Item  5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On June 12, 2008, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and upon consideration of data provided by peer review results, the Board of Directors of Salix approved revision of the severance benefits provided in the Employment Agreements with each of its corporate officers to include payment of such severance benefits in the event of a change of control and, if the officer’s employment with Salix is terminated by the company other than “for cause,” or if the officer terminates employment with Salix for “good reason,” in each case within 12 months after a change in control. The Board also approved the form of First Amendment to Employment Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.62, to be entered into with each of its corporate officers to effect the change of control severance benefits as set forth as follows:

 

Title

 

Salary

 

Bonus

Chief Executive Officer   Base salary as of the date of termination for a period of 30 months   An amount equal to two times the annual bonus target as of the date of termination
Senior Vice President   Base salary as of the date of termination for a period of 24 months   An amount equal to one and one-half times the annual bonus target as of the date of termination
Vice President   Base salary as of the date of termination for a period of 18 months   An amount equal to the annual bonus target as of the date of termination

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.62

   Form of First Amendment to Employment Agreement

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    SALIX PHARMACEUTICALS, LTD.
Date: June 18, 2008    
   

/s/ Adam C. Derbyshire

    Adam C. Derbyshire
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer