The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. 2008 Annual Report
[Intro]
[Chairman's Message]
[Chief Executive's Review]
[Fiscal 2008 Highlights]
[Multi-National Expansion]
[Multi-Channel Distribution]
[Multi-Brand Leadership]
[Portfolio of Brands]
[Board of Directors]
[Executive Officers]
[Financial Section]
[Stockholder Information]
[Environmental Profile]
[Form 10K]

NOTE 8-COST SAVINGS INITIATIVE
During fiscal 2006, the Company recorded special charges associated with a cost savings initiative that was designed to support its long-term financial objectives. As part of this multi-faceted initiative, the Company had identified savings opportunities that include streamlined processes and organizational changes. The principal component of the initiative was a voluntary separation program offered primarily to North America-based employees. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, involuntary separations were communicated to certain employees. Under this initiative, the Company incurred expenses related to one-time termination benefits for 494 employees, of which 28 were involuntary, which benefits were based principally upon years of service. Employees designated for separation under the cost savings initiative were separated by June 30, 2007.

In addition, the Company identified other cost savings opportunities to improve efficiencies in the Company's distribution network and product offerings and to eliminate other nonessential costs. These charges primarily related to employee severance for facilities that were closed, contract cancellations, counter and door closings and product returns.

For the years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, aggregate expenses of $0.4 million, $1.1 million and $92.1 million, respectively, were recorded as Special charges related to cost savings initiative in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. The fiscal 2008 charges were related to employee separation expenses while the 2007 charges were primarily related to facility closings. At June 30, 2008 and 2007, $4.4 million and $15.4 million, respectively, and $1.8 million and $7.5 million, respectively, related to the cost savings initiative were recorded in Other accrued liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The following table summarizes the cost savings initiative, which impacted the Company's operating expenses and cost of sales: