<PAGE>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
------------------------
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Filed by the Registrant /X/
Filed by a party other than the Registrant / /
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy / / Confidential, For Use of
Statement the Commission Only (as
permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
</TABLE>
IMMUNEX CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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.
CALCULATION OF FILING FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER UNIT PRICE
OR OTHER
TITLE OF UNDERLYING
EACH CLASS AGGREGATE VALUE OF
OF NUMBER TRANSACTION
SECURITIES OF SECURITIES COMPUTED PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TO WHICH TO WHICH PURSUANT TO AGGREGATE VALUE
TRANSACTION TRANSACTION EXCHANGE OF TOTAL FEE
APPLIES APPLIES ACT RULE 0-11 TRANSACTION PAID
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
/ / 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.
Amount previously paid:
--------------------------------------------------------------
Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
--------------------------------------------------------------
Filing party:
--------------------------------------------------------------
Date filed:
--------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[IMMUNEX LOGO TO COME]
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 1997
------------------------
To the Shareholders of Immunex Corporation:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of IMMUNEX
CORPORATION, a Washington corporation (the "Company"), will be held at the
Westin Hotel, 1900 5th Avenue, Seattle, Washington, on Wednesday, April 30,
1997, at 9:00 a.m. or at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the "Annual
Meeting") for the following purposes:
1. To elect nine directors to serve until the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders next ensuing after their election and until their respective
successors are elected and shall qualify and
2. To consider and transact such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement
accompanying this Notice.
The Company's Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 7,
1997 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.
To ensure representation at the Annual Meeting, shareholders are urged to
mark, sign, date and return the enclosed Proxy as promptly as possible, even if
they plan to attend the Annual Meeting. A return envelope, which requires no
postage if mailed in the United States, is enclosed for this purpose. Any
shareholder attending the Annual Meeting may vote in person, even if such
shareholder has returned a Proxy, if the Proxy is revoked in the manner set
forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Scott G. Hallquist
SECRETARY
Seattle, Washington
March 21, 1997
PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTENDANCE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE LIMITED TO
SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE RECORD DATE (OR THEIR AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVES) AND GUESTS OF THE COMPANY. TO OBTAIN AN ADMITTANCE TICKET,
PLEASE MARK THE APPROPRIATE BOX ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND AN ADMITTANCE TICKET
WILL BE SENT TO YOU. IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD BY A BANK OR BROKER, YOU MAY OBTAIN
AN ADMITTANCE TICKET BY RETURNING THE REQUEST CARD PROVIDED TO YOU BY YOUR BANK
OR BROKER.
<PAGE>
[IMMUNEX LOGO TO COME]
------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
------------------------
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
GENERAL
The enclosed Proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Immunex
Corporation ("Immunex" or the "Company") for use at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, April 30, 1997 at 9:00 a.m. or at any
adjournment or postponement thereof (the "Annual Meeting") for the purposes set
forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Annual Meeting will be held at the Westin Hotel, 1900 5th Avenue, Seattle,
Washington. The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 51
University Street, Seattle, Washington 98101.
The Company intends to first give or mail to shareholders definitive copies
of this Proxy Statement and accompanying Proxy on or about March 21, 1997.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES
Only holders of record at the close of business on March 7, 1997 of shares
of common stock of the Company (the "Common Stock") will be entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. At that date, there were 39,604,121
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Any shareholder giving a Proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before
it is exercised. A Proxy may be revoked either by (i) filing with the Secretary
of the Company prior to the Annual Meeting, at the Company's executive offices,
either a written revocation or a duly executed Proxy bearing a later date or
(ii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person, regardless of whether a
Proxy has previously been given. Presence at the Annual Meeting will not revoke
the shareholder's Proxy unless such shareholder votes in person.
QUORUM
A quorum for the Annual Meeting shall consist of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting, present in person or by proxy.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The Company has retained MacKenzie Partners, Inc., 156 Fifth Avenue, New
York, New York, to aid in the solicitation of Proxies. It is estimated that the
cost of these services will be approximately $5,000, plus expenses. The cost of
soliciting Proxies will be borne by the Company. Proxies will be solicited by
personal interview, mail and telephone. In addition, the Company may reimburse
brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares of
Common Stock for their expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to such
beneficial owners. Proxies may also be solicited by certain of the Company's
directors, officers and regular employees, without additional compensation,
personally or by telephone or telefax.
VOTING
Each shareholder will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock
held. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the shares of Common Stock
present by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting. Holders of Common Stock are
not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of directors. Abstention from
voting and broker nonvotes on the election of directors will have no impact on
the outcome of this proposal.
The Company is not aware, as of the date hereof, of any matters to be voted
upon at the Annual Meeting other than as stated in the accompanying Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The enclosed Proxy gives discretionary authority
to the persons named therein to vote the shares in their best judgment if any
other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting.
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
The following table sets forth as of December 31, 1996, certain information
regarding all shareholders known by the Company to be the beneficial owners of
more than 5% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, based on
publicly available information. To the Company's knowledge, the beneficial
owners listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the
shares shown as beneficially owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER TITLE OF CLASS OWNERSHIP CLASS
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
American Cyanamid Company(1).................................. Common Stock 21,513,752 54.3%
One Cyanamid Plaza
Wayne, New Jersey 07470-1807
Wellington Management Company................................. Common Stock 3,628,790 9.2%
75 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
First Manhattan Capital Management Company.................... Common Stock 2,525,370 6.4%
437 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022-7001
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) American Cyanamid Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Home
Products Corporation.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of March 7, 1997, the number of
outstanding voting securities of the Company beneficially owned by (i) each
director and each director nominee, (ii) each of the current and former
executive officers for whom compensation is reported in this Proxy Statement,
and (iii) all current directors and executive officers as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER TITLE OF CLASS OWNERSHIP CLASS
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- --------------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Edward V. Fritzky....................... Common Stock 84,763(1) *
Scott G. Hallquist...................... Common Stock 70,642(2) *
Michael L. Kranda....................... Common Stock 19,671 *
Douglas G. Southern..................... Common Stock 39,394(3) *
Douglas E. Williams..................... Common Stock 24,763(4) *
Peggy V. Phillips....................... Common Stock 25,122 *
Kirby L. Cramer......................... Common Stock 7,000(5) *
Edith W. Martin......................... Common Stock 7,000(5) *
John E. Lyons........................... Common Stock 6,000(5) *
Richard L. Jackson...................... Common Stock 1,000 *
Joseph J. Carr.......................... Common Stock -- --
Robert A. Essner........................ Common Stock -- --
All current directors and executive
officers as a group (11 persons)....... Common Stock 285,231 *
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(1) Includes 78,000 shares that are issuable upon exercise of stock options that
are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days.
(2) Includes 43,880 shares that are issuable upon exercise of stock options that
are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 34,860 shares that are issuable upon exercise of stock options that
are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days.
(FOOTNOTES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
2
<PAGE>
(FOOTNOTES CONTINUED FROM PRECEDING PAGE)
(4) Includes 23,700 shares that are issuable upon exercise of stock options that
are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days.
(5) Includes 6,000 shares that are issuable upon exercise of stock options that
are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days.
The following table sets forth as of March 7, 1997, the number of
outstanding voting securities of American Home Products Corporation ("American
Home Products" or "AHP") beneficially owned by (i) each director and each
director nominee, (ii) each of the current and former executive officers for
whom compensation is reported in this Proxy Statement, and (iii) all current
directors and executive officers as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND PERCENT
NATURE OF BENEFICIAL OF
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER TITLE OF CLASS OWNERSHIP CLASS
- --------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Edward V. Fritzky.............................................. Common Stock -- --
Scott G. Hallquist............................................. Common Stock -- --
Michael L. Kranda.............................................. Common Stock -- --
Douglas G. Southern............................................ Common Stock -- --
Douglas E. Williams............................................ Common Stock -- --
Peggy V. Phillips.............................................. Common Stock -- --
Kirby L. Cramer................................................ Common Stock -- --
Edith W. Martin................................................ Common Stock -- --
John E. Lyons.................................................. Common Stock -- --
Richard L. Jackson............................................. Common Stock 26,933(1) *
Joseph J. Carr................................................. Common Stock 53,196(2) *
Robert A. Essner............................................... Common Stock 130,890(3) *
All current directors and executive officers as a group (11
persons)...................................................... Common Stock 210,951 *
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(1) Includes 26,000 shares that are issuable upon exercise of stock options that
are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days.
(2) Includes 20,600 shares that are issuable upon exercise of stock options that
are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 111,800 shares that are issuable upon exercise of stock options
that are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
A Board of Directors consisting of nine directors will be elected at the
Annual Meeting to hold office for a term of one year or until their successors
are elected and shall qualify.
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Governance Agreement dated as of
December 15, 1992 (the "Governance Agreement"), AHP is entitled to designate
three Investor Directors (as defined below) and one Independent Director (as
defined below) for election to the Board of Directors. AHP has not yet
designated a candidate to serve as an Independent Director, but may do so at any
time. See "Relationship with American Home Products Corporation and American
Cyanamid Company -- Governance Agreement -- Designation of Candidates for Board
of Directors." Proxies may not be voted for a greater number of persons than the
number of nominees named.
3
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors has approved the nominees named below, who were
designated in accordance with the Governance Agreement. Unless otherwise
instructed, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying Proxy
to vote shares represented by properly executed Proxies for such nominees.
Although the Board of Directors anticipates that all the nominees will be
available to serve as directors of the Company, should any one or more of them
not accept the nomination, or otherwise be unwilling or unable to serve, it is
intended that the Proxies will be voted for the election of such substitute
nominees as may be designated in accordance with the Governance Agreement.
The following table sets forth the name and age of each nominee for election
as a director, the positions and offices held by the nominee with the Company
and the period during which the nominee has served as a director of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR
NAME AGE POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH THE COMPANY SINCE
- ------------------------ --- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Edward V. Fritzky 46 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board 1994
Joseph J. Carr 54 Director 1995
Kirby L. Cramer 60 Director 1987
Robert A. Essner 49 Director 1995
Richard L. Jackson 57 Director 1995
John E. Lyons 71 Director 1993
Edith W. Martin 51 Director 1993
Douglas E. Williams 38 Sr. Vice President, Discovery Research; Director 1996
Peggy V. Phillips 43 Sr. Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development; Director 1996
</TABLE>
Mr. Fritzky has been the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of
the Board since January 1994. Mr. Fritzky served as President of Lederle
Laboratories ("Lederle"), a division of Cyanamid, from 1992 to 1994 and as Vice
President of Lederle from 1989 to 1992. Prior to joining Lederle, Mr. Fritzky
was an executive of Searle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Searle"), a subsidiary of
Monsanto Company. During his tenure at Searle, Mr. Fritzky was Vice President,
Marketing, and later President and General Manager of Searle Canada, Inc. and
Lorex Pharmaceuticals, a joint venture company.
Mr. Carr has been as a director of the Company since January 1995. He joined
American Home Products, a pharmaceutical, healthcare, animal health,
agricultural and food products company, in 1982, and served in various executive
capacities prior to being named Vice President in 1989. In April 1991, Mr. Carr
was appointed Group Vice President of AHP, and in May 1993, Senior Vice
President. See "Relationship with American Home Products Corporation and
American Cyanamid Company."
Mr. Cramer has been a director of the Company since 1987. Mr. Cramer is
Chairman Emeritus of Hazleton Laboratories Corporation and a Trustee Emeritus
and former President of the University of Virginia's Colgate Darden Graduate
School of Business Administration. Mr. Cramer is currently Chairman of the
Advisory Board of the School of Business Administration of the University of
Washington. He also serves on the board of directors of Advanced Technology
Laboratories, Inc., Applied Bioscience International, Commerce Bancorporation,
International Technology Corp., Landec Corporation, Unilab, Inc., The Commerce
Bank of Washington, Northwestern Trust Company and certain privately held
companies. Mr. Cramer is the Chair of the Compensation Committee and the Stock
Option Plan Administration Committee. See "Relationship with American Home
Products Corporation and American Cyanamid Company."
4
<PAGE>
Mr. Essner has been as a director of the Company since January 1995. He
joined American Home Products in 1989 as Senior Vice President, Sales and
Marketing, of its Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories division ("Wyeth-Ayerst"). In 1991,
he was appointed Executive Vice President, and in March 1993, he was appointed
President, of Wyeth-Ayerst. Prior to joining AHP, Mr. Essner was employed by
Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation for 13 years, most recently as Chief
Operating Officer. See "Relationship with American Home Products Corporation and
American Cyanamid Company."
Dr. Jackson has been as a director of the Company since July 1995. He joined
American Home Products in 1993 as Vice President, Discovery Research of its
Wyeth-Ayerst division. Prior to joining AHP, Dr. Jackson was employed by the
Marion Merrell Dow Research Institute for eight years, most recently as Vice
President, Research Sciences.
Mr. Lyons has been a director of the Company since 1993. Mr. Lyons retired
as Vice Chairman of the Board of Merck & Company ("Merck") in 1991. He joined
Merck in 1950 as a Research Chemist and held a number of senior marketing and
sales positions in the Merck, Sharp & Dohme division of Merck, serving as its
President from 1975 to 1985. He was appointed Corporate Senior Vice President of
Merck in 1982, Executive Vice President in 1985, and Vice Chairman of the Board
in 1988. Mr. Lyons also serves on the board of directors of Matrix
Pharmaceutical Company and Synaptic Pharmaceutical Company.
Dr. Martin has been a director of the Company since 1993. Dr. Martin is the
Information Services and Chief Technology Officer of Eastman Kodak Company, a
position she has held since February 1996. Between September 1994 and February
1996, Dr. Martin was the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
of the Student Loan Marketing Association ("Sallie Mae"). Prior to joining
Sallie Mae, Dr. Martin had been Vice President and Chief Information Officer of
the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization ("INTELSAT") since
1992. Prior to joining INTELSAT, Dr. Martin was Vice President, High Technology
Center, The Boeing Company. Dr. Martin also serves on the board of directors of
Medtronic, Inc. and International Resources, Inc. Dr. Martin is the chair of the
Audit Committee.
Dr. Williams has been as a director of the Company since April 1996. He
joined the Company in 1988 and served as Vice President of Research and
Development from 1992 until September 1994, when he was appointed to his current
position of Senior Vice President, Discovery Research. Dr. Williams was elected
an executive officer of the Company in February 1995. He received a Ph.D. in
physiology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Roswell Park
Memorial Institute Division.
Ms. Phillips has been as a director of the Company since July 1996. She
joined the Company in 1986, was named Senior Vice President, Pharmaceutical
Development in September 1994, and was elected an executive officer of the
Company in February 1995. From 1991 until its dissolution in January 1995, Ms.
Phillips was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Immunex
Research and Development Corporation, the Company's wholly owned research and
development corporation. Ms. Phillips received an M.S. in microbiology from the
University of Idaho.
INFORMATION ON COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MEETINGS
During the last fiscal year there were five meetings of the Company's Board
of Directors. All incumbent directors attended at least 80% of the Board
meetings held and at least 80% of the Committee meetings held of which they were
a member.
In accordance with the Governance Agreement, the Board of Directors
maintains an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating Committee
and a Stock Option Plan Administration Committee.
The Audit Committee, currently composed of Messrs. Cramer and Lyons and Dr.
Martin, is responsible, among other things, for recommending the selection of
certified public accountants to the Board of Directors, reviewing the scope and
results of the audits and reviewing the Company's
5
<PAGE>
accounting policies and procedures and system of internal controls. During the
past year, there were three Audit Committee meetings.
The Compensation Committee, currently composed of Messrs. Carr, Cramer and
Lyons and Dr. Martin, is responsible, among other things, for recommending to
the Board of Directors the adoption and amendment of all employee benefit plans
and arrangements and the engagement of, terms of any employment agreements and
arrangements with, and terminations of, all corporate officers of the Company.
During the past year, there was one Compensation Committee meeting.
The Nominating Committee, currently composed of Mr. Carr and Dr. Williams,
is responsible for the nomination of directors and the solicitation of
shareholder proxies. Under the Governance Agreement, designation of directors
for nomination is to be made exclusively by Immunex and AHP. During the past
year, there was one Nominating Committee meeting.
The Stock Option Plan Administration Committee, currently composed of
Messrs. Carr, Cramer, Essner and Lyons and Drs. Jackson and Martin, is
responsible, among other things, for recommending to the Board of Directors the
adoption and amendment of all stock option plans of the Company and for
administering such plans. During the past year, there were four Stock Option
Plan Administration Committee meetings.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Each Independent Director is entitled to receive $6,000 per quarter and
$1,000 per quarter for serving as the Chair of a Committee. In addition, each
Independent Director is entitled to receive $1,000 for each Board of Directors
and each Committee meeting attended in person and $500 for each such meeting
attended telephonically. In November 1995, the Board of Directors formed a
Special Committee, composed of the Independent Directors and the Management
Directors (as defined below) to consider AHP's offer to purchase all outstanding
shares of Common Stock not already held by AHP. In the course of the Special
Committee's deliberations, nine Special Committee meetings were held, and the
Independent Directors participated in numerous other telephone conferences and
reviewed extensive business and legal information. In connection with their
service on the Special Committee in 1995 and 1996, Dr. Martin and Mr. Lyons each
received aggregate compensation in 1996 of $45,000 and Mr. Cramer received
$46,500. See "Relationship with American Home Products Corporation and American
Cyanamid Company -- Background." Management Directors and Investor Directors
receive no additional compensation for attending Board or Committee meetings.
Under the Company's Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors, each
Independent Director receives a one-time grant of an option to purchase 10,000
shares of Common Stock on the day such director is initially elected or
appointed to the Board of Directors. Such options vest at a rate of 20% per year
over a five-year period. Beginning with the 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
each Independent Director will receive an annual grant of an option to purchase
5,000 shares of Common Stock immediately following each year's Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
6
<PAGE>
RELATIONSHIP WITH AMERICAN HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION AND
AMERICAN CYANAMID COMPANY
BACKGROUND
On June 1, 1993, the Company's predecessor ("Predecessor Immunex") was
merged (the "Merger") into Lederle Oncology Corporation, a previously
nondistinct operating unit of American Cyanamid Company ("Cyanamid"), pursuant
to an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 15,
1992 among Predecessor Immunex, Cyanamid and certain other parties thereto (the
"Merger Agreement"). Cyanamid received 53.5% of the Company's Common Stock
outstanding immediately following the effective time of the Merger (the
"Effective Time"), on a fully diluted basis.
Simultaneously with entering into the Merger Agreement, Predecessor Immunex
and Cyanamid entered into the Governance Agreement, which sets forth, among
other things, certain agreements of the parties relating to (i) the corporate
governance of the Company, including the composition of its Board of Directors,
(ii) rights of Cyanamid to purchase additional shares of the Company's Common
Stock from the Company upon the occurrence of certain events, (iii) future
acquisitions and dispositions of the Company's securities by Cyanamid, (iv)
rights of members of the Company's Board of Directors designated by Cyanamid to
approve certain corporate actions, (v) the requirement that a supermajority of
the members of the Company's Board of Directors approve certain corporate
actions, and (vi) payments to be made by Cyanamid to the Company in the event
that the products of the Lederle Oncology Business and certain other new
products of Immunex do not achieve specified revenue targets. In addition,
pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Immunex, Cyanamid and certain of their
respective subsidiaries entered into certain agreements at the closing of the
Merger relating to cooperation in research and development, supply and
manufacture of certain products, and other matters.
In November 1994, all the outstanding shares of common stock of Cyanamid
were acquired by AHP. Cyanamid is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of AHP.
Pursuant to an Agreement dated September 20, 1994 between the Company and AHP,
AHP agreed not to take any action to cause Cyanamid or its subsidiaries to
violate any of their obligations to the Company. AHP also agreed that if it
causes the separate existence of Cyanamid or any of Cyanamid's subsidiaries
having obligations to the Company to cease, or causes such entity to transfer
all or substantially all of its assets, AHP will make appropriate provision so
that any successor to such entity or transferee of such assets that is an
affiliate of AHP will be bound by and required to perform its obligations to the
Company. In addition, AHP agreed it will not take any action to cause Cyanamid
or its subsidiaries to violate their obligations to Immunex. AHP also agreed,
among other things, to be bound by the Standstill Provisions of the Governance
Agreement to the extent such provisions apply to Cyanamid. See " -- Governance
Agreement -- Standstill Provisions." All references to AHP in this Proxy
Statement include AHP and its subsidiaries, divisions or affiliates that have
assumed the obligations of Cyanamid.
On November 1, 1995, AHP presented Immunex with an offer to acquire the
remaining shares of Immunex stock not held by AHP for $14.50 per share. The
Company's Board of Directors formed a Special Committee to consider the offer,
comprising all directors other than the Investor Directors. The Special
Committee retained Alex. Brown & Sons Incorporated as its financial advisor.
After considering the offer and the recommendations of its financial and legal
advisors, the Special Committee informed AHP on November 13, 1995 that it had
decided to reject AHP's offer as being inadequate.
GOVERNANCE AGREEMENT
DESIGNATION OF CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Board of Directors following the Annual Meeting will consist
of nine directors. Pursuant to the Governance Agreement, three directors are
designated for election by the Company (the "Management Directors"), three are
designated for election by AHP (the "Investor Directors"),
7
<PAGE>
three independent directors are designated for election by agreement of the
Company and AHP, and AHP has the right to designate a fourth independent
director for election (the "Independent Directors").
At all times during the term of the Governance Agreement, the number of
directors that AHP and the management of Immunex have the right to designate
will be determined by the percentage interest of Immunex beneficially owned by
AHP. If AHP's interest is (i) below 20%, AHP will have no right to designate any
directors, and the management of Immunex will have the right to designate six
Management Directors; (ii) 20% or above but less than 35%, AHP will have the
right to designate one Investor Director, and the management of Immunex will
have the right to designate five Management Directors; (iii) 35% or above but
less than 45%, AHP will have the right to designate two Investor Directors, and
the management of Immunex will have the right to designate four Management
Directors; (iv) 45% or above but less than 65%, AHP will have the right to
designate three Investor Directors, and the management of Immunex will have the
right to designate three Management Directors; and (v) 65% or above, AHP will
have the right to designate four Investor Directors, by adding an additional
Investor Director to the Board of Directors, and the management of Immunex will
have the right to designate three Management Directors.
In the event that AHP's interest is such that there are more Investor
Directors or Management Directors on the Board of Directors than AHP or the
management of Immunex, as the case may be, has the right to designate, AHP or
the management of Immunex, as the case may be, will promptly cause to resign,
and take all other action reasonably necessary to cause the prompt removal of,
that number of Investor Directors or Management Directors, as the case may be,
as required to make the remaining number of Investor Directors or Management
Directors conform with the formula described in the preceding paragraph.
With certain exceptions, AHP and the Management Directors will have the
right to designate replacements for directors designated pursuant to the
Governance Agreement by AHP or the Management Directors, respectively, at the
termination of such director's term or upon death, resignation, retirement,
disqualification, removal from office or other cause. The Board of Directors
will elect each person so designated upon nomination by the Nominating
Committee, which consists of an equal number of directors designated by each of
Immunex and AHP. No individual who is an officer, director, partner or principal
shareholder of any competitor of Immunex or any of its subsidiaries (other than
AHP and its affiliates) may be designated to serve as a director of Immunex.
In any election of directors or any meeting of the shareholders of Immunex
called expressly for the removal of directors, AHP and its affiliates will vote
their shares of Common Stock for all nominees in proportion to the votes cast by
the other shareholders of Immunex, except that AHP and its affiliates may cast
any or all of their votes, in their sole discretion, (i) in favor of any nominee
designated by AHP pursuant to the Governance Agreement and (ii) in connection
with any election contest to which Rule 14a-11 under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), applies. With certain limited
exceptions, in all other matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of Immunex,
AHP may vote any or all of its shares in its sole discretion.
CERTAIN APPROVAL RIGHTS
So long as AHP has the right to designate at least two Investor Directors,
the approval of at least one of the Investor Directors will be required for the
Board of Directors to approve and authorize certain corporate actions. Such
actions include, without limitation: (i) the entry by Immunex or any of its
subsidiaries into any merger or consolidation or the acquisition by Immunex or
any of its subsidiaries of any business or assets that would constitute more
than 10% of the fair market value of the total assets of Immunex and its
subsidiaries; (ii) the sale, lease, pledge, grant of security interest in,
license, transfer or other disposal by Immunex or any of its subsidiaries of
more than 10% of the fair market value of the total assets of Immunex and its
subsidiaries; (iii) with certain exceptions, the issuance of any debt or equity
securities or other capital stock of Immunex or any of its subsidiaries; (iv) a
8
<PAGE>
reclassification, split, redemption or other acquisition of any of the debt or
equity securities of Immunex or any of its subsidiaries (subject to certain
exceptions); (v) any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of
Immunex or any change in the size or composition of the Board of Directors or
committee thereof, except in accordance with the Governance Agreement; (vi) the
establishment of any committee of the Board of Directors not specifically
described in the Governance Agreement; (vii) any change in accounting policies
or procedures of Immunex or any of its subsidiaries; (viii) the payment or
discharge of any claim, liability or obligation other than in the ordinary
course of business, except where such claim, liability or obligation does not
exceed $350,000; (ix) the commencement or termination of any suit, litigation or
proceeding with respect to patent rights, and any other suit, litigation or
proceeding that involves a claim, liability or obligation in excess of $350,000
or that is material to Immunex's business or assets; (x) any (a) incurrence of
indebtedness for borrowed money other than as provided for in Immunex's annual
operating plans (the "Annual Operating Plans") provided to AHP or its affiliates
from time to time or (b) capital expenditure by Immunex or any of its
subsidiaries that is greater than both (1) $350,000 and (2) the amount provided
for such expenditure in the Annual Operating Plans; (xi) the institution by
Immunex or any of its subsidiaries of any shareholder rights plan or similar
plan or device; (xii) the acquisition by Immunex or any of its subsidiaries of
technology or products under any license or similar arrangement if the payments
under all such licenses that are not contingent upon sales of licensed
technology or products would exceed $500,000 during any year; or (xiii) the
dissolution of Immunex or any of its subsidiaries, the adoption of a plan of
liquidation for Immunex or any of its subsidiaries or any action by Immunex or
any of its subsidiaries to commence any bankruptcy or similar proceeding.
The approval of seven directors (or, if the Board of Directors consists of
more than nine persons, that number of directors that represents 70% of the
total number of directors, rounded up to the nearest whole number), including,
in the case of clause (iv) below, two Independent Directors, will be required
for the Board of Directors to approve any of the following: (i) the employment
of the chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer
or chief scientific officer of Immunex (each, a "Senior Officer"); (ii) Annual
Operating Plans for Immunex and its subsidiaries, which shall include all
material capital expenditures and borrowing plans applicable to the year in
question; (iii) Immunex's five-year product development and facility plans; and
(iv) amendment of the Governance Agreement or provisions of Immunex's Articles
of Incorporation or Bylaws implementing the provisions of the Governance
Agreement.
