Staples 2004 Annual Report Download - page 42

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Tax Fees
Ernst & Young LLP billed Staples an aggregate of approximately $2.5 million and $5.5 million in fiscal years 2004
and 2003, respectively, for services related to tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. For fiscal years 2004 and
2003, $1.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of these fees related to tax compliance.
All Other Fees
Ernst & Young LLP did not bill Staples in fiscal years 2004 or 2003 for services other than those described above.
Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the approval of all audit and non-audit
services that are to be performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. This policy
provides that the Company will not engage its independent registered public accounting firm to render audit or
non-audit services unless the service is specifically approved in advance by the Audit Committee. All services provided
to the Company by Ernst & Young LLP in each of fiscal years 2004 and 2003 were approved in accordance with this
policy.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
We have retained the services of the law firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP, of which Senator Mitchell
is a partner. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors reviewed and
approved this relationship. See ‘‘Director Compensation’’ regarding Senator Mitchell’s consulting agreement with us.
We have a policy that prohibits personal loans to executive officers and Directors and requires transactions and
loans, if any, between us and our affiliates to be on terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from
unrelated third parties.
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