United Stationers Inc. 2004 Board of Directors Compensation Summary
This document outlines the compensation structure for United Stationers Inc.'s Board of Directors for 2004. Directors receive an annual retainer of $50,000, meeting fees for attending board and committee meetings (ranging from $500 to $2,000 per meeting depending on the type and format), and stock option grants valued at approximately $85,000 for the Chairman and $71,000 for other non-employee directors. Directors are also reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses. The specified rates and fees apply from the third quarter of 2004 and after July 27, 2004, respectively.
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
Exhibit 10.55
United Stationers Inc. Summary of Board of Directors Compensation
Following is a summary of the forms and levels of compensation to be provided to Directors during 2004.
| Director Compensation Component | 2004 Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Retainer | $50,000 annual rate1 | |
Board Meeting Fees2 | ||
| • In person | $2,000 per meeting | |
| • Telephonic | $1,000 per meeting | |
Committee Meeting Fees | ||
• Held in connection with a Board meeting or by teleconference | ||
| — Audit Committee Chairman | $1,500 per meeting | |
| — Other Committee Chairmen | $1,000 per meeting | |
| — Other non-employee members | $500 per meeting | |
• In-person meeting not held in connection with a Board meeting | ||
| — All Chairmen | $1,500 per meeting | |
| — Other non-employee members | $1,000 per meeting | |
Equity Compensation | ||
| • Chairman of the Board | Approximately $85,000 (6,000-share stock option grant in 2004) | |
| • Other non-Employee directors | Approximately $71,000 (5,000-share stock option grant in 2004) | |
Reimbursement | Reasonable travel-related expenses |
1Rate effective for the third quarter of 2004.
2Fees effective for meetings on and after July 27, 2004.
QuickLinks
- Exhibit 10.55
