<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0000950135-04-001806
<TYPE>DEF 14A
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>3
<PERIOD>20040511
<FILING-DATE>20040409
<EFFECTIVENESS-DATE>20040409
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORP
<CIK>0000885725
<ASSIGNED-SIC>3841
<IRS-NUMBER>042695240
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>DE
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>DEF 14A
<ACT>34
<FILE-NUMBER>001-11083
<FILM-NUMBER>04727321
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>ONE BOSTON SCIENTIFIC PL
<CITY>NATICK
<STATE>MA
<ZIP>01760-1537
<PHONE>5086508000
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>DEF 14A
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>b49230dfdef14a.htm
<DESCRIPTION>BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="4">SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION</FONT></B>

<P align="center">
<B>Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section&nbsp;14(a) of the
Securities</B>

<DIV align="center">
<B>Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment
No.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;)</B>
</DIV>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="50%"></TD>
    <TD width="50%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD align="left"><B><FONT size="2">Filed by the Registrant&nbsp; <FONT face="wingdings">&#120;</FONT></FONT></B></TD>
    <TD align="right"><B><FONT size="2">Filed by a Party other than the Registrant&nbsp; <FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT></FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<HR size="1" width="100%" align="left" noshade>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">Check the appropriate box:
</FONT>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;Preliminary
Proxy Statement
</FONT>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#120;</FONT>&nbsp;Definitive
Proxy Statement
</FONT>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;Definitive
Additional Materials
</FONT>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;Soliciting
Material Pursuant to &#167;240.14a-11(c) or &#167;240.14a-12
</FONT>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule&nbsp;14a-6(e)(2))
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="5">BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION</FONT></B>

<DIV align="center">
<I><FONT size="2">(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its
Charter)</FONT></I>
</DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="5">BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION</FONT></B>

<DIV align="center">
<I><FONT size="2">(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy
Statement)</FONT></I>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><FONT size="2">Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate
box):</FONT></B>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#120;</FONT>&nbsp;No fee
required.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;Fee
computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules&nbsp;14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1)&nbsp;Title
of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="8%"></TD>
    <TD width="92%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Aggregate number of securities to which
    transaction applies:
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Per unit price or other underlying value of
    transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule&nbsp;0-11
    (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
    state how it was determined):
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5)&nbsp;Total
fee paid:
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2"><FONT face="wingdings">&#111;</FONT>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Check box if any part of the fee is offset as
    provided by Exchange Act Rule&nbsp;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.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1)&nbsp;Amount
Previously Paid:
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2)&nbsp;Form,
Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3)&nbsp;Filing
Party:
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4)&nbsp;Date
Filed:
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<HR size="1" width="100%" align="left" noshade>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>

<!-- TOC -->
<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

<P><CENTER>
<TABLE border="0" width="90%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="76%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#001">INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#002">PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED UPON</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#003">STOCK OWNERSHIP</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#004">STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#005">STOCK OWNERSHIP OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#006">INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#007">COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#008">BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#009">EXECUTIVE OFFICERS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#010">Summary Compensation Table</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#011">2003 OPTION/SAR GRANTS(1)</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#012">TOTAL 2003 OPTION/SAR EXERCISES AND YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES(1)</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#013">REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FOR 2003 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#014">REPORT FOR 2003 OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#015">STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#016">Equity Compensation Plans</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#017">SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#018">STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#019">AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER</A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<!-- /TOC -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="center">
<IMG src="b49230dfb4923003.gif" alt="(Boston Scientific LOGO)">
</DIV>

<P align="right">
Natick, Massachusetts

<DIV align="right">
April&nbsp;9, 2004
</DIV>

<P align="left">
Dear Boston Scientific Stockholder:

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
You are cordially invited to attend Boston Scientific
Corporation&#146;s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on
Tuesday, May&nbsp;11, 2004, at 10:00&nbsp;A.M. Eastern Daylight
Time, at the FleetBoston Financial Building, 100 Federal Street,
Boston, Massachusetts.

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
This year you are being asked to (i)&nbsp;elect four directors,
(ii)&nbsp;ratify the appointment of Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young LLP
as the Company&#146;s independent auditors for the 2004 fiscal
year, and (iii)&nbsp;act upon such other business as may
properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or
postponement thereof. These matters are fully described in the
accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and proxy statement.

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Our Board of Directors urges you to read the accompanying proxy
statement and recommends that you vote &#147;FOR&#148; the
director nominees and the ratification of the appointment of
Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young as the Company&#146;s independent
auditors.

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
At the meeting, management will also report on the
Company&#146;s performance and an opportunity will be provided
for stockholders to ask questions.

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Board of Directors appreciates and encourages stockholder
participation in the Company&#146;s affairs. Whether or not you
plan to attend the meeting, it is important that your shares be
represented. Accordingly, we request that you sign, date and
mail the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided at your
earliest convenience. Record holders may also vote
electronically or telephonically by following the instructions
printed on the enclosed proxy card.

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Thank you for your cooperation.
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="40%"></TD>
    <TD width="60%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    Very truly yours,</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    PETER M. NICHOLAS</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I>Chairman of the Board</I></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="center">
<IMG src="b49230dfb4923003.gif" alt="(Boston Scientific LOGO)">
</DIV>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B>NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS</B>
</DIV>

<P align="right">
Natick, Massachusetts

<DIV align="right">
April&nbsp;9, 2004
</DIV>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Boston Scientific
Corporation will be held at the FleetBoston Financial Building,
100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts on Tuesday,
May&nbsp;11, 2004, at 10:00&nbsp;A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, for
the following purposes:
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="8%"></TD>
    <TD width="7%"></TD>
    <TD width="85%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>(1)</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    To elect four Class&nbsp;III directors to serve until the 2007
    Annual Meeting of Stockholders;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>(2)</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    To ratify the appointment of Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young LLP, as the
    Company&#146;s independent auditors, for the fiscal year ending
    December&nbsp;31, 2004; and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>(3)</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    To transact such other business as may properly come before the
    meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on
March&nbsp;19, 2004, are entitled to notice of and to vote at
the meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<B>Please sign, date and mail the enclosed proxy card in the
postage-paid envelope provided at your earliest convenience. So
that your shares will be represented whether or not you attend
the Annual Meeting, record holders may also vote electronically
or telephonically by following the instructions printed on your
proxy card.</B>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="40%"></TD>
    <TD width="60%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    By Order of the Board of Directors</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    Paul W. Sandman</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I>Secretary</I></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="center">
 <IMG src="b49230dfb4923003.gif" alt="(Boston Scientific LOGO)">
</DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">ONE BOSTON SCIENTIFIC PLACE</FONT></B>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS 01760</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">April&nbsp;9, 2004</FONT></B>

<P align="center">
<HR size="1" width="30%" align="center" noshade>

<P align="center">
<B>PROXY STATEMENT</B>

<P align="center">
<HR size="1" width="30%" align="center" noshade>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B>INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING</B>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">The Annual Meeting</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Boston
Scientific Corporation (&#147;Boston Scientific&#148; or the
&#147;Company&#148;) will be held on Tuesday, May&nbsp;11, 2004,
at 10:00&nbsp;A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, at the FleetBoston
Financial Building, 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
At this meeting, stockholders will be asked to elect four
directors and ratify the appointment of Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young
LLP as the Company&#146;s independent auditors for the 2004
fiscal year. Management of the Company will also report on the
Company&#146;s performance during fiscal 2003 and respond to
questions from stockholders.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Who is entitled to attend and vote at the
Annual Meeting?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Stockholders of record at the close of business
on March&nbsp;19, 2004, are entitled to attend and vote at the
Annual Meeting. Each share of common stock is entitled to one
vote. The proxy card provided with this proxy statement
indicates the number of shares of Boston Scientific common stock
that you own and are entitled to vote.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">What constitutes a quorum at the
meeting?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The presence at the meeting, in person or by
proxy, of the holders of a majority of the shares of common
stock outstanding on March&nbsp;19, 2004, the record date, will
constitute a quorum for purposes of this meeting. As of the
record date, 834,686,988&nbsp;shares of Boston Scientific common
stock were outstanding. For purposes of determining whether a
quorum exists, proxies received but marked &#147;withhold&#148;
or &#147;abstain&#148; and broker non-votes (described below)
will be counted.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How do&nbsp;I vote by proxy?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Your vote is very important. Whether or not you
plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to complete, sign and
date the enclosed proxy card and return it in the envelope
provided. No postage is required if your proxy card is mailed in
the United States.
</FONT>

<P align="center">
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">If you properly fill in your proxy card and our
transfer agent receives it in time to vote at the meeting, your
&#147;proxy&#148; (one of the individuals named on your proxy
card) will vote your shares as you have directed. If you sign
the proxy card but do not make specific choices, your proxy will
vote your shares as recommended by the Board, as follows:
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="4%"></TD>
    <TD width="93%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B><I><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <B><I><FONT size="2">FOR </FONT></I></B><FONT size="2">the
    election of each of the four nominees for director;&nbsp;and
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B><I><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <B><I><FONT size="2">FOR </FONT></I></B><FONT size="2">the
    ratification of the appointment of Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young LLP as
    the Company&#146;s independent auditors for the fiscal year
    ending December&nbsp;31, 2004.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">If any other matter is properly presented at the
meeting or if the meeting is to be postponed or adjourned, your
proxy will vote your shares in accordance with his best
judgment. At present, the Board knows of no other business which
is intended to be brought before or acted upon at this Annual
Meeting.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Can&nbsp;I vote by telephone or
electronically?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">If you are a registered stockholder (that is, if
you hold your stock in your own name), you may vote by telephone
or electronically through the Internet by following the
instructions printed on your proxy card.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How do&nbsp;I vote if my shares are held by
my broker?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">If your shares are held by your broker in
&#147;street name,&#148; you will need to instruct your broker
how to vote your shares in the manner provided by your broker.
Your broker may also offer electronic or telephonic voting.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">What discretion does my broker have to vote
my shares held in &#147;street name&#148;?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">At this time, New&nbsp;York Stock Exchange rules
allow your broker to vote your shares with respect to the
election of directors and the ratification of the Company&#146;s
independent auditors, even if it does not receive instructions
from you, so long as it holds your shares in its name. There
are, however, certain matters with respect to which brokers do
not have discretionary authority. Should such a matter come to a
vote at the Annual Meeting and your broker has not received
voting instructions from you, your shares will not be voted on
that matter. Shares represented by &#147;broker non-votes&#148;
will, however, be counted in determining whether there is a
quorum.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Can&nbsp;I change my vote after&nbsp;I
return my proxy card?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Yes. You may change your vote at any time before
the proxy is exercised at the Annual Meeting. To change your
vote, you may:
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">file with the Secretary of the Company a written
    notice &#147;revoking&#148; your earlier vote;
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">submit to our transfer agent a properly completed
    and signed proxy card with a later date;
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">vote again telephonically or electronically
    (available through 11:00&nbsp;p.m. Eastern Time on May&nbsp;10,
    2004);&nbsp;or
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">vote in person at the meeting.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The last dated proxy or vote cast will be counted.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How do&nbsp;I vote in person?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting and vote
in person, we will give you a ballot or a new proxy card when
you arrive. However, if your shares are held in the name of your
broker, bank or other nominee, you
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">2
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2">must bring an account statement or letter from
the nominee indicating that you were the beneficial owner of the
shares on March&nbsp;19, 2004, the record date for voting.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How do&nbsp;I vote my 401(k) and GESOP
shares?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">If you participate in the Boston Scientific
Corporation 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (&#147;401(k)
Plan&#148;) or participate in the Company&#146;s Global Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (&#147;GESOP&#148;), you will receive a
single proxy card that covers both shares credited to your plan
account(s) and shares that you own of record that are registered
in the same name. If any of your plan accounts is not registered
in the same name as your shares of record, you will receive
separate proxy cards for your record and plan holdings. Properly
completed and signed proxy cards will serve to instruct the
trustees and fiduciaries of the Company&#146;s 401(k) Plan and
GESOP how to vote any Company shares held in these plans on your
behalf.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">What vote is required to approve each
proposal?</FONT></I></B>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="4%"></TD>
    <TD width="93%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B><I><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <B><I><FONT size="2">For the Election of
    Directors.&nbsp;</FONT></I></B><FONT size="2">The four nominees
    for director receiving the most votes from those shares present
    or represented at the Annual Meeting will be elected. If you do
    not vote for a particular nominee, or you withhold authority for
    one or all nominees, your vote will be counted for purposes of
    determining whether there is a quorum, but will not count either
    &#147;for&#148; or &#147;against&#148; the nominee.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B><I><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <B><I><FONT size="2">For Ratification of Independent
    Auditors.&nbsp;</FONT></I></B><FONT size="2">The affirmative
    vote of a majority of shares present or represented at the
    Annual Meeting is required to ratify the appointment of
    Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young LLP as the Company&#146;s independent
    auditors for the 2004 fiscal year. A properly executed proxy
    marked &#147;abstain&#148; will not be voted &#147;for&#148; or
    &#147;against&#148; this proposal, but will be counted for
    purposes of determining the number of votes cast. Accordingly,
    an abstention will have the effect of a negative vote .
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B><I><FONT size="2">(3)&nbsp;</FONT></I></B></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <B><I><FONT size="2">Other
    Matters.&nbsp;</FONT></I></B><FONT size="2">At present, the
    Board knows of no other matters to be presented for stockholder
    action at the Annual Meeting. Most other matters which may
    properly come before the meeting would require the affirmative
    vote of a majority of the shares represented and voting. A
    properly executed proxy marked &#147;abstain&#148; with respect
    to any of these matters will not be voted &#147;for&#148; or
    &#147;against&#148; the proposal(s), although it will be counted
    for purposes of determining the number of votes cast.
    Accordingly, an abstention will have the effect of a negative
    vote.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Is voting confidential?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Yes. Proxy cards, ballots and voting tabulations
are treated as confidential by the Company. Generally, only the
inspectors of election and certain employees associated with
processing proxy cards and counting the vote have access to
these documents.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How is the Company soliciting
proxies?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Proxies will be solicited chiefly by mail, but
additional solicitations may be made by electronic delivery,
telephone or other media by the officers or employees of the
Company. The Company may enlist the assistance of brokerage
houses, fiduciaries, custodians and other third parties in
soliciting proxies. All solicitation expenses, including costs
of preparing, assembling and mailing proxy material, will be
borne by the Company.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">3
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED UPON" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED UPON</FONT></B>

<P align="left">
<B><I>Proposal&nbsp;1: Election of Directors.</I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Currently, the Board of Directors of the Company
consists of thirteen members, divided into three approximately
equal classes. Each class serves for a period of three years,
with the terms of office of the respective classes expiring at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in successive years.
Occasionally, a director may be elected for a shorter term in
order to keep the number of directors in each class
approximately equal. The term of the Company&#146;s
Class&nbsp;III directors expires at this Annual Meeting. The
Board has nominated the following incumbent Class&nbsp;III
directors to stand for re-election for a term of three years
expiring at the Company&#146;s 2007 Annual Meeting and until his
or her successor has been elected and qualified: Ursula M.
Burns, Marye Anne Fox,&nbsp;Ph.D., N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr. and
John E. Pepper. Mr.&nbsp;Joseph A. Ciffolillo, a Class&nbsp;III
director whose term expires at this Annual Meeting, is retiring
from the Board and will be not standing for re-election.
Accordingly, upon expiration of Mr.&nbsp;Ciffolillo&#146;s term
as director, the number of Board members will be reduced from
thirteen to twelve members.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Company knows of no reason why any of the
nominees would be unable to serve as a director. Should,
however, such a situation arise, the Board may designate a
substitute nominee or, alternatively, reduce the number of
directors to be elected. If a substitute nominee is selected,
the persons named as proxies will vote for that substitute
nominee. Any vacancies not filled at the Annual Meeting may be
filled by the Board.
</FONT>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">Class&nbsp;III Directors (Term Expires
2007)</FONT></B>

<P align="left">
<B><FONT size="2">The Incumbent Nominees</FONT></B>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="35%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="62%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">

    <FONT size="2">Ursula M. Burns<BR>
    Age&nbsp;45<BR>
    Director since 2002
    </FONT>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Ursula M. Burns is President of Business Group
    Operations and Corporate Senior Vice President of Xerox
    Corporation. Ms.&nbsp;Burns joined Xerox in 1980, subsequently
    advancing through several engineering and management positions.
    Ms.&nbsp;Burns served as Vice President and General Manager,
    Departmental Business Unit from 1997 to 1999, Senior Vice
    President, Worldwide Manufacturing and Supply Chain Services
    from 1999 to 2000, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategic
    Services from 2000 to October 2001 and President of Document
    Systems and Solutions Group until her most recent appointment in
    January 2003. She serves on the Boards of Directors of the
    American Express Company, the National Association of
    Manufacturers, the University of Rochester and the Rochester
    Business Alliance. Ms.&nbsp;Burns served on the Board of
    Directors of Banta Corporation from 2001 to 2003. Ms. Burns
    earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Polytechnic Institute
    of New&nbsp;York and a Master of Science degree in mechanical
    engineering from Columbia University.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">4
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="35%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="62%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <B><FONT size="2">Class III Directors (Term Expires 2007)
    (continued)</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">

    <FONT size="2">Marye Anne Fox,&nbsp;Ph.D.<BR>
    Age&nbsp;56<BR>
    Director since 2001
    </FONT>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Marye Anne Fox has been Chancellor of North
    Carolina State University and Distinguished University Professor
    of Chemistry since 1998. From 1976 to 1998, she was a member of
    the faculty at the University of Texas, where she taught
    chemistry and held the Waggoner Regents Chair in Chemistry from
    1991 to 1998. She served as the University&#146;s Vice President
    for Research from 1994 to 1998. Dr.&nbsp;Fox is the Co-Chair of
    the National Academy of Sciences&#146;
    Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable and serves on
    President Bush&#146;s Council of Advisors on Science and
    Technology. She has served as the Vice Chair of the National
    Science Board. She also serves on the boards of a number of
    other scientific, technological and civic organizations, and is
    a member of the Boards of Directors of Red Hat Corp.,
    Pharmaceutical Product Development,&nbsp;Inc.,
    Burroughs-Wellcome Trust and the Camille and Henry Dreyfus
    Foundation. Dr.&nbsp;Fox also serves on the Board of Directors
    of W.R. Grace Co., a specialty chemical company that filed a
    petition for reorganization under Chapter&nbsp;11 of the Federal
    Bankruptcy Code in April 2001. She has been honored by a wide
    range of educational and professional organizations, and she has
    authored more than 350 publications, including five books.
    Dr.&nbsp;Fox holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Notre Dame College,
    an M.S. in Organic Chemistry from Cleveland State University,
    and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Dartmouth College.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">

