OfficeMax 2008 Annual Report Download - page 16

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Over the past several years and continuing in 2009, we have been named a defendant in a
number of cases where the plaintiffs allege asbestos-related injuries from exposure to asbestos
products or exposure to asbestos while working at job sites. The claims vary widely and often are
not specific about the plaintiffs’ contacts with the Company. None of the claimants seeks damages
from us individually, and we are generally one of numerous defendants. Many of the cases filed
against us have been voluntarily dismissed, although we have settled some cases. The settlements
we have paid have been covered mostly by insurance, and we believe any future settlements or
judgments in these cases would be similarly covered. To date, no asbestos case against us has
gone to trial, and the nature of these cases makes any prediction as to the outcome of pending
litigation inherently subjective. At this time, however, we believe our involvement in asbestos
litigation is not material to our financial position, our results of operations or our cash flows.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
12