The approval of six directors, which six directors must include each of the
Independent Directors, will be required to authorize and approve the termination
of any Senior Officer.
SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF AMERICAN HOME PRODUCTS
So long as AHP has the right to designate at least one Investor Director,
AHP must be offered the right to purchase a PRO RATA share of new securities
prior to any issuance of securities by Immunex. The foregoing right does not
apply, however, to securities issued upon exercise of outstanding options or
warrants and to certain other issuances specified in the Governance Agreement.
So long as AHP has the right to designate at least one Investor Director,
AHP has the option to purchase from Immunex on a quarterly basis additional
shares of Common Stock or other voting stock of Immunex to the extent necessary
to permit AHP to maintain the percentage of shares of Common Stock or other
voting stock of Immunex, as the case may be, owned by AHP and its affiliates as
of the immediately preceding quarter. The per share purchase price of such
shares of Common Stock or other voting stock of Immunex, as the case may be,
will be equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of AHP's
purchase.
STANDSTILL PROVISIONS
AHP has agreed, until June 1, 1998 (the "Standstill Period"), subject to
certain exceptions, not to directly or indirectly purchase or otherwise acquire,
or propose or offer to purchase or otherwise
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acquire, any equity securities of Immunex, whether by tender offer, market
purchase, private negotiated purchase, Business Combination (as defined in the
Governance Agreement and described below) or otherwise if, immediately after
such purchase or acquisition, AHP's beneficial interest in Immunex would exceed
53.5% on a fully diluted basis.
The prohibitions on AHP's acquisition of equity securities of Immunex do not
apply during any period in which AHP or any of its affiliates beneficially owns,
in the aggregate, less than 5% of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock
(assuming exercise or conversion of any rights, options or warrants to purchase
Common Stock held by AHP and its affiliates, but assuming no other exercise or
conversion of outstanding rights, options or warrants to purchase Common Stock).
In addition, such prohibitions do not apply with respect to: (i) any Permitted
Acquisition Transaction (as defined in the Governance Agreement and described
below) that is disclosed to the Board of Directors promptly after the decision
has been made to propose such transaction; (ii) any issuance of securities
pursuant to AHP's subscription rights set forth in the Governance Agreement;
(iii) any open-market purchases made by AHP from time to time of equity
securities of Immunex if (a) immediately after any such market purchases, AHP's
beneficial interest in Immunex would not exceed 70% and (b) AHP's intention to
make such market purchases is disclosed to the Board of Directors and
shareholders of Immunex at least two trading days prior to any such purchases
and such purchases are completed within 30 days of such notice; and (iv) any
cash tender offer by AHP or any affiliate of AHP if, immediately after such
tender offer, AHP's beneficial interest in Immunex would not exceed 70%.
AHP has agreed that, during the Standstill Period, it will not, and will not
permit its subsidiaries to (i) after submitting a definitive proposal for a
Permitted Acquisition Transaction to the Board of Directors, make any public
announcement with respect to such transaction without the prior approval of the
Board of Directors, except as required by law; (ii) make or participate in any
"solicitation" of "proxies" (as such terms are used in the proxy rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")) to vote or seek to
advise, encourage or influence any person or entity with respect to the voting
of any shares of capital stock of Immunex; or (iii) deposit any shares of Common
Stock into a voting trust or subject any shares of Common Stock to any
arrangement or agreement with respect to the voting of such securities or form,
join or in any way participate in any "group" (within the meaning of Section
13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) with respect to any shares of Common Stock.
A "Permitted Acquisition Transaction," as defined in the Governance
Agreement, means either (i) a cash tender offer for all outstanding Common Stock
that is conditioned upon approval by at least a majority of the shareholders of
Immunex other than AHP and its affiliates (the "Unaffiliated Shareholders") or
(ii) a Business Combination that is conditioned upon approval by at least a
majority of the Unaffiliated Shareholders, and that satisfies all the following
conditions: (a) the Board of Directors receives an opinion from a nationally
recognized independent investment banking firm selected by the Board of
Directors (excluding the Investor Directors) that the price and other financial
terms of the transaction are fair from a financial point of view to the
Unaffiliated Shareholders; (b) the Board of Directors, in accordance with the
Governance Agreement, concludes that the price and other terms of the
transaction are fair to and in the best interests of the Unaffiliated
Shareholders and recommends that the Unaffiliated Shareholders accept the tender
offer or otherwise approve the transaction; and (c) neither such investment
banking firm's opinion nor such recommendation of the Board of Directors is
withdrawn prior to the consummation of the transaction. In addition, a merger
following the consummation of a tender offer described in clause (i) of this
paragraph that offers the same consideration as such tender offer is deemed to
be a Permitted Acquisition Transaction.
The term "Business Combination," as defined in the Governance Agreement,
means any one of the following transactions: (i) any merger or consolidation of
Immunex or any subsidiary of Immunex with (a) AHP or (b) any corporation (other
than Immunex) which is, or after such merger or consolidation would be, an
affiliate or associate of AHP; (ii) any tender or exchange offer by AHP or any
affiliate or associate of AHP for any equity securities of Immunex or any of its
subsidiaries; (iii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or
other disposition by Immunex (in one transaction or a series of transactions) to
or with AHP or any affiliate or associate of AHP (other than Immunex) of more
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<PAGE>
than 10% of the fair market value of the total assets of Immunex and its
subsidiaries; (iv) the issuance, exchange or transfer, other than pursuant to
AHP's subscription rights under the Governance Agreement, by Immunex or any of
its subsidiaries (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any
securities of Immunex or any subsidiary thereof to AHP or any affiliate or
associate of AHP (other than Immunex) in exchange for cash, securities or other
consideration (or a combination thereof) having an aggregate fair market value
equal to or in excess of 10% of the fair market value of the total assets of
Immunex and its subsidiaries; (v) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the
liquidation or dissolution of Immunex proposed by or on behalf of AHP or any
affiliate or associate of AHP (other than Immunex); or (vi) any reclassification
of securities (including any reverse stock split), any recapitalization of
Immunex, any merger or consolidation of Immunex with any subsidiary thereof, or
any other transaction to which Immunex is a party (whether or not with or into
or otherwise involving AHP or any affiliate or associate of AHP) that has the
effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the
outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of Immunex
or any subsidiary thereof which is directly or indirectly owned by AHP or any
affiliate or associate of AHP (other than Immunex).
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS WITH AMERICAN HOME PRODUCTS
Immunex may not enter into any contract, agreement or transaction with AHP
or any of its affiliates that is material to Immunex's business, taken as a
whole, unless two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors, excluding the
Investor Directors and including at least two Independent Directors, approve
such contract, agreement or transaction.
TRANSFER OF IMMUNEX COMMON STOCK BY AMERICAN HOME PRODUCTS
AHP has agreed that, during the Standstill Period, it will not, and will not
permit any entity that is directly or indirectly wholly owned by it to, transfer
any shares of Common Stock, except (i) pursuant to a registered underwritten
public offering in accordance with the registration rights provisions of the
Governance Agreement, (ii) in accordance with the volume and manner of sale
limitations of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), or (iii) to any wholly owned subsidiary of AHP. During
the Standstill Period, AHP may not transfer any interest in any Common Stock to
any purchaser or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange
Act) of purchasers if, after giving effect to such sale, such purchaser or group
of purchasers would, to AHP's knowledge, own, or have the right to acquire, 5%
or more of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock. Other than through a
block trade in an underwritten offering, AHP may not, directly or through any of
its subsidiaries, transfer any interest in shares of Common Stock in excess of
1% per day of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph, after June 1, 1996, AHP and its
wholly owned subsidiaries may transfer (an "Acquisition Sale") all (but not less
than all) the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them to any other
person other than an affiliate of AHP, provided that such other person has
offered to acquire all outstanding shares of Common Stock on the same terms and
conditions as such Acquisition Sale. In addition, if AHP intends to engage in an
Acquisition Sale it is required to notify Immunex of such intent and, for three
months subsequent to such notice, Immunex will have the opportunity to present
to AHP a potential buyer willing to purchase all (but not less than all) the
shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by AHP and its wholly owned
subsidiaries. In the event that a potential buyer is presented, AHP may not
consummate an Acquisition Sale on terms less favorable to AHP than those
proposed by such potential buyer.
During the Standstill Period, AHP may not sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of any of the capital stock of any wholly owned subsidiary of AHP that
owns Common Stock, except to another wholly owned subsidiary of AHP.
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REGISTRATION RIGHTS
The holders of at least 25% of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the
Governance Agreement) (the "Initiating Holders") may request that Immunex file a
registration statement under the Securities Act covering the registration of any
or all Registrable Securities held by such Initiating Holders. Immunex will not
be obligated to effect more than two such registrations. The Governance
Agreement, however, does not limit the number of registrations on Form S-3 that
may be requested and obtained if Immunex is eligible to use Form S-3, provided
that the estimated aggregate offering price to the public exceeds $25 million
and the other provisions of the Governance Agreement are satisfied.
