Aegis £70,000 pension payout draws shareholder wrath

LONDON - Shareholders in Aegis, owner of media buying agency Carat, are up in arms at revelations that the group is paying a 拢70,000-a-year pension to the wife of former chairman Frank Law, even though he is still alive.

According to a report in The Observer, Aegis agreed in 1999 to pay Law's wife 拢100,000 annually if he died before her. However, its 2002 annual report says that she was paid 拢70,000, despite reports that Law is alive. He served on the board of Aegis for 12 years.

The same report outlines concerns over deals signed by current management, meaning that in the event of a takeover, directors could receive payments worth double their salary, generous options and bonuses.

Aegis' remuneration report has been given "red top" status by the Association of British Insurers, a warning to its members that there are issues they may want to vote against.

The revelations come amid concerns at other companies, especially the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, over pension arrangements.

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