U.K;
Advisory Director of Bank of America, Illinois;
Director, Blyth Industries; interim President Directeur
General, Biogen France S.A.; interim Geschaftsfuhrer,
Biogen GmbH.
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[PICTURE] Director since 1980; Member of the class of
Directors with term ending in 1998; Biogen Professor
Sir Kenneth Murray, Ph.D. of Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh,
(age 66) Scotland since 1984; during 1985 and 1986, Interim
Research Director of Biogen S.A; Fellow of the Royal
Society; Vice Chairman of the Scientific Board of
the Company and nominated as a Director pursuant to
designation by the Scientific Board.
[PICTURE] Director since 1982; Member of the class of
Directors with term ending in 1999; Salvador E.
Phillip A. Sharp, Ph.D. Luria Professor and Head of the Department of
(age 52) Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology since 1991; Director of the
Center for Cancer Research at MIT from 1985 to 1991;
Chairman of the Scientific Board of the Company and
nominated as a Director pursuant to designation by
the Scientific Board; Nobel Laureate.
[PICTURE] Director since 1986; Member of the class of
Directors with term ending in 1998; Chairman,
James W. Stevens Prudential Asset Management Group from 1993 to
(age 60) January 1995; Executive Vice President, The
Prudential Insurance Company of America and
Prudential Investment Corporation from 1987 to
January 1995; Managing Director, Dillon, Read &
Company Inc. from 1985 until 1987; from 1984 until
1985, Group Executive of Citicorp and Citibank N.A.
and Chairman of Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd;
Director of Prudential Equity Investors, Inc.,
Financial Services Acquisition Corp., Walsh
International, Inc. and Pen-Tab Industries, Inc.
[PICTURE] Director since 1994; Member of the class of
Directors with term ending in 1999; Chief Executive
James R. Tobin Officer of Biogen, Inc. since February 1997, and
(age 52) President since February 1994; Chief Operating
Officer of Biogen, Inc. from February 1994 until
February 1997; from 1992 to 1994, President and
Chief Operating Officer of Baxter International;
from 1988 to 1992, Executive Vice President of
Baxter International; Director of Creative
BioMolecules, Inc. and Genovo Inc.
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[PICTURE] Director since 1985; Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Biogen, Inc. since 1985; Chief Executive
James L. Vincent Officer of Biogen, Inc. from 1985 until February
(age 57) 1997, and President from 1985 to February 1994; from
NOMINEE FOR RE-ELECTION 1982 to 1985, Group Vice President, Allied
Corporation (now Allied-Signal, Inc.) and President,
Allied Health and Scientific Products Company; from
1979 through 1980, Executive Vice President, Chief
Operating Officer and a Director of Abbott
Laboratories, Inc.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES
The Board has a Compensation and Management Resources Committee, a Finance
and Audit Committee, a Stock and Option Plan Administration Committee, a
Nominating Committee and a Project Share Committee. The Compensation and
Management Resources Committee, whose members are Roger H. Morley (Chairman),
Harold W. Buirkle, Phillip A. Sharp and James L. Vincent, makes recommendations
to the Board concerning remuneration and benefits for senior executives, and
reviews executive development and succession. The Finance and Audit Committee,
whose members are Harold W. Buirkle (Chairman), Alan Belzer, James W. Stevens,
Thomas F. Keller and James R. Tobin, reviews the Company's quarterly and annual
financial statements and Annual Report on Form 10-K, considers matters relating
to accounting policy and internal controls, reviews the scope of annual audits,
recommends independent public accountants to the Board and makes recommendations
concerning financial, investment and taxation policies. The Project Share
Committee, whose members are Phillip A. Sharp (Chairman), Kenneth Murray and
James L. Vincent, recommends to the Board stock and stock option awards for
scientific consultants. The Stock and Option Plan Administration Committee,
whose members are Roger H. Morley and Harold W. Buirkle, administers certain
stock and stock option plans. The Nominating Committee whose members are Alan
Belzer (Chairman), Kenneth Murray, Alexander G. Bearn, James W. Stevens and
James L. Vincent, identifies, evaluates and nominates candidates to fill Board
positions. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by the
Company's stockholders. Stockholders wishing to nominate a person for election
to the Board of Directors must follow the procedures described in the Company's
By-laws.
The Board of Directors met six times in 1996. Each of the Committees,
except for the Project Share Committee and the Nominating Committee, met five
times in 1996. The Nominating Committee met twice in 1996. The Project Share
Committee did not meet in 1996. No Director attended fewer than 75% of the total
number of meetings of the Board and of Committees of the Board on which he
served during 1996.
Non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors receive a $20,000
per year retainer, $1,500 for each Board meeting attended and $500 for attending
each meeting of Committees of the Board on which they serve, except for
Committee chairmen, who receive $1,000 per Committee meeting attended. Those
Directors who are members of the Company's Scientific Board and who are not
Company employees also receive an annual consulting fee of $15,000, $1,500 per
day for Scientific Board meetings, and $500 per day for each full working day
spent in the Company's laboratories, except for the Chairman of the Scientific
Board whose annual consulting fee in 1996 was $75,000. Directors who are not
members of the Company's Scientific Board are eligible to participate in the
Company's 1985 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (the "1985 Plan"). During 1996,
the Company granted an option for the purchase of 30,000 shares to each of Mr.
Belzer and Dr. Keller under the 1985 Plan. Directors who are members of the
Scientific Board are eligible to participate
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in the Company's 1987 Scientific Board Stock Option Plan. Directors may defer
all or part of their cash compensation pursuant to the Company's Voluntary Board
of Directors Savings Plan.
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors has selected Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, to examine the financial statements of the Company for the year
ending December 31, 1997. Price Waterhouse examined the Company's financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1996. If the stockholders do not
ratify the selection of Price Waterhouse as the Company's independent
accountants, the Board of Directors will reconsider its selection. The Company
expects that representatives of Price Waterhouse will attend the Meeting, with
the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire, and will be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF PRICE
WATERHOUSE AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 1997.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth information as of April 4, 1997 concerning
the ownership of Common Stock by each current member of the Board of Directors,
each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table included
in this Proxy Statement and all current Directors and executive officers as a
group. Except as otherwise noted, the persons or entities identified have sole
voting and investment power with respect to their shares. The Company is not
aware of any stockholder who, as of April 4, 1997, was the beneficial owner of
more than 5% of the Company's outstanding shares of Common Stock.
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
--------------------------
NAME NUMBER(1) PERCENT(1)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------
Alexander G. Bearn.................................................. 58,200(2) *
Alan Belzer......................................................... 84,000(3) *
Harold W. Buirkle................................................... 220,000(4) *
Thomas F. Keller.................................................... 400 *
Roger H. Morley..................................................... 52,000(3) *
Kenneth Murray...................................................... 454,000(5) *
Phillip A. Sharp.................................................... 460,000(6) *
James W. Stevens.................................................... 152,000(7) *
James R. Tobin...................................................... 388,325(8) *
James L. Vincent.................................................... 844,095(9) 1.13%
Joseph M. Davie..................................................... 286,791(10) *
Irving H. Fox....................................................... 162,256(11) *
James C. Mullen..................................................... 184,615(12) *
All executive officers and Directors as a group (21 persons)........ 3,947,554(13) 5.16%
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* Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1% of the Company's outstanding
shares of Common Stock.
(1) All references to options in these notes mean those options which are held
by the respective person on April 4, 1997 and which are exercisable on
April 4, 1997 or become exercisable on or before sixty days after April 4,
1997. The calculation of percentages is based upon the number of shares
issued and outstanding at April 4, 1997, plus shares subject to options
held by the respective person at April 4,
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1997, which are exercisable on April 4, 1997 or become exercisable on or
before sixty days after April 4, 1997.
(2) Includes 58,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options.
(3) Represents shares which may be acquired pursuant to options.
(4) Includes 72,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options.
(5) Includes 94,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options.
(6) Includes 104,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options.
(7) Includes 92,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options.
(8) Includes 366,857 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options, 359
shares acquired as matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) plan
and 400 shares held by Mr. Tobin's children.
(9) Includes 835,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options. Certain
of the shares acquired upon exercise of such options are subject to
repurchase by the Company under certain circumstances. Includes 2,295
shares acquired as matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) plan.
(10) Includes 285,714 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options and 172
shares acquired as matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) plan.
(11) Includes 160,400 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options and 856
shares acquired as matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) plan.
(12) Includes 172,866 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options and 759
shares acquired as matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) plan.
(13) Includes 2,932,736 shares which may be acquired pursuant to options. Does
not include shares which may be purchased after March 1997 by executive
officers who are currently participants in the 1983 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan. Includes 8,874 shares acquired as matching contributions under the
Company's 401(k) plan.
