Merck CEO Clark got $11.9 million in 2009 compensation, down sharply despite major acquisition

Merck CEO got $11.9 million in 2009 compensation

TRENTON, N.J. — The Associated Press has found drug maker Merck & Co.’s chief executive received a compensation package valued at $11.9 million last year.

Richard T. Clark’s compensation fell 31 percent, despite the widely praised acquisition of Schering-Plough Corp. last fall and increases in revenue, profit and stock price.

Clark drew a base salary of $1.9 million last, a $2.9 million performance bonus and perks worth $56,000.

He got stock and stock options valued at $7.2 million, down 46 percent.

The AP’s executive pay calculation, based on a regulatory filing Monday, aims to isolate the value the company’s board placed on the CEO’s total compensation package. The figure includes salary, bonus, incentives, perks and the estimated value of stock options and awards.