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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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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)
December 16, 1998
FMC CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-2376 94-4079804
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
200 East Randolph Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(312) 861-6000
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Registrant's telephone number,
including area code
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Item 5. Other Events
On December 16, 1998, FMC Corporation issued the following release:
COURT REDUCES VERDICT AGAINST FMC IN BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLE LAWSUIT
Chicago, December 16, 1998--FMC Corporation announced that today in San Jose,
California, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
substantially reduced the jury verdict against the company announced April 14,
1998 in a lawsuit related to the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
The jury had awarded damages of $125 million against the company plus penalties.
Since the verdict was subject to doubling or tripling, the total judgment could
have been in excess of $350 million if the verdict was allowed to stand.
Following post-trial arguments, the District Court rejected $100 million of the
damage claim and one-half of the penalties. While the court did not quantify the
final judgment, it should not exceed $90 million. While FMC is pleased with the
positive rulings by the court, the company is disappointed that a part of the
verdict still stands. The company will now consider its next steps, including an
appeal.
In 1986, Henry Boisvert brought the lawsuit claiming that the Bradley did not
meet the requirements of the U.S. Army. Following an investigation of the
allegations raised by the lawsuit, the U.S. Department of Justice declined to
intervene in the action.
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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 thereunto duly authorized.
FMC CORPORATION
By /s/ J. Paul McGrath
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J. Paul McGrath
Senior vice president, general
counsel and secretary
Date: December 28, 1998