Subject to certain conditions, if Immunex proposes to file a registration
statement under the Securities Act on any form (other than on Form S-4 or S-8)
that also would permit the registration of Registrable Securities, and such
filing is to be on behalf of Immunex or selling holders of its securities for
the general registration of shares of Common Stock for cash, Immunex must give
notice thereof to the holders of the registration rights and permit such holders
to include Registrable Securities in the registration.
AHP's registration rights are subject to certain conditions set forth in the
Governance Agreement. In addition, the Governance Agreement sets forth specific
procedures relating to such registration rights and detailed obligations of the
parties with respect thereto. All expenses incident to the performance by
Immunex of its obligations with respect to the registration of AHP's shares of
Common Stock will be borne by Immunex, except that the Initiating Holders will
pay all expenses incident to the second registration. In addition, the holders
of Registrable Securities will bear and pay the underwriting commissions and
discounts applicable to securities offered for their account in connection with
any registrations, filings and qualifications made pursuant to the Governance
Agreement, as well as related counsel fees. Immunex and the holders of
Registrable Securities each have agreed to indemnify the other, in certain
instances, with respect to liabilities incurred in connection with such
registrations.
GUARANTY PAYMENTS BY AMERICAN HOME PRODUCTS
Until December 31, 1997, AHP has agreed to make certain payments to Immunex
if revenues from products from those assets and contractual obligations of
Cyanamid's oncology business in the United States and Canada that Cyanamid
contributed to Lederle Oncology Corporation just prior to the Effective Time
(the " Lederle Oncology Business") and certain other products of Immunex do not
achieve certain annual targets. The targets for 1997 are listed below as "Target
Revenue." Payments are required for any calendar year in which Target Revenue
exceeds the "Actual Revenue," i.e., the sum of Immunex's net sales of Cyanamid
Oncology Products, New Oncology Products and Additional Products plus certain
other revenues related to Additional Products (as such terms are described
below).
The payment for any year in which Target Revenue is not realized equals (i)
the amount by which Target Revenue for the calendar year exceeded Actual Revenue
for such year (a "Revenue Shortfall") reduced by (ii) the total of the following
costs for such year ("Avoided Costs"): (a) variable manufacturing costs
(including packaging and similar costs); (b) variable distribution costs; (c)
commissions; (d) royalties and similar fees paid to third parties; and (e) all
costs for advertising, promotion, marketing, distribution or selling of any
Product (as described below) that were contemplated in the Annual Operating Plan
for such year that were not incurred because any approval required for such
Product or any new label indication therefor was not received by the date
contemplated by such Annual Operating Plan ("Avoided Introductory Costs").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Revenue Shortfall may not exceed the
difference between the Target Revenue and the Base Revenue set forth below and
AHP's payment obligation may not exceed the amounts set forth below as "AHP's
Maximum Obligation." Immunex received $45,288,000 on March 7, 1996 related to
AHP's Revenue
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Shortfall for 1995 and has recorded a receivable of $56 million at December 31,
1996 related to AHP's Revenue Shortfall for 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
--------------
<S> <C>
(IN MILLIONS)
Target Revenue.......................... $ 216.5
Base Revenue............................ 122.7
Maximum Revenue Shortfall............... 93.8
AHP's Maximum Obligation................ 60.0
</TABLE>
For purposes of calculating AHP's payment obligations, Avoided Costs may not
exceed 20% of any Revenue Shortfall in each of 1996 and 1997; provided, however,
that in the event total Avoided Costs exceed such ceilings, AHP may reduce its
Revenue Shortfall obligation by the amount of such excess that constitutes
Avoided Introductory Costs. AHP may reduce its Revenue Shortfall obligation for
1997 by any amount by which Actual Revenue exceeded Target Revenue in any prior
calendar year.
Subject to certain conditions, AHP may discharge its Revenue Shortfall
obligation otherwise than by payment of the applicable cash amount under the
Governance Agreement if such alternative consideration provides Immunex with
equivalent value.
The term "Cyanamid Oncology Products" is defined in the Governance Agreement
to mean Novantrone mitoxantrone, methotrexate injectable, leucovorin calcium,
thiotepa, AMICAR aminocaproic acid, Levoprome methotrimeprazine and Cyanamid's
generic anticancer products that are the subject of filings seeking regulatory
approval. The term "New Oncology Products" means all oncology products useful
(to the extent useful) in the diagnosis or treatment of cancerous or
precancerous, transitional or neoplastic diseases or conditions in humans
resulting from research conducted by AHP, the Company or research jointly
sponsored by AHP and the Company, or any such product with respect to which AHP
or the Company (except for any such product that is acquired solely through the
Company's own efforts) is the licensee or distributor (to the extent of such
license or distribution rights) or is otherwise subsequently acquired by AHP or
the Company, including, without limitation: (i) cytotoxics (including
photosensitizers) and cytokine modulators; (ii) small molecule hematopoietic
stimulators; (iii) cytokines and cytokine receptors; (iv) MDR reversal agents;
(v) anti-tumor monoclonal antibody conjugates; (vi) RAS pathway antagonists; and
(vii) receptors other than tumor necrosis factor receptors ("TNFRs"). New
Oncology Products will exclude such products to the extent that the Company or
AHP cannot grant license rights to the other due to preexisting agreements
entered into prior to December 15, 1992. Should either party, however, have
those rights returned to it, such product will immediately become a New Oncology
Product. For purposes of determining Actual Revenues only, New Oncology Products
will exclude any product of Immunex that was marketed, clinically tested or in
preclinical testing as of the Effective Time. The term "Additional Products" is
defined in the Governance Agreement to mean such additional products designated
(on an annual basis) by AHP, with the concurrence of the Board of Directors,
that are not Cyanamid Oncology Products, New Oncology Products or Co-promoted
Products from which sales or corporation revenues are to be included in
Immunex's consolidated income statements by reason of the fact that the Annual
Operating Plan of Immunex forecasts a Revenue Shortfall in respect of Cyanamid
Oncology Products, New Oncology Products and Co-promoted Products. The term
"Products" is defined in the Governance Agreement to mean, in the aggregate,
Cyanamid Oncology Products, New Oncology Products and Additional Products.
TERMINATION
The Governance Agreement will terminate at the earlier of (i) such time as
AHP and its affiliates beneficially own 95% of all classes and series of Common
Stock and (ii) such time as AHP and its affiliates no longer own any such
shares.
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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
On July 17, 1996, the Immunex Board of Directors approved the terms of
revised and amended research agreements among Immunex, Cyanamid and AHP relating
to oncology products and ENBREL-TM- (TNFR-Fc). Following such approval, Immunex,
Cyanamid and AHP entered into a new Research Agreement effective July 1, 1996,
which terminates and replaces the Research and Development Agreement between
Immunex and Cyanamid dated as of June 1, 1993. As discussed below, Immunex and
AHP also (i) amended the Immunex New Oncology Product License Agreement between
Immunex and Cyanamid dated June 1, 1993, effective as of July 1, 1996, and (ii)
entered into a new TNFR License and Development Agreement, effective as of July
1, 1996.
Under the terms of the superseded Research and Development Agreement,
Immunex was obligated to contribute $26.1 million in 1996, up to $38.3 million
in 1997 and 50% of AHP's oncology research and development expenses thereafter.
Under the terms of the new Research Agreement, Immunex will be funding 50% of
AHP's oncology discovery research expenditures, up to a maximum amount of $16
million per year (adjusted annually for inflation beginning in 1997), and has
the option to elect which products it will continue to support beyond the
discovery stage. Immunex contributed $21,156,000 to support AHP's oncology
research programs in 1996. Under the terms of the new and amended agreements,
Immunex retains North American marketing rights to ENBREL (TNFR-Fc) and those
oncology products resulting from its own research. AHP retains ex-North American
rights to oncology products discovered by Immunex.
Immunex's rights with respect to AHP oncology products were converted into
an option to obtain North American marketing rights to oncology products arising
from certain discovery research activities conducted by Wyeth-Ayerst Research
that are supported by Immunex contributions. Immunex's product rights do not
extend to any products resulting from third-party collaborations of AHP,
products or technology acquired by AHP from third parties, or certain non-small
molecule products developed by AHP.
The option held by Immunex will be exercisable for a period of 90 days
following receipt by Immunex of notice from Wyeth-Ayerst Research that a product
has been selected by Wyeth-Ayerst Research for preclinical and clinical
development, together with certain relevant information concerning such
products. If Immunex exercises its option, the parties will negotiate and
develop the terms of a product license and development agreement under which
Immunex will be granted exclusive marketing rights in the United States and
Canada, and the parties will equally share development expenses for such product
for the North American and European markets. If Immunex elects not to exercise
its option, all rights in the product will revert to Wyeth-Ayerst Research and
AHP without further obligations of any kind on Immunex. Immunex will also be
entitled to discontinue its support of the development process at certain
decision events coordinated with the product development cycle. If its decision
to discontinue development occurs following the completion of Phase II or Phase
III studies, Immunex will be entitled to a royalty or revenue sharing if AHP
continues to develop the product or licenses the product rights in North America
to a third party.