    <FONT size="2">N.&nbsp;J. Nicholas, Jr.<BR>
    Age&nbsp;64<BR>
    Director since 1994
    </FONT>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">N.&nbsp;J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr. is a private
    investor. Previously, he served as President of Time,&nbsp;Inc.
    from September 1986 to May 1990 and Co-Chief Executive Officer
    of Time Warner,&nbsp;Inc. from May 1990 until February 1992.
    N.&nbsp;J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr. is a director of Xerox Corporation
    and Time Warner Cable, Inc. He has served as a director of
    Turner Broadcasting and member of the President&#146;s Advisory
    Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations and the
    President&#146;s Commission on Environmental Quality.
    Mr.&nbsp;Nicholas is a Trustee of Environmental Defense and a
    member of the Council of Foreign Relations. Mr.&nbsp;Nicholas
    received an A.B. degree from Princeton University and an M.B.A.
    degree from Harvard Business School. He is also the brother of
    Peter M. Nicholas, Chairman of the Board of the Company.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">

    <FONT size="2">John E. Pepper<BR>
    Age&nbsp;65<BR>
    Director since 2003
    </FONT>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">John E. Pepper is the Vice President for Finance
    and Administration of Yale University. Previously,
    Mr.&nbsp;Pepper served as the Chairman of the Executive
    Committee of the Board of Directors of The Procter&nbsp;&#38;
    Gamble Company until December 2003. He also served in various
    positions at Procter&nbsp;&#38; Gamble since 1963, including
    Chairman of the Board from 2000 to 2002, Chief Executive Officer
    and Chairman from 1995 to 1999, President from 1986 to 1995 and
    director since 1984. Mr.&nbsp;Pepper previously served as a
    director of the Company from November 1999 to May 2001 and is
    currently a member of the Board of Directors of Xerox
    Corporation and Motorola Inc. He also serves on the Board of
    Directors and is Honorary Co-Chair of the National Underground
    Railroad Freedom Center, and is a member of the Executive
    Committee of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. Mr. Pepper
    graduated from Yale University in 1960 and holds honorary
    doctoral degrees from Ohio State University, Xavier University,
    Mount St. Joseph College and St. Petersburg University (Russia).
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="left">
<B><FONT size="2">The Board recommends that you vote
&#147;FOR&#148; the election of all four nominees for
director.</FONT></B>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">5
</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "STOCK OWNERSHIP" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">STOCK OWNERSHIP</FONT></B>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Who are the largest owners of the
Company&#146;s stock?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Set forth below are stockholders known by the
Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the Company&#146;s
common stock. In general, &#147;beneficial ownership&#148;
includes those shares a person or entity has the power to vote
or transfer, and stock options that are exercisable currently or
within 60&nbsp;days. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons and
entities named below have sole voting and investment power over
the shares listed. The table below sets forth information, as of
January&nbsp;31, 2004, regarding the beneficial ownership of
these individuals and entities. As of January&nbsp;31, 2004,
there were 829,623,485&nbsp;shares of Company common stock
outstanding.
</FONT>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">As of January&nbsp;31, 2004</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="59%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="9%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Number of Shares</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Percent of</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Name</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Beneficially Owned</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Shares Outstanding</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">John E. Abele(1)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">56,016,138</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6.8</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">c/o&nbsp;Boston Scientific Corporation<BR>
    One Boston Scientific Place<BR>
    Natick, MA 01760
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="9"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Robert M. Dombroff
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">69,417,134</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">8.4</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">as Trustee of The Abele Children&#146;s
    Irrevocable<BR>
    Trust Dated October&nbsp;29, 1979<BR>
    c/o&nbsp;Bingham McCutchen LLP<BR>
    100 Pearl Street<BR>
    Hartford, CT 06103
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="9"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Peter M. Nicholas(2)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">106,930,488</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">12.9</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">c/o&nbsp;Boston Scientific Corporation<BR>
    One Boston Scientific Place<BR>
    Natick, MA 01760
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="9"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Promerica, L.P.(3)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">98,475,630</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">11.9</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Peter M. Nicholas, General Partner<BR>
    c/o&nbsp;The Bollard Group<BR>
    One Joy Street<BR>
    Boston, MA 02113
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<DIV align="left">
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
</DIV>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 810,200&nbsp;shares of common stock held
    by a charitable trust of which Mr.&nbsp;Abele shares voting and
    investment control, 361,438&nbsp;shares of common stock held by
    a trust of which Mr.&nbsp;Abele shares voting and investment
    control, and 181,000&nbsp;shares subject to exercisable options
    granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s 1995 Long-Term Incentive
    Plan. Also includes 400,000&nbsp;shares held by Mary S. Abele,
    the spouse of Mr.&nbsp;Abele, with respect to which
    Mr.&nbsp;Abele disclaims beneficial ownership.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 98,475,630&nbsp;shares of common stock
    held by Promerica, L.P., separately presented, a family limited
    partnership of which Mr.&nbsp;Peter M. Nicholas is general
    partner and as to which he is deemed to have beneficial
    ownership, 3,350,086&nbsp;shares held jointly by
    Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas and his spouse, with whom he
    shares voting and investment power, and 2,543,886&nbsp;shares
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1995 and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Also
    includes 152,000&nbsp;shares held by Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas,
    Llewellyn Nicholas and Anastasios Parafestas as trustees of an
    irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr.&nbsp;N.&nbsp;J.
    Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr.&#146;s children as to which
    Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas disclaims beneficial ownership.
    Excludes 566,622&nbsp;shares of common stock held by
    Ruth&nbsp;V. Lilly Nicholas and N. J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr. as
    Trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of
    Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas&#146; children and spouse as to
    which Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas disclaims beneficial
    ownership.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">These shares are also included in the shares held
    by Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas, separately presented,
    because as general partner of Promerica, L.P., Mr.&nbsp;Nicholas
    is deemed to have beneficial ownership of these shares.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">6
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How much stock do the Company&#146;s
directors and executive officers own?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The following table shows, as of January&nbsp;31,
2004, the amount of common stock of the Company beneficially
owned by:
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="6%"></TD>
    <TD width="4%"></TD>
    <TD width="90%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">the Company&#146;s directors;
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">the executive officers of the Company named in
    the Summary Compensation Table below;&nbsp;and
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">all of the directors and executive officers of
    the Company as a group.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<!-- link1 "STOCK OWNERSHIP OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">STOCK OWNERSHIP OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND
NOMINEES</FONT></B>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">As of January&nbsp;31, 2004</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="59%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="9%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Number of Shares</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Percent of</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Name</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Beneficially Owned</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Shares Outstanding</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">John E. Abele(1)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">56,016,138</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6.8</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Ursula M. Burns(2)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">5,333</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Joseph A. Ciffolillo(3)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">252,229</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Joel L. Fleishman(4)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">128,566</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Marye Anne Fox(5)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">11,313</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Ray J. Groves(6)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">28,999</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Ernest Mario(7)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">143,999</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr.(8)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">776,621</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Peter M. Nicholas(9)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">106,930,488</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">12.9</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">John E. Pepper(10)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">24,400</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Uwe E. Reinhardt(11)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">19,333</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Warren B. Rudman(12)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">18,999</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">James R. Tobin(13)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,824,491</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Lawrence C. Best(14)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,302,165</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Fredericus A. Colen(15)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">268,574</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul A. LaViolette(16)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">1,507,167</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul W. Sandman(17)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">555,352</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">All directors and executive officers as a group
    (22&nbsp;persons)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">175,067,762</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">20.8</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<DIV align="left">
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
</DIV>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="4%"></TD>
    <TD width="95%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; *</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Reflects beneficial ownership of less than one
    percent (1%) of the outstanding common stock of the Company.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="96%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 810,200&nbsp;shares of common stock held
    by a charitable trust of which Mr.&nbsp;Abele shares voting and
    investment control, 361,438&nbsp;shares of common stock held by
    a trust to which Mr.&nbsp;Abele shares voting and investment
    control, and 181,000&nbsp;shares subject to exercisable options
    granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s 1995 Long-Term Incentive
    Plan. Also includes 400,000&nbsp;shares held by Mary S. Abele,
    the spouse of Mr.&nbsp;Abele, as to which Mr.&nbsp;Abele
    disclaims beneficial ownership.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 1,333&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options, and 4,000&nbsp;shares of
    restricted stock granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s 2000
    Long-Term Incentive Plan and subject to certain tax withholding
    and forfeiture provisions as to which Ms.&nbsp;Burns has sole
    voting but not investment power. Excludes 4,000&nbsp;shares of
    restricted common stock granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s
    2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 1,613 common stock equivalents
    which Ms.&nbsp;Burns has deferred pursuant to the Company&#146;s
    Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 35,999&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option
    and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans, and 12,000&nbsp;shares of
    restricted stock subject to certain tax withholding and
    forfeiture provisions granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s
    2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan as to which Mr.&nbsp;Ciffolillo
    has sole voting but not investment power.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(4)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 43,999&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option
    and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans, and 8,000&nbsp;shares of
    restricted stock subject to certain tax withholding and
    forfeiture provisions granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s
    2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan as to which Mr.&nbsp;Fleishman has
    sole voting but not investment power. Excludes 4,000&nbsp;shares
    of restricted stock granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s 2000
    Long-Term Incentive Plan and deferred pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s Deferred Compensation Program offered to
    non-employee directors. Also excludes 13,000&nbsp;shares held by
    a charitable foundation of which Mr.&nbsp;Fleishman is the
    president and as to which Mr.&nbsp;Fleishman disclaims
    beneficial ownership.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">7
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="96%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(5)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 3,999&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option
    and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans, and 4,000&nbsp;shares of
    restricted stock subject to certain tax withholding and
    forfeiture provisions granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s
    2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan as to which Dr.&nbsp;Fox has sole
    voting but not investment power. Also includes 704&nbsp;shares
    owned by Dr.&nbsp;Fox&#146;s spouse as to which she disclaims
    beneficial ownership. Excludes 8,000&nbsp;shares of restricted
    common stock granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s 2000
    Long-Term Incentive Plan and 4,735 common stock equivalents
    which Dr.&nbsp;Fox has deferred under the Company&#146;s
    Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(6)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 19,999&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option
    and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Excludes 12,000&nbsp;shares
    of restricted common stock granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 15,081 common
    stock equivalents which Mr.&nbsp;Groves has deferred under the
    Company&#146;s Deferred Compensation Program offered to
    non-employee directors.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(7)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 20,000&nbsp;shares held by a
    self-directed IRA and 3,999&nbsp;shares of common stock subject
    to exercisable options granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s
    1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option and 2000
    Long-Term Incentive Plans. Also includes 20,000&nbsp;shares held
    by Dr.&nbsp;Mario&#146;s spouse as to which he disclaims
    beneficial ownership. Excludes 12,000&nbsp;shares of restricted
    common stock granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s 2000
    Long-Term Incentive Plan and 5,377 common stock equivalents
    which Dr.&nbsp;Mario has deferred under the Company&#146;s
    Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(8)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 49,999&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option
    and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans, 120,000&nbsp;shares held by
    a self-directed IRA, 40,000&nbsp;shares of common stock held by
    Mr.&nbsp;N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr., as sole trustee of a revocable
    trust and 566,622&nbsp;shares of common stock held by
    Ruth&nbsp;V. Lilly Nicholas and N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr. as
    trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of
    Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas&#146; children and spouse as to
    which Mr.&nbsp;N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr. disclaims beneficial
    ownership. Excludes 152,000&nbsp;shares held by Peter&nbsp;M.
    Nicholas, Llewellyn Nicholas and Anastasios Parafestas as
    Trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of
    Mr.&nbsp;N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr.&#146;s children as to which
    Mr.&nbsp;N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership.
    Excludes 12,000&nbsp;shares of restricted common stock granted
    pursuant to the Company&#146;s 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and
    19,967 common stock equivalents which Mr.&nbsp;N.J. Nicholas has
    deferred pursuant to the Company&#146;s Deferred Compensation
    Program offered to non-employee directors.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(9)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 98,475,630&nbsp;shares of common stock
    held by Promerica, L.P., a family limited partnership of which
    Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas is general partner and as to
    which he is deemed to have beneficial ownership,
    3,350,086&nbsp;shares held jointly by Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M.
    Nicholas and his spouse, with whom he shares voting and
    investment power, and 2,543,886&nbsp;shares subject to
    exercisable options granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s 1995
    and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Also includes
    152,000&nbsp;shares held by Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas, Llewellyn
    Nicholas and Anastasios Parafestas as Trustees of an irrevocable
    trust for the benefit of Mr.&nbsp;N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr.&#146;s
    children as to which Mr.&nbsp;Peter M. Nicholas disclaims
    beneficial ownership. Excludes 566,622&nbsp;shares of common
    stock held by Ruth V. Lilly Nicholas and N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr.
    as Trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of
    Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas&#146; children and spouse as to
    which Mr.&nbsp;Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas disclaims beneficial
    ownership.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="4%"></TD>
    <TD width="96%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(10)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 4,000&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option
    Plan and 4,000&nbsp;shares of restricted common stock granted
    pursuant to the Company&#146;s 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan
    subject to certain tax withholding and forfeiture provisions as
    to which Mr.&nbsp;Pepper has sole voting but not investment
    power. Also includes 2,400&nbsp;shares owned by
    Mr.&nbsp;Pepper&#146;s spouse as to which he disclaims
    beneficial ownership.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(11)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 1,333&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and
    8,000&nbsp;shares of restricted stock subject to certain tax
    withholding and forfeiture provisions granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan as to which
    Dr.&nbsp;Reinhardt has sole voting but not investment power.
    Also includes 4,000&nbsp;shares of common stock owned by
    Dr.&nbsp;Reinhardt&#146;s spouse with respect to which he
    disclaims beneficial ownership.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(12)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 11,999&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option
    and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Also includes
    1,000&nbsp;shares of common stock owned by Senator Rudman&#146;s
    spouse with respect to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
    Excludes 12,000&nbsp;shares of restricted common stock granted
    pursuant to the Company&#146;s 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and
    14,419&nbsp;common stock equivalents which Senator Rudman has
    deferred under the Company&#146;s Deferred Compensation Program
    offered to non-employee directors.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(13)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 3,765,000&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1995 and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans and
    9,491&nbsp;shares held in Mr.&nbsp;Tobin&#146;s 401(k) account.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(14)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 3,266,000&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1995 and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans and
    5,727&nbsp;shares held in Mr.&nbsp;Best&#146;s 401(k) account.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(15)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 268,174&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992, 1995 and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans and
    400&nbsp;shares owned by Mr.&nbsp;Colen&#146;s spouse with
    respect to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(16)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 1,464,000&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992, 1995 and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans and
    9,313&nbsp;shares held in Mr.&nbsp;LaViolette&#146;s 401(k)
    account.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(17)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Includes 520,000&nbsp;shares of common stock
    subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to the
    Company&#146;s 1992, 1995 and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and
    2,900&nbsp;shares of common stock held by Mr.&nbsp;Sandman as
    custodian for his child as to which he disclaims beneficial
    ownership. The balance (except four shares) is held jointly by
    Mr.&nbsp;Sandman and his spouse, with whom he shares voting and
    investment control.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(18)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Please refer to footnotes&nbsp;1 through&nbsp;17
    above. Includes 14,254,619&nbsp;shares of common stock subject
    to exercisable options granted pursuant to the Company&#146;s
    Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option and 1992, 1995 and
    2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">8
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B>INFORMATION ABOUT DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS</B>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">The Board of Directors</FONT></B>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Who sits on the Company&#146;s Board of
Directors?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Currently, the Board of Directors of the Company
consists of thirteen members, divided into three approximately
equal classes. Each class serves for a period of three years,
with the terms of office of the respective classes expiring at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in successive years.
Occasionally a director may be elected for a shorter term in
order to keep the number of directors in each class
approximately equal. The term of the Company&#146;s
Class&nbsp;III directors expires at this Annual Meeting. The
Board has nominated the following incumbent Class&nbsp;III
directors to stand for re-election for a term of three years
expiring at the Company&#146;s 2007 Annual Meeting and until his
or her successor has been elected and qualified: Ursula&nbsp;M.
Burns, Marye Anne Fox,&nbsp;Ph.D., N.J.&nbsp;Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr.
and John&nbsp;E. Pepper. Mr.&nbsp;Joseph&nbsp;A. Ciffolillo, a
Class&nbsp;III director whose term expires at this Annual
Meeting, is retiring from the Board and will be not standing for
re-election. Accordingly, upon expiration of
Mr.&nbsp;Ciffolillo&#146;s term as a director, the number of
Board members will be reduced from thirteen to twelve members.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The following directors hold the Company&#146;s
remaining Board seats:
</FONT>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">Class&nbsp;I Directors (Term Expires
2005)</FONT></B>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="38%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="59%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Name</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Ray J. Groves<BR>
    Age&nbsp;68<BR>
    Director since 1999
    </FONT>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Ray&nbsp;J. Groves is Chairman and Chief
    Executive Officer of Marsh Inc., a subsidiary of
    Marsh&nbsp;&#38; McLennan Companies,&nbsp;Inc. He served as
    Chairman of Legg Mason Merchant Banking,&nbsp;Inc. from 1995 to
    2001. Mr.&nbsp;Groves served as Chairman and Chief Executive
    Officer of Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young for 17&nbsp;years until his
    retirement in 1994. Mr.&nbsp;Groves currently serves as a member
    of the Boards of Directors of Electronic Data Systems
    Corporation, The Gillette Company and Marsh&nbsp;&#38; McLennan
    Companies,&nbsp;Inc. Mr.&nbsp;Groves is a member of the Council
    on Foreign Relations. He is a former member of the Board of
    Governors of the American Stock Exchange and the National
    Association of Securities Dealers. Mr.&nbsp;Groves is former
    Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of
    Certified Public Accountants. He is a member and former Chair of
    the Board of Directors of The Ohio State University Foundation
    and a member of the Dean&#146;s Advisory Council of the Fisher
    College of Business. He is a former member of the Board of
    Overseers of The Wharton School of the University of
    Pennsylvania and served as the Chairman of its Center for the
    Study of the Service Sector. Mr.&nbsp;Groves is a managing
    director of the Metropolitan Opera Association. Mr.&nbsp;Groves
    received a B.S. degree from The Ohio State University.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">9
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">Class&nbsp;I Directors (Term Expires 2005)
(continued)</FONT></B>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="38%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="59%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px">
    <FONT size="2">Peter M. Nicholas<BR>
    Age&nbsp;62<BR>
    Director since 1979
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Peter&nbsp;M. Nicholas, a co-founder of the
    Company, has been Chairman of the Board since 1995. He has been
    a director since 1979 and served as the Chief Executive Officer
    from 1979 to March 1999 and Co-Chairman of the Board from 1979
    to 1995. Prior to joining the Company, he was corporate director
    of marketing and general manager of the Medical Products
    Division at Millipore Corporation, a medical device company, and
    served in various sales, marketing and general management
    positions at Eli Lilly and Company. He is currently Chairman of
    the Board of Trustees of Duke University and a member of the
    Board&#146;s Executive Committee. Mr.&nbsp;Nicholas is also a
    Fellow of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a
    member of the Trust of that organization. He has also served on
    several for profit and not-for-profit boards. Mr.&nbsp;Nicholas
    is also a member of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable,
    Massachusetts Business High Technology Council, CEOs for
    Fundamental Change in Education and the Boys and Girls Club of
    Boston. After college, Mr.&nbsp;Nicholas served as an officer in
    the U.S.&nbsp;Navy, resigning his commission as lieutenant in
    1966. Mr.&nbsp;Nicholas received a B.A. degree from Duke
    University, and an M.B.A. degree from The Wharton School of the
    University of Pennsylvania. He is also the brother of
    N.J.&nbsp;Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr., a nominee and director of the
    Company.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px">
    <FONT size="2">Warren B. Rudman<BR>
    Age&nbsp;73<BR>
    Director since 1999
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senator Warren&nbsp;B. Rudman has been Of Counsel
    to the international law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton,
    and Garrison LLP since January 2003. Previously, he was a
    partner of the firm since 1992. Prior to joining the firm, he
    served two terms as a U.S.&nbsp;Senator from New Hampshire from
    1980 to 1992. Senator Rudman serves on the Board of Directors of
    the Council on Foreign Relations. He also serves on the boards
    of Allied Waste Industries,&nbsp;Inc., The Chubb Corporation,
    Collins&nbsp;&#38; Aikman Corporation, Raytheon Corporation and
    several funds managed by the Dreyfus Corporation. He is the
    founding co-chairman of the Concord Coalition. Senator Rudman
    received a B.S. from Syracuse University and a LL.B. from Boston
    College Law School and served in the U.S.&nbsp;Army during the
    Korean War.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px">
    <FONT size="2">James R. Tobin<BR>
    Age&nbsp;59<BR>
    Director since 1999
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">James&nbsp;R. Tobin is the President and Chief
    Executive Officer of the Company. Prior to joining the Company
    in March 1999, Mr.&nbsp;Tobin served as President and Chief
    Executive Officer of Biogen,&nbsp;Inc. from 1997 to 1998 and
    Chief Operating Officer of Biogen from 1994 to 1997. From 1972
    to 1994, Mr.&nbsp;Tobin served in a variety of executive
    positions with Baxter International, including President and
    Chief Operating Officer from 1992 to 1994. Previously, he served
    at Baxter as Managing Director in Japan, Managing Director in
    Spain, President of Baxter&#146;s I.V.&nbsp;Systems Group and
    Executive Vice President. Mr.&nbsp;Tobin currently serves on the
    Boards of Directors of Curis,&nbsp;Inc. and Applera Corporation.
    Mr.&nbsp;Tobin holds an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.B.A.
    from Harvard Business School. Mr.&nbsp;Tobin also served as a
    lieutenant in the U.S.&nbsp;Navy from 1968 to 1972.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">10
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="38%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="59%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" valign="top">
    <B><FONT size="2">Class&nbsp;II Directors (Term Expires
    2006)</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>
<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">John E. Abele<BR>
    Age&nbsp;67<BR>
    Director since 1979
    </FONT>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">John&nbsp;E. Abele, a co-founder of the Company,
    has been a Director of the Company since 1979 and Founder
    Chairman since 1995. Mr.&nbsp;Abele held the position of
    Treasurer from 1979 to 1992, Co-Chairman from 1979 to 1995 and
    Vice Chairman and Founder, Office of the Chairman from February
    1995 to March 1996. He was President of Medi-tech,&nbsp;Inc.
    from 1970 to 1983, and prior to that served in sales, technical
    and general management positions for Advanced
    Instruments,&nbsp;Inc. Mr.&nbsp;Abele is the Chairman of the
    Board of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science
    and Technology) Foundation and is also a member of numerous
    not-for-profit boards. Mr.&nbsp;Abele received a B.A. degree
    from Amherst College.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Joel L. Fleishman<BR>
    Age&nbsp;69<BR>
    Director since 1992
    </FONT>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Joel&nbsp;L. Fleishman is Professor of Law and
    Public Policy at Duke University, where he has served in various
    administrative positions, including First Senior Vice President,
    since 1971. Mr.&nbsp;Fleishman is a founding member of the
    governing board of the Duke Center for Health Policy Research
    and Education and was the founding director of Duke
    University&#146;s Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy. At
    Duke he also serves as the director of the Samuel and Ronnie
    Heyman Center for Ethics, Public Policy and the Professions.
    Formerly, Mr.&nbsp;Fleishman served as President of The Atlantic
    Philanthropies (U.S.A.) from September 1993 to December 2002,
    and as Senior Advisor to that organization from January 2001 to
    June 2003. Mr.&nbsp;Fleishman also serves as Chairman of the
    Board of Trustees of The John and Mary Markle Foundation,
    Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Urban Institute,
    Chairman of The Visiting Committee of the Kennedy School of
    Government, Harvard University, and as a director of Polo Ralph
    Lauren Corporation. Mr.&nbsp;Fleishman received A.B., M.A. and
    J.D. degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel
    Hill, and an LL.M. degree from Yale University.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">11
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="38%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="59%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" valign="top">
    <B><FONT size="2">Class&nbsp;II Directors (Term Expires 2006)
    (continued)</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Ernest Mario, Ph.D.&nbsp;<BR>
    Age&nbsp;65<BR>
    Director since 2001
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Ernest Mario is the Chairman and Chief Executive
    Officer of Reliant Pharmaceuticals LLC. Prior to joining Reliant
    Pharmaceuticals in April 2003, he was the Chairman of
    IntraBiotics Pharmaceuticals,&nbsp;Inc. from April 2002 to April
    2003. Dr.&nbsp;Mario also served as Chairman and Chief Executive
    Officer of Apothogen,&nbsp;Inc., a pharmaceutical company from
    January 2002 to April 2002 when Apothogen was acquired by
    IntraBiotics. Dr.&nbsp;Mario served as the Chief Executive of
    Glaxo Holdings plc from 1989 until March 1993 and as Deputy
    Chairman and Chief Executive from January 1992 until March 1993.
    From 1993 to 1997, Dr.&nbsp;Mario served as Co-Chairman and
    Chief Executive Officer of ALZA Corporation, a research-based
    pharmaceutical company, with leading drug-delivery technologies,
    and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2001.
    Dr.&nbsp;Mario presently serves on the Boards of Directors of
    Maxygen,&nbsp;Inc., Pharmaceutical Product
    Development,&nbsp;Inc. and IntraBiotics,&nbsp;Inc. He is also a
    Trustee of Duke University and Chairman of the Board of the Duke
    University Health System. He is a past Chairman of the American
    Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education and serves as an advisor
    to the pharmacy schools at the University of Maryland, the
    University of Rhode Island and The Ernest Mario School of
    Pharmacy at Rutgers University. Dr.&nbsp;Mario holds a B.S. in
    Pharmacy from Rutgers, and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Physical
    Sciences from the University of Rhode Island.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="3"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Uwe E. Reinhardt, Ph.D.&nbsp;<BR>
    Age&nbsp;66<BR>
    Director since 2002
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Uwe E. Reinhardt is the James Madison Professor
    of Political Economy and Professor of Economics and Public
    Affairs at Princeton University, where he has taught since 1968.
    Dr.&nbsp;Reinhardt is a senior associate of the University of
    Cambridge, England and serves as a Trustee of Duke University
    and the Duke University Health System, H&#38;Q Healthcare
    Investors and H&#38;Q Life Sciences Investors. He is the
    Commissioner of the Kaiser Family Foundation Commission on
    Medicaid and the Uninsured, and a member of the Board of
    Directors of the Amerigroup Corporation and Triad Hospital Inc.
    Dr.&nbsp;Reinhardt is also a member of the Institute of Medicine
    of the National Academy of Sciences and U.S.&nbsp;Department of
    Health and Human Services. Dr.&nbsp;Reinhardt received a
    Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan,
    Canada and a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">12
</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center">
<B><I><FONT size="2">CORPORATE GOVERNANCE</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Board of Directors has established a
Corporate Governance Manual to guide the operation and direction
of the Board and its committees. Recently updated, the Corporate
Governance Manual consists of Corporate Governance Guidelines,
charters for each standing committee of the Board, and the
Company&#146;s Code of Conduct. A current copy of Boston
Scientific&#146;s Corporate Governance Guidelines, including the
charters and Code of Conduct are available at
<U>www.bostonscientific.com</U> and may also be obtained by
written request to: Investor Relations, One Boston Scientific
Place, Natick, MA 01760-1537.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Are a majority of the Company&#146;s Board
of Directors independent from management?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Yes, the Corporate Governance Manual requires a
significant majority of the Board be independent. Our common
stock is listed on the New&nbsp;York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In
accordance with current NYSE rules, the Board of Directors has
determined that the following non-employee directors are deemed
&#147;independent&#148;: Ursula M. Burns, Joseph A. Ciffolillo,
Joel L. Fleishman, Marye Anne Fox, Ray J. Groves, Ernest Mario,
John E. Pepper, Uwe E. Reinhardt and Warren B. Rudman. Currently
nine out of the thirteen members of the Board (approximately
70%) are independent.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How does the Board determine a non-employee
director is &#147;independent&#148;?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">To be considered independent under the NYSE
rules, the Board must determine that a director does not have a
direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. In
addition:
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">A director who is an employee or whose family
    member is an executive officer of the Company is not
    &#147;independent&#148; until three years after the end of any
    such employment relationship.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">A director who receives, or whose immediate
    family member receives, more than $100,000&nbsp;per year in
    direct compensation from the Company, other than director and
    committee fees and pension or other forms of deferred
    compensation for prior service (provided such compensation is
    not contingent in any way on continued service), is not
    &#147;independent&#148; until three years after such director or
    such immediate family member ceases to receive more than
    $100,000&nbsp;per year in such compensation.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">A director who is affiliated with or employed by,
    or whose immediate family member is affiliated with or employed
    in a professional capacity by, a present or former internal or
    external auditor of the Company is not &#147;independent&#148;
    until three years after the end of the affiliation, the
    employment or the auditing relationship.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">A director who is employed, or whose immediate
    family member is employed, as an executive officer of another
    company where any of the Company&#146;s present executives
    serves on that company&#146;s compensation committee is not
    &#147;independent&#148; until three years after the end of such
    service or the employment relationship.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">A director who is an executive officer or an
    employee, or whose immediate family member is an executive
    officer, of a company that makes payments to or receives
    payments from the Company for property or services in an amount
    which, in any single fiscal year exceeds the greater of
    $1&nbsp;million or 2% of such other company&#146;s consolidated
    gross revenues is not &#147;independent&#148; until three years
    after falling below such threshold.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Board also has established the following
guidelines to assist it in determining director independence in
accordance with the NYSE rules:
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Commercial
    Relationships.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The following
    commercial relationships are not considered material
    relationships that would impair a director&#146;s independence:
    (i)&nbsp;if a director of the Company is an
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">13
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="96%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">executive officer or an employee of, or an
    immediate family member of a director is an executive officer
    of, another company that does business with the Company and the
    annual sales to, or purchases from, the Company are less than 1%
    of the annual revenues such other company, and (ii)&nbsp;if a
    director of the Company is an executive officer of another
    company which is indebted to the Company, or to which the
    Company is indebted, and the total amount of either
    company&#146;s indebtedness to the other is less than 2% of the
    total consolidated assets of the company he or she serves as an
    executive officer.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Charitable
    Relationships.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The following
    charitable relationship will not be considered a material
    relationship that would impair a director&#146;s independence:
    if a director, or an immediate family member of the director,
    serves as an executive officer, director or trustee of a
    charitable organization, and the Company&#146;s discretionary
    charitable contributions to that charitable organization in any
    single fiscal year are less than 1% (or $500,000 whichever is
    less) of that charitable organization&#146;s annual consolidated
    gross revenues.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Personal
    Relationships.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The following personal
    relationship will not be considered to be a material
    relationship that would impair a director&#146;s independence:
    if a director, or immediate family member of the director,
    receives from, or provides to, the Company products or services
    in the ordinary course and on substantially the same terms as
    those prevailing at the time for comparable products or services
    provided to unaffiliated third parties.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">For relationships not qualifying within the above
guidelines, the determination of whether the relationship is
material, and therefore whether the director is independent,
shall be made by the directors who satisfy the independence
guidelines. For purposes of these guidelines, &#147;immediate
family member&#148; has the meaning ascribed to it by the NYSE.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Board monitors its compliance with the NYSE
requirements for director independence on an ongoing basis.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How are nominees for the Board
selected?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Nominating and Governance Committee is
responsible for identifying and recommending nominees for
election to the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee
believes that all nominees must, at a minimum, meet the general
criteria outlined in the Company&#146;s Corporate Governance
Guidelines (which is available on the Company&#146;s website at
<U>www.bostonscientific.com</U>.) The qualifications of
candidates recommended by stockholders will be reviewed and
considered by the Nominating and Governance Committee with the
same degree of care and consideration as candidates for
nomination to the Board submitted by Board members and the Chief
Executive Officer. Under the Company&#146;s By-Laws and SEC
regulations, any stockholder proposal or director nominations
for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received on
or before December&nbsp;10, 2004 in order to be considered for
inclusion in the Company&#146;s year 2005 Proxy Statement.
Please address your recommendation to the Company&#146;s
Secretary at Boston Scientific Corporation, One Boston
Scientific Place, Natick, MA 01760-1537.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Can&nbsp;I contact the Company&#146;s
non-management directors directly?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Yes. Stockholders and other interested parties
who wish to communicate directly with any member of the
Company&#146;s Board of Directors, or the non-management
directors as a group, may do so by writing to the Board of
Directors, Boston Scientific Corporation, c/o&nbsp;General
Counsel, One Boston Scientific Place, Natick, MA 01760-1537 or
by contacting the non-management directors via email at
non-managementdirectors@bsci.com. In addition, stockholders and
other interested parties may contact the chairperson of each
committee at the following email addresses:
AuditCommittee@bsci.com, StrategicInvestmentCommittee@bsci.com,
NominatingandGovernanceCommittee@bsci.com, and
CompensationCommittee@bsci.com. The Board has au-
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">14
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2">thorized the office of the Company&#146;s General
Counsel to review and organize, but not screen, communications
from stockholders and/or interested parties.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Does the Company have regular meetings of
its independent directors?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The non-management directors or independent
directors meet in executive sessions without executive directors
at every regularly scheduled Board meeting and at such other
times as they deem appropriate. The independent directors of the
Company meet in executive session without executive directors
and non-management directors that are not independent no less
frequently than at least once annually. The chairperson of the
Nominating and Governance Committee presides at executive
sessions of non-management directors, and in his or her absence,
the chairperson of the Audit Committee will preside, and in his
or her absence, the chairperson of the Executive Compensation
and Human Resources Committee will preside.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Does the Company separate the roles of
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Yes. The Company separates the roles of the
Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">15
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD</FONT></B>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">What committees has the Board
established?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Board of Directors has standing Audit,
Executive Compensation and Human Resources, Nominating and
Governance, and Strategic Investment Committees. The charters of
standing Committees of the Board are available on the
Company&#146;s website at <U>www.bostonscientific.com</U>.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">What Committees of the Board are comprised
of a majority of independent directors?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">All of the members of the Audit Committee, the
Executive Compensation and Human Resources Committee, and the
Nominating and Governance Committee are independent directors
under the criteria for independence required by law and the
New&nbsp;York Stock Exchange.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Membership on each committee is set forth in the
following table as of March&nbsp;1, 2004:
</FONT>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">BOARD COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">As of March&nbsp;1, 2004</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="50%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Executive</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Compensation</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Nominating</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">and Human</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">and</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Strategic</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Audit</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Resources</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Governance</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Investment</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Name</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Committee</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Committee</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Committee</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Committee</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">John E. Abele
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Ursula M. Burns
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Joseph A. Ciffolillo
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Joel L. Fleishman
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom">
    <FONT size="2">+
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Marye Anne Fox
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom">
    <FONT size="2">*
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Ray J. Groves
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">+</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Ernest Mario
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom">
    <FONT size="2">*
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">+</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">N.J. Nicholas,&nbsp;Jr.
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Peter M. Nicholas
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">John E. Pepper
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom">
    <FONT size="2">*
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Uwe E. Reinhardt
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="bottom">
    <FONT size="2">*
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Warren B. Rudman
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">+</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">James R. Tobin
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="left">
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="2%"></TD>
    <TD width="98%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;*&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Committee Member
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">+&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Committee Chair
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<I><FONT size="2">Audit Committee.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The
Audit Committee met thirteen times during fiscal year 2003. The
Audit Committee is composed of non-employee directors, all of
whom meet the independence requirements of the New&nbsp;York
Stock Exchange. The Board has determined that Ernest Mario and
John E. Pepper are &#147;audit committee financial experts&#148;
as that term is defined under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to
provide oversight to the accounting and financial reporting
processes of the Company and audits of the financial statements
of the Company. The Audit Committee primarily provides
assistance to the Board of Directors in fulfilling its
responsibilities relating to corporate accounting, internal
control, independent audit and reporting practices, and
maintains, by way of regularly scheduled meetings, a direct line
of communication among the directors, management, the
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">16
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2">Company&#146;s internal auditors and the
Company&#146;s independent auditors. The Audit Committee
appoints the Company&#146;s independent auditors, evaluates
their qualifications, independence and performance, and reviews
the reports and other services provided by the independent
auditors. In addition, the Audit Committee pre-approves audit,
audit-related and non-audit services performed for the Company
by its independent auditor and has the right to terminate the
independent auditors. It is also responsible for monitoring the
Company&#146;s adherence to established legal and regulatory
requirements, corporate policies, ethics and integrity programs
and practices. The Audit Committee is governed by a written
charter approved by the Board of Directors which is subject to
review on an annual basis. A copy of the Audit Committee charter
is attached to this Proxy Statement as Appendix A. In accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the NYSE, the Audit Committee Report can be found
on page 27 of this Proxy Statement.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<I><FONT size="2">Executive Compensation and Human Resources
Committee.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The Executive Compensation
and Human Resources Committee (the &#147;Compensation
Committee&#148;) met seven times during fiscal year 2003. The
Compensation Committee is composed of non-employee directors,
all of whom meet the independence requirements of the
New&nbsp;York Stock Exchange. As outlined in its written
charter, the Committee is responsible for granting stock options
and other awards to the Company&#146;s key employees,
administering the Company&#146;s incentive plans and reviewing,
determining and recommending the compensation of the
Company&#146;s senior management. In addition, the Compensation
Committee shall review and approve corporate goals and
objectives relevant to the compensation of the Company&#146;s
Chief Executive Officer, evaluate the performance of the Chief
Executive Officer in light of those goals and objectives, and
determine and approve the compensation of the Chief Executive
Officer based on this evaluation. In accordance with the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the NYSE, the Executive Compensation Report can be found on
pages&nbsp;24 to 26 of this Proxy Statement.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<I><FONT size="2">Nominating and Governance
Committee.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The Nominating and
Governance Committee met six times during fiscal year 2003. The
Nominating and Governance Committee is composed of non-employee
directors, all of whom meet the independence requirements of the
New&nbsp;York Stock Exchange. As outlined in its written
charter, the Nominating and Governance Committee has
responsibility for recommending nominees for election and
re-election to the Board, ensuring that Board nominations are
qualified and consistent with the needs of the Company,
monitoring significant developments in the law and practice of
corporate governance for directors of public companies,
recommending Board committee assignments, reviewing and
recommending Board policies and procedures, and overseeing the
Board and each committee of the Board in their annual
performance self-evaluation. In addition, the Nominating and
Governance Committee is responsible for recommending to the
Board candidates for Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the
annual assessment of the performance of the Chief Executive
Officer and developing an ongoing succession plan for the Chief
Executive Officer. The Committee is also responsible for
overseeing the annual assessment of the performance of the
Company&#146;s senior management.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Nominating and Governance Committee is also
responsible for reviewing with the Board, on an annual basis,
the current size, structure and composition of the Board as a
whole, and whether the Company is being well served by the
directors taking into account the directors&#146; degree of
independence, business background, including any areas of
particular expertise, such as accounting or related financial
management expertise, marketing or technology, record of service
(for incumbent directors), including attendance record, meeting
preparation, and overall contribution to the Board, employment
status, gender, ethnicity, age, availability for service to the
Company, and anticipated needs of the Company.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<I><FONT size="2">Strategic Investment
Committee.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The Strategic Investment
Committee met six times during fiscal year 2003. The primary
role of this Committee is to provide a forum within the Board to
review the Company&#146;s long-term strategic objectives, as
well as its shorter-term acquisition and investment strategies
and how these shorter-term activities fit within the
Company&#146;s overall business objectives. As outlined in its
written charter,
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">17
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2">the Committee is charged with providing Board
oversight of the Company&#146;s strategic planning and
activities, approving strategic transactions for which the Board
has delegated authority, and making recommendations to the Board
regarding larger transactions. In addition, the Committee has
responsibility to review periodically with management the
Company&#146;s strategic business objectives and the manner in
which transactional activity can contribute to the achievement
of those objectives, and to review with management on a regular
basis contemplated strategic opportunities. The Committee is
further charged with conducting periodic reviews of completed
transactions for the purposes of assessing the degree of success
achieved, testing the extent to which the projections and other
assumptions relied upon in approving transactions have been
borne out, identifying the factors differentiating more
successful transactions from less successful ones and evaluating
the strategic contributions resulting from these transactions.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How often did the Board meet in
2003?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Board met seven times in fiscal year 2003.
Each director attended more than 75% of the meetings of the
Board and of the Committees on which he or she served with the
exception of John E. Pepper, who was not elected to serve as a
director until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in May 2003,
and Uwe E. Reinhardt.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Does the Company have a policy regarding
director attendance at Board, Board Committee and Annual
Meetings?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Directors are expected to prepare for and use
reasonable efforts to participate in all Board meetings and
meetings of committees on which they serve. The Board and each
committee will meet as frequently as necessary to properly
discharge their responsibilities, provided that the full Board
will meet at least four times per year. Generally, the Board
meets in February, May, July, October and December. In addition,
directors are expected to use reasonable efforts to attend
Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How are the Company&#146;s directors
compensated?</FONT></I></B>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
    <I><FONT size="2">Employee Directors.</FONT></I><FONT size="2">
    Directors who are also employees of the Company receive no
    additional compensation for serving on the Board or its
    Committees.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
    <I><FONT size="2">Non-employee
    Directors.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> Effective July&nbsp;1,
    2003, the Company compensated its non-employee directors as
    follows:
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="10%"></TD>
    <TD width="4%"></TD>
    <TD width="86%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">an annual retainer of $50,000;
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">an annual fee of $10,000 for the chair of the
    Audit Committee;
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">an annual fee of $5,000 for each chair of
    Committees other than the Audit Committee;
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(4)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">an annual option grant of 2,000&nbsp;shares of
    Boston Scientific common stock;&nbsp;and
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">(5)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">an annual restricted grant of 2,000&nbsp;shares
    of Boston Scientific common stock.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Options to purchase common stock are granted to
non-employee directors at the fair market value on the date of
the grant. The options become exercisable in three approximately
equal installments commencing on the first anniversary of the
date of grant, and have a ten-year term. Restricted stock awards
are granted to non-employee directors at no charge, but are
subject to forfeiture restrictions. The shares become free from
restriction upon the expiration of each director&#146;s current
term of office. The annual option grant and restricted stock
awards are generally made on the date of each Annual Meeting,
but if a director is elected to the Board on a date other than
the Annual Meeting, an option grant and restricted stock award
is made on the date the director is first elected to the Board.
Non-employee directors may defer receipt of the annual retainer,
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">18
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2">Committee chair fees and the restricted stock
award under the Company&#146;s Deferred Compensation Program,
which allows these amounts to be invested in common stock
equivalents as well as other investment options.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Does the Company impose Stock Ownership
Guidelines upon its directors?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">All directors are required to have a significant
personal investment in the Company through their ownership of
Company shares. As a guideline, each director should own at
least 6,000&nbsp;shares of the common stock of the Company
within three years of his or her joining the Board. For purposes
of satisfying this obligation, stock units and restricted stock
or stock unit deferrals under the Company&#146;s deferred
compensation plan may be included in the aggregate number of
shares held by a director.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Does the Company have any arrangements for
the Election of Directors?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Company does not have any current
arrangements relating to the election of directors to its Board.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Does the Company have any significant
business relationships with entities who employ Company
directors or whose immediate family members are executive
officers?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">During 2003, the Company made payments of
approximately $600,000 to Marsh&nbsp;&#38; McLennan
Companies,&nbsp;Inc. for insurance brokerage services, a company
of which Mr.&nbsp;Ray Groves is affiliated.
</FONT>

