SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ------------------------------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 29, 1998 ---------------------------------------- THERMO OPTEK CORPORATION (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-11757 04-3283973 (State or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer jurisdiction of File Number) Identification Number) incorporation or organization) 8 East Forge Parkway Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (508) 553-1700 (Registrant's telephone number including area code) This Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are set forth under the heading "Forward-looking Statements" in Exhibit 13 to Thermo Optek Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 1998. These include risks and uncertainties relating to: competition, technological change, and new-product development; possible adverse effects from consolidation in the environmental market and changes in environmental regulations; the protection, use, and defense of intellectual property rights; Thermo Optek's acquisition strategy; international operations; and the potential impact of the year 2000 on processing date-sensitive information. Item 5. Other Events On September 29, 1998, Thermo Optek Corporation ("Thermo Optek") announced that it will record approximately $8.5 million in pretax restructuring and other charges in its third quarter, ending October 3, 1998. These charges are primarily related to $5.8 million in severance costs resulting from a reduction in Thermo Optek's workforce by approximately seven percent (between 160-180 employees). In addition, Thermo Optek will record approximately $2.7 million of charges, primarily consisting of inventory write-downs relating to discontinued products. These charges will reduce third quarter 1998 fully diluted earnings per share by approximately $.12. Thermo Optek estimates that these actions will result in 1999 operating savings of approximately $6 million. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits (a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired: not applicable. (b) Pro Forma Financial Information: not applicable. (c) Exhibits: not applicable. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 29th day of September, 1998. THERMO OPTEK CORPORATION By: /s/ Kenneth J. Apicerno Kenneth J. Apicerno Treasurer