UNITED STATES 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 September 23, 2005 (September 21, 2005) Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) ADE CORPORATION (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Massachusetts -------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) Commission File No. 0-26714 04-2441829 --------------------------- -------------- (IRS Employer Identification No.) 80 Wilson Way, Westwood, Massachusetts 02090 - -------------------------------------------- ---------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (781) 467-3500 -------------- Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: |_| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |_| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |_| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |_| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On September 21, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of ADE Corporation approved the annual base salaries of ADE's executive officers for fiscal year 2006, as set forth in Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference. Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (c) Exhibits Number Description 10.1 Summary of Compensation Payable to Named Executives SIGNATURES ---------- 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 hereunto duly authorized. ADE CORPORATION By: /s/ Brian C. James ----------------------------------- Name: Brian C. James Title: Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Date: September 23, 2005