<!-- link1 "EXECUTIVE OFFICERS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="009"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">EXECUTIVE OFFICERS</FONT></B>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Who are the Company&#146;s executive
officers as of March&nbsp;31, 2004?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">As of March&nbsp;31, 2004, the Company&#146;s
executive officers were:
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="39%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="58%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Name</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Title</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">James R. Tobin
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Lawrence C. Best
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President&nbsp;&#151;
    Finance&nbsp;&#38; Administration and<BR>
    Chief Financial Officer
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Fredericus A. Colen
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul Donovan
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Vice President, Corporate Communications
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul A. LaViolette
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President and Group President,
    Cardiovascular
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Robert G. MacLean
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President&nbsp;&#151; Human Resources
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Stephen F. Moreci
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President and Group President,
    Endosurgery
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Dennis A. Ocwieja
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and
    Quality
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul W. Sandman
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President, Secretary and General
    Counsel
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">James H. Taylor, Jr.&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President&nbsp;&#151; Corporate
    Operations
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Biographical information concerning the
Company&#146;s executive officers can be found under the caption
&#147;Directors and Executive Officers of the Company&#148; in
the Company&#146;s 2003 Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K, which
is incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Where can&nbsp;I obtain the Company&#146;s
periodic filings and other information about the
Company?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Copies of the Company&#146;s Annual Report on
Form&nbsp;10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form&nbsp;10-Q, Current
Reports on Form&nbsp;8-K and amendments to those reports filed
or furnished pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge
through the Company&#146;s website
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">19
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2">(<U>www.bostonscientific.com</U>) as soon as
reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files
the material with or furnishes it to the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Company&#146;s Corporate Governance Guidelines,
including charters of each standing committee of the Board, and
Code of Conduct, which applies to all directors, employees and
officers of the Company, including the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer, is also available on the
Company&#146;s website. Printed copies of these materials are
available free of charge to shareholders who request them in
writing from Investor Relations at Boston Scientific
Corporation, One Boston Scientific Place, Natick, MA 01760-1537.
Information on the Company&#146;s website or connected thereto
is not incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How were the Company&#146;s executive
officers compensated in 2003?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The following tables show salaries, bonuses,
options and other compensation earned or paid during the last
three years, options granted in 2003 and options exercised in
2003 for the Chief Executive Officer and the next four most
highly compensated executive officers of the Company in 2003
(the &#147;Named Officers&#148;).
</FONT>

<!-- link1 "Summary Compensation Table" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="010"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">Summary Compensation Table</FONT></B>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">As of December&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="30%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="2%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="2%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="7%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Long Term</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="11"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Compensation</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="11" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Annual Compensation&nbsp;(1)</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Award</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="11" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="7"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Other Annual</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Shares Underlying</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">All Other</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Name and Principal Position</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Year</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Salary</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Bonus</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Compensation</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Stock Options&nbsp;(2)</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Compensation&nbsp;(3)</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">James R. Tobin(4,5)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2003</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">824,395</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">1,098,666</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">89,461</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">400,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">13,920</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">President and
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2002</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">795,038</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">795,350</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">49,847</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">11,160</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Chief Executive Officer
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2001</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">763,069</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">610,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">90,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">10,260</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Lawrence C. Best
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2003</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">575,016</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">527,196</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">11,160</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President&nbsp;&#151;
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2002</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">550,014</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">541,734</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">120,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">8,760</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Finance&nbsp;&#38; Administration and
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2001</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">435,011</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">369,096</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">7,860</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Chief Financial Officer
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Fredericus A. Colen
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2003</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">375,003</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">373,714</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">59,040</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2002</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">350,002</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">344,612</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">120,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">37,573</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">and Chief Technology
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2001</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">315,016</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">320,942</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">190,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6,549</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Officer
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul A. LaViolette(6)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2003</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">458,037</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">548,255</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">75,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">33,945</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2002</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">428,064</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">404,791</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">120,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">24,677</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">and Group President,
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2001</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">400,026</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">390,323</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">24,643</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Cardiovascular
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul W. Sandman
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2003</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">395,034</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">346,435</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">75,027</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Senior Vice President,
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2002</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">375,003</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">369,418</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">120,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">27,620</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Secretary and General
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2001</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">345,010</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">292,732</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">50,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">28,816</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Counsel
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<DIV align="left">
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Company annually provides executive officers
    an executive benefit package, in addition to regular employee
    benefits such as contributory health insurance, consisting of:
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="5%"></TD>
    <TD width="1%"></TD>
    <TD width="94%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Executive life insurance;&nbsp;and
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&#149;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">An allowance in the amount of $25,000 for other
    perquisites such as company cars, medical examinations and
    financial, estate and tax planning services.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Shares underlying stock options for the years
    ended 2002 and 2001 have been adjusted to reflect the
    Company&#146;s two-for-one split of its common stock that was
    effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend on
    November&nbsp;5, 2003.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">20
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">SUMMARY COMPENSATION
TABLE&nbsp;&#151;&nbsp;(continued)</FONT></B>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">As of December&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></B>
</DIV>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The following amounts paid to or on behalf of the
    Named Officers in 2003 are included in the table under the
    caption &#147;All Other Compensation.&#148;
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="59%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Term Life</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Other Life</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Company Match</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Insurance</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Insurance</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">(401(k) Plan)</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Premium*</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>

<TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;Premium**</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">James R. Tobin
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">7,920</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Lawrence C. Best
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">5,160</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Fredericus A. Colen
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">53,040</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul A. LaViolette
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">27,945</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul W. Sandman
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">69,027</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<DIV align="left">
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Term Life Insurance Premium represents amounts
    paid by the Company on behalf of Messrs.&nbsp;Tobin and Best for
    term life insurance.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;**&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Other Life Insurance Premium represents amounts
    paid to each of Messrs.&nbsp;Colen, LaViolette and Sandman for
    universal life insurance as a result of the Company&#146;s
    termination of its previously established Split-Dollar Life
    Insurance program. The amounts reflected represent taxable
    income to the Named Officers and the Company paid the Named
    Officer a gross-up amount to cover the taxes incurred.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(4)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Amounts reflected in Mr.&nbsp;Tobin&#146;s Other
    Annual Compensation column represent personal use of
    company-owned aircraft.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(5)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">For 2002, Mr.&nbsp;Tobin was granted, on
    February&nbsp;25, 2003, an option to purchase
    200,000&nbsp;shares of common stock of the Company. The option
    was granted at the fair market value on the date of grant.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(6)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The amount reflected for
    Mr.&nbsp;LaViolette&#146;s 2003 bonus includes an award for $500
    for the issuance of patents in his name pursuant to an
    established employee recognition program.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">21
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "2003 OPTION/SAR GRANTS(1)" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="011"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">2003 OPTION/SAR GRANTS<SUP>(1)</SUP></FONT></B>
</DIV>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="30%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="7"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Percent of</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="7" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Potential Realizable Value</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Number of</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Total</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="7" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">at Assumed Annual Rates of</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Shares</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Options</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="7" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Stock Price Appreciation for</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Underlying</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Granted to</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Exercise or</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="7" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Option Term(5)</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Options</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Employees in</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Base Price</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Expiration</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="7" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Name</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Granted(2)</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">2003(3)</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">per Share</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Date</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">5%</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">10%</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">James R. Tobin(4)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">200,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2.89</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">33.80</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">12/16/13</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">4,251,328</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">10,773,699</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">200,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2.89</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">21.78</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2/25/13</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2,739,465</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">6,942,342</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Lawrence C. Best
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0.87</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">34.79</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">12/11/13</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">1,312,755</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,326,778</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Fredericus A. Colen
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0.87</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">34.79</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">12/11/13</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">1,312,755</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,326,778</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul A. LaViolette
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">75,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">1.08</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">34.79</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">12/11/13</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">1,640,943</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">4,158,473</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul W. Sandman
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0.87</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">%</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">34.79</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">12/11/13</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">1,312,755</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,326,778</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<DIV align="left">
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Where applicable, shares underlying stock options
    have been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one split of the
    Company&#146;s common stock that was effected in the form of a
    100% stock dividend on November&nbsp;5, 2003.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Options to purchase shares of common stock were
    granted to James&nbsp;R. Tobin on December&nbsp;16, 2003, and to
    each of the other Named Officers on December&nbsp;11, 2003, at
    the fair market value on the date of grant and vesting over four
    years in equal annual installments on the anniversary date of
    the grant.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">In 2003, options to purchase
    6,929,967&nbsp;shares of the Company&#146;s common stock were
    granted to key employees of the Company.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(4)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">For 2002, the Company granted on
    February&nbsp;25, 2003 an option to purchase 200,000&nbsp;shares
    of common stock of the Company to Mr.&nbsp;Tobin. The options
    were granted at the fair market value on the date of grant and
    vest in four equal annual installments on the anniversary date
    of the grant.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(5)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">These columns represent hypothetical future
    values of the Company&#146;s common stock obtainable upon
    exercise of stock options, net of the option&#146;s exercise
    price, assuming that the market price of the Company&#146;s
    common stock appreciates at a five and ten percent compound
    annual rate over the ten-year term of the options. The five and
    ten percent rates of stock price appreciation are presented as
    examples pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities
    and Exchange Commission and do not necessarily reflect
    management&#146;s assessment of the Company&#146;s future stock
    price performance.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "TOTAL 2003 OPTION/SAR EXERCISES AND YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES(1)" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="012"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">TOTAL 2003 OPTION/SAR EXERCISES AND YEAR-END
OPTION/SAR VALUES<SUP>(1)</SUP></FONT></B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">As of December&nbsp;31, 2003</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="25%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="6%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Shares</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Acquired on</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Value</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Number</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Number</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Value</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Value</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Name</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Exercise</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Realized</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Exercisable</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Unexercisable</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Exercisable(2)</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Unexercisable(2)</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">James R. Tobin
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,365,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">735,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">83,995,050</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">14,291,817</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Lawrence C. Best
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">2,006,256</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">52,977,597</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">4,066,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">240,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">105,022,459</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,767,361</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Fredericus A. Colen
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">291,408</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">7,753,621</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">303,592</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">285,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">7,413,632</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">5,103,024</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul A. LaViolette
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">1,464,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">255,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">39,398,422</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,797,361</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Paul W. Sandman
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">701,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">19,629,911</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">520,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">225,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">12,045,187</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">3,391,743</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<DIV align="left">
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
</DIV>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Where applicable, shares underlying stock options
    have been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one split of the
    Company&#146;s common stock that was effected in the form of a
    100% stock dividend on November&nbsp;5, 2003.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">These values reflect the difference between the
    exercise price per share of in-the-money options and the last
    reported sales price $36.76 of the Company&#146;s common stock
    on the New&nbsp;York Stock Exchange on December&nbsp;31, 2003,
    the last trading day of 2003 multiplied by the applicable number
    of shares underlying the options.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">22
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Do the Company&#146;s executive officers
have any special employment, termination of employment or
change-in-control arrangements?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">James&nbsp;R. Tobin serves as President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to a letter agreement
dated March&nbsp;17, 1999. The agreement provides for an initial
base salary of $700,000 and an option grant of
2,000,000&nbsp;shares of common stock. The option vests over a
period of five years and provides for accelerated vesting if
Mr.&nbsp;Tobin is terminated without cause by the Company. The
exercise price of the option is the market price on the date of
the grant.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">During 2000, the Company provided a home
improvement loan in the amount of $400,000 to Paul&nbsp;A.
LaViolette. Senior Vice President and Group President,
Cardiovascular. The principal balance on the loan bears interest
at the then-current applicable federal rate for medium term
notes (approximately 6%) until the principal balance is paid in
full. Principal, together with interest compounded quarterly, is
due and payable in October 2005.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">As former executive officers and current
employees of the Company, John&nbsp;E. Abele and Peter&nbsp;M.
Nicholas receive regular employee benefits, such as contributory
health insurance, and are eligible to participate in most
employee programs, such as the stock incentive program.
Messrs.&nbsp;Abele and Nicholas also continue to receive a
benefit package which consists of executive life insurance and
an allowance of $25,000&nbsp;per year for benefits such as
medical examinations, company cars and estate and tax planning
services. In addition, the Company provides Messrs.&nbsp;Abele
and Nicholas with long-term care coverage and supplemental
medical coverage and Mr.&nbsp;Nicholas with transportation
services.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">In addition to these agreements, key executives
of the Company, including the Named Officers, have retention and
indemnification agreements with the Company. In general, the
retention agreements entitle key executives to a lump sum
payment of three times the executive&#146;s base salary and
assumed on-plan incentive bonus (or prior year&#146;s bonus, if
higher), if either the executive&#146;s employment is terminated
(other than for cause) or his duties are diminished following a
change in control. The executive will also be entitled to
continuation of health and other welfare benefits for three
years. In addition, the Company will compensate the executive
for any excise tax liability he may incur by reason of payments
made under the agreement.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">All stock options granted to executive officers,
including the Named Officers, under the Company&#146;s 1992,
1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans will become
immediately exercisable in the event of a &#147;change in
control&#148; or &#147;Covered Transaction&#148; as defined in
each Plan. Additionally, under certain circumstances in the
event of a change in control or Covered Transaction, options
granted under (i)&nbsp;the Company&#146;s 1992 Long-Term
Incentive Plan prior to October&nbsp;30, 2001 will become
immediately exercisable and the value of all outstanding stock
options will be cashed out, (ii)&nbsp;the Company&#146;s 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan prior to October&nbsp;30, 2001 will,
unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee,
become immediately exercisable and automatically converted into
an option or other award of the surviving entity, and
(iii)&nbsp;the Company&#146;s 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan
prior to December 2000 will become immediately exercisable
and/or converted into an option or other award of the surviving
entity.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">23
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FOR 2003 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="013"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION FOR 2003 OF
THE EXECUTIVE</FONT></B>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES
COMMITTEE</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">What is the Company&#146;s executive
compensation philosophy?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Company&#146;s executive compensation
philosophy is to pay executives performance-oriented
compensation determined by reference to the market in which the
Company competes for talent. Executive compensation is further
determined by the Company&#146;s performance as well as the
individual executive&#146;s contribution to that performance.
The Company&#146;s compensation programs are designed to
motivate, reward and retain executive talent of the caliber
necessary to achieve the Company&#146;s long-term strategic
goals and provide long-term growth opportunities for the
Company&#146;s stockholders.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Executives are principally compensated through
base salary, performance-based annual bonus and periodic
long-term option grants. This three-part compensation approach
enables the Company to remain competitive with its industry
peers while ensuring that executive officers are appropriately
incentivized to deliver short-term results while creating
sustainable long-term stockholder value. The Compensation
Committee has chosen to put a significant portion of the
Company&#146;s executives&#146; pay &#147;at risk,&#148; with
targets consistent with those typically established by other
high performing organizations with which the Company competes
and the Company&#146;s strategic plan.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">In evaluating and establishing rates of base,
bonus and long-term incentive pay, the Compensation Committee
has periodically sought the assistance of independent
compensation consultants who, among other things, have assembled
information concerning compensation levels and philosophies
adopted by companies in the same market for executive talent. In
particular, the independent consultants have compared the
Company&#146;s total compensation program, which includes base
salary, annual bonus pay, long-term performance incentives,
benefits and executive benefits with programs offered by other
companies of comparable size and employee populations in the
medical device, high technology and biotechnology businesses.
The consultants also have looked at compensation levels and
programs established by general industrial companies with
similar corporate revenues.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Fiscal 2003 executive compensation levels and
targets were set giving due consideration to the size and
complexity of the Company&#146;s business and are believed to be
in line with or slightly more competitive than depending on the
position with the Company&#146;s peer group. During 2003, the
Company engaged independent compensation consultants to review
its executive compensation practices and philosophies as well as
the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act on executive compensation.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Executive Base Salary for
2003</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Salaries paid to executive officers (other than
the Chief Executive Officer) are based upon recommendations of
the Chief Executive Officer presented to the Compensation
Committee for approval or modification. In general, base
salaries are set at levels consistent with the average rate paid
by the Company&#146;s competitors.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">To remain competitive in the industry and to
acknowledge individual officers&#146; contributions and
objectives, modest base salary increases for executive officers
were approved for 2003 by the Compensation Committee, as
recommended by the Chief Executive Officer. More significant
increases were paid to certain executive officers who had
materially expanded responsibilities in 2003.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Performance-Based Annual Bonus for
2003</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Company&#146;s Performance Incentive Plan for
salaried personnel seeks to provide pay for performance by
linking bonus awards to both Company and individual performance
through a range of award opportunities
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">24
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2">which depend upon the level of achievement of
quarterly Company and individual objectives. Corporate
achievement is measured on a quarterly basis against sales and
profitability goals through a matrix of revenue and net income
objectives to create a range of bonus award opportunities.
Individual achievement for an executive officer is measured by
comparing the performance of the strategic corporate functions
for which each executive officer is responsible against the
business plan of the Company. Generally, annual bonus pay at the
executive level is weighted toward overall corporate performance
in accordance with the Committee&#146;s belief that a principal
function of executive personnel is to increase overall
stockholder value. Actual bonus amounts for executive officers
in 2003 exceeded targeted payouts as corporate performance
exceeded the pre-established objectives.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Long Term Incentive Grants in
2003</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Company&#146;s broad-based stock option
program is intended to attract, retain and motivate key
employees for the long term. The Company has sought to
coordinate and strengthen its stock incentive program in light
of its history of acquisitions and mergers to eliminate
inconsistencies among the various programs previously in place
at acquired companies and to establish common objectives for all
eligible employees. The Compensation Committee has approved,
upon management recommendation, nonqualified stock option grants
to eligible employees within the organization and across
businesses in amounts appropriate for each individual&#146;s
level of responsibility and ability to affect the achievement of
overall corporate objectives. Options are typically granted at
fair market value as of the date of grant and vest over a period
of three to five years. They are exercisable until the tenth
anniversary of the date of grant or until the expiration of
various limited time periods following termination of employment.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">In accordance with the Company&#146;s annual
practice, executive officers were considered for and given stock
option grants in December 2003. These options were granted at
fair market value as of the date of grant and vest over four
years. For 2003, the total number of shares granted under the
Company&#146;s incentive plans was set at lower amounts as
compared to the Company&#146;s historical practice and less than
the Company&#146;s competitors.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How was the Company&#146;s Chief Executive
Officer compensated in 2003?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Mr.&nbsp;Tobin was appointed President and Chief
Executive Officer in March 1999. Pursuant to his employment
contract, Mr.&nbsp;Tobin&#146;s 1999 base salary was set at a
level consistent with the Company&#146;s historical compensation
practices. Since then, the Compensation Committee has approved
moderate increases in Mr.&nbsp;Tobin&#146;s salary for the years
2002 and 2003. Mr.&nbsp;Tobin participates in the Company&#146;s
Performance Incentive Plan. Actual bonus amounts in 2003
exceeded targeted payouts as corporate performance exceeded the
pre-established objectives. Mr.&nbsp;Tobin also participated in
the Company&#146;s stock incentive program during 2002 and 2003.
For 2003, Mr.&nbsp;Tobin was granted an option to purchase
shares of common stock of the Company at the fair market value
on the date of grant consistent with the stock incentive program
currently in place for employees generally. Mr.&nbsp;Tobin was
also granted earlier in 2003 an option to purchase shares of
common stock of the Company as part of his 2002 incentive. The
shares vest over a period of four years in equal annual
installments beginning with the first anniversary of the date of
grant and expire in ten years.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">How is the Company addressing Internal
Revenue Code limits on deductibility of
compensation?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for
compensation over $1&nbsp;million paid to the corporation&#146;s
chief executive officer and four other most highly compensated
executive officers. Qualifying performance-based compensation is
not subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are
met. Generally, the Company has structured performance-based
components of the compensation paid to its executive officers in
a manner intended to satisfy these requirements without
negatively affecting the Company&#146;s overall compensation
strategy. The Company&#146;s 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">25
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV align="left">
<FONT size="2">Term Incentive Plans, incorporate provisions
intended to comply with Section&nbsp;162(m) of the Code. For
2003, the Company elected to implement the compensation and
performance bonus award program described above taking into
account the limitations imposed by Section&nbsp;162(m) but
without specific attempts to comply with the statute.
</FONT>
</DIV>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<I><FONT size="2">This Report on Executive Compensation does not
constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or
incorporated by reference into any other Company filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, except to the extent the
Company specifically incorporates this Report by reference into
another Company filing.</FONT></I>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">Members of the Executive Compensation and Human
Resources Committee
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="67%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="30%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">WARREN B. RUDMAN, <I>Chairman<BR>
     </I>URSULA M. BURNS
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">JOSEPH A. CIFFOLILLO<BR>
     RAY J. GROVES
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Compensation Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The members of the Executive Compensation and
Human Resources Committee (&#147;Compensation Committee&#148;)
are Warren&nbsp;B. Rudman, Ursula&nbsp;M. Burns, Joseph&nbsp;A.
Ciffolillo and Ray&nbsp;J. Groves. No member was an officer, or
employee of the Company at any time during 2003.
Mr.&nbsp;Ciffolillo was an executive officer of the Company
until his retirement in 1996. To the Company&#146;s knowledge,
there were no other relationships involving members of the
Compensation Committee or other directors of the Company which
require disclosure in this Proxy Statement.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">26
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "REPORT FOR 2003 OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="014"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">REPORT FOR 2003 OF THE AUDIT
COMMITTEE</FONT></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Audit Committee oversees the Company&#146;s
financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors
and has other responsibilities set forth in the Audit Committee
Charter. Management has the primary responsibility for the
financial statements and the reporting process including the
systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities, the Committee reviewed with management the
audited financial statements to be incorporated by reference in
the Company&#146;s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year
ended December&nbsp;31, 2003, including a discussion of the
quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting
principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the
clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Committee reviewed with the independent
auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the
conformity of those audited financial statements with generally
accepted accounting principles, their judgments as to the
quality, not just the acceptability of the Company&#146;s
accounting principles and such other matters as are required to
be discussed with the Committee under generally accepted
auditing standards (including Statement on Auditing Standards
No.&nbsp;61). In addition, the Committee has discussed with the
independent auditors the auditors&#146; independence from
management and the Company including the matters in the written
disclosures required by the Independence Standards Board
(including Independence Standards Board Standard No.&nbsp;1) and
considered the compatibility of non-audit services with the
auditors&#146; independence.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Committee discussed with the Company&#146;s
internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans
for their respective audits. The Committee meets with the
internal and independent auditors, with and without management
present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their
evaluations of the Company&#146;s internal controls, and the
overall quality of the Company&#146;s financial reporting.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">In reliance on the reviews and discussions
referred to above the Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors (and the Board has approved) that the audited
financial statements be included in the Annual Report on
Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2003 for
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
Committee has also recommended to the Board of Directors the
selection of Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young LLP as the Company&#146;s
independent auditors for 2004.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<I><FONT size="2">This Audit Committee Report does not
constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or
incorporated by reference into any other Company filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, except to the extent the
Company specifically incorporates this Report by reference into
another Company filing.</FONT></I>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">Members of the Audit Committee
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="70%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="27%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">JOEL L. FLEISHMAN, <I>Chairman</I>
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">MARYE ANNE FOX
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">ERNEST MARIO
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">JOHN E. PEPPER
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <FONT size="2">UWE E. REINHARDT
    </FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">27
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="015"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH</FONT></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The graph below compares the five-year total
return to stockholders on Boston Scientific common stock with
the return of the Standard&nbsp;&#38; Poor&#146;s 500 Stock
Index and the Standard&nbsp;&#38; Poor&#146;s Healthcare
(Medical Products and Supplies) Index. The graph assumes $100
was invested in the Company&#146;s common stock and in each of
the named indices on January&nbsp;1, 1999 and that all dividends
were reinvested.
</FONT>

<P align="center">
<IMG src="b49230dfb4923005.gif" alt="(STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH)">

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="32%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="5%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="4%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="25"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="25" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><FONT size="1">Dec. 98</FONT></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Dec. 99</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Dec. 00</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Dec. 01</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Dec. 02</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Dec. 03</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="25"></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="25" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Boston Scientific Corporation
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">100</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">81.59</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">51.05</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">89.96</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">158.58</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">274.20</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Healthcare (Medical Products and Supplies) Index
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">100</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">121.04</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">110.02</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">96.95</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">75.52</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">97.18</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">S&#38;P 500 Index
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">100</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">92.18</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">135.31</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">128.45</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">112.20</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">148.16</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">28
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="left">
<B><I>Proposal&nbsp;2:&nbsp;Ratification of Appointment of
Independent Auditors.</I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of
the Company has appointed Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young LLP as its
independent auditors for its fiscal year ending
December&nbsp;31, 2004. The Audit Committee is directly
responsible for the appointment, retention, compensation and
oversight of the work of the independent auditor employed by the
Company (including resolution of disagreements between
management and the independent auditor regarding financial
reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit
report or related work. In the past, the Board of Directors has
not sought stockholder ratification of the Audit
Committee&#146;s appointment of the independent auditors. As
part of the updating of the Company&#146;s Corporate Governance
Manual, however, the Board determined to seek ratification
beginning this year. In making its determinations regarding
whether to appoint or retain a particular firm of independent
auditors, the Audit Committee takes into account the views of
management and the Company&#146;s internal auditors, and will,
in the future, take into account the vote of the Company&#146;s
stockholders at the last annual stockholders&#146; meeting of
the Company with respect to the ratification by the
Company&#146;s stockholders of the selection of the
Company&#146;s external auditors.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">During 2003, Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young served as the
Company&#146;s independent auditors and also provided certain
tax and other audit related services. Representatives of
Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young are expected to attend the meeting and
respond to appropriate questions and, if they desire, make a
statement.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<B><FONT size="2">The Board recommends you vote &#147;FOR&#148;
the ratification of the appointment of Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young
LLP as the Company&#146;s independent auditors for the 2004
fiscal year.</FONT></B>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">What were the fees billed during 2003 and
2002 by Ernst&nbsp;&#38; Young LLP for services provided to the
Company?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Audit Fees</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Fees for audit services totaled $2.1&nbsp;million
and $1.9&nbsp;million in 2003 and 2002, respectively, for
professional services rendered in connection with the
Company&#146;s annual audit, statutory filings and of
registration statements.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Audit-Related Fees</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Fees for audit related services totaled
approximately $158,000 and $57,000 in 2003 and 2002,
respectively, for services related to assistance with internal
control reporting, acquisition due diligence, employee benefit
plan audits, accounting consultation and compliance with
regulatory requirements.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Tax Fees</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Fees for tax services, including tax compliance,
tax planning and tax advice totaled approximately
$1.3&nbsp;million and $643,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">All Other Fees</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Fees for office rent in a foreign jurisdiction
totaled approximately $30,000 in both 2003 and 2002.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">What is the Audit Committee&#146;s
pre-approval policy?</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">It is the Audit Committee&#146;s policy to
approve in advance the types and amounts of audit,
audit-related, tax and any other services to be provided by the
Company&#146;s independent auditors. In situations where it is
not possible to obtain full Audit Committee approval, the
Committee has delegated authority to the Chairman to grant
pre-approval of auditing, audit related, tax and all other
services. Any pre-approved decisions are required to be reviewed
with the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The
Audit Committee has approved all of Ernst and Young&#146;s
services for 2003 and 2002 and, in doing so has considered
whether the provision of such service is compatible with
maintaining independence.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">29
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "Equity Compensation Plans" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="016"></A></DIV>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">Equity Compensation Plans</FONT></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The following table summarizes information, as of
December&nbsp;31, 2003, relating to equity compensation plans of
the Company pursuant to which grants of options, restricted
stock grants or other rights to acquire shares may be granted
from time to time.
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE width="100%" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="39%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="8%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="7%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="7%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="10%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="1%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="9%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Number of</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">securities remaining</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Number of</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">available for future</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">securities to be</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Weighted average</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">issuance under equity</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">issued upon exercise</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">exercise price of</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">compensation plans</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">of outstanding options,</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">outstanding options,</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">(excluding securities</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">warrants and rights</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">warrants and rights</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">reflected in column&nbsp;(a))</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD nowrap><B><FONT size="1">Plan Category</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">(a)</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">(b)</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><B><FONT size="1">(c)</FONT></B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center" nowrap><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Equity compensation plans approved by security
    holders(1)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">69,508,387</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">15.29</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">46,366,173</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Equity compensation plans not approved by
    security holders(2)
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">0</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>

