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FORM 8-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
September 11, 1997
ROBERTS PHARMACEUTICAL CORPORATION
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(exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New Jersey 1-1-432 22-2429994
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(State or other (Commission (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification
incorporation) Number)
Meridian Center II
4 Industrial Way West
Eatontown, New Jersey 07724
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(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 908-389-1182
Meridian Center II
4 Industrial Way West
Eatontown, New Jersey 07724
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(Former name or former address, if changed from last report)
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Item 5. Other Events
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Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation (the "Company") announced
today a change in management structure. Dr. Robert A. Vukovich, will continue as
Chairman of the Board, but will forego his day-to-day activities as President
and CEO to concentrate on Roberts long-term strategic business and product
development programs. The Company's Board of Directors has approved the change
and has elected John T. Spitznagel as President and Chief Executive Officer,
effective immediately. Mr. Spitznagel, with more than 30 years experience in the
ethical pharmaceutical business, has served as Roberts Executive Vice President,
Worldwide Sales and Marketing, since March 1996 and as a member of the Company's
Board of Directors since July 1996.
In addition to the regular duties of a Chairman, Dr. Vukovich will
devote substantial time to issues of long-term strategic importance to the
Company, including the identification of new product opportunities and
expediting the development of Roberts pipeline compounds which are vital aspects
of the Company's growth.
Mr. Spitznagel served as President of Reed and Carnick Pharmaceuticals
from September 1990 through July 1995. In 1989 and 1990, he served as Chief
Executive Officer of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. From 1979 through 1989, Mr.
Spitznagel held various positions with Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, advancing from
Marketing Director to Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. Mr.
Spitznagel was employed by Roche Laboratories from 1971 through 1979 and by
Warner-Chilcott Laboratories from 1966 through 1971 in various sales, marketing
and management positions. Mr. Spitznagel received his undergraduate degree from
Rider University and an M.B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Dr. Vukovich founded Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation in 1983 and has
served as President, CEO and Chairman ever since. Under his leadership, Roberts
became a public company in 1990 and has raised over $400 MM in equity capital.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ROBERTS PHARMACEUTICAL CORPORATION
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(Registrant)
Date: September 12, 1997 By: /s/ Anthony A. Rascio
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Anthony A. Rascio
Vice President