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the compensation of the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the four other most highly compensated executive officers
(the "Named Executive Officers") during the three fiscal years ended December
31, 1996.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION -------------
---------------------------------------------- SHARES
NAME AND PRINCIPAL OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(1) OPTIONS(#)(2) COMPENSATION(3)
- ------------------------ ---- -------- -------- --------------- ------------- ---------------
James L. Vincent,....... 1996 $860,000 $750,000 $ 0 0 $31,167
Chairman of the 1995 775,000 365,000 0 600,000 33,809
Board(4) 1994 700,000 350,000 0 0 25,431
James R. Tobin,......... 1996 460,000 275,000 161,707 0 4,618
President and Chief 1995 430,000 245,000 94,690 80,000 4,123
Executive Officer(5) 1994 338,470(6) 235,000 150,098 880,000 3,217
Joseph M. Davie......... 1996 296,000 58,000 25,000 10,000 6,964
Vice President -- 1995 282,000 55,000 25,000 0 4,790
Research 1994 260,000 73,000 47,805 0 1,783
Irving H. Fox........... 1996 246,500 66,500 35,000 10,000 6,032
Vice President -- 1995 237,000 71,000 35,000 18,000 3,802
Medical Affairs 1994 222,000 55,000 35,000 18,000 3,475
James C. Mullen......... 1996 216,500 64,000 0 20,000 3,137
Vice President -- 1995 189,500 52,000 0 32,000 3,078
Europe 1994 173,500 40,000 3,750 40,000 2,271
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(1) Other Annual Compensation in 1996 for Mr. Tobin, Dr. Davie, and Dr. Fox
includes the portion of payments made under a contingent bonus and mortgage
loan forgiveness program in connection with their hiring which became vested
during the last fiscal year in the amount of $126,734, $25,000 and $35,000,
respectively. Other Annual Compensation in 1996 for Mr. Tobin includes
relocation expense payments in the amount of $27,722 and payments in the
amount of $7,251 to cover taxes on relocation expense reimbursement.
(2) The number of shares shown for options granted in 1994 and 1995 has been
adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split of the Company's Common Stock
effected in November 1996.
(3) All Other Compensation in 1996 for Mr. Vincent, Mr. Tobin, Dr. Davie, Dr.
Fox and Mr. Mullen includes the dollar value of matching contributions made
in shares of the Company's Common Stock during the last fiscal year under
the Company's 401(k) plan in the amount of $2,250 for each of the named
individuals, and matching amounts of less than $100 per officer made by the
Company under its non-qualified Voluntary Executive Supplemental Savings
Plan for compensation in excess of the amount that may be taken into account
under the 401(k) plan. All Other Compensation in 1996 also includes, for
each of the named individuals, the dollar value of premiums paid by the
Company during the last fiscal year with respect to term life insurance for
their benefit under an executive life insurance program in the amount of
$28,817 for Mr. Vincent, $2,268 for Mr. Tobin, $4,614 for Dr. Davie, $3,682
for Dr. Fox and $787 for Mr. Mullen.
(4) Mr. Vincent was succeeded as Chief Executive Officer of the Company by Mr.
Tobin in February 1997. Mr. Vincent continues to serve as Chairman of the
Board.
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(5) Mr. Tobin was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company in February
1997. He had served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company
since 1994.
(6) Includes compensation only for the period of the year during which the
individual was employed by the Company.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth information regarding options granted to the
Named Executive Officers in 1996.
POTENTIAL
REALIZABLE
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS VALUE AT ASSUMED
------------------------------------------------------ ANNUAL RATES OF
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL STOCK PRICE
SHARES OPTIONS APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED OPTION TERM(2)
OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES EXERCISE EXPIRATION -------------------
NAME GRANTED(1) IN FISCAL YEAR PRICE($/SH) DATE 5%($) 10%($)
- ------------------------------- ---------- -------------- ----------- ---------- ------- ---------
James L. Vincent............... 0 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A
James R. Tobin................. 0 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Joseph M. Davie................ 10,000 0.53 38.875 12/6/06 244,483 619,567
Irving H. Fox.................. 10,000 0.53 38.875 12/6/06 244,483 619,567
James C. Mullen................ 20,000 1.1 38.875 12/6/06 488,966 1,239,135
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(1) All options listed were granted pursuant to the 1985 Plan at the market
price on the date of grant and have a ten-year term. The options granted
vest annually over six years in installments of 10%, 10%, 20%, 20%, 20% and
20% of the total, respectively, commencing one year from the date of grant.
(2) The potential realizable values for all stockholders at the assumed annual
rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10% would be $1,764,606,777 and
$4,471,860,033, respectively. These values assume increases in the value of
the shares of Common Stock outstanding at December 31, 1996 at the stated
percentages over a ten-year period from an initial value of $38.688, the
average of the high and low sales prices of the Company's Common Stock on
December 31, 1996.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information regarding options held by the
Named Executive Officers of the Company in 1996. The table does not reflect
transactions which have occurred to date in 1997. All share numbers have been
adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split effected in November 1996.