</TR>

<TR>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
    <DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">
    <FONT size="2">Total
    </FONT></DIV>
    </TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">69,508,387</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">15.29</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="bottom" nowrap><FONT size="2">46,366,173</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</CENTER>

<P align="left">
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="97%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">Amount includes outstanding options under the
    Boston Scientific Corporation 1992, 1995, 2000 and 2003
    Long-Term Incentive Plans and the 1992 Non-Employee
    Directors&#146; Stock Option Plan. Amount in column&nbsp;(c)
    includes 4,168,874&nbsp;shares available for purchase by
    employees under the Global Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which
    are not available for grant in any other form. Both the 1992
    Long-Term Incentive and 1992 Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock
    Option Plans expired on March&nbsp;31, 2002, after which time
    grants were only issued under the 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term
    Incentive Plans.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD><FONT size="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Company has acquired a number of companies
    over the past several years. From time to time, the Company will
    assume the acquired company&#146;s incentive plan(s), including
    the outstanding options and warrants, if any, granted under the
    plan(s). No further options will be granted under these plans
    beyond those assumed in connection with the acquisitions.
    Assumed options that terminate prior to expiration are not
    available for re-grant. As of December&nbsp;31, 2003, the
    aggregate number of shares to be issued under these assumed
    plans totaled 625,926 The weighted average exercise price of
    these options and warrant is $5.21.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="017"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">SECTION&nbsp;16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
REPORTING COMPLIANCE</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Under the securities laws of the United States,
the Company&#146;s directors, its executive officers and any
persons holding more than ten percent of the Company&#146;s
common stock are required to report their ownership of the
Company&#146;s common stock and any changes in that ownership to
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specific due dates for
these reports have been established and the Company is required
to report in this Proxy Statement any failure to file by these
dates during 2003. To the best knowledge of the Company, all of
these filing requirements were timely satisfied by its
directors, officers and ten percent holders, with the exception
of a one Form&nbsp;4 filed for Mr.&nbsp;Best to report a
discretionary transaction in Mr.&nbsp;Best&#146;s 401(k)
account. The late filing was inadvertent and as soon as the
oversight was discovered, the form was promptly filed. In making
these statements, the Company has relied upon the written
representations of its directors, officers and ten percent
holders and copies of the reports that have been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
</FONT>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="018"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Under our bylaws and SEC regulations, any
stockholder proposal or director nominations for the 2005 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders must be received on or before
December&nbsp;10, 2004 in order to be included in the
Company&#146;s year 2005 Proxy Statement. Please address your
proposals to the Company&#146;s Secretary at Boston Scientific
Corporation, One Boston Scientific Place, Natick, Massachusetts
01760-1537. Proposals must satisfy the procedures set forth in
Rule&nbsp;14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">30
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">HOUSEHOLDING</FONT></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">Applicable rules permit brokerage firms and the
Company to send one annual report and proxy statement to
multiple stockholders who share the same address under certain
circumstances. This practice is known as
&#147;householding.&#148; If you hold your shares through a
broker, you may have consented to reducing the number of copies
of materials delivered to your address. In the event that you
wish to revoke a &#147;householding&#148; consent you previously
provided to a broker, you must contact that broker to revoke
your consent. However, if you wish to receive a separate proxy
for the 2004 Annual Meeting or a 2003 Annual Report, you may
find these materials at our website,
<U>www.bostonscientific.com</U> or you may receive printed
copies by contacting Investor Relations, Boston Scientific
Corporation, One Boston Scientific Place, Natick, MA 01760-1537
or by calling (508)&nbsp;650-8555.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<B><FONT size="2">A COPY OF THE COMPANY&#146;S ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE THROUGH THE COMPANY&#146;S
WEBSITE AT WWW.BOSTONSCIENTIFIC.COM OR BY REQUESTING IT IN
WRITING FROM: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION, ATTN: INVESTOR
RELATIONS, ONE BOSTON SCIENTIFIC PLACE, NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS
01760-1537.</FONT></B>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">31
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">APPENDIX&nbsp;A</FONT></B>

<P align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION</FONT></B>

<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>

<!-- link1 "AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="019"></A></DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<B><FONT size="2">AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER</FONT></B>
</DIV>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Purpose</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Committee is established by the Board of
Directors primarily for the purpose of overseeing the accounting
and financial reporting processes of the Company and audits of
the financial statements of the Company.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Committee is responsible for assisting the
Board&#146;s oversight of (1)&nbsp;the quality and integrity of
the Company&#146;s financial reporting process, financial
statements and related disclosure, (2)&nbsp;the Company&#146;s
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3)&nbsp;the
Company&#146;s ethics and integrity programs, (4)&nbsp;selection
and retention of the independent auditors of the Company, and
evaluation of the independent auditor&#146;s qualifications,
independence, and performance, (5)&nbsp;the annual independent
audit of the Company&#146;s financial statements, and
(6)&nbsp;the performance of the Company&#146;s internal audit
function and financial controls.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">In performing its duties, the Committee should
endeavor to maintain free and open communication among members
of the Committee, independent auditors, internal auditors and
management of the Company. In discharging its oversight role,
the Committee is empowered to investigate any matter brought to
its attention with full access to all books, records,
facilities, and personnel of the Company and the power to retain
auditors, counsel, or other experts for this purpose, in each
case at the expense of the Company.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Composition</FONT></I></B>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="6%"></TD>
    <TD width="91%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 1.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Members.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The
    Committee shall consist of as many members as the Board shall
    determine, but in any event not fewer than three members. The
    members of the Committee shall be appointed annually by the
    Board upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance
    Committee.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 2.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Qualifications.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> Each
    member of the Committee will meet all applicable independence,
    financial literacy and other requirements of law and the
    New&nbsp;York Stock Exchange. In addition, at least one member
    of the Committee will have accounting or related financial
    management expertise, as determined in good faith by the Board.
    The Board shall determine if any member of the Committee is an
    &#147;audit committee financial expert&#148; as defined by the
    Securities and Exchange Commission, it being the intention of
    the Company that at least one member of the Committee should be
    an &#147;audit committee financial expert&#148;, as so defined.
    No member of the Committee shall serve on the audit committee of
    more than three public companies, including the Company.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 3.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Chairperson.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The
    Chairperson of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board
    upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance
    Committee.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 4.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Removal and
    Replacement.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The members of the
    Committee may be removed or replaced, and any vacancies on the
    Committee shall be filled, by the Board upon the recommendation
    of the Nominating and Governance Committee. In addition,
    membership on the Committee shall automatically end at such time
    as the Board determines that a member ceases to meet the
    independence requirements of the New&nbsp;York Stock Exchange.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Operations</FONT></I></B>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="6%"></TD>
    <TD width="91%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 1.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Meetings.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The
    Chairperson of the Committee, in consultation with the Committee
    members, shall determine the schedule and frequency of the
    Committee meetings, provided that the Committee
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">32
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="6%"></TD>
    <TD width="91%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">shall meet in regular session at least four times
    annually. The Committee shall meet separately, periodically,
    with appropriate members of management, the internal auditors
    and the independent auditor of the Company.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 2.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Agenda.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The
    Chairperson of the Committee shall develop and set the
    Committee&#146;s agenda, in consultation with other members of
    the Committee, the Board and management. The agenda and
    information concerning the business to be conducted at each
    Committee meeting shall, to the extent practical, be
    communicated to the members of the Committee five days in
    advance of each meeting to permit meaningful review by Committee
    members.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 3.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Report to Board.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The
    Chairperson of the Committee shall review the Committee&#146;s
    actions with the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board
    meeting after such actions were taken.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 4.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <I><FONT size="2">Self-Evaluation; Assessment of
    Charter.</FONT></I><FONT size="2"> The Committee shall conduct
    an annual performance self-evaluation and shall report to the
    Board the results of the self-evaluation. The Committee shall
    assess the adequacy of this Charter on an annual basis and
    recommend any changes to the Board.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Authority and Duties</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">Independent Auditor&#146;s Qualifications and
Independence
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="6%"></TD>
    <TD width="91%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 5.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall be directly responsible for
    the appointment, retention, compensation and oversight of the
    work of the independent auditor employed by the Company
    (including resolution of disagreements between management and
    the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the
    purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work.
    In making its determinations regarding whether to appoint or
    retain a particular firm of independent auditors, the Committee
    shall take into account the views of management and the
    Company&#146;s internal auditors, and the vote of the
    Company&#146;s stockholders at the last annual stockholders
    meeting of the Company with respect to the ratification by the
    Company&#146;s stockholders of the selection of the
    Company&#146;s external auditors. The Committee shall
    (a)&nbsp;periodically obtain from the independent auditors
    formal written disclosures with respect to all relationships
    between the auditors and the Company, including those required
    by the Independent Standards Board, (b)&nbsp;actively engage in
    a dialogue with the independent auditors concerning any
    disclosed relationships or services that may impact their
    objectivity and independence from management and the Company,
    and (c)&nbsp;take appropriate action in response to the
    independent auditors&#146; report to satisfy itself of the
    auditors&#146; independence. The independent auditor shall
    report directly to the Committee.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 6.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review and make
    recommendations regarding the plans, scope and staffing of the
    examination conducted by the independent auditors and their fees.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 7.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall have the sole authority to
    preapprove audit, audit-related and any non-audit services to be
    provided by the independent auditor. The Committee shall review
    any audit, audit-related and non-audit services in accordance
    with its preapproval policy. The Committee shall review with the
    lead audit partner whether any of the audit team members receive
    any discretionary compensation from the audit firm with respect
    to non-audit services performed by the independent auditor.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 8.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall obtain and review with the
    lead audit partner of the independent auditor, annually or more
    frequently as the Committee considers appropriate, a report by
    the independent auditor describing: the independent
    auditor&#146;s internal quality-control procedures; any material
    issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control
    review, or peer review, of the independent auditor, or by any
    inquiry, review or investigation by governmental, professional
    or other regulatory
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">33
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="6%"></TD>
    <TD width="91%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">authorities, within the preceding five years,
    respecting independent audits carried out by the independent
    auditor, and any steps taken to deal with these issues; and (to
    assess the independent auditor&#146;s independence) all
    relationships between the independent auditor and the Company.
    The Committee shall, in addition to assuring the regular
    rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner and the
    audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit, periodically
    consider whether there should be rotation of the audit firm.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp; 9.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review the experience,
    qualifications and performance of the senior members of the
    independent audit team.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="5%"></TD>
    <TD width="92%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">10.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall preapprove the hiring of any
    employee or former employee of the independent auditor who was a
    senior member of the Company&#146;s audit team during the
    preceding three fiscal years, and will only approve any such
    individual for a financial oversight role within the Company in
    accordance with applicable regulations. In addition, the
    Committee shall preapprove the hiring of any employee of the
    independent auditor for a position of Senior Vice President or
    above within the Company, regardless of whether that person was
    a member of the Company&#146;s audit team.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">Financial Statements and Related Disclosure
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="5%"></TD>
    <TD width="92%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">11.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall discuss the annual audit and
    any other matters required to be communicated to the Audit
    Committee by the independent auditors under generally accepted
    auditing standards.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">12.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review and discuss the annual
    audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements
    with management and the independent auditor, including the
    Company&#146;s disclosures under &#147;Management&#146;s
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
    Operations,&#148; before the filing of the Company&#146;s
    reports on Form&nbsp;10-K and Form&nbsp;10-Q. The Committee
    shall review management&#146;s and the independent
    auditor&#146;s judgment about the quality (not just
    acceptability) of accounting principles, the reasonableness of
    significant judgments, and the clarity and the completeness of
    the financial statements. The Committee shall recommend to the
    Board whether to include the financial statements in the
    Company&#146;s annual report on Form&nbsp;10-K.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">13.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review with management, the
    internal auditors and the independent auditors (a)&nbsp;reports,
    evaluations and recommendations of the independent auditors,
    (b)&nbsp;all critical accounting policies and practices used by
    the Company in preparing its financial statements, (c)&nbsp;any
    major issues regarding accounting and financial statement
    presentations, including any significant changes in the
    Company&#146;s selection or application of accounting
    principles, and major issues as to the adequacy of the
    Company&#146;s internal controls and any special audit steps
    adopted in light of material control deficiencies,
    (d)&nbsp;analyses prepared by management and/or the independent
    auditor setting forth significant financial reporting issues and
    judgments made in connection with the preparation of the
    financial statements, including analyses of the effects of
    alternative GAAP methods on the financial statements,
    (e)&nbsp;the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as
    well as off-balance sheet structures, on the financial
    statements of the Company, (f)&nbsp;and discuss generally the
    type of information to be disclosed, and the type of
    presentation to be made, in press releases (paying particular
    attention to any use of &#147;pro forma,&#148; or
    &#147;adjusted&#148; non-GAAP, information), as well as review
    and discuss the type of information to be disclosed, and the
    type of presentation to be made, in any financial information
    and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies,
    (g)&nbsp;other material communications between the independent
    auditor and management, including any significant disagreements
    with management, and (h)&nbsp;other required
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">34
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="5%"></TD>
    <TD width="92%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">communications with the independent auditors. The
    Committee shall monitor progress towards correction of any
    important deficiencies.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">14.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review periodically with
    management, and any outside professionals as the Committee
    considers appropriate, important trends and developments in
    financial reporting practices and requirements and their effect
    on the Company&#146;s financial statements.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">15.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall prepare the report required
    by the Securities and Exchange Commission to be included in the
    Company&#146;s annual proxy statement.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">Performance of the Internal Audit Function and
Independent Auditors
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="5%"></TD>
    <TD width="92%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">16.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review with management, the
    internal auditor and the independent auditor the scope, planning
    and staffing of the proposed audit for the current year. The
    Committee shall also review the internal audit function&#146;s
    organization, responsibilities, plans, results, budget and
    staffing.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">17.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review with management, the
    internal auditor and the independent auditor the quality,
    adequacy and effectiveness of the Company&#146;s internal
    controls, including the Company&#146;s system to monitor and
    manage business risk, and legal and ethical compliance programs
    and any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in
    internal controls.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">18.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall discuss the Company&#146;s
    policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">19.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall receive reports on business
    operations and functions, and other financial reporting and
    control issues directly from Corporate Analysis and Control. The
    Committee shall monitor progress towards correction of any
    important deficiencies.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">20.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall receive reports directly from
    Corporate Analysis and Control relative to travel and expense
    accounts of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive
    officers.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">21.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall meet privately as necessary
    with the Company&#146;s Vice President of Corporate Analysis and
    Control.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">
<FONT size="2">Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
</FONT>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="5%"></TD>
    <TD width="92%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">22.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall monitor adherence to
    established corporate policies, codes and practices, including
    such matters as conflicts of interest, political contributions,
    questionable payments and standards of business conduct, and
    shall arrange for any special investigations or audits that may
    be deemed necessary.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">23.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall maintain an overview of and
    make appropriate recommendations regarding the Company&#146;s
    policy, practice, staffing and posture regarding general legal
    matters, tax law and regulatory law issues. The Committee also
    shall review the Company&#146;s relationship with external
    attorneys.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">24.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review with management, and
    any internal or external counsel as the Committee considers
    appropriate, any legal and regulatory matters (including the
    status of pending litigation) that may have a material impact on
    the Company and any material reports or inquiries from
    regulatory or governmental agencies, and shall review with the
    general counsel and other appropriate personnel the adequacy and
    effectiveness of the Company&#146;s procedures to ensure
    compliance with its legal and regulatory responsibilities.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">35
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">

<TR>
    <TD width="3%"></TD>
    <TD width="5%"></TD>
    <TD width="92%"></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">25.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall monitor compliance with the
    Company&#146;s Code of Conduct, including reviewing with the
    general counsel the adequacy and effectiveness of the
    Company&#146;s procedures to ensure proper compliance and
    determining whether any waivers to the code shall be granted.
    The Committee shall also review the Company&#146;s Code of
    Conduct no less frequently than annually and develop and
    recommend to the Board any revisions thereto and to the
    Company&#146;s Corporate Integrity Program.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">26.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall establish procedures for
    (a)&nbsp;the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints
    received by the Company regarding accounting, internal controls
    over financial reporting, auditing matters or potential
    violations of law and (b)&nbsp;the confidential, anonymous
    submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding
    questionable accounting or auditing matters or potential
    violations of law.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="top">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">27.</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left">
    <FONT size="2">The Committee shall review potential conflicts of
    interests for directors, executive officers and senior financial
    officers, and approve or disapprove transactions, including such
    potential conflicts of interest in accordance with the
    applicable Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Committee also
    shall review and determine, when applicable, whether any waivers
    to the Company&#146;s policy on conflicts of interest shall be
    granted to directors, executive officers and senior financial
    officers of the Company.
    </FONT></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The foregoing list of duties is not exhaustive,
and the Committee may, in addition, perform such other functions
as may be necessary or appropriate for the performance of its
duties. The Committee shall have the power to delegate its
authority and duties to subcommittees or individual members of
the Committee, as it deems appropriate in accordance with
applicable laws and regulations.
</FONT>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Committee shall have the power to retain
independent auditors to assist the Committee in its oversight
function. The Committee may also retain counsel or other
advisors, as it deems appropriate. The Committee shall have sole
authority to retain and terminate such auditors, counsel or
other advisors and to approve such auditors&#146;,
counsel&#146;s or other advisors&#146; fees and other retention
terms. The Company shall compensate any such auditors, counsel
or other advisors retained by the Committee.
</FONT>

<P align="left">
<B><I><FONT size="2">Clarification of Audit Committee&#146;s
Role</FONT></I></B>

<P align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<FONT size="2">The Committee&#146;s responsibility is one of
oversight. It is the responsibility of the Company&#146;s
management to prepare consolidated financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and regulations and of the
Company&#146;s independent auditor to audit those financial
statements. Therefore, each member of the Committee shall be
entitled to rely, to the fullest extent permitted by law, on the
integrity of those persons and organizations within and outside
the Company from whom he or she receives information, and the
accuracy of the financial and other information provided to the
Committee by such persons or organizations.
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">36
</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="right">
<B><FONT size="2">BSCPS2004</FONT></B>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>
<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<P><DIV style="position: relative; float: left; margin-right: 1%; width: 70%">

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE &#147;FOR&#148;<BR>
PROPOSALS 1 and 2.