The right of first refusal (the "ROFR") previously held by Cyanamid that
applies to Immunex products and technology was transferred to AHP under the new
Research Agreement and amended to address the diversity of technologies and
opportunities that may result from Immunex research, as well as the data needed
by Wyeth-Ayerst to make a decision regarding exercise of the ROFR. The ROFR was
extended to included ENBREL (TNFR-Fc) and Immunex oncology products. However, a
90-day, rather than 180-day, decision period will apply to these products. At
Immunex's request, AHP will review any product prior to completion of Phase I
clinical studies to exclude products of no interest to AHP. Under the superseded
Research and Development Agreement, Immunex received $2 million in TNFR research
support during 1996.
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ONCOLOGY PRODUCT LICENSE AGREEMENT
In connection with the Merger, Cyanamid and Immunex entered into an Oncology
Product License Agreement under which Immunex granted to Cyanamid and certain of
its subsidiaries an exclusive license under the patents and know-how acquired by
Immunex to make, have made and use Contributed Lederle Products other than
Distributed Products (the "Assigned Products"), thereby permitting Cyanamid to
manufacture the Assigned Products in the Immunex Territory for supply to Immunex
and for ultimate sale by Cyanamid and its sublicensees in the Cyanamid
Territory. AHP pays to Immunex a royalty equal to 5% of the net sales by AHP of
the Assigned Products manufactured in the Immunex Territory and sold in the
Cyanamid Territory. Immunex and AHP have agreed to cooperate in preparing,
filing, maintaining and defending all patents, and in protecting all technology,
relating to Assigned Products. Immunex recognized revenue under this agreement
of $2,379,000 during 1996.
IMMUNEX NEW ONCOLOGY PRODUCT LICENSE AGREEMENT
Cyanamid and Immunex entered into an Immunex New Oncology Product License
Agreement under which Immunex granted to Cyanamid a co-exclusive license to
make, have made, use and sell in the Cyanamid Territory New Oncology Products
resulting from the research and development efforts of Immunex ("Immunex New
Oncology Products"). AHP pays to Immunex a royalty equal to 5% of the net sales
of Immunex New Oncology Products in the Cyanamid Territory by AHP. Immunex and
AHP cooperate in preparing, filing, maintaining and defending all patents, and
in protecting all technology, in each case relating to the Immunex New Oncology
Products covered by the Immunex New Oncology Product License Agreement. In the
event that an Immunex New Oncology Product is to be manufactured by Immunex for
AHP or by AHP for Immunex, the manufacturing party has agreed to supply the
reasonable clinical and commercial requirements of the other party for such
product under a supply agreement to be entered into by Immunex and AHP, at a
price that will reimburse the manufacturing party for its manufacturing and
process development costs (including an allocation for general and
administrative costs) allocable to such product, plus, with respect to
commercial requirements, a reasonable profit. Immunex recognized revenue under
this agreement of $1,645,000 during 1996.
Under the terms of the July 1, 1996 amendment to this agreement, Immunex
will provide notice to Cyanamid if an Immunex product is selected by Immunex for
preclinical and clinical development, together with certain relevant information
concerning such product. Following receipt of such notice and information,
Cyanamid will have 90 days in which to notify Immunex that it intends to retain
its rights in such product. If Cyanamid elects to retain its rights, the parties
will negotiate and develop the terms of a product development agreement
governing the ongoing development and commercialization of the retained product,
including the equal sharing of development expenses for such product for the
North American and European markets. If Cyanamid does not elect to retain its
rights, all rights in the product will revert to Immunex without further
obligations of any kind to Cyanamid or AHP.
SUPPLY AGREEMENT, TOLL MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT AND METHOTREXATE DISTRIBUTORSHIP
AGREEMENT
In connection with the Merger, Cyanamid and Immunex entered into a Supply
Agreement, under which Cyanamid agreed to supply the reasonable commercial
requirements of Immunex, subject to specific maximum quantities, for AMICAR
aminocaproic acid, oral formulations of leucovorin calcium (currently marketed
forms only) and thiotepa (currently marketed forms only) at a price equal to
125% of Cyanamid's manufacturing costs (including reasonable overhead charges
and certain other costs) for such products. In addition, Lederle Parenterals,
Inc. ("LPI"), a subsidiary of Cyanamid that operates a pharmaceutical
manufacturing facility in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Immunex Carolina
Corporation ("ICC"), a subsidiary of Immunex that manufactured pharmaceuticals
in Puerto Rico in 1994, have entered into a Toll Manufacturing Agreement under
which LPI toll converts raw materials
15
<PAGE>
provided into injectable formulations of NOVANTRONE mitoxantrone, leucovorin
calcium, AMICAR aminocaproic acid and LEVOPROME methotrimeprazine at a price
equal to 125% of LPI's costs relating to such toll conversion. ICC was dissolved
in December 1994 and its rights under the Supply Agreement were assigned to
Immunex Manufacturing Corporation. LPI and Immunex have also entered into a
Methotrexate Distributorship Agreement whereby LPI supplies methotrexate to
Immunex at prices that are adjusted annually. Immunex and ICC purchased
inventory at a cost of $9,657,000 from AHP and LPI under these agreements during
1996.
DISTRIBUTORSHIP AGREEMENT FOR CANADA
Wyeth-Ayerst Canada, Inc. ("Wyeth-Ayerst Canada") and Immunex were parties
to a distributorship agreement under which Immunex appointed Cyanamid Canada as
its distributor in Canada for certain products. Immunex agreed to supply the
products to Cyanamid Canada at established prices that are subject to annual
adjustment. Immunex sold $1,511,000 of inventory to Cyanamid Canada during 1996.
TAXANE AGREEMENT
In 1994, Cyanamid and Immunex entered into a Taxane Agreement pursuant to
which Immunex agreed to purchase bulk paclitaxel from Cyanamid that is supplied
to Cyanamid by Hauser Chemical Research, Inc. The bulk is being purchased for
use in developing paclitaxel products for marketing in the United States and
Canada. Immunex has also agreed to share with Cyanamid certain costs of
formulation development, clinical studies, and research and development of new
taxane derivatives. In 1996, Immunex incurred costs totaling $3,081,000 under
the Taxane Agreement.
TACE AGREEMENT
In December 1995, Immunex and AHP entered into a License Agreement and a
Research Collaboration, Development and License Agreement relating to tumor
necrosis factor converting enzyme (the "TACE Agreements"). Pursuant to the TACE
Agreements, Immunex has granted AHP a worldwide exclusive license under Immunex
intellectual property relating to TACE, and agreed to collaborate with AHP in
developing TACE inhibitors, in consideration of certain fixed payments for
research services, and contingent additional payments that are payable upon
achievement of specified research and clinical milestone events. In 1996,
Immunex recognized $4,000,000 in revenues under the TACE Agreements.
TNFR LICENSE AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
On July 1, 1996, Immunex and AHP entered into a new TNFR License and
Development Agreement (the "TNFR License Agreement") which restates AHP's
exclusive rights to ENBREL (TNFR-Fc) outside North America and addresses joint
project management, cost sharing, manufacturing responsibilities, intellectual
property protection and disposition of rights upon relinquishment or termination
of product development. Previously, AHP's rights in ENBREL (TNFR-Fc) had been
stated in the Research and Development Agreement between Immunex and Cyanamid.
The Research and Development Agreement was terminated and replaced by the new
Research Agreement discussed above. Pursuant to the TNFR Agreement, Immunex and
AHP have also agreed to negotiate the terms of a manufacturing agreement for the
commercial supply of ENBREL (TNFR-Fc) to AHP. AHP's shared development costs
totaled $3,923,000 during 1996.
16
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following persons are executive officers of the Company who will serve
in the capacities noted until April 30, 1997, or until the election and
qualification of their successors. Each officer named below is expected to be
reelected at the Company's Board of Directors meeting to be held on April 30,
1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITIONS AND OFFICES OFFICER
NAME AGE WITH THE COMPANY SINCE
- ------------------------- --- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Edward V. Fritzky 46 Chief Executive Officer 1994
Scott G. Hallquist 43 Senior Vice President; General Counsel; Secretary 1987
Peggy V. Phillips 43 Senior Vice President, Pharmaceutical Development 1995
Douglas G. Southern 54 Senior Vice President; Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer 1991
Leonard R. Stevens 47 Senior Vice President, Strategic and New Product Planning 1994
Douglas E. Williams 38 Senior Vice President, Discovery Research 1995
</TABLE>
For the biographical summaries of Mr. Fritzky, Ms. Phillips and Dr.
Williams, see "Election of Directors."
Mr. Hallquist has been employed by the Company since June 1986, initially as
Director, Legal Affairs. He was elected to serve as Secretary in May 1987 and as
Vice President and General Counsel in January 1989. Mr. Hallquist was elected
Senior Vice President in October 1990, retaining the offices of General Counsel
and Secretary. Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by E.I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company as patent counsel. Mr. Hallquist is a director of Qual-Med
Washington Health Plan, Inc., a health maintenance organization and subsidiary
of Health Systems International, Inc. Mr. Hallquist received an M.B.A. and a
J.D. from the University of North Carolina in 1981.
Mr. Southern has been Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of the Company since January 1991. Prior to joining the Company, Mr.
Southern was Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Secretary of Pay 'N Pak Stores, Inc. ("Pay 'N Pak"), a retail firm headquartered
in Seattle, Washington.
Mr. Stevens joined the Company in July 1993 as Senior Vice President,
Strategic and New Product Planning, and was elected an executive officer in
1994. Mr. Stevens had been employed by Lederle since December 1989, where he
served in several capacities, including Director of Medical Education and
Programs, Director of Professional Education and Director of Oncology Marketing,
prior to being appointed as Vice President and General Manager of Oncology in
June 1992. Mr. Stevens received an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh in
1977.
17
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION SUMMARY
The following table sets forth certain compensation information as to (i)
the Company's Chief Executive Officer, (ii) the Company's four other most highly
compensated executive officers, and (iii) Michael L. Kranda, who served as
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company prior to his resignation on
July 26, 1996, for services rendered in all capacities for the Company during
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION -------------
---------------------------------------- SHARES ALL OTHER
OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING COMPENSATION($)
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) COMPENSATION($) OPTIONS(#) (1)
- ---------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------------- ------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward V. Fritzky....................... 1996 $ 450,000 $ 59,061 -- 60,000 $ 27,452
Chief Executive Officer 1995 375,000 175,782 -- 2,500 19,245
1994 306,674 79,219 $ 154,882 125,000 368,601
Michael L. Kranda....................... 1996 183,064 -- -- 25,500 1,019,863
President and Chief 1995 301,752 141,443 -- 22,500 19,843
Operating Officer(2) 1994 288,768 75,797 -- 0 19,325
Scott G. Hallquist...................... 1996 258,000 33,860 -- 27,200 36,227
Senior Vice President, 1995 248,063 116,280 -- 22,500 16,644
General Counsel; 1994 236,250 67,922 -- 0 17,258
Secretary
Peggy V. Phillips....................... 1996 207,900 27,287 -- 29,750 25,252
Senior Vice President, 1995 181,125 88,594 -- 6,000 7,367
Pharmaceutical Development 1994 154,200 41,400 -- 10,000 7,203
Douglas G. Southern..................... 1996 209,040 27,437 -- 24,650 30,130
Senior Vice President; Chief 1995 190,095 94,219 -- 17,500 10,222
Financial Officer; Treasurer 1994 155,820 44,798 -- 0 9,638
Douglas E. Williams..................... 1996 210,000 27,563 -- 29,750 25,947
Senior Vice President, 1995 186,404 93,750 -- 6,000 7,646
Discovery Research 1994 131,250 34,500 -- 10,000 5,729
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Consists of matching contributions to a 401(k) savings plan of $25,031,
$17,181, $19,500, $12,226, $15,799 and $12,563, payment of excess life
insurance premiums of $1,566, $639, $526, $424, $1,204 and $277, and payment
of long-term disability premiums of $855, $299, $490, $395, $397 and $399
for Mr. Fritzky, Mr. Kranda, Mr. Hallquist, Ms. Phillips, Mr. Southern and
Dr. Williams, respectively, in 1996. Also includes a retention bonus payment
of $19,110, $15,711, $12,206, $12,730 and $12,708 to Mr. Kranda, Mr.
Hallquist, Ms. Phillips, Mr. Southern and Dr. Williams, respectively, and
$982,634 in severance pay to Mr. Kranda pursuant to the terms of the
Employment Agreement between Mr. Kranda and the Company dated November 17,
1995.
(2) Mr. Kranda resigned as an officer of the Company on July 26, 1996.
18
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding options granted
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer and the other current and former officers for whom compensation is
reported in this Proxy Statement.
OPTION GRANTS IN 1996 FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
---------------------------------------------------------- AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF OF STOCK PRICE
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO TERM(3)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE PRICE EXPIRATION --------------------------
NAME GRANTED(#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE)(1) DATE(2) 5%($) 10%($)
- --------------------------------------- ----------- -------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward V. Fritzky...................... 60,000 5% $ 15.88 4/25/06 $ 599,022 $ 1,518,040
Michael L. Kranda (4).................. 25,500 2% 15.88 n/a 254,584 645,166
Scott G. Hallquist..................... 27,200 2% 15.88 4/25/06 271,557 688,178
Peggy V. Phillips...................... 29,750 2% 15.88 4/25/06 297,015 752,695
Douglas G. Southern.................... 24,650 2% 15.88 4/25/06 246,098 623,661
Douglas E. Williams.................... 29,750 2% 15.88 4/25/06 297,015 752,695
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The exercise price of the options is equal to the fair market value of the
underlying Common Stock on the date of grant.
(2) All options granted in 1996 terminate 10 years from the date of grant.
(3) Future value of current year grants assuming appreciation of 5% and 10% per
year over the 10-year option period. The actual value realized may be
greater or less than the potential realizable values set forth in the table.
(4) Mr. Kranda resigned as an officer of the Company on July 26, 1996. The
option to purchase 25,500 shares of Common Stock granted to Mr. Kranda in
1996, along with all the unexercised stock options held by him, terminated
as provided in the Company's Amended 1993 Stock Option Plan.
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUES
The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 1996
regarding options held by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the other
current and former officers for whom compensation is reported in this Proxy
Statement. None of such officers exercised any options during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996.
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-
OPTIONS AT FISCAL MONEY OPTIONS AT FISCAL
YEAR-END (#) YEAR-END ($)
-------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Edward V. Fritzky......................................... 50,500 137,000 $ 136,000 $ 427,125
Michael L. Kranda......................................... 0 0 0 0
Scott G. Hallquist........................................ 31,166 58,534 32,247 167,603
Peggy V. Phillips......................................... 11,200 43,550 31,100 161,244
Douglas G. Southern....................................... 23,500 48,650 24,500 143,356
Douglas E. Williams....................................... 11,200 43,550 31,100 161,244
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In December 1996, Immunex extended the term of certain employment agreements
with each of Messrs. Southern and Stevens, Ms. Phillips and Dr. Williams. These
agreements, which were approved by the Board of Directors in November 1995, are
intended to motivate, retain and provide incentives for the Company's officers
during and after any transaction involving a change in control of the Company.
As a result of an extension of the term, the agreements will be effective until
December 31, 1997. Messrs. Fritzky and Hallquist entered into employment
agreements with the Company in November 1995 that are effective for a term of
three years. Each employment agreement provides that the executive's position,
authority, duties and responsibilities will be maintained at levels at least
commensurate with those held by the employee as of its effective date, and that
the executive's salary, bonus and benefits will be continued through the term of
the agreement. If the employment of the executive is terminated by the Company
without Cause or by the employee for Good Reason (each as defined in the
employment agreement), the employee will be entitled to receive his or her base
salary, annual incentive bonus, continued participation in the Company's
medical, dental and insurance programs, and certain other benefits until the
second anniversary of the date the executive's employment with the Company is
terminated.
A 1995 employment agreement with Mr. Kranda was terminated with the mutual
consent of the Company and Mr. Kranda effective July 26, 1996. As of such date,
the Company paid Mr. Kranda $982,634 as a severance payment in connection with
the termination of the agreement and his resignation from the Company.
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
AND THE STOCK OPTION PLAN ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Company's compensation policy as established by the Board of Directors
is intended to provide competitive compensation to all employees, giving
consideration to the relative contribution and performance of each employee on
an individual basis. It is the Company's policy to compensate its executive
officers at levels consistent with industry norms, primarily in the form of base
salary, together with incentive bonuses. In addition, it is the Company's policy
of granting stock options to each of its executive officers to align their
interests with shareholder value. The biotechnology industry is extremely
competitive with respect to recruitment and retention of qualified executives;
accordingly, the Company uses independently published surveys of biotechnology
industry compensation levels to ensure that the Company's compensation practices
are comparable to other biotechnology companies.
Determining the compensation of the Company's executive officers is the
responsibility of the Board of Directors, through its Compensation Committee,
which has overall responsibility for the Company's compensation policies for
senior management. Its Stock Option Plan Administration Committee is responsible
for administering the Company's stock option plans. The Compensation Committee
makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the salaries of, and
incentive bonuses awarded to, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and other
executive officers. The Stock Option Plan Administration Committee determines
the number and terms of options granted to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer, other executive officers and all other employees.
Executive compensation consists of three major components: base salary,
annual incentive bonus and stock options. Base salaries of the Chief Executive
Officer and other executive officers are subjectively determined, based on
annual surveys of similar positions at other biotechnology companies (described
below as the Comparison Group), together with assessments of individual
performance and the Company's achievement of predetermined operating goals that
are established annually by the Board of Directors (the goals for 1996 are
described below). The Compensation Committee does not assign relative weights to
the factors on which base salaries are based. Assessments of individual
performance include subjective evaluations of the value of individual executives
to the Company. The surveys employed include some, but not all, of the companies
in the Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index,
20
<PAGE>
which is one of the indices used in the Company's performance graph that appears
elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
The Company's Compensation Committee meets in December of each year to
determine the annual salary component of executive compensation to be paid in
the following calendar year, and the amount of cash incentive bonus compensation
to be awarded executives for performance in the current year. The salaries paid
to executives in 1996 were determined by reference to 1995 compensation survey
data, adjusted upwards for inflation during the term between July 1995 and
December 1995. The survey data considered by the Compensation Committee in
determining executive salaries included salary information provided by 31
biotechnology companies having more than 500 employees (the "Comparison Group"),
as well as a subgroup of the 15 largest biotechnology companies (the "Comparison
Subgroup"). The Compensation Committee believes that the Comparison Group and
the Comparison Subgroup were representative of industry norms in late 1995, and
each are weighted approximately equally by the Compensation Committee. The
Comparison Subgroup consisted of Amgen, Inc., Biogen, Inc., Genentech, Inc.,
Chiron Corporation, Centocor, Inc., Genetics Institute, Genzyme Corporation, and
biotechnology affiliates or subsidiaries of Baxter Biotech Group, Bayer
Corporation, Berlex Biosciences, Boehringer Mannheim Group, Bristol-Myers Squibb
Pharmaceutical Research, Novo Nordisk Biotech, Inc., Roche Bioscience and Scios
Nova, Inc. In the case of Mr. Fritzky, the Compensation Committee established a
base salary for 1996 of $450,000, which represented approximately 85% of average
compensation for chief executive officers in the Comparison Subgroup and 110% of
the average compensation for chief executive officers in the Comparison Group.
The Compensation Committee established 1996 base salaries for the Company's
other executive officers ranging from 80% to 129% of the average compensation
for executives performing similar functions in companies included in the
Comparison Subgroup and 102% to 136% of the average compensation for executives
performing similar functions in companies included in the Comparison Group.
Under the Company's compensation plans, annual incentive bonuses are
calculated as a percentage of base salary and are based in part on achievement
of corporate operating goals and in part on individual contributions toward
achieving such goals. The Chief Executive Officer and each of the other officers
for whom compensation is reported in this Proxy Statement are eligible for a
team bonus of up to 25% of base salary, based on the achievement of corporate
operating goals, and an additional individual bonus of up to 12.5% of base
salary based on individual contributions toward achievement of corporate
operating goals and subjective evaluation of individual performance. Corporate
operating goals are established at the beginning of each year and approved by
the Board of Directors. Achievement of corporate operating goals provides the
Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors with a basis for the award of
incentive bonuses.
For 1996, the Board of Directors elected to award Mr. Fritzky and the other
officers for whom compensation is reported in this Proxy Statement a team bonus
of 35% of the amount for which each officer was eligible (i.e., 35% of 25% of
base salary). The Board of Directors' decision took into account the Company's
overall performance against established goals, which were not assigned relative
weights and are not listed below in order of relative importance. Goals achieved
by the Company in 1996 included submission and approval of a New Drug
Application for NOVANTRONE-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- in hormone refractory prostate
cancer; approval of liquid LEUKINE-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration; identification of a large-scale manufacturing source for
TNF Receptor and commencement of the process transfer; completion of FLT-3
ligand toxicology studies permitting IND filing and initiation of Phase I
clinical trials; completion of interim analysis of LEUKINE neonate and surgical
prophylaxis trials; and achievement of budgeted goals for contract revenue in
licensing and contract manufacturing.
Goals that were not achieved or not completely achieved in 1996 included
growth of total product sales and maintenance of net operating loss at levels
specified; FDA approval of Leukine for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia;
selection of at least one new pre-development molecule; and optimization of
process development of CD40 ligand and IL-15.
21
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors also elected to award Mr. Fritzky and the other
officers for whom compensation is reported in this Proxy Statement individual
bonuses of 35% of 12.5% of base salary. Thus, each of Mr. Fritzky and the other
officers for whom compensation is reported in this Proxy Statement received
individual bonuses equal to 4.4% of their 1996 base salary.
To qualify compensation for deductibility for federal income tax purposes,
it is the Company's policy to meet the requirements for exclusion from the limit
on deduction imposed by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") by paying performance-based compensation if possible and,
with respect to cases in which it is not possible to meet the requirements for
exclusion from Section 162(m) of the Code, the Company intends to minimize any
award of compensation in excess of the limit.
Options to purchase shares of Immunex stock were granted to the officers
named in this report, as well as other employees, in April 1996. The option
grant was undertaken pursuant to the Company's long-term incentive performance
award program, initially implemented in 1993, wherein employees are eligible to
receive a grant of stock options dependent upon individual performance and
position held. Under this program, Mr. Fritzky received a grant to purchase
60,000 shares of stock; other officers named in this Proxy Statement received
grants to purchase between 24,650 and 29,750 shares.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Joseph J. Carr
Kirby L. Cramer
John E. Lyons
Edith W. Martin
STOCK OPTION PLAN ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Joseph J. Carr
Kirby L. Cramer
Robert A. Essner
Richard L. Jackson
John E. Lyons
Edith W. Martin
22
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN(1)
AMONG IMMUNEX, NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX AND NASDAQ PHARMACEUTICAL INDEX
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IMMUNEX NASDAQ COMPOSITE NASDAQ PHARMACEUTICAL
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1991 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
1992 86.50 116.38 83.22
1993 49.26 133.59 74.17
1994 45.09 130.59 55.83
1995 50.02 184.67 102.13
1996 59.12 227.16 102.24
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Assumes $100 invested at the close of trading on December 31, 1990 in the
Common Stock, in the Nasdaq Composite Index and in the Nasdaq Pharmaceutical
Index.
NOTE: Stock price performance shown above for the Common Stock is historical and
not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's officers, directors
and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity
securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the
Commission. Officers, directors and greater-than-10%-shareholders are required
by Commission regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a)
forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or
written representations from certain reporting persons that no forms were
required for those persons, the Company believes that during 1996 all filing
requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater-than-10%-
beneficial owners were complied with by such persons.
23
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP, certified public
accountants, to act as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1997. Ernst & Young LLP has been the Company's auditor since
the Company's inception.
A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be present at the
Annual Meeting, with the opportunity to make a statement, if the representative
so desires, and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions
from shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
Under the Commission's proxy rules, shareholder proposals that meet certain
conditions may be included in the Company's Proxy Statement and Proxy for a
particular annual meeting. Proposals of shareholders that are intended to be
presented by such shareholders at the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting must be
received by the Company no later than August 22, 1997 to be considered for
inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of Proxy relating to that meeting.
Receipt by the Company of any such proposal from a qualified shareholder in a
timely manner will not guarantee its inclusion in the Company's proxy material
because there are other requirements in the proxy rules for such inclusion.
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors does not
intend to present, and has not been informed that any other person intends to
present, any matters for action at the Annual Meeting other than the matters
specifically referred to in this Proxy Statement. If other matters properly come
before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the holders of the Proxies will
act with respect thereto in accordance with their best judgment.
Copies of the 1996 Annual Report of the Company are being mailed to
shareholders, together with this Proxy Statement, form of Proxy and Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Additional copies may be obtained from the
Secretary of the Company, 51 University Street, Seattle, Washington 98101.
THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 1996, AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, IS INCLUDED IN
THE COMPANY'S 1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Scott G. Hallquist
SECRETARY
Seattle, Washington
March 21, 1997
24
<PAGE>
P
R
O
X
Y
IMMUNEX CORPORATION
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS--APRIL 30, 1997
The undersigned hereby appoint(s) Edward V. Fritzky and Peggy V. Phillips and
each of them as proxies, with full power of substitution, to represent and
vote as designated all shares of Common Stock of Immunex Corporation held of
record by the undersigned on March 7, 1997 at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of the Company to be held at the Westin Hotel, 1900 5th Avenue,
Seattle, Washington, at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 1997, with
authority to vote upon the following matter and with discretionary authority
as to any other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
IMPORTANT-PLEASE DATE AND SIGN ON THE OTHER SIDE
SEE REVERSE SIDE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE SHAREHOLDER
IN THE SPACES PROVIDED. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
"FOR ALL NOMINEES" IN ITEM 1.
Please mark your votes as indicated in this example /X/
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR all nominees" in Item 1.
1. Election of the nine nominees to serve as directors for the ensuing year
and until their successors are elected and qualify: Joseph J. Carr, Kirby L.
Cramer, Robert A. Essner, Edward V. Fritzky, Richard L. Jackson, John E.
Lyons, Edith W. Martin, Peggy V. Phillips and Douglas E. Williams.
FOR all nominees WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
to vote for all nominees
/ / / /
Please send me an admittance ticket to the Annual Meeting. / /
WITHHOLD for the following only* (Write the name of the nominee(s) in the
space below.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Unless otherwise directed, all votes will be apportioned equally among these
persons for whom authority is given to vote.
PLEASE SIGN EXACTLY AS YOUR NAME APPEARS HEREON. ATTORNEYS, TRUSTEES,
EXECUTORS AND OTHER FIDUCIARIES ACTING IN A REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY SHOULD
SIGN THEIR NAMES AND GIVE THEIR TITLES. AN AUTHORIZED PERSON SHOULD SIGN ON
BEHALF OF CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC. AND GIVE HIS OR HER
TITLE. IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD BY TWO OR MORE PERSONS, EACH PERSON MUST SIGN.
RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT IS HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED.
Signature(s) Date
---------------------------------- -------------------
NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When
signing as attorney, trustee, executor or other fiduciary acting in a
representative capacity, please give full title as such.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