NUMBER OF SHARES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT YEAR-END AT YEAR-END(1)
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE --------------------------- -----------------------------
NAME ON EXERCISE(#) REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---------------------- --------------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
James L. Vincent...... 0 $ 0 1,440,000 0 $25,797,440(2) $ 0
James R. Tobin........ 0 0 252,572 707,428 3,829,589 10,708,331
Joseph M. Davie....... 0 0 214,285 295,715 5,397,428 7,196,572
Irving H. Fox......... 20,000 544,390 210,400 65,600 5,335,564 951,418
James C. Mullen....... 30,000 945,940 172,866 124,134 3,713,722 1,925,850
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(1) The value of unexercised in-the-money options at year-end assumes a fair
market value for the Company's Common Stock of $38.688, the average of the
high and low sales prices of the Company's Common Stock on December 31,
1996.
(2) Options granted to Mr. Vincent vest immediately, but the shares issuable
upon exercise of the options are subject to repurchase by the Company under
certain conditions and for a specified period.
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PENSION PLAN
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan in which all permanent U.S.
employees participate as of the first day of the quarter following date of hire.
Effective April 1, 1996, the pension formula changed to an account balance
approach. At the end of each plan year, a basic credit ranging from 2% to 15% of
compensation, based on participant's age and pay, is added to a participant's
account balance. In addition, a participant may receive a supplemental credit
equal to 3% (or the basic credit, if less) times compensation during the year
over the participant's Social Security covered compensation level. Account
balances grow each year at a specified rate of interest equal to the average of
the One-Year Treasury Bill (T-bill) rate for the prior year plus 1%. The plan's
interest credit will never be less than 5.25% nor more than 10%. The total
account balance is converted to a monthly pension at retirement. Alternatively,
a participant may elect to receive his or her account balance as a lump sum as
early as age 55. For 1995 and earlier years, the benefit formula provided at
different times varying amounts of benefit accrual. Each person who was a
participant on or before October 31, 1986 (the date at which the plan changed
from a defined contribution to a defined benefit plan) will receive a pension of
not less than the value of his or her account balance as of such date, plus
interest at the rate of 8%. A participant's interest in the plan is subject to a
graded vesting schedule based on years of service with Biogen and fully vests
after seven years of service.
The Company also maintains the Biogen Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan ("SERP"). The SERP provides benefits that, due to tax law limits, cannot be
paid from the pension plan. For certain executive officers, the SERP also
preserves the level of retirement benefits provided under the pension plan's
benefit formula before its amendment effective in 1989 to comply with the Tax
Reform Act of 1986.
The following table shows estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement
(age 65) for life under the pension plan and the SERP. These estimates assume
that account balances will grow 7% each year, that an employee will work for the
Company until normal retirement age with no change from 1996 compensation, and
that the participant's Social Security covered compensation level will not
change.
CURRENT SALARY
PLUS BONUS 15 20 25 30 35
- -------------------------------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 200,000...................... $ 61,000 $ 85,000 $ 113,000 $ 148,000 $ 193,000
300,000...................... 94,000 132,000 176,000 232,000 304,000
400,000...................... 128,000 178,000 239,000 316,000 415,000
500,000...................... 161,000 225,000 303,000 401,000 526,000
600,000...................... 194,000 272,000 366,000 485,000 637,000
700,000...................... 227,000 318,000 429,000 569,000 748,000
800,000...................... 260,000 365,000 492,000 653,000 859,000
900,000...................... 293,000 411,000 556,000 737,000 971,000
1,000,000...................... 326,000 458,000 619,000 821,000 1,082,000
1,200,000...................... 393,000 551,000 745,000 990,000 1,304,000
1,400,000...................... 459,000 645,000 872,000 1,158,000 1,526,000
1,600,000...................... 525,000 738,000 998,000 1,326,000 1,748,000
1,900,000...................... 624,000 878,000 1,188,000 1,579,000 2,082,000
The (i) current pensionable earnings (salary and bonus), (ii) current years
of service, and (iii) projected total service at age 65 are as follows for each
of the executive officers named in the compensation and option tables: Mr.
Vincent ($1,610,000, 11.5 years, 19 years (projected)); Mr. Tobin ($735,000, 3.0
years, 16.0 years (projected)); Dr. Davie ($354,000, 4.0 years, 11.5 years
(projected)); Dr. Fox ($313,000, 7.0 years, 19 years (projected)); and Mr.
Mullen ($280,500, 8.0 years, 34 years (projected)).
