
F-364
The number and weighted average exercise price of share options at 31 December 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
2008
2007
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Number of
options
Number of
options
€
Outstanding at the beginning of the year and at the end of
the year................................................................
1
1,773,616
1,773,616
Vesting adjustment................................................................
24,568
–
Forfeited during the period................................
.........................
(3,210)
–
Outstanding and exercisable at 31 December
1,794,974
1,773,616
Share options granted and recognised for the year ended 31 December 2008 amounted to € 8,000 (2007:
€ 77,000) and were recorded as compensation expense in selling, general and administrative expenses.
20 Pension and other post-retirement obligations
In accordance with the laws and customs of each country, the Group provides pension and retirement benefits to
its employees. In France, the Group employees benefit from a retirement indemnity plan. In other countries, the
plans depend upon local legislation, the business and the historical practice of the subsidiary concerned.
Over and above state pension plans, the plans can be defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans. In the
latter case, the plans are wholly or partially funded by assets solely to support such plans.
a) State plans
In certain countries, and more particularly in France and Italy, the Group participates in state plans for which
contributions expensed correspond to the contributions due to the state organisations. State plans are considered
to be defined contribution plans.
b) Defined contribution plans
The benefits paid out depend solely on the amount of contributions paid into the plan and the investment returns
arising from the contributions. The Group's obligation is limited to the amount of contributions that are ex-
pensed.
c) Defined benefit plans
Independent actuaries calculate annually the Group's obligation in respect of these plans, using the projected unit
credit method. Actuarial assumptions comprise mortality, rates of employee turnover, projection of future salary
levels and revaluation of future benefits. Future estimated benefits are discounted using discount rates appropri-
ate to each country. These plans have differing characteristics:
• Perpetual annuity: the retirees benefit from the receipt of a pension during their retirement. These plans
are to be found primarily in Germany and the Netherlands.
• Lump-sum payments on the employee's retirement or departure: these plans are to be found primarily in
France and Italy.
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