</DIV>

<DIV style="position: relative; float: right; margin-left: 1%; width: 25%">
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="65%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="77%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="18%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Please
Mark Here
for Address
Change or
Comments
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="middle"><FONT style="font-size:24pt"><FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD colspan="3" valign="top" align="left">SEE REVERSE SIDE</TD>
</TR>


<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


</DIV>
<BR clear="all"><BR>

<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">1.</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Election of Directors </TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">Nominees:</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(01)</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Ursula M. Burns,</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(02)</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Marye Anne Fox,</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(03)</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>N. J. Nicholas, Jr., and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">(04)</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>John E. Pepper</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">FOR ALL
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">WITHHOLD</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">NOMINEES
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">FROM ALL NOMINEES</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT style="font-size:18pt"><FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></FONT>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT style="font-size:18pt"><FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
</TR>


<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left"><FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>For all nominees, except as noted below:<BR>
(Print name of nominee(s) in the space provided below).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">2.</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Ratification of Ernst &#038; Young LLP as independent auditors.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="75%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">FOR
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">AGAINST
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">ABSTAIN</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT style="font-size:18pt"><FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></FONT>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT style="font-size:18pt"><FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></FONT>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT style="font-size:18pt"><FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
</TR>


<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="left">3.</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournment or postponement thereof.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Consenting to receive all future annual meeting materials and shareholder
communications electronically is simple and fast! Enroll today at
www.melloninvestor.com/ISD for secure online access to your proxy materials,
statements, tax documents and other important shareholder correspondence.


<DIV align="right">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="30%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="86%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="30%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">MARK HERE IF YOU PLAN TO<BR>
ATTEND THE MEETING
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT style="font-size:18pt"><FONT face="Wingdings">&#111;</FONT></FONT></TD>
</TR>


<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="12%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Signature
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Signature
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Date</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>


<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Sign exactly as your name appears on this Proxy. If the shares are registered
in the names of two or more persons, each person should sign. Executors,
administrators, trustees, partners, custodians, guardians, attorneys and
corporate officers, please add your full title(s).



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR size="1" noshade width="100%" align="center">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Boston<BR>
Scientific<BR>
&#091;LOGO&#093;



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Electronic Proxy Materials



<P align="left" style="margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; font-size: 10pt"><HR size="1" noshade width="80%">


<P align="left" style="margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; font-size: 10pt">An electronic version of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy
Statement with respect to the Boston Scientific Corporation Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May&nbsp;11, 2004, is
also available at www.bostonscientific.com by selecting Webcasts and
Reports from the Investor Relations section of the website and at
www.eproxy.com/bsx.


<P align="left" style="margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; font-size: 10pt"><HR size="1" noshade width="80%">


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail<BR>
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight<BR>
Time, May&nbsp;10, 2004

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">






<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="28%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="28%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="28%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Internet
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Telephone
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Mail</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">http://www.eproxy.com/bsx
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">1-800-435-6710</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Use the Internet to vote
your proxy. Have your
proxy card in hand when
you access the web site.
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">OR
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Use any touch-tone
telephone to
vote your proxy.
Have your proxy
card in hand when
you call.
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">OR
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Mark, sign and date
your proxy card and
return it in the
enclosed
postage-paid
envelope.</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone, you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">





<DIV align="left">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="10%">

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Boston</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Scientific</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&#091;LOGO&#093;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">PROXY



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The undersigned hereby appoints PETER M. NICHOLAS, PAUL W. SANDMAN and
LAWRENCE J. KNOPF, and each of them acting solely, proxies, with full power of
substitution and with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally
present, to represent and vote, as designated hereon, all of the shares of
common stock of Boston Scientific Corporation (the &#147;Company&#148;), par value $.01
per share, and if applicable, hereby directs the trustees and fiduciaries of
the employee benefit plans shown on the reverse side hereof to vote all of the
shares of common stock allocated to the account of the undersigned, which the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company to be held at the FleetBoston Financial Building, 100 Federal Street,
Boston, Massachusetts on Tuesday, May&nbsp;11, 2004, at 10:00&nbsp;A.M. (Eastern Daylight
Time), and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY REVOKES ANY PROXY PREVIOUSLY GIVEN AND ACKNOWLEDGES
RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF AND PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED BY
THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
&#147;FOR&#148; PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Please sign and date on reverse side and return promptly in the enclosed envelope)



<P><HR size="1" noshade>



<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)</DIV>


<P><HR size="1" noshade>


<P>&nbsp;
<P><HR size="1" noshade>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR size="1" noshade>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">You can now access your Boston Scientific Corporation account online.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Access your Boston Scientific Corporation shareholder account online via
Investor ServiceDirect&#174; (ISD).


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Mellon Investor Services LLC, Transfer Agent for Boston Scientific Corporation,
makes it easy and convenient to get current information on your shareholder
account.


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">

<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="43%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="43%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->

<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">o</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">View account status</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">o</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Make address changes</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">o</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">View certificate history
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">o</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Establish/change your PIN</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Visit us on the web at http://www.melloninvestor.com



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">For Technical Assistance Call 1-877-978-7778 between 9am-7pm Monday-Friday Eastern Time




<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>


</BODY>
</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>GRAPHIC
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>b49230dfb4923003.gif
<DESCRIPTION>GRAPHIC
<TEXT>
begin 644 b49230dfb4923003.gif
M1TE&.#EAY`!-`/?_````````,P``9@``F0``S```_P`S```S,P`S9@`SF0`S
MS``S_P!F``!F,P!F9@!FF0!FS`!F_P"9``"9,P"99@"9F0"9S`"9_P#,``#,
M,P#,9@#,F0#,S`#,_P#_``#_,P#_9@#_F0#_S`#__S,``#,`,S,`9C,`F3,`
MS#,`_S,S`#,S,S,S9C,SF3,SS#,S_S-F`#-F,S-F9C-FF3-FS#-F_S.9`#.9
M,S.99C.9F3.9S#.9_S/,`#/,,S/,9C/,F3/,S#/,_S/_`#/_,S/_9C/_F3/_
MS#/__V8``&8`,V8`9F8`F68`S&8`_V8S`&8S,V8S9F8SF68SS&8S_V9F`&9F
M,V9F9F9FF69FS&9F_V:9`&:9,V:99F:9F6:9S&:9_V;,`&;,,V;,9F;,F6;,
MS&;,_V;_`&;_,V;_9F;_F6;_S&;__YD``)D`,YD`9ID`F9D`S)D`_YDS`)DS
M,YDS9IDSF9DSS)DS_YEF`)EF,YEF9IEFF9EFS)EF_YF9`)F9,YF99IF9F9F9
MS)F9_YG,`)G,,YG,9IG,F9G,S)G,_YG_`)G_,YG_9IG_F9G_S)G__\P``,P`
M,\P`9LP`F<P`S,P`_\PS`,PS,\PS9LPSF<PSS,PS_\QF`,QF,\QF9LQFF<QF
MS,QF_\R9`,R9,\R99LR9F<R9S,R9_\S,`,S,,\S,9LS,F<S,S,S,_\S_`,S_
M,\S_9LS_F<S_S,S___\``/\`,_\`9O\`F?\`S/\`__\S`/\S,_\S9O\SF?\S
MS/\S__]F`/]F,_]F9O]FF?]FS/]F__^9`/^9,_^99O^9F?^9S/^9___,`/_,
M,__,9O_,F?_,S/_,____`/__,___9O__F?__S/___P``````````````````
M````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
M````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
M`````````````````````"P`````Y`!-```(_P"O"1Q(L*#!@]>L`%C(L*%#
MAU:L()Q(L:+%BQ@S:MS(L:/'CP)918SX<`7)APPE@ES)LJ7+ES!C#GRH,J3"
MDJQDZMS)LZ?/BC0-LEJ!\J?1HTB3:@QZD*C#%4JC2IWJD^E!E#FI:MW*=:-5
M@S<;UNQ*MFS9KP59%34[T$I6MG"-HBVX%BZ`L7'SZIQ+L*Y9A7CU"G;)=^;3
MN$0##U[\L?`UM1#A0E;,N/+2R`C#,GQ;UBEERZ"!8KYZF*W3NZ%39RQ\>O-%
MD2,C9H0],JM(L*,MQH[(^2)4@E9.F^RMNG'ND*T7$L>-$L"*Y0.'HC1)U&9S
MD[N%)A<+=G?8MLV=%_]G^34XSHJ04T9L_5LH0^SF&PK4')YA0?8C'7*N_WA[
MZ?$>U3?=9P.UAE=ZXAF44EJGV;3>4]Y%U]!S]S7T5FP/I3<<?<H!&*"`$[J%
M'G?NO5?03>W1M1!S"R+4FHL6*MA<;\FEZ.%JN9TT(70(`C"19F.Y=A!D+"Y$
MF8$3.21CAD6N>*-7Q\U74E,D#JFD80!`=XV3P$7YV)4PMHAEC*3)]^1E5::%
M%4$]$CB:B9GY>**7R5%$GXH3)@GFF1<YUF."4IJIIZ!Y9D2?8EZ"EZ9C#_&)
M8YH&;5=3HQ0QN26$!`8JIJ*;-IDBHWLZ6FFB(=5%Z:`M^@<IIT8V22"'?9'_
M>JJHHZY:862PVHG9GVO.N:IC"<T*JJ"THMJJKKC.>M"A!8*8I:^=7FIKK,0.
M:U^QM48+[8*Y_IB;JOIU^2NI`@DK:ZC8XJFMN-QU&R>DTM4W%K/J'FNLG.6>
M2VQ%&&*GI4ZT98?FNJP>JVRDB>;G%[T$)?>JN=-*>RU%\8:7:4L</M6;;$L2
M+)"D^>[;<:LB\5AGP8$QO"S$!!]\ZWNQ"<?3GPKO6"J^U'HL\<0GWRLE@2^B
M7*+'*EO+Y=#VL@EG3`@J%M]")DV<<])-`JKRR+\1.1&"[%(=LM1-[J<OV!*2
MN7*',"'X+Z\XC^GUU&A_C9JQ;\5=)LY7:WHTPDO+_SWWW7LW*R25?;.DMD6\
M`OXWWY!J9F/7GP):9HIYRZUEN'!_YK+C$VT'TVG_*HWNSHM'M]WCU[0&'>8A
M0Q?6O,I2B"#JP49K=-N6WXO[1QIJU*/B!_KWF>J,/YLS<5R+;K93-T.--.JW
M-YFM\RZ]OE'0&3O[7N@&9O6T\5-3J#=QIX->-M0JB51H[2!*E#V)_RD>^L#S
M=ZRW]N@;*B#M1M8GOIKAZ4W%9M0U>;'/8E^*6'\&UQ*1^89L/_F><U[EO1IE
MBD,B&A(&ZX<Q<O7$@8B#8+HJX["I*'!0(^R)0G8"K`\6#B,W22%/`D<8#\[0
M;/K;G0P;J$/RV)"%K(,A#?]WN)(8[N6'1PPB$4TX1!^>D"?^^=\2E=*@).J,
M)^\SR123$C29M-"%_LN@X;QS,0:5,2'QX0U'U'(B"^K&96\4S1.14\::J7%;
M^Q/C1M[G'`%ZYS07`U?I'D-&0?$1?-:Q6(3FLYLN.JAF,",CAG1V2+S@;XX%
M@P_G"D:N-D$2D8?\V(3\PYE#FHH_!;PD2CY#'TT*YRUL:]\#<2A*ZA'RDX,\
MG^1J&;>`;4=#G/EE=&)&DT6B44?["AB'-.D=UB@Q@;U4Y?8HDIS5::LPLT/(
M,P\8/\&MRUW3:Z+?W$2G;4K,1H*LC^O,^;N1Y;)'ZWPA-QF8RG>!T)T]'&<X
M4Y;_J':R*9T$!.`]+94YPHD0FE[+F);`R4F,^`5X^Q3H0>&8$("NSYMOFV=@
MYO*G<%:-=F[+)4.U25%]W@LO);32Z-(BP8`VCYX-=6=@4DI26HZT7B(M*=SR
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M+$@A`Q4$GI66<%N.^7",X2=#,Y*>MU4O<YWBY20GMJ<&I;(W<R(@/5;4G"]%
MG_LT4\I)ANB.&)X@*T1RX4>V-#;>,W0D.<;+E"S:*5#9S2I'PDA<:K+36JT-
MA^\BZ:Q0;X"RG*7_ZNRLP,32IOA3R265=QVQAL?6S<%U>9Q%WXT)4HN^`Y?3
A`@OIS*C*RL0N]C&3/=/FU(39G%YVLD%-;.*\#R\!`0`[
`
end