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EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE COMPANY AND CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Tobin, Dr. Davie, Dr. Fox and Mr. Mullen each has an employment
agreement with the Company under which he receives executive life insurance and
tax preparation services. The employment agreements for Dr. Davie, Dr. Fox and
Mr. Mullen each further provides for compensation in the event of termination by
the Company, other than for cause, in the amount of base salary and certain
medical benefits, for twelve months or until alternative employment is obtained,
if earlier. The employment agreements for each of the Named Executive Officers,
other than Mr. Vincent, also provide for a specified target bonus each year. Mr.
Tobin's target bonus is 85% of his base salary if he meets his performance goals
for any year. Mr. Vincent has an employment agreement under which he receives
term life, disability, and personal liability insurance, personal income tax
preparation and tax audit services. In 1996, Mr. Vincent's agreement was amended
to provide for his continued service to the Company as Chairman of the Board
following the appointment of a successor Chief Executive Officer which occurred
in February 1997 (the "Transition Date"). Under the amended agreement, Mr.
Vincent's salary and bonus as Chairman will be determined by the Board each year
but his initial salary will be at least equal to his average salary for the
three years preceding the Transition Date. In the event of a non-cause
termination (whether by the Company or by Mr. Vincent in certain circumstances,
including following a change of control of the Company), Mr. Vincent will be
entitled to receive a payment equal to at least 2.5 times and no more than 6.5
times his average annual cash compensation for the three years preceding
termination, depending upon the date of termination. In the event of
termination, under certain circumstances, Mr. Vincent will be entitled to the
continuation of certain benefits until age 65 as well as continued service
credit and possible accelerated payment under the Company's SERP. Termination
payments will be made together with the amount of certain excise taxes imposed
on the termination payments. The amended agreement also includes a three-year
non-competition provision and a two-year non-solicitation provision.
In connection with the hiring of certain executives, the Company has
granted bonuses contingent upon the executive's continued employment over a
period of years. The Company has also, in the ordinary course of its business,
made loans to certain executive officers and other key employees in connection
with their hiring to facilitate their relocation to the area.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
In 1996, the members of the Compensation and Management Resources
Committee, which determines cash remuneration and benefits for senior executives
and reviews executive development and succession, were Roger H. Morley,
(Chairman), Harold W. Buirkle, Phillip A. Sharp and James L. Vincent, the
Chairman of the Board of the Company.
JOINT REPORT ON COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY
BY THE COMPENSATION AND MANAGEMENT
RESOURCES COMMITTEE AND STOCK AND
OPTION PLAN ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
In May 1996, Biogen received a license from the United States Food and Drug
Administration to market Biogen's first proprietary drug, AVONEX(R) (Interferon
beta-1a), for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Within 33
hours after receipt of the license, the Company made its first shipment of
AVONEX(R) to wholesalers and pharmacies. Within seven months of launch,
AVONEX(R) prescriptions surpassed those of its then sole competitor, Berlex's
Betaseron(R) (Interferon beta-1b). With these events, Biogen achieved its goal
of moving from a development-stage company to a fully-integrated
biopharmaceutical company. The Company's success in achieving its mission and
the magnitude of this success are due in large part to the Company's philosophy
and practice of recruiting, motivating and retaining senior executives with
demonstrated talent and managerial leadership skills typically gained from
successful experiences in
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positions of greater scope and responsibility in pharmaceutical and other
industry settings. A competitive compensation program has been a crucial part of
the Company's efforts. The Biogen executive compensation program consists of
three parts: base salary and benefits, annual bonus and stock options. The
Company's target for total compensation is to be competitive with Fortune 500
pharmaceutical companies, which typically results in Biogen pay levels at or
above the 75th percentile of the biotechnology industry. In 1996, the total
compensation package paid to executive officers, other than the Chief Executive
Officer, was slightly above average compared to the major biotechnology
companies with respect to cash compensation, and above average with respect to
the value of stock options granted. Individual compensation decisions have been
made with reference to progress toward goals tailored for Biogen's stage of
development, rather than traditional measures of a company's performance, such
as short-term earnings per share, which often do not relate to the successful
execution of the strategy which Biogen has been pursuing.
BASE SALARY AND BENEFITS
Company philosophy is to maintain executive base salary at a competitive
level sufficient to recruit individuals possessing the skills and values
necessary to achieve the Company's vision and mission over the long term.
