UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

April 9, 2012

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

 

ABBOTT LABORATORIES

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Illinois

 

1-2189

 

36-0698440

(State or other Jurisdiction

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

of Incorporation)

 

 

 

Identification No.)

 

 

100 Abbott Park Road

Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (847) 937-6100

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

o            Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o            Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


 

Item 8.01              Other Events

 

The following supplements the position taken by the Board of Directors of Abbott Laboratories (“Abbott”) in Abbott’s 2012 Proxy Statement with respect to the shareholder proposal regarding an independent board chair (which is referenced in such proxy statement as Item 6 on the proxy card).

 

Consistent with our Governance Guidelines, the lead director has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors and, if requested by major shareholders, ensures that he or she is available for consultation and direct communication.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

ABBOTT LABORATORIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:  April 9, 2012

By:

/s/ Thomas C. Freyman

 

 

Thomas C. Freyman

 

 

Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

 

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