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>GRAPHIC
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>b49230dfb4923005.gif
<DESCRIPTION>GRAPHIC
<TEXT>
begin 644 b49230dfb4923005.gif
M1TE&.#EA2`)2`??_````````,P``9@``F0``S```_P`S```S,P`S9@`SF0`S
MS``S_P!F``!F,P!F9@!FF0!FS`!F_P"9``"9,P"99@"9F0"9S`"9_P#,``#,
M,P#,9@#,F0#,S`#,_P#_``#_,P#_9@#_F0#_S`#__S,``#,`,S,`9C,`F3,`
MS#,`_S,S`#,S,S,S9C,SF3,SS#,S_S-F`#-F,S-F9C-FF3-FS#-F_S.9`#.9
M,S.99C.9F3.9S#.9_S/,`#/,,S/,9C/,F3/,S#/,_S/_`#/_,S/_9C/_F3/_
MS#/__V8``&8`,V8`9F8`F68`S&8`_V8S`&8S,V8S9F8SF68SS&8S_V9F`&9F
M,V9F9F9FF69FS&9F_V:9`&:9,V:99F:9F6:9S&:9_V;,`&;,,V;,9F;,F6;,
MS&;,_V;_`&;_,V;_9F;_F6;_S&;__YD``)D`,YD`9ID`F9D`S)D`_YDS`)DS
M,YDS9IDSF9DSS)DS_YEF`)EF,YEF9IEFF9EFS)EF_YF9`)F9,YF99IF9F9F9
MS)F9_YG,`)G,,YG,9IG,F9G,S)G,_YG_`)G_,YG_9IG_F9G_S)G__\P``,P`
M,\P`9LP`F<P`S,P`_\PS`,PS,\PS9LPSF<PSS,PS_\QF`,QF,\QF9LQFF<QF
MS,QF_\R9`,R9,\R99LR9F<R9S,R9_\S,`,S,,\S,9LS,F<S,S,S,_\S_`,S_
M,\S_9LS_F<S_S,S___\``/\`,_\`9O\`F?\`S/\`__\S`/\S,_\S9O\SF?\S
MS/\S__]F`/]F,_]F9O]FF?]FS/]F__^9`/^9,_^99O^9F?^9S/^9___,`/_,
M,__,9O_,F?_,S/_,____`/__,___9O__F?__S/___P``````````````````
M````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
M````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
M`````````````````````"P`````2`)2`0`(_P"O"1Q(L*#!@P@3*ES(L*'#
MAQ`C2IR8T`J`BQ@S:MS(L:/'CR!#BAQ)LJ3)DRA3:K1"L:7+ES!CRIQ)LZ;-
MFSAK6K3"LZ?/GT"#"AU*M*C1HTB3*EW*M*G3G@!8YIQ*M:K5JUBS:LUI<:O7
MKV"Q`EC!DU78LVC3JEW+MF77MG#CJLTH5:[=NWCSZEWX=J_?OR[I`AY,N+!A
MG0`.*UXL>+'CQY`-]XU,V6[CRI@S:_XZ>;/GKY<_BQY->N)DC@(M7I2J6C"K
MBV931ZV(L>[%@3L'KAA+4..*V*UKYQ9X6R"KW6.!SR88?'GSV;YCXUXI>^5S
MGLNOW6YNV_GLXQ=_&_\,7;J\^?.RF5O9398E^_6\66&/:L6LZKK##5HDRYYX
M8MG=_><?5`#8-Y9/\F57W&OTP79-?K*UU]]^"&I'GVK2/7@@?"MHV%Y9\MU7
M7W[;;=B?A?_EMAJ&!9&'WHLP9M:9AJQE1Z*`*`H(86\"[N;?=#6N-E!Q-!;)
MG(+_$6FAD4#JEMB.2P)X9'=,MJ@CDDP65QN-P[U6EW]"QBCFF)#-.)R24:;I
MY7!0"K1;?58V>8V/1!)ID8%?9OED=ESRR>1.4-I9X)1#=MAFFC=FV:&%/N[T
M&ED)N4CFI)3J9>9R:-;98X&/2GD0@^'%QA%+G>XFZH7%/:?A1E4"ZF=^KFK_
M-.!\!5$('TNJ#GDEE;:^Z=^:LR$7)H_#5FKLL7%=*E6F`FKZ8Y4&)>C@BK<6
M>:9O$?KD(8&M-I@GK`U^N"RV1VIDH+@\RKGD<Z?2:"-RB^I:+++TU@N6LFX.
M:AQOSUX'+6[X0;=KCA@].^=L.R;:J9,)?IM=HWZFZ:N<#/YK<*)=:IGD:O))
MQ^R\]H8L,E7X7O.H6>!Y_-^;4!D:\:_YFB5H?1O")_/`"6-Y<(TN.RQ5IX$.
MK&Z)>>HZT,)>ZMGOBOPN+._+(T<M-4PEFVQNNFFNR^K1Y,X,+DLSKTI7HOEB
MM*BJN?H;]M![4F?PP1GA:72:0@KK(+%03ZWWW@[-_]AQK3SI1RJ<`+,2HK:`
M?QFX<2-^&>*#=3U^>$^&$PXY02%*-WG@FQ\-E'V1+\ZX="!^#G!!AWM..IRB
M_VUR60=)RO?LM.N'8^WFR8[[[GO/R+MHNO\N?,B^#Z]9\,8G7VGQRE.&?//0
MP\A\](X]3_WUI#VGTO;<=^_]]^"'7U+1V)=?7HCBIZ_^^NRW#S[YYL=/FOOT
MUV___>K#+__^F^'O__\`#.!&],>_`AKP@`A,H`(7R,`&.O"!$(R@!"=(P0I:
M\((8S*`&-\C!#GKP@R`,H0A'2,(2FO"$*$RA"E?(PA:Z\(4PC*$,1<:@LR7'
M0QF:H0YWJ!VP@>TX/X04#_^'R,,"=64G>U)/47)(Q"9ND#='C$H2G^81<3WE
MBEC,HA:WR,4N>O&+8`RC&,=(QC*:,8M,E$F#W*4AO'F$@$Z,XP-?(S.:`9&.
M0K3=[>3(1PS>)T+G2N.J^DA(&*JFD(ADX2$3R<@3+K*1D!3A(R-)R0Y.LI*8
M]".:,LG)"5ZRDZ!\X"=#24H%CK*4J"S@*5/)2O.MLI6P5(S3X/+*6-H2,(]:
M0;S:4LM;^A(O"]-ELC;YRV("DU]NVJ5:>FG,9J)EELGD)3&=2<UG(K,@PEP+
M,ZO)3:QD$W771,LVNTE.JGQS7\H4YS3+R<ZJP(MKZ53G'MM)SYP(2YC07.8Z
MZ\G_3YB`QT&Z#*<V]]G/@DH$5.*)IES&:="&(@2A?V&H0R=:-H'B1:(4;:BP
M!'D7C&:4GZ#2%V`\^M%V(I2C%R5H20W:FGCZA:0KY::PX)@7F,;4F1M=)GY@
M]R".VO2FOPPI2K,R%E.M2683TR-0'0I1?1*')_%ZS8-<^M.EPO*><:$C?(PX
M13!]A*96M>5,LQH?]TBQC53LB!7/R-:VNO6M<(VK7.=*U[H:Q6Y=I,G$6'?6
M]2AQJZ8+JS-/2M;V-`PZ2:V52@5[RY;:97(HLYSEE,I8F9IM,U6M;"5SBMG%
M:K:40OU,9C^;R*:*UK.DY:1C1S/:U/)QK-E#K6LA^4^1_[)6MK,M;=S,T]K<
M[M"TY>FM;V6(5?0(=[@OY*QQ<8M<(M9VJ*>=9W,+2=@8'7>ZCKSLF*Z+71(6
M=[O,[6YR,0+=TG!7O!X,+:7.B]X-`G=2[&VO)L.#K/C*MX*P/99][QO!Y]9K
MO_QUH'KI!>``+_"]]0VO@3GX77L5>,$&5"[Q%`QA"_HW:@^NL/FJBV$*:SB"
MJYU:AC\<O09+;<0D5IZ$SR.ZGN+&IQY.<0('C)ZB#FHLB(4:BF7,.P3S-DDT
MFZI4_0HPJ%*+<CRFH(ECI-4]1=&-'0%KD@N8WS$!S<E=)9A:[<KE+GOYRV`.
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MKVB/.^`"/XRI]D5?$0_PX/].^&C84Z!F__?A-]&WQ*>R<+S^;MX1T?C&;[+P
MLH'<6-S_@?C(SU-RALTNI'>SB<A7+I.6$\3F)T[,;Z2J<IJ3YIPW-_C([A2X
MO+UDYCYW"7C2B?.IK8:\/4^Z9FI[S:9/33X'<^G-QX6P&[(;X5+79T9^DTVK
M!S?*-@$/KG!4\3J#/>QA:4Y"YQ30D\NH:"UFMU`XVC#(!>[):1T5W`F3<H.8
MG;=XA^,;%])U"F59)&LUL^0G3_G*6UZ+`[S\7/-X.H4,9:A\0B):4],3Y`1V
M\#5UF\C6DWB<!*M#NL2CVR..^G=;K]+!:;U"%K][4K$GD`A!^N`+3R]I85P]
MC$=[QM]>>\3<_CSRL=O8\GXYM@C?Y\3_]58S7Z[C-X3ZSF_^_T)53Z;H1UG;
M$2%X3*X?/^T978/&!]F+S#\J]$_D44:V>]^8/T+J@]^]TF=_F4%_&\%Y),-V
M`KA_M#=$_I>`#41U!LAB[G=L6W$:#L@0[.=*>!<>1"%!$*A_93*!D[45^&<S
M44=(?:=8VT,4((AG=C-WP26"+9AVNW6"<11_>$<6_A-Y/;$5'G$7'XAX6S:#
M)'.!"BA'V^<B_^<Y0B%]],."+3%/"TB"+TB$(R6#C]4:(QA^1)2$M1%]0!&!
M,D$4.]B!4@@702@:\6<=WB9X-@A#:\B!F+-W;+$Y/N&$X!,[2Z@5:;@9!,B&
M?M%R*?.&+!2'!X)X0B$2L5.`2'85??^(&7\X-H41,>_G%OQW&%9(2WBXA?:2
M((LX$GLF$X\8&9$H'(Q1-)5($1D8;,#F&%[(,;1SAH>#AQ^!+B$7'0/WBBL2
M&91HA)YWB80!;+YX%H8HAGMS(3[!:G=H$A^21G*7B6M1BG*(&;PG<\`X&'6A
M=5E8?XUV9NF7C"8Q'UL2@D/H&=7(A=)C9+L$<S73@VFABYQ80;/(C(ASA>48
M:M=8AT;&$3E$BU_U$]`8?$Y(@8[D?B'1C+2$A=2SB@QQ.*!X$.+R/:?G$,4X
MC!24<I-S$O6(%>+H&_&X:I%1>I#'4_#3BGJWC-VS5HS#C8I$?@\EDB5ABPZA
M?*1WC_N3@2'_XH]CYX[1PH-$IHH_H9,G\2$KE'VF`9,D$8J](3C22!\)I'$.
M*1*-"(1`(9$`2346Z7#/=U#@.#[8H4?<QT#"AI2UR%.RI#T1Z3T3J1\F$Y`3
MMI721I8_J(*["$&3)I=;MH>$ISUZZ7=XB1+B`AS4LX99J1,$4C"U8HP--&)1
M&1)321GPZ)9A&)-!UXZ%"2-4EXILL4=]:4K`>)@@85B>48H$R8=5B9A<XYA*
MB2RCN!><>9FF%G!_R8B=^1@5*1<F"3`KN)KFT9I^\9H6I!K:N!"-"1(\:5Y\
M"9LR%WR)LX^`^1.C686*09,1%#?"@H$=^8\?*1J1:2D)D9M\@9+/_[F1@^&;
MG21$^P%\+5)R`94X0LF!M3F:KUB:E@*%_O03N_F8;6&>G*1VQ`%$V@&@5I(A
M+`.*\3D:M[DWFY.?9KE^#\&?*`2>-=%W401X+H=-;]2@Z\67;HERXCF4T`D1
ME=.0TAE#(TH57<=&DW$G",$]/JEY2I&A,#JC2O&>20D4)N.3TO>B--JC;W4V
M*+IV*GH[0%=1XL.#'8H5I*F<RK.@*H$?GU*B,Q152=H;I-)VLC<>RO0>!FD_
M/&@5RI>@(N2D'F$X-T8MN/A".0EUN#$5WB$>Z5DK=,<PB9>=(Q%0[C,4$\&9
M.CA`5>I)`(EC9FJ3!6F0Z<2D%-$>O,&E-/\UCW?JCG;HG.RCIYSIITU$,QV"
M1P:ZG1XHJ6\43Q)Z%JUAA5TIE1KZ*4TH/GJDF#.4(%%5(,*AB[2)J+@#FE7$
MDZ'Z(-(D=&/HJ65YJB*:JA^A'\.I0R<"3U3EJ_7'J<FSI@<)K&Y2%-:7CTPH
MJ\M*JYX(.'V43U:#;L5YJP<Z='9Z?K0JJM3J>;9JG-"ZI\9Q-N6Z0288+9IY
MDC:JGYVHK+3YI[:'F[/)$0@I$>'"'^\:G.P"3L4:K..ZK!O:I=/W(C/WK>K:
MER;X)OI*0=*H@YIC41.*KQ[)K+;)L3OIL;<UA791JJ'YF'2D&P=K0@EK.2G+
MK5:1KN3Z&#*KL`3_=JY*VJ\%&&U%&J'N]W]>HK%>X:PG*[)A0;2_6K&5P9`(
M:Y!IU+/]AX?T^5!"JU,,&ZM*BYU72RVUP[1'AQTN58+]][/VE[5I5[,=6[8(
M:Z.B*3Q>&Q/YQ(X'8K;#<[$#>U$@B[45D:M^MZD+B;-`>$W`DJ&>)+5&>SYH
M&[(_8Q^,8ZTA2[?@1K*IUC2VU90;HD"&Z)1ZH[/#8JIW^Y:5<C*\6I,9"KGE
MIXM36SO?NHX=:[H=)KEJ&',-F;"7>VD_Z[J8"8-S\KFU"KAZP;?8Z8^IJZ"H
MR[O+PV[!Z;ND1KN:>V*&B[OK]5#0N[G*"WW6VAX$1K9/210K>T!OBXU=_[JN
MR_N\^_:]Q$:[V(N<43:]Z&6^KGB]A_L7F1NNM^:^I,B\])LLY"MU]CN`\&N\
M6'E^M=>_HA6^\>N(Q2M^U?%!Z).7XG2["EPN),2QPXL3\PO`F4;`SH:_]@>U
M<[B_$1Q\U;MA_[L0`96LZQO"WS?"_,/!_9BIR&2W(=R('ZG!-(2^4/6J>.J1
M[#ME1Z4=B27!3J2LRL2.^4MS/SEDNR25SC4?H`J+*LQNR.&)I_&L/GK%8*:Q
M+(/%7-S%7FP468%UT#9Z?FEZ5WF#`N7!4>QBHO>3*MA(LZ3&:XQ$8!/$TP&[
MK<HO<KS&KT,Z?A9)N=2]?'R$@%RU@TQO>'S(K/]DPXKL22S<R#O$R)!LEX\\
MR3(DR9:\F)6<R2^$R9SLF8G\R9GDR:+LO9M<RBI$RJC<PJ>\RMD5RJ[<2*H<
MRZ[4RK3<?[9\RR$TR[K\M[#<RWW$R\`,DL.,2L)<S)*6R\BL0<>\S(BFS,Y\
M0<T<S;W[RYDA?](#S7&GS6"!S0ZKS=,<*?,ZLBC'S:`QSMPYPC5LSN>,P2EE
MS4O+SCZ(SM'5S7:\P,;BS<L%SY`ISUJASRRFO$K\5V;\Q9AGF0;=%`6=T$^Q
MT`S=%/#YT`JMO!:J90)TT1B=T1J]T1S=T1[]T>G#&8\'TB1=TB9]TBB=TBJM
MTB(]52+,S\Y#SYX1SE__!].0`=`_9M,1@6.S=RPX?78Z[8K^3%0RW5E!#1'K
M?-2,4=2:0=.412D_;5[@/-1$[<X=1=57X=168M4E.]5*/9U,+2-8';-C7151
M'5M?#3UG3<[+4]8H&M:8H=74/-=T7==V?==X_5DM-51+QW""O!=[C8$.PB(Q
M_=-Q&J<A>6XD^C!<G1/6DYY+U\/+%RJ"+1[(EFSIH1#"!"GBEMB9_9V<`JMF
M6AF80E-M%Z"L2G@I$G'K(57^Z3S+8MI`M-EI[15O,3W_R=D^A-E/%=FKDAM=
MP=F2;8U#4A^_]]MO@9AP#1=I]D>17:%9)M3%[=M_E&TIR(LU\MLYFAP5:B#]
M_US<?X3<CZ>O?1$5F_T;H7T@)6+(JEW<YTU'0<LAYKW<;>$=\%UQL*>#0_K=
M3_7>H9TTI4W:-7+?QY'?@)<TGDT<1O7?C])5[.T2Y0US*_J5G5TFS2+A.-(Q
M4:'AC7T3SM&G3Q<P^YW@`;H2"-A#3R7@J0'B4B3B4?37EM(L978E9$S?(IPO
M<ZKA9KK9NVWC`X7C^&1'06NF]ZWB7I*RQIW?LI>E">XC04[@L=<L'>[A5VI'
M/>7?0,2B\1PS@U(?]WTGQW9CM!K8OFUZ?6TU#SY2BEWF0L(BA,V+X^C<E'W8
M7F?AE,WFWY%4/KX6C2'G-Y2>LI+8<QXFIH=#VIW7B/^>Z(J^Z(S>Z([^Z)`>
MZ9(^Z91>Z99^Z1UT3GN,U%O#$$\RY9ANCK'!<S.1O[4=ZM>V*.CI."V&*XTK
M.,AKEH^3&,!F.(_SZJ".ZH0A(5:#'2C3(*("*;H$5=JJI;[>Z_!Q.>O!'S!L
M9+JNH``UZID*',LB*D>3(86G+X&34$.&*_&B<Z-^ZL\>U[$-%:1W)D[2@+%S
M.FRG[+:A'4LY[B)6[CTX[+>>X<?>>2W"[DOY=^_>[O)^8E(Q=V"C&\LR)/I>
M??M.>G,2[NZ.\-PN[@$?@OMR[,.N2XO2(XJ*[59$'*<SN`_O\2`_\2-CDIG3
M>:PQAT5CAZEQ[:=#*BA#.OS_3O(G)$2I3?.9OM8XO_,\W_,^__-`'_1"/_1$
M7_1&#TLKG?1*O_1,W_1.;Q+T@M`2/?547_56#V8^@BQ[?O3$K?7:-MQ!C]LP
MHIF')\TD)O8ODHI1#O8OAW44:9:+,SE*!!Q^S!S7#EG&,>JCCB"1L_>*4ZV1
MU8AX_SJ+VZ:VKBUN_SI^B2MZ/_B&&11LW_4^35/9E+)\P>N$OS@24CGV[I=U
MQ/#1VMJ$#RFE1SGE#3E.&6Y(EB)0I3E0Q1I(QGI^)?NZNYS`>S2J7O#^WJZZ
M<7,N9B@>4V1%D_6M?O`,;]G_@>":?^O(=W.Q\1NB\^EQK]_I<3O\LCA'W!#(
M6/HD_\IZH_]4Q`[>@?_JN@G[L@\GR&CY(H7V-09'YV3Y%0'[\'[N/^.NH`_O
MJ2+_.3K_#0\05@1:N5;PFA4`!*\!,,BP($.'#0\J9+5"8L$5K`1*W#BQXT*#
M(46.)%GRH$&%)@M^))@QX\2+)PMJQ$CSFL6'*`>*U&B%%4R=.5?ZQ'F-U4^+
M.#L.3!G48,6G*SXR9-K0BE2,$$4">+FTJ4JP)2.&_&@R8L:-#B.R#&F1IMN4
M`@$XK)ISK-&D/U'>#=O7[U_`@?LF5+FBZ%,`>DMV1-LT\4NR"L?*A=JQHN*R
M'IL*?!G1,\B06D=FGKQ3<TS!88^2'2Q5+\+7%(LF;/RPH__G@5*OFJY:]G9N
MTZ%!,]:H.ZYQH+934C5=D;-1A`L'_M3J-;5?OLE-8@T->6U*W4`32M;Y^/10
MOH8/'\Q^W?U[^&$)9YU;?SWB^O7)ZJ[-<077V(1"[Z:>4/JO/YUVVT@@J#ZS
MRS311"(M,@4MJE`Q]Q#*KSX,C=J00YYVD\XXY&:R2K+;8JKK(N8B$W#%H6!2
MT*?,M"MK/(XXVVE'D.YBSKKX6/EP+I(TW/`KC>8B2$@+I7MNIB7#<_+%Z!IC
M":'I9DI,PO;B\_++]^:#CBG82#*,S,V6NS$DJ,2+C"'GOL+KHZ-@W"@C!WO<
M"K258IQ)2`H5@C%(-*\JLE`V%</_,;H:5UO()K0P4C&X.:\JT*GOVCPH3D.]
MJK&L-NN<ZKRABM-3N)NXJ_&Z0K.;,<N27#K*,#[%^HV\`3F-*SJ1I%J/5S"#
M%38U,4D2LD-:51KUNU&!6G:E^9Z5U$[)\HPP)\N6,\A";3V54]AO^S0I5)<\
MO)1-N&[:5%V?)O4M-M]PA>DEJ&9SEE(_MT4J(T!O(HA:?T^]2$A!P_7258,G
M=0@KA"5--]T!V0ONVH.2VJS+83/6V"JPCMWVOM'X^ZDGQF"]DD$^N?,799)_
M`HY!RZRM=3A*6QX*Y:6DW-BX0A/N22^-7'8T1,R*9NU/DFDD*VFC7GL*Z':'
M/LK1H)F"RAI6DI5JM^FAFU[WW]Z>_G/CACM&+DX\8V4YVS3/TA'E\1CT##.,
M-[8[V&)+\CC9N_OV^V_``Q=\<,*Q&S+OPC,&-G'&P4+<6*Y`;GQRRBNW_'+,
M,V]\<<T9?]Q8R3L7?7322S?]]+\Y1]WOSU=W_7788Y<]=M5G%[9UVW/7?7?>
M>_>R=M_=.WQXXHLW_GCDDU=^>>:;=_YYZ*.7?GKJJ[?^>NRS+SYX,'OV_GOP
?PQ=_?/++-_]\]--7?WWVVW?_??CCEW]^^L&_.R``.S\_
`
end

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SUBMISSION>