Determinations of appropriate base salary levels and other compensation elements
are generally made through participation in a variety of industry surveys and
studies, as well as by monitoring developments in key industries such as the
pharmaceutical industry. Periodic adjustments in base salary relate to
competitive factors and to individual performance evaluated against
pre-established objectives. Executive officers are also entitled to participate
in benefit plans generally available to employees and receive executive life
insurance and other benefits as described elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
ANNUAL BONUS
The Compensation and Management Resources Committee of the Board, in its
discretion, may award bonuses to executive officers, and the Company pays
bonuses based on each executive officer's performance goals. The intent of the
annual bonus is to motivate and reward performance of senior executives measured
against distinct and clearly articulated goals in light of the competitive
compensation practices of the biotechnology industry. The goals vary with
responsibilities and are based on individual milestones rather than overall
measures of the Company's performance. In 1996, these goals included successful
launch of AVONEX(R) in the United States, receipt of a positive opinion from the
European Medicines Evaluation Agency for AVONEX(R) in Europe, achievement of
certain commercial milestones related to AVONEX(R), the building of a sales and
marketing organization to sell AVONEX(R) in Europe, the acquisition of new
technologies (OP-1, hedgehogs), and completion of certain milestones related to
the Company's transition to an operating company.
STOCK OPTIONS
Stock options are a fundamental element in the total compensation program
because they emphasize long-term Company performance as measured by creation of
stockholder value and foster a community of interest between stockholders and
employees. Accordingly, the Company believes that the use of stock options is
preferable to other forms of stock compensation such as restricted stock.
Options are granted to all permanent full-time employees, and particularly to
key employees likely to contribute significantly to the Company. In determining
the size of an option grant to an executive officer, the Company considers not
only competitive factors, changes in responsibility and the executive officer's
achievement of individual pre-established goals, but also the number and terms
of options previously granted to the officer. In addition, the Company usually
makes a significant grant of options when an executive officer joins the
Company. The size of option grants to executive officers is determined by the
Stock and Option Plan Administration Committee.
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Options are granted, as a matter of Company policy, at 100% of the fair
market value on the date of grant. The Company generally awards options to
officers on employment and at regular intervals, but other awards may be made.
Some of the Company's stock option plans also provide for granting options to
members of the Board of Directors and the Scientific Board. Options granted to
employees generally vest over periods ranging from six to seven years after
grant.
CEO COMPENSATION
The compensation of Biogen's Chief Executive Officer reflects the Company's
general compensation philosophy. Mr. Vincent, who was Chief Executive Officer
for all of 1996, has extensive pharmaceutical industry experience and was hired
in 1985 from one of the nation's largest corporations at a time when Biogen's
financial condition and prospects were considerably weaker than today. The terms
of his employment, which included his initial stock option grants, were
structured to provide significant incentives to contribute to the Company's
success. Under those terms, he has received a base salary that has increased
based on inflation and his performance, and an annual bonus computed as a
percentage of base salary based on a minimum bonus of 25% of base salary for a
satisfactory performance, with a significantly higher bonus when his performance
has been more than satisfactory. In 1996, Mr. Vincent's employment agreement was
amended to provide for his continued service to the Company as Chairman of the
Board following the appointment of a successor Chief Executive Officer. See
"Employment Arrangements with the Company and Certain Transactions". Mr. Vincent
was succeeded as Chief Executive Officer by James R. Tobin in February 1997. Mr.
Vincent continues to serve as Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Vincent's compensation in 1996 was not formula-based but rather was
determined by the Board based upon the recommendation of the Compensation and
Management Resources Committee based on the Committee's assessment of Mr.
Vincent's performance and review of data showing the compensation of Mr.
Vincent's peers in the pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Vincent's performance was
evaluated by the Committee by considering various factors, including the breadth
of Mr. Vincent's responsibilities and progress made by the Company toward its
goals as measured by the Committee's assessment of the performance of key
departments. In 1996, the Company's progress and the quality of Mr. Vincent's
performance were reflected in the Company achieving its goal of becoming a
fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company, the successful launch of AVONEX(R)
in the United States, AVONEX(R)'s becoming market leader in the United States
multiple sclerosis market within seven months of launch, receipt of a positive
opinion from the European Medicines Evaluation Agency for AVONEX(R) in Europe,
the quality and efficiency of the Company's preparation for launch of AVONEX(R)
worldwide, the level of sales and net income achieved in 1996 and achievements
in other areas such as facilities expansion, financial management and the
acquisition of new technologies (OP-1, hedgehogs).
IMPACT OF INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 162(m)
Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) ("Section 162(m)") precludes a public
corporation from taking a deduction for compensation in excess of $1 million
paid to its chief executive officer or any of its four other highest paid
officers. At such time as this provision would impact the Company, the Board and
Committees will assess the practical effect on executive compensation and
determine what action, if any, is appropriate.
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COMMITTEES' ROLES
The stock option plans for senior executives are administered by the Stock
and Option Plan Administration Committee (consisting of Messrs. Morley and
Buirkle) of the Board of Directors. Other compensation decisions for senior
executives are made by the Compensation and Management Resources Committee or,
in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, by the Board based on
recommendations from that Committee.
Roger H. Morley, Chairman,
Compensation and Management Resources
Committee
Harold W. Buirkle
Phillip A. Sharp
James L. Vincent
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
REPORTING COMPLIANCE
The Company's officers, directors and greater-than-ten-percent stockholders
are required to file reports of ownership and change of ownership with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Based solely on information provided to the Company by the individual directors
and officers, the Company believes that, during the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996, all such parties complied with all applicable filing requirements
except for late reporting of the following transactions: (i) transfer of 145
shares beneficially owned by Timothy Kish, Vice President-Finance and Chief
Financial Officer, (ii) sale of 50,000 shares by Phillip Sharp, a Director, and
(iii) sale of 5,000 shares by Kenneth Murray, a Director.
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PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the Company's
cumulative total shareholder return on its Common Stock during a period
commencing on December 31, 1991 and ending December 31, 1996 (as measured by
dividing (i) the sum of (A) the cumulative amount of dividends for the
measurement period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and (B) the difference
between the Company's share price at the end and the beginning of the period; by
(ii) the share price at the beginning of the period) with the cumulative return
of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the NASDAQ Pharmaceutical Stocks
Total Return Index. The NASDAQ Pharmaceutical Stocks Total Return Index, which
is calculated and supplied by NASDAQ, represents all companies trading on NASDAQ
under the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code for pharmaceutical,
including biotechnology, companies. Biogen has not paid dividends, and no
dividends are included in the representation of the Company's performance. The
Company's share prices have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split
effected by the Company in November 1996. The stock price performance on the
graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
NASDAQ
Measurement Period Pharmaceutical
(Fiscal Year Covered) BIOGEN Index S&P 500
1991 100.0 100.0 100.0
1992 117.5 83.1 107.7
1993 99.7 74.1 118.2
1994 104.4 55.8 119.8
1995 153.8 102.0 164.8
1996 193.8 102.4 203.2
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19
MISCELLANEOUS
PROPOSALS OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be included in the Company's 1998 Proxy Statement for consideration at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 1998, stockholder proposals
must be received by the Company, marked for the attention of the "Vice
President-General Counsel," not later than December 24, 1997.
SOLICITATION AND VOTING OF PROXIES
The proxy accompanying this Proxy Statement is solicited by the Board of
Directors of the Company. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company
may also solicit proxies by telephone, telegram, fax and personal solicitation.
No additional compensation will be paid to any Director, officer or employee for
such solicitation. The cost of soliciting proxies, including expenses in
connection with preparing and mailing this Proxy Statement, will be borne by the
Company. The Company will reimburse brokerage firms and other persons
representing beneficial owners of the Company's Common Stock for their expenses
in forwarding proxy material to such beneficial owners. The Company has hired
D.F. King & Co., Inc. to act as its proxy solicitation agent for the Meeting at
a cost of approximately $5,000.
Stockholders of record on April 11, 1997, will be entitled to vote at the
meeting on the basis of one vote for each share held. If a stockholder specifies
a choice on the proxy as to how his or her shares are to be voted on a
particular matter, the shares will be voted accordingly. Unless authority to
vote for any of the proposals is withheld, the shares represented by the
enclosed proxy will be voted for such proposals. With respect to the matters to
be acted on at the Meeting, abstentions and broker non-votes will neither count
for nor against the proposal to be voted upon. For all proposals, abstentions
and broker non-votes will be counted toward determination of a quorum.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of the Company's
previous filings under the securities laws that might incorporate future
filings, including this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the reports of the
compensation and stock option committees and the performance graph included in
this Proxy Statement shall not be incorporated by reference into any such
filings.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other business which will be presented
to the Meeting. If other business is properly brought before the Meeting,
proxies in the enclosed form will be voted in accordance with the judgment of
the persons voting the proxies.
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WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, YOU ARE URGED TO
FILL OUT, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.
By order of the Board of Directors:
/s/ Michael J. Astrue
--------------------------------
Michael J. Astrue
Clerk
Cambridge, Massachusetts
April 24, 1997
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[Picture of Map]
DIRECTIONS TO BIOGEN
FROM LOGAN AIRPORT & BOSTON FROM NORTH OR SOUTH
Take Sumner Tunnel to Expressway (Rte. Rte. 93 to Storrow Drive. Take Storrow
93). Go up ramp for 1/4 mile following Drive to exit marked Kendall Square. Go
signs for Storrow Drive. Take Storrow across Longfellow Bridge over Charles
Drive to left exit marked Kendall Square. River and follow straight...
Go across Longfellow Bridge over Charles FROM WALTHAM AND RTE. 2
River and follow straight. Marriott Hotel Rte. 2 to Memorial Drive eastbound. (You
will be 1 1/2 blocks down on left... will pass Harvard University, The B.U.
FROM "T" Bridge, The Mass Ave. Bridge and MIT.)
Take "T" to Kendall Square/MIT stop. Walk After passing MIT, STAY TO THE RIGHT. Take
straight up stairs... left at lights (Kendall Square) onto
Binney Street. Take left at 2nd light onto
Third St. Proceed to end and turn right
onto Broadway...
LOGO
FROM LOGAN AIRPORT & BOSTON FROM MASS AVE.,
93). Go up ramp for 1/4 mile following left onto Ames Street at Legal Seafood...
signs for Storrow Drive. Take Storrow FROM WEST AND MASS PIKE
Drive to left exit marked Kendall Square. Take Mass Pike to exit 18 (Cambridge/
Go across Longfellow Bridge over Charles Allston/Brighton exit). After toll, bear
River and follow straight. Marriott Hotel right (Cambridge/Somerville). Go straight
will be 1 1/2 blocks down on left... across River Street Bridge. Turn right
FROM "T" onto Memorial Drive eastbound. After
Take "T" to Kendall Square/MIT stop. Walk passing MIT, STAY TO THE RIGHT. Take left
straight up stairs... at first set of lights (2nd Kendall Square
sign) onto Binney Street. Take left at 2nd
light onto Third Street. Proceed to end
and turn right onto Broadway...
LOGO
Take Sumner Tunnel to Expressway (Rte. Follow Mass Ave. onto Main Street. Take
NOTE: UPON REACHING KENDALL SQUARE, PLEASE REFER TO KENDALL SQUARE CAMBRIDGE
CENTER DETAIL MAP
FOR BIOGEN BUILDING LOCATIONS AND PARKING INSTRUCTIONS.
22
[BIOGEN LOGO]
12 CAMBRIDGE CENTER
CAMBRIDGE, MA 02142
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
AND PROXY STATEMENT
MEETING DATE
JUNE 6, 1997
23
BIOGEN, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED BY
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BIOGEN, INC.
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 6, 1997
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting
of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, dated April 24, 1997, and does hereby
appoint James L. Vincent, James R. Tobin, and Michael J. Astrue, and each of
them, proxies of the undersigned with all the powers the undersigned would
possess if personally present and with full power of substitution in each of
them, to appear and vote all shares of Common Stock of Biogen, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation, which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if
personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 6,
1997 at 10:00 a.m. at the Company's offices located at 12 Cambridge Center,
Cambridge, MA 02142.
The shares represented hereby will be voted as directed herein. IN EACH CASE
IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, SUCH SHARES WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF
EACH OF THE NAMED NOMINEES AS A DIRECTOR AND FOR PROPOSAL 2 BELOW. AS TO ANY
OTHER MATTER, SAID PROXY HOLDERS WILL VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR BEST
JUDGMENT. THIS PROXY MAY BE REVOKED IN WRITING AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE VOTING
THEREOF.
PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
Please date and sign exactly as name appears on this card. Joint owners should
each sign. Please give full title when signing as executor, administrator,
trustee, attorney, guardian for a minor, etc. Signatures for corporations and
partnerships should be in the corporate or firm name by a duly authorized
person.
HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED? DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
______________________________ ______________________________
24
[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
1. Election of Directors
/ / FOR nominees listed below / / WITHHOLD AUTHORITY / / FOR ALL EXCEPT
NOMINEES: Alexander G. Bearn, Harold W. Buirkle and James L. Vincent for a
three year term ending at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2000 and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified or their earlier resignation or
removal.
Note: If you do not wish your shares voted "For" a particular nominee, mark the
"For All Except" box and strike a line through the nominee's(s') name(s). Your
shares will be voted for the remaining nominee(s).
2. To ratify the selection by the Company's Board of Directors of Price
Waterhouse LLP as the Company's independent accountants for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1997.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
In their discretion, the proxies are also authorized to vote upon such other
matters as may properly come before the meeting.
MARK MARK HERE
HERE FOR IF YOUR PLAN
ADDRESS / / TO ATTEND / /
CHANGE THE MEETING
Record date shares:
Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy.
Date:______________________. 1997
_________________________________
Signature
_________________________________